Through my documentation of Game Boy boards, I have drawn up schematics of each device. I know them pretty well. Check out my board scan wiki https://wiki.nataliethenerd.com/

I jokingly made this tweet when the kit was announced, but decided to actually do it.

I know from experience of routing Game Boy CPU PCBs that there isn't much to it. There's the RAM, CPU, some decoupling capacitors and power regulation.

Note: I went with the MGB (Pocket) CPU rather than DMG for a couple of reasons.

  • They are pretty much the same
  • I have more of them
  • They are cheaper and easier to get. This opens up the project to more people

The DMG CPU has external VRAM, the MGB CPU has internal VRAM and in a very space conscious build that was the biggest factor.

DMG motherboard. Image source: Rodrigo Copetti https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy/

Pre Planning

I only had the press pictures to work off. I used the dimensions to scale the image on my PC and from that I got measurements for the screen inserts; since that's where I plan to put the Game Boy.

Source: https://www.lego.com/en-au/product/game-boy-72046

I incorporated the power circuit I use for my Safer Charger boards, changed the power switch to a soft latching power button, added pin outs for the button matrix and audio.

KiCad 3D renders of the PCB

I didn't really know what the buttons on the Lego would be like, but the fact that they could be pressed was enough for me to know I could implement them. At the moment I have them wired up to custom 3D printed *toy brick* parts. Same with the USB C

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Clicky buttons!

I am currently working on refining the board now I have the Lego build in my hands. This project will be released in full once I am finished with it - so stay tuned!

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