A nostalgic twist on gaming technology has recently emerged through a successful Kickstarter campaign. The ReBoi project, designed by London-based developer James Sargent, has captured the interest of retro gaming enthusiasts by offering a DIY kit that breathes new life into the classic GameBoy Color.
For 95 Euro, those who yearn for a blast from the past can repurpose either a genuine or replica GameBoy Color shell by installing a Raspberry Pi Zero to rejuvenate the vintage handheld console. However, the Raspberry Pi Zero itself is not included in the ReBoi kit and must be sourced separately.
James Sargent, inspired by his own fond memories of the GameBoy Color, presents the ReBoi as a way to resurrect the charm of old technology, transforming it into a modern-day computer nestled within the familiar GameBoy form. Along with his Kickstarter description, Sargent also provides guidance through a video on obtaining a GameBoy Color case replica to house the project.
The ReBoi kit includes not only a GameBoy-style display that mimics the 1:1 ratio of the original but also a dummy game cartridge and an RP-2040 microcontroller. The RP-2040 serves as a bridge linking the Raspberry Pi Zero with the kit’s other elements. Moreover, the future promises more possibilities as Sargent plans to provide 3D printable files and extensive instructions for added customization.
For operating software, RetroPie stands out as a favored choice. This Linux-based platform is tailored for recreating classic games, perfectly complementing the vintage vibe of the ReBoi. However, compatibility is broad, allowing for any ARM-based Linux distribution that supports Raspberry Pi to be used.
For further details, enthusiasts and DIY tinkerers alike are encouraged to visit the ReBoi Kickstarter page, where they can find more information and get started on reviving their GameBoy Color with this innovative kit. The dream of gaming like it’s the 90s, with today’s technology, is closer than ever with the ReBoi DIY kit.
