Is this the future of retro gaming? FPGBC build video

[@japangamejunk]

With thousands and thousands of original games in my collection, the only things I want from any emulation console is that it has support for original software as well as roms and that it is better quality than original hardware. This kind of project brings me hope that more of these kinds of machines will be made.

[@jekkosyquia]

When you got the white panel did you need to buy the cable as well or comes included?

[@GameBoyMart]

@@jekkosyquia For the white motherboard I had to buy the IPS screen, speaker, and battery. The white panel option (white ips screen) comes with the ribbon cable included so no need to buy the separate cable option. I believe they offer the cable separately since it is so thin and easy to rip

[@jekkosyquia]

@ thank you for the detailed response! Just ordered 🙏

[@GameBoyMart]

@ Nice! Good luck with the assembly and feel free to reach out if you ever have any questions

[@floppy-button]

I've got one on order and am excited to put it together and play around with it. As I understand, Makho has a patched version of the firmware with "a different aesthetic," but nobody actually explains what that is--have you tested it out?

[@GameBoyMart]

@@floppy-button Nice! What color combination did you go with? Makho is awesome and is definitely the leading pioneer for the FPGBC. I haven’t been keeping up with his firmware updates but I remember he had changed the boot logo and made/correct some display settings. Now that I have some more free time, I will test out his latest drops and I’ll keep you updated!

[@floppy-button]

@@GameBoyMart I went with all white after I saw it on Retro Game Corps and thought it looked really sharp. I saw another video that showed the patched firmware and I can understand why people are so cagey about talking about it... what with Nintendo being so C&D happy. It's a much more authentic-looking screen in both the GBC and GB cores. I've got to say, I prefer that over FP's take though.

[@dakotahbraley4030]

what flash cart is that?

[@thetruecanadabacon]

That's something I definitely would like to know myself

[@adrian_veidt]

If it's available and affordable, then this is a good substitute for the awful Analogue Pocket. Like someone already said in the comment section, the supposed benefits of FPGA are just gimmick in my eyes. But this is still great for nostalgia. I still have some cartridges in my storage room I would like to use. For now, I prefer to play a bigger array of consoles and stream games on AYN Odin 2 and RP3 plus.

[@GrooveSpaceArk]

This is FPGA

[@mr.number9279]

I don't really see a point to it. FPGA is still just emulation. And this is very expensive and featureless compared to basically any Android handheld at a similar price. The ability to use carts doesn't really matter because no one's carrying a billion carts around and doing the maintenance to make sure they still work. At best real console people just get a flash cart and have all of the games there anyway. But then that just begs the question why even do that over just using a dedicated emulation device...? We've had cycle accurate emulation for GB/C/A/DS/etc. for over a decade.

[@GameBoyMart]

You made a very valid point! I agree that a lot of these emulator devices have a lot more going for them as far as features and variety of games that can be played. Something like a miyoo mini or an anbernic are great imo. As someone who grew up with a Game Boy Color attached to my hand, the FPGBC appeals to me for the look, feel and nostalgia factor. I love the updated features it offers(settings menu, rechargeable battery, speed control etc.) and how easy it is to assemble. Another big sell point for me is the many different customizable parts and options! My personal Game Boy builds definitely turns some heads when I break it out on the train/subway. Which emulator devices do you recommend? I’ve been trying to find a good one for everyday use. I really like the miyoo mini plus

[@mr.number9279]

@@GameBoyMart I prefer Android-based ones for stability, such as my Retroid Pocket 2+. Have had it since April 2022, no issues. By stability, I mean perfect compatibility with sleep modes, no need to reinstall the OS (sometimes on the Linux-based Anbernics you might have to reinstall periodically to regain access to Wi-Fi, etc.). It's honestly not a pain to reinstall for that stuff though and if RetroAchievements (pretty much the only reason you'd want Wi-Fi other than FTPing more games (Anbernic devices have the SD card usually a bit annoying to get in/out so FTP helps)) isn't even something you want, that's not an issue. The RG Arc from Anbernic is a cool one, it's shaped like a Sega Saturn controller and actually feels a lot like one, although more weighted so it's comfy in the hand. I think from a technological perspective the FPGA devices are intriguing, but it's hard to justify their immense price generally. Like the Analogue Pocket---it's over 200$? That's outrageous.

[@estusflask982]

FPGA is lower latency, more accurate emulation.

[@mr.number9279]

@@estusflask982 Nah, it's not more accurate, or "less latent", that's just marketing buzzwords. FPGA actually adds a brutal amount of input latency over traditional cycle-accurate emulation. It literally has no point, it's just a Beanie Baby/NFT/crypto scam to retro gamers.

[@estusflask982]

@@mr.number9279 It is more accurate and lower latency, like I said.

[@suntzu6122]

Is it possible to add a screen to this FPGBC? To play DS games with 2 screens at the same time.

[@DoYouHaveTheBallz]

It doesn’t have the ability to play anything other than gameboy and gameboy color games.