Here's a new hardware solution for retro gamers to transition between classic cartridge goodness to today's screens. The SGBC (SGBC FPGA console) comes from French engineer Thomas Sanfourche, and it lets you plug in your old Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance cartridges directly into your TV. You get to feel that satisfying medium handling experience while also enjoying a better picture on modern sets.
FPGA console plays Game Boy cartridges with integer scaling
Perfect for the hardware snobs who appreciate that feeling but don't love the scan lines. You'll want this if you prefer to play your games in the living room.
- Video Output: 1080p HDMI
- Supported Formats: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance cartridges
- Connectivity: Link cable support, SNES controller port
- Storage: microSD card
- Features: Fast-forward, firmware updates via microSD
It's not just an emulation, it's a full-fledged FPGA based console. Sanfourche made the system to fit the unique Nintendo logic of the classic handhelds. It started as a university thesis for his graduation and then grew from some notice in Taiwan's retro gaming scene. This gives me the impression it's not a watered down tech with an eye on the bottom line, but something that looks to accurately replicate the original signals as best as possible.
The video out is a straight HDMI 1080p port with integer scaling. That way, the pixels stay sharp and square — no software stretching blurs. You can have all your digital ROMs in a handy microSD slot on the console as well.
It also has support for link cables if you want to play some multiplayer and even has a SNES controller port for other input options. You've even got fast forward mode to get through that grinding part of the game.
The color scheme is made up of a warm grey on top, black underneath and some maroon touches on the buttons and other touch areas. He calls it a cozy home for the cartridges you've collected over the years. Firmware updates are easy too.
Just pop a microSD card in to the slot and you're good to go. It's a developed prototype at this point. No set release date or prices.
The SGBC feels like a perfect middle ground between nostalgia for the analog and convenience for the digital. It's a solid solution for you to play your original cartridges on your TV without mucking up your visuals. It's still in development and we don't have a concrete launch date for the commercial version. So if this specific hardware configuration interests you, keep an eye out for new availability news.
Source: French engineer, IXBT
Integer scaling is the only way to play. Software stretchers ruin the pixel art.
fpga is cool but does it actually boot fast or is there a long initialization wait? 🤔
Can I use my existing link cables for multiplayer or is that port wired differently on the sgbc? I want to play pokemon trading on the tv.
The article confirms link cable support is included. It also has an snes port if you prefer that layout.