Modder Robert Dale Smith has converted an original Game Boy Advance into a functional controller for the Nintendo Switch. He demonstrated the project on X by playing emulated games from Nintendo Switch Online and physical copies of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen using the modified handheld device.
Open-source firmware and a Pico adapter enable two-way communication between the handheld and console.
The modification relies on the classic GBA Link Cable paired with a Pico microcontroller adapter. Smith programmed open-source Joypad OS firmware into the Game Boy Advance to make it act as a generic USB controller for the Switch console. The setup enables two-way communication between the handheld and the Switch by sideloading a multiboot ROM directly into memory.
The hardware costs only a few dollars to build, according to Smith. He stated that Nintendo could easily integrate his open-source firmware into official Switch software if the company expresses interest in collaboration. The project currently requires no additional software patches for basic functionality but would benefit from dedicated game support.
Smith originally drew inspiration from his childhood experiences with the GameCube and the original Game Boy Advance. His modding work allows players to use the classic handheld as a secondary input device, reminiscent of couch co-op features found in older titles like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Nintendo has not yet responded to Smith's invitation to discuss official integration.
The project highlights how legacy hardware can interface with modern consoles through custom firmware and simple adapters. Smith confirmed that the open-source code is complete and ready for public use, though widespread adoption depends on whether developers create dedicated software patches to fully utilize the controller's capabilities.
Source: NotebookCheck
