Zega Mame Boy+ Provides an Easy Upgrade for Your Game Boy DMG Shell

We always support gaming on original hardware for the most authentic experience, but the reality is that most people today want more flexibility. The original Nintendo Game Boy (DMG-01) is a legendary handheld console, but most of us will get bored with its game library in short order. The obvious solution is to turn to emulation, so you can play games from a variety of consoles and computers. If you want to go that route but still want a retro feel, then Zarcade’s Zega Mame Boy+ kit provides an easy way to upgrade your Game Boy DMG-01 shell.

Zarcade has kits available for both Sega Game Gear and Nintendo Game Boy consoles, and this is an upgrade to the latter. It simplifies installation and no longer requires soldering the Raspberry Pi, and it now supports the new Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W. As with the previous version, the Zega Mame Boy+ kit fits into the shell of the original Nintendo Game Boy DMG-01. It doesn’t require the use of any original electronic components, so you can use a reproduction case if you want something new or simply don’t want to sacrifice vintage hardware (a commendable principle).

That original Game Boy only had two action buttons, but this kit gives you an additional two so you can play games from several other consoles. It also has expansion solder points that will be used for L1 and R1 add-on boards in the future, further increasing the games this can handle. It contains a full-color 2.8” LCD screen, built-in speakers, a headphone jack, and lithium battery charging/power distribution. It requires little modification of the shell, with the primary trimming being for the additional two action buttons if you choose to use them.

Because this supports a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, you can run RetroPie or whatever other emulation software you prefer. That gives you access to a plethora of video game emulators, including the obvious Game Boy emulator. You’re only limited by the processing power of the Raspberry Pi (which is enough for almost everything 16-bit or below) and the available buttons.

Zarcade is now taking pre-orders for the Zega Mame Boy+ kit, with orders shipping in a few weeks. With pre-soldered headers and an included Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, the kit will cost £63.31 (about $73 USD). That doesn’t include a shell, but those are available for less than $10 from a variety of retailers.