A gamer has shared their project of modding a Nintendo 64 controller into a working, standalone Game Boy Advance. The project puts all the functionality of an actual Game Boy Micro, the smallest version of a Game Boy Advance, into a N64 controller, including a screen to play on.
Over the years, gamers and modders have come up with a wide variety of unusual console mods, including things like the tiniest Wii system to exist, or creating a Game Boy DS out of a Pokedex. Courtesy of the developments in technology over the years, many devices can now be retooled with small components, allowing them to be repackaged in smaller enclosures.
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Gamer Creates N64 Controller That Works as a Game Boy Advance
In this new case, a Reddit user called MaSaKee rebuilt an original green N64 to work as a Game Boy Micro. The device actually works, with a rechargeable battery and a built-in screen. To make the build, MaSaKee created a small hole in the front of the N64 controller to place the 2-inch Game Boy Micro display. Unlike some mod projects, this one is made to actually use original GBA catridges. MaSaKee modified the N64 expansion port so that it could play Game Boy Advance cartridges, which they chose to demonstrate with a photo of a Castlevania cartridge inserted into the controller.
Further modifications to the device include the ability to turn the device on and off with a switch on the expansion port, as well as a USB-C port, and a headphone jack accessible on the back of the controller. There are some differences in the control schemes and number of buttons between the two devices, so MaSaKee also made some changes to how the buttons on the N64 controller work. The Z button on the back of the controller was converted to work as a Select button on the GBA, while the C buttons were retooled to control the volume and brightness of the screen.
The post has gained considerable attention and praise from the community, racking up nearly 5,000 upvotes at the time of publication. While some mods like these are arguably impractical to use, if one were willing to play on the Game Boy Micro's small screen, this one would likely provide a fun experience. Numerous modders have previously shared their own mash-up mods that combine multiple Nintendo systems, so this won't be the last time that players see a curious creation like this one.
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Original Release Date
- June 11, 2001
- Original MSRP (USD)
- $99.99
- Weight
- 4.9 oz
- Hardware Versions
- Nintendo Game Boy Advance