Build Your Own FPGA Game Boy Color! In-Depth Build Guide and Review
I've been meaning to replace my Gameboy Color for the past 20 years. Initially excited about this project, my experience took an unexpected turn from enthusiasm to disappointment. The question remains: is the Funnyplaying FPGA GBC still a worthwhile purchase?
Grab one below (Non-affiliate links):
Official Website - funnyplaying.c...
Retro Game Repair Shop - retrogamerepai...
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:41 - Design Changes
2:17 - Parts Needed
2:56 - Installing the Buttons and Rubber Membranes
3:09 - Installing the Speaker
3:32 - Installing the Motherboard
4:19 - Quality Control Issue #1 (Shell Damage)
4:36 - Installing the Buttons and IR Sensor
4:56 - 2 Screw Types!
5:06 - Installing the PCB
5:32 - Connecting the Speaker
5:53 - Finishing the Shell Installation
6:59 - Installing the Screen
7:56 - Installing the Battery
8:31 - Quality Control Issue #2 (Battery Connector)
8:48 - Boot Test
9:23 - Build Quality Concerns
10:18 - Finishing the Screen Installation
11:42 - Finishing Touches
12:26 - Game Testing - Replica Pokemon Yellow
13:58 - Game Testing - Official Japanese Pokemon Yellow
14:17 - Game Testing - ROM Cartridge
15:02 - On Screen Display Settings
16:03 - Initial Impressions Summary
16:42 - The Fatal Flaw (Screen Uniformity)
16:57 - Screen Quality Comparison (FPGA GBC VS Analogue Pocket)
17:23 - Pricing
17:42 - Final Thoughts and More Quality Control Issues
▬▬ MY GEAR ▬▬
Camera: [POCO F3](www.po.co/glob...)
Camera Mount: [Amazon Link](www.amazon.ca/...)
Camera Arm: [Amazon Link](www.amazon.ca/...)
Mount Adapter (for the kit above): [Amazon Link](www.amazon.ca/...)
Microphone: [Shure SM7B](www.amazon.ca/...)
USB Audio Interface: [Focusrite Scarlett Solo](www.amazon.ca/...)
Microphone Boom Arm: [Amazon Link](www.amazon.ca/...)
Lights: [Amazon Link](www.amazon.ca/...)
All music was created by the talented Jim Gray of Our Ghosts. Be sure to check out his amazing work [here](ourghosts.band....
Please note that this video is intended for entertainment and educational purposes only.
#gameboy #gameboycolor #funnyplaying #analoguepocket #gameboymods
Пікірлер: 113
Retro Game Repair Shop shipped me a replacement screen which fixed the biggest issue I have with the device. Excellent customer service! Have you built one yet? What do you think of the FPGA GBC Kit?
@TarikA
7 ай бұрын
160 $US? It's 70 (board) + 10 (shell) + 1.40 (buttons) + 1.40 (membran). :)
@Omar_Little
5 ай бұрын
Hi, do you have a link or full name/model number for the rom cart you used? I see online that it is hit or miss which work, and I don't want to buy the wrong one. Thank you.
@KeiRetroGaming
5 ай бұрын
I'm using the blue game cart here (didn't get mine from this seller but it's the same product): a.aliexpress.com/_mshf68w
@crashingthroughnothing
4 ай бұрын
@@TarikA sounds like he got it from retro games repair shop, where the prices are inflated.
@hossalvarado3838
3 ай бұрын
Hopefully in the future you create the FPGA Advance. With 2 speakers on the front for left and Right.
Currently on sale on their site and free shipping to the UK! 69 bucks for the kit, 10 bucks for the shell, 2 bucks for the buttons and membranes. It's actually cheaper than buying a used GBC over here LOL
@KeiRetroGaming
7 ай бұрын
GBC prices have shot through the roof lately here too. It's nice to see a budget DIY option like this back in stock.
@JordonVW
7 ай бұрын
Thanks for the heads up, just got one for £66.20 shipped to the UK which is crazy cheap for a fully brand new GBC.
@Jack32X
7 ай бұрын
@@JordonVW exactly, especially with a backlit screen, it's getting regular fw patches too so compatibility is likely to get better over time
@BertNuggets
6 ай бұрын
Will any buttons and membranes for the tbf work with it? I forgot to add them to my order 😂
@Jack32X
6 ай бұрын
@@BertNuggets I think any gbc buttons/membranes are fine to use
I paid around 80 USD for kit shell, different membranes, different buttons, shipping and everything.
I've had one of these for a month and i love it. I also had issues with a bootleg copy of Yellow. It corrupted my save when i tried to save the game. But it works great with my legit copy of Crystal. I prefer this over a modded Gameboy because of the larger screen, physical button for screen options, and the louder audio. Mine doesn't have that hiss in the audio. Or at least i don't hear it unless i turn the volume all the way down and hold it up to my ear. Overall, it isn't perfect, but it's a great console for people that just want to play original cartridges. I've heard people are starting to have success with ROM carts with the new firmware updates though
@KeiRetroGaming
7 ай бұрын
Happy to hear yours has been great so far. I love the full screen mode too. Did you order it directly from the company or another seller like I did?
@jerryjb
7 ай бұрын
@@KeiRetroGaming I got mine from RGRS
I have the same red pocket that I got when it came out in the states! I almost ordered the clear red shell for my fpgbc kit (hopefully I get it in a few days) but went for clear gray and black buttons bc I hope to make a red boxy gbcp when I learn to solder :)
83$ for the complete set in Germany, just ordered one and honestly this is a better option than buying a used GBC here. Nice. Great Video. Keep it up especially when it comes to clone GB Hardware.
@KeiRetroGaming
7 ай бұрын
That's a great price! Glad you grabbed one when they were back in stock. Hope you like it!
@spikeyfied
7 ай бұрын
@@KeiRetroGaming It arrived today and besides from a faulty display with a pixel error that won't fit into the shell properly i'm absolutly satisfied. I mailed funnyplaying some pictures of the pixel error and the display that won't quite fit and hopefully they send me a replacement soon. For 83$ this is absolutly worth it if you can live with a few gaps in the shell and a rattlint batterypack.
@KeiRetroGaming
7 ай бұрын
Pixel error? Oh a dead pixel? Here's to hoping they'll be able to send you a replacement screen. Glad you like it so far though. What's first on the list to play on it?
@spikeyfied
7 ай бұрын
@@KeiRetroGaming More like "a bunch of dead pixels" but yeah i hope so too. Dirst things i played were Pokémon Blue and Yellow. They play and look gorgeous.
Great video I got this kit coming in the mail later today picked up the same Rom cart on Ali express and I got the black clear on black one. If this works out I’ll prolly get a gba one they have. Came looking for a build guide and yours seems perfect so I’ll be following it later today. Thanks for the great explanation! I have the same screw driver as well when I got those sticks in my steam deck and did that install. Keep up the great videos!
@KeiRetroGaming
6 ай бұрын
Glad you liked the video, thanks! This kit is slated to support GBA roms at a later date when the update hits apparently. It's a pretty neat device though and I'm excited to see what Funnyplaying does down the road. Here's to hoping we see a GBA or SP kit eventually.
That light line under the display that you can see through the shell is annoying. Do you imagine there would be any harm in having a piece of electrical tape covering that to make it match the back PCB?
@KeiRetroGaming
4 ай бұрын
You should be fine to put a piece of electrical tape there if you want, it won't harm anything.
@dennismunsie2161
3 ай бұрын
Mine came with a small black sticker with the Funnyplaying logo on it that covered it up quite nicely.
I just literally did a custom mod kit for my gameboy color. It's transparent blue and I'm loving it too. I preferred my rechargable AA batteries for mine and think they last longer than 4hrs like your saying yours does. I got my screen at retro game shop and did very little trimming on my screen area.
@KeiRetroGaming
7 ай бұрын
I bet that looks great! How's the screen on yours?
@nickcallicapa6380
7 ай бұрын
@KeiRetroGaming I first wanted a laminated drop in screen, but opted for the 2.6inch one and it's actually great! Even looking at the screen from like a 45deg angle and it's so good still. Got it at retro game repair shop and took a cheap case off Amazon and trimmed like 1/4 inch off side of screen and bottom and it dropped in smooth.
I paid around $120 CAD to build my FunnyPlaying FPGA kit. Bought it right off their site, shipping was free.
@KeiRetroGaming
6 ай бұрын
That's the best place to grab it really. How long did it take to deliver with the free shipping option?
@MarkGibbons
6 ай бұрын
How long did it take to arrive? I've emailed FP twice over two months, no replies. Sent them a media email from our business, no reply. Ended up buying x4 of the kits as a part birthday present, part business buy and I have no idea what to expect since FP actively ignore all emails.
@lakojake4215
6 ай бұрын
@@KeiRetroGamingIt took just over a week. It shipped from China.
@lakojake4215
6 ай бұрын
@@MarkGibbons It took just over a week.
@KeiRetroGaming
5 ай бұрын
Good to know, thanks! Sounds like pretty quick shipping.
just bought one from the us as its sold out in the uk and got a fantastic deal!
Great video! Those PCB screws are definitely a little bit of a pain. Be sure to really get that middle one in tight. I didn't get mine in far enough (didn't want to over torque and crack the case), causing it to put pressure on the front when I attached the back... which caused a small crack. Also worth noting if you update the firmware, that the suggested 1025 firmware stopped working with the Everdrive clone cart, but the 1117 firmware works fine with it. I hope they add more colors and maybe a LED kit!
Get an I fix it kit it will help with further projects
Just received mine today after what felt like a long wait. I was in-between smoke black shell or atomic purple ... So I ordered both shells. I ended up assembling with the atomic purple as it kicked in more of the nostalgia vibes. So far pros are - quality shell and materials (for most part) - speaker is super good and loud (too loud) - screen is great... I love the full screen mode -usb c rechargeable - knock off ever drive flash cart works - feels like I'm a kid again Cons - I had to file some poorly molded plastic off battery connector to get it to connect. Took 20 minutes of trying before figuring out that was stoping it. - minimum volume is still too high for me... Like I would like 3-5 options softer. I'm playing Pokemon on the lowest volume and it's still too loud to play in bed next to the wife... - ordered 2 cases but they only sent 1 set of stickers - my board is a newer revision 1.1 and there are not other firmwares. They have also changed the boot logo to a horrible funny playing logo that looks like absolute crap!!!
@KeiRetroGaming
6 ай бұрын
Been using mine a bit more lately as well and I do have to agree with you on the speaker volume, clear but very loud even at minimum volume. Seems like a nice kit but they obviously have a ways to go on perfecting it... shame about the new boot logo. You could always unplug the speaker in the meantime and use wired headphones until they patch the fix for the volume. Not ideal though... Do you notice any hissing from the speaker too?
@TheComando156
6 ай бұрын
@@KeiRetroGaming I have not noticed any hissing on mine yet but I must admit I only have maybe 2 hours of light use at current. Mostly just testing out different games. 1 hour of that pokemon crystal. If you mean there is also a hiss when volume is all the way down... I don't have that problem. I can turn volume all the way down and sound is just off. No noise. I think for the short term... I'm actually going to put some tape over the speaker holes of the case to block off 80-90 of the holes... When I do that with my finger... It seems to reduce the minimum volume to a more manageable amount for quiet spaces. I hope they keep doing some firmware updates or allow us to edit a settings file so I can manually configure the minimum volume.
@KeiRetroGaming
6 ай бұрын
I've heard some promising features coming eventually including lower volume... even one rumored to be supporting GBA games. You can read more about the future updates here: github.com/makhowastaken/GWGBC_FW
@TheComando156
6 ай бұрын
@@KeiRetroGaming yeah. I actually made a second reply and posted the same link. I think KZread auto removed the reply though. I know that page shows they know about it... But there is also a small bullet at the bottom of the page that says they might have the volume raised to hide that humm/hiss noise. I tested mine yesterday with the volume off and held it up to my ear... I can hear a hiss noise. Although at normal playing distance I cannot. I actually emailed funny playing some feedback / requests as well... Hopefully they listen or respond.
The device looks beautiful 😍
@KeiRetroGaming
7 ай бұрын
I love it! Perfect shade of red with that nice transparent plastic.
Just hope they make an oled one
Great Video Mr.Kei Love that color!
The Analogue Pocket is far more expensive but it is far more versatile.
@lindemann316
2 ай бұрын
Not everyone wants a swiss army knife type of console. :)
I think I'd much rather have the funnyplaying kit, honestly. I like the fact it actually looks like a GameBoy Color. I have a few funnyplaying modded devices and they seem to make some pretty good stuff. About the only thing original in my GBA is the motherboard, and if funnyplaying made an FPGA motherboard, I might consider swapping that at some point just to see what all it could do. It would be interesting if they added cores for other systems in a GBA FPGA motherboard.
@choiwaynekiet
7 ай бұрын
This is funnyplaying
@anotherthing
7 ай бұрын
@@choiwaynekiet I know. That's why I said it would be interesting if they did a GBA motherboard. The one in the video is a GBC.
@choiwaynekiet
7 ай бұрын
@@anotherthing not from your first line
@anotherthing
7 ай бұрын
@@choiwaynekiet At the end of Kei's video, Kei asks the question, "Which would you rather have, the Analog Pocket or the FPGA from Funnyplaying?" My first sentence is the answer to that question, and then I expand on that saying I would be interested in a GBA version of the FPGA from the company that made this GBC version. Either your attention span wasn't good enough for you to finish the video, or your ability to read for context is sorely lacking. Might be both of those are your weaknesses. Work on those first rather than your typing skills.
Thanks for your video. Really great reproduction of the Gameboy Color, but there exist too many issues in this revision, I will wait.
@KeiRetroGaming
7 ай бұрын
I successfully installed the replacement screen today, and it's a significant improvement with no uniformity issues. The speaker still hisses, but it seems they are actively working on an update to address this issue. While not perfect, I still believe it's a fantastic kit. Waiting for a revision or board update is a decent idea regardless.
Right there 17:34 the price of the Analogue pocket all things said and done. When I went to check out the shipping was 60 dollars! Just to ship it! That's insane plus the huge price tag is just too expensive for me. I'm sure I'd love the pocket and I doubt I'd mind the price one I had it in person but trying to justify spending nearly 400 dollars or even 300 dollars is insane! I think the screen for the Analogue pocket is gorgeous but every time I get excited for one of these that checkout sticker price just pops that excitement immediately. I can't spend that kind of money. I am much more comfortable to spend it on something like this. I get everything I love and it actually looks like a gameboy color! I love my Gameboy Color, I still got it. I wish this came in the same Berry color but sadly it's not available but if I ever get the Hex code for it perhaps I can paint mine :) I love that color I just can't find it on anything else. I sadly lost the original battery cover for my Gameboy but it still works 🥹 can't believe the Gameboy Color came out in 98 what a wonderful day.
@KeiRetroGaming
3 ай бұрын
The price scared me off too, still does even though I own one now. Every time I pick it up I'm left wondering ... Why the heck did I spend that much on an analogue pocket. I put it off for two years though and I don't regret buying the pocket but as an alternative if you only want Gameboy and Gameboy colour on a handheld, you really can't beat the price or nostalgia that comes from using the FPGA GBC. I've had 3 screens with issues so far so if you go this route, swap to the GB core, and load it up without a game to check the screen. If you get a good screen though, it's a great handheld and a solid alternative to the Analogue Pocket (for those two systems).
@piplup10203854
3 ай бұрын
@@KeiRetroGaming Yes, I get what you're saying. That is me as well. I just can't myself to get over that price. It's just a huge sticker price. Like you said every time you pick it that crosses your mind. It's expensive. Sure in the grand scheme of things right it's not gonna feel like it is but it is still an expensive item. That's been me, I been putting it off. I mean I can stretch my budget to get one but it's just really to revisit all my favorites on Gameboy and Gameboy Color etc with that nice screen but you're right on the FPGA GBC. That's a lot better direction as someone who just wants a bit of that nostalgia there just wasn't a lot of options outside of Analogue so thankfully there is. Thank you for the heads up on the screen issue, that's a bit of a bummer but now I know what to look out for 🥹 appreciate it. I'll look out for those issues when my comes in! Should be any day now :D and you're absolutely right just for those systems it's a solid alternative. I think so as well. I am not sure how much I will actually use it but an under hundred dollar investment and supports the company to potentially make more of these and give Analogue competition I am all for :D
Very thorough, thanks!
So, good video.....but you didn't actually show how to plug the battery in
the only downside is the price, by the time its all accounted for, its almost 200 canadian after shipping. other than than its a great kit.
@KeiRetroGaming
7 ай бұрын
Oh I agree absolutely, it's pretty expensive.
@JordonVW
7 ай бұрын
Just bought one myself and it's $83.60 USD or £66.20 GBP for a full new GBC delivered to the UK. That's cheap in my eyes.
I want to pick one up but not sure about flashcart support..everdrives cost more than the console and the cheap knockoff not really sure about quality and function
i can't for the life of me get my screen to insert, toggling that thing or not
I got to have one of these!
Does the battery cable only fit on one way? My unit isn’t turning on and I’m not sure if it’s plugged in the wrong way… I have the positive (red) cable side of the plug facing downward or next to the speaker and the black facing upward.
@KeiRetroGaming
6 ай бұрын
Yeah it only fits one way. Sounds like you have it correctly oriented but you might need to push it down more on the furthest end of the connector tip. I had a little piece of plastic sticking out on my battery connector that prevented it from pushing it down easily (as shown in the video).
Hey please can you make a analogue pocket review like you said you were please it just looks gorgeous and please i want to see pokemon yellow gameplay on it and some other games ok but thanks for reading my comment 🔥🔥🔥❤️
@KeiRetroGaming
2 ай бұрын
Sorry, I haven't been able to make time to review it yet. It's on my backlog and I'd love to review it down the road if my queue clears up. If you can afford it though, definitely worth grabbing. The screen is incredible! It's also tough to make a video on a product people can't buy easily so I'm kinda 50/50 on reviewing it in general.
@user-sd3oc5ge1d
Ай бұрын
Its ok man but can you make a little comparsain beetween the analogue pocket and fpgbc I mean the red analogue pocket looks so cool and i would like to see some more footage of it on your chanell But thanks anyway my bro @@KeiRetroGaming
The analogue pocket far exceeds quality and performance capabilities. I’m sticking to my analogue pocket. This was a great video. Very in-depth and honest. You did an amazing job explaining this kit and how to put it together. Anyone that has never done something like this before can definitely put it together with your instructions.
@KeiRetroGaming
6 ай бұрын
Thanks! I agree about the Analogue Pocket, easily beats the quality and with better features but it's much more expensive. This doesn't replace the Pocket by any means but I think it's a viable solution over modding a traditional Gameboy Color. Happy to hear you enjoy your Analogue Pocket as well.
I was actually going to buy one of these, then I saw they don't have an IR sensor :(
Mine has the same speaker hiss too :(
@KeiRetroGaming
5 ай бұрын
Which revision is it? 1.1?
Huge price , but AP lays more than gb games. Not good enough only for bb
Yo I can’t with the tone
I would love to make some chiptune music with it (coupled with an everdrive) instead of modding an original gameboy.. so I want to ask you: does your fpgc have an hiss in background when connected to head phones? How does it sound?
@KeiRetroGaming
6 ай бұрын
Sorry for the delayed response. There is a noticeable hiss/buzz when my wired headphones are connected, at least on my board revision. I've seen a comment from someone with a newer board revision, but I'm unsure if that makes a difference. The buzzing is loud enough for me to hear even when the volume is set to normal listening levels.
No need for ram and cpu solder :O?
Sorry for a strange question, but does fpga supports only gb and gbc games or somehow gba games too?
@KeiRetroGaming
Ай бұрын
The fpga gbc only supports gb and gbc games.
Hey kai i got an fpgbc but do i have to take out the battery iron thing for AA batteries and if so how do i take it out
@KeiRetroGaming
Ай бұрын
It'll only work with the included rechargeable battery, you can leave that in the shell.
@user-sd3oc5ge1d
Ай бұрын
@@KeiRetroGaming ok thanks man I truly appreciate your kindness for reply ☺️ have a good day God bless you ❤️🔥🔥
Hi, Got the hissing too from mine. I was pretty sure it was some interferences from a part of the kit. I thought of the screen first and it is. Increase or decrease the brightness and the hissing will disappear. I have no more hissing at the lowest and highest brightness setting. The hissing seems to follow a Gauss curve and the peak is around the middle setting. I guess it because of the PWM frequency used at those settings. [Edit] Made a video : kzread.info/dash/bejne/nWaomrJ_adCaXdI.html
@KeiRetroGaming
4 ай бұрын
Interesting! I checked again but mine seems to be persistent at any volume level. Sorry for the late reply. I heard Funnyplaying set the speaker itself at max volume then just turned it down on the software side. Hopefully an update fixes it.
Damn so much flux on the back of the pcb lmao
Can you get one that can do Nintendo DS and 3DS?
@KeiRetroGaming
5 ай бұрын
They only have the one so far. There's no "FPGA" DS or 3DS system available to my knowledge.
Is the sticker included?
@KeiRetroGaming
5 ай бұрын
I believe I bought that separately.
@dougieshizzle
5 ай бұрын
@@KeiRetroGaming Thanks!!
I Gotta say. once the sound is off and the captions are on this is a great video.
How tf do i bring up the menu lol
@KeiRetroGaming
5 ай бұрын
Push the volume wheel in.
Tax included for brazilian buyers?
@KeiRetroGaming
6 ай бұрын
I don't think tax is included. It all depends on the customs in your country and what they declare the value of the package as.
Sold out since some months..
@KeiRetroGaming
7 ай бұрын
The official store desperately needs a restock yeah 👍
@swtuber
7 ай бұрын
They are in stock as of yesterday 12/31/23
@Blehstor
7 ай бұрын
@@swtuber nice! gonna grab some
No gba?
@KeiRetroGaming
4 ай бұрын
None unfortunately but Funnyplaying was looking at possibly adding it in a future update.
does game shark work on this?
@KeiRetroGaming
6 ай бұрын
It should since an fpga emulates a real gbc. I don't have one handy to test though.
@liveJohnR
5 ай бұрын
I ordered a kit and have a gameshark laying aroung will test and post when I have it, probably in a weeks time.
This would have been great had they put an sd card slot on the motherboard for loading games from the card. Then a NES core would have added value to this device. The analogue did all of this RIGHT! If you cant come close to that dont even bother.
@Ricky-ju9ms
3 ай бұрын
They will included one in later revisions, once the guinea pig period ends.
Can FPGA emulate nintendo DS hardware to make a custom DS?