Game Boy Pocket: USB-C Charging Kit PRO

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SKU: GBP-PRO Category:

Description

2023-09-22: The boards have been manufactured incorrectly, and their sale is going to be delayed 🙁

The Game Boy Pocket USB-C Charging Kit PRO is a new circuit designed specifically for the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket. This all-in-one circuit includes not only the charging controller but also a boost converter and audio amplifier.

The modern IPS displays with backlighting require more power than the original display, and flash cards used to load tons of games can quickly drain the battery. To truly enjoy the games, it is recommended to use a rechargeable battery instead of AAA batteries.

However, simply using a rechargeable battery is not sufficient. The increased power consumption puts a strain on the original electronics, potentially causing noise in the speaker or headphones.

The typical solution is to add a charging circuit for the battery and a power converter to replace the old, inefficient one included in the GBP. Some individuals also add an audio amplifier to enhance the sound quality of the speaker. All these modifications make the GBP function optimally. However, installing them requires numerous cables and may be challenging for individuals without sufficient knowledge.

This board adds all these features with a clean and straightforward installation:

TODO PHOTOS

FEATURES

  • Exact shape for Game Boy Pocket.
  • Li-Ion battery charger by USB-C with overvoltage and undervoltage protection.
  • DC to DC converter of 5V output. (1)
  • Safe charge and play.
  • Audio amplifier for the speaker.
  • Integrated LED indicators on the main board, next to the USB for charging battery (red) and full battery (green). It can be disabled by the jumper SJ1.
  • External LED indicators board for playing (white), charging battery (red) and full battery (green). Optional installation.

(1) Provides stable power to your Game Boy, IPS screen, and flash card. However, it doesn’t supply the -19v rail, which means the stock screen or GBP IPS screen, which adjusts brightness through the contrast wheel, will not be able to change the brightness level and will remain at its maximum level.

INCLUDED

  • 1 frame panel which includes the two boards:
    • Main board.
    • USB-C board.
    • Light board.
  • 1 Battery cable (with connector JST SH1.0)
  • 1 Cable of 2 wires for connecting the light board.
  • 1 Cable of 1 wire for connecting the board to the sound pad.
  • 1 Cable to connect the power LED if your GBP model doesn’t have a red light.
  • 1 Light diffuser pipe.

REQUIRED (NOT INCLUDED)

NOTES

  • The stock screen is not compatible with this module; only IPS screens will work with it.
  • The contrast wheel doesn’t function because the -19v rail is not provided for this kit. This implies that the GBP Retro Pixel IPS screen is unable to adjust its brightness. This board is recommended for IPS screens with a touch sensor designed for brightness control, for example this one.

PRODUCT FEATURE OVERVIEW

Charger Power Conv. 5V Power Conv. -19V Audio Amp Light board AAA/AA batteries USB-C DC Jack
GBP
GBC
 ✔ ❌ ❌ ❌ ✔ ❌ ✔ ❌
GB2 ✔ ✔ ❌ ❌ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
This product ✔ ✔ ❌ ✔ ✔ ❌ ✔ ❌

 

DOCUMENTATION

Additional information

Weight 0,012 kg
Dimensions 12 × 6 × 0,5 cm
Circuit color

Black
Circuit version

v3.1

Additional content (videos)

Test GBP PRO v 3.0

 

Compatibility

This board is compatible with the following version boards of GBP:

  • MGB-ECPU-01
  • MGB-LCPU-02
  • Others version may require solder some cable or may not be compatible, for example: MGB-CPU-01, please check the installation guide PDF.

Some third party modules which people or I have tried and work well together this kit:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the original screen?

No, you cannot. This board is only compatible with screens which work at 5V (IPS screens). The original screen needs another voltage.

Can I use the IPS screen: GBP Retro Pixel IPS?

No, you shouldn’t use it with this module. The contrast wheel doesn’t function because the -19v rail is not provided for this kit. This implies that the GBP Retro Pixel IPS screen is unable to adjust its brightness. This board is recommended for IPS screens with a touch sensor designed for brightness control, for example this one.

The speaker doesn’t sound

During the installation of the board, there is a green/blue cable that needs to be installed between the volume wheel to the board, you can find it inside the small bag.

If you have installed it, check the speaker is properly soldered and it is not broken.

Why are there two red and green lights?

The board include lights next to the USB-C and in the small light board. This small board is optional, you don’t need to install it if you don’t want or it’s too difficult for you. But if you do, my recommendation is removing the small resistance called SJ1 with your solder iron, that is going to disable the lights next to the USB-C. If in the future you want to active it again, you just need to put a drop of tin because the resistance has a value of 0, it’s just a jumper/cable.

Does the white led indicate the battery level?

Yes, it works as before, when the battery is decreasing the capacity, the light is going to be less brightness. However, I think this effect is more appreciable with the original led because the red color. You have a video demonstration in the “Additional content (videos)” tap.

Can you use type-c to type-c cables with this board?

Yes, you can. All the products in this shop accept USB-C to USB-C cables and can be charged with any charger, including fast chargers, although at a normal speed.

Can I play and charge the battery at the same time? (Safe charge-and-play)

The electronic board support this feature since the first released version: v3.1.

Do I need to solder the extra power cable of my IPS screen?

As far as I know, all GBP screens require an additional power cable. Follow the installation manual of your display and the manual for this product for any doubts regarding how and where to solder this cable.

Changelog

  • 2022-08: v2.0 (Not commercialised)

    • Initial version, it was made with TP5000 IC.
  • 2022-10: v2.1 (Not commercialised)
    • Modified the board shape.
  • 2022-11: v2.2 (Not commercialised)
    2023-01: v2.3 (Not commercialised)

    • Added a -15V boost buck converter to support IPS screen with brightness control by the contrast wheel. However, it made a lot of electric noise in the audio amp.
  • 2023-07: v3.0 (Not commercialised)

    • Removed the -15V boost buck converter.
    • Modified the whole circuit using the same as last GBC PRO version:
      • Replaced the TP5000 battery charging IC to IP2312U.
      • Replaced the MT3540 boost converter IC to MT3608.
      • Replaced the SI2301 load sharing mosfet to AO3401A.
      • Limited the maximum battery charging current to 0.68A.
      • Limited the maximum current supplied with a 1.25A fuse.
      • Eliminated the audio potentiometer used for controlling the audio amplifier level (There is not space for it)
      • Modified the shape of the GND pad inside the board to have a bigger hole and help to solder it.
      • Decreased the brightest of the LEDs.
      • Changed the all the pads (except GND) as half hole pads.
      • Modified the light board from 3 wires to 2 wires.
      • Modified the frame shape, it allows to test the board before separate the board from it.
      • Improved light diffuser pipe now in clear white color.
  • 2023-08: v3.1 (The first commercialised version)
    • Improved the logos quality.

Gallery of customer's installation

If you are happy with your installation result, you can send me the photos and I can publish here, other clients will see the result!

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