The Game Boy Mini Camera is a Game Boy Camera cart redesigned into the size of a typical Game Boy Cart.
8/20/23: Please note that while this page is public, information & materials may change until the final shareable version is ready. Currently working on some final touches as I get feedback from testers. Goal is to be finished by the end of Sept (I work a full time job, so this is subject to change). There will be a 2nd version based on my own design that will be available for sale and/or commission builds - both the shared & sold will launch at the same time.
- SHARED VERSION ONLY Based on HDR's Game Boy Camera flash cart schematic
- Flashable with stock or custom ROMs
- FRAM eliminates use of battery for saved data
- Eliminates the sensor board & combines the components into a single PCB
- Replaces original lens with an iPhone XR lens array for thinner profile
- Glass lens cover to keep dust & debris from damaging the lens
- All new redesigned cartridge shell based to a standard Game Boy cart
- Custom designed label sticker
WARNING: This is a difficult mod and requires advanced soldering skills & tools due to the fine pitch of donor components and easily damagable resin sensor. I am not responsible for any harm done to you, your property, or family. Because of the complication required for this mod, personal support will be limited. Order any parts at your own risk! Please review the license before attempting.
| Item | Link |
|---|---|
| Game Boy Camera (any version) | ??? |
| Mini Camera PCB | PCBWay (soon) |
| build components | list |
| shell (5 parts) | Shapeways / PCBWay / download (soon) |
| iPhone XR/XS X1 lens array | Aliexpress |
| iPhone XR lens cover | Aliexpress |
| x2 M1x5mm screws | Aliexpress |
| x4 M1x3mm screws | Aliexpress |
| x6 M1.0x2x2 brass inserts | Aliexpress |
| label sticker (optional) | Ally Thunderhill / included in shell download (soon) |
| Reference | Part | Description |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | TAJA226K010RNJ | 22uF tantalum capacitor |
| C2, C3, C4, C12, C13 | TCC0603X7R104J500CT | 100nF 0603 capacitor |
| C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11 | CC0402KRX7R7BB104 | 100nF 0402 capacitor |
| C14, C15 | CC0603JRNPO9BN220 | 22pF 0603 capacitor |
| C16, C17 | Harvest C1 & C2 from original sensor board | 0603 capacitor |
| D1 | Harvest D2 from original cartridge | diode |
| L1 | Harvest L1 from original sensor board | 1210 inductor |
| R1 | RC0603JR-071KL | 1K Ω 0603 Resistor |
| SW1 | K3-1296S-E1 | SPDT Switch (For 2x1MB Rom Switching) |
| U1 | MAC-GBD | Harvest U1 from original cartridge |
| U2 | AM29F016 | 2MB Flash |
| U3 | FM28V100 | 1MB FRAM |
| U4 | TPRT9013-33G | 3.3V Voltage Regulator |
| U5 | Harvest U1 from original sensor board | sensor |
Coming soon
- HDR - original Game Boy Camera flash cart creator - This project has been uploaded with his permission
- Ally Thunderhill - assist with testing & printing labels, hosting labels in shop
- Toxa - the Photo! ROM creator
- Game Boy Camera Club & Game Boy modding community - for support & inspiration
- B23N, Cody Wick, Razole, A2, Zoe Wolfe, Nataliethenerd - Testers who provided invaluable feedback for the final version
- The Verge - This beautiful modified Game Boy Camera fits entirely inside a cartridge
- Gizmodo - Brilliantly Modded Game Boy Camera Is No Bigger Than a Cartridge
- PetaPixel - Custom Game Boy Mini Camera is the Same Size as a Game Boy Cartridge
- Engadget - This nifty fan-made Game Boy camera is the size of a cartridge
- Time Extension - Camera Modder Unveils Brilliant, Miniaturized Version Of The Game Boy Camera
- Retrododo - Game Boy Camera 2.0 Is Here Thanks To A Talented Modder