The Game Bub open-source FPGA handheld console has launched for Game Boy Advance cartridge playback

The Game Bub, developed by Eli Lipsitz of Second Bedroom, has transitioned from a 3D-printed prototype to a finished retail product. It is an open-source FPGA retro-emulation handheld designed to play Game Boy Advance, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color cartridges. The retail version features an injection-molded polycarbonate shell, a fully laminated 4-inch 720x480 IPS display (providing exactly 3x integer scaling for GBA), and 64 MiB of SDRAM (doubled from the prototype's 32 MiB). It is powered by a factory-built 3000 mAh dual-cell battery pack offering up to 14 hours of battery life. The device includes a side connector for direct access to programming pins and supports easy firmware updates via USB-C. A companion $65 Game Bub Dock allows for TV output and Bluetooth controller pairing. While the handheld is priced at $269, making it more expensive than software emulation alternatives like the Anbernic RG35XX or RG35XX SP, it offers hardware-accurate FPGA performance with minimal input latency.

Tech4K StaffVideo report

The Game Bub, developed by Eli Lipsitz of Second Bedroom, has transitioned from a 3D-printed prototype to a finished retail product. It is an open-source FPGA retro-emulation handheld designed to play Game Boy Advance, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color cartridges. The retail version features an injection-molded polycarbonate shell, a fully laminated 4-inch 720x480 IPS display (providing exactly 3x integer scaling for GBA), and 64 MiB of SDRAM (doubled from the prototype's 32 MiB). It is powered by a factory-built 3000 mAh dual-cell battery pack offering up to 14 hours of battery life. The device includes a side connector for direct access to programming pins and supports easy firmware updates via USB-C. A companion $65 Game Bub Dock allows for TV output and Bluetooth controller pairing. While the handheld is priced at $269, making it more expensive than software emulation alternatives like the Anbernic RG35XX or RG35XX SP, it offers hardware-accurate FPGA performance with minimal input latency.

The Game Bub has transitioned from a 3D-printed prototype to a finished retail device with an injection-molded polycarbonate shell. The handheld features a fully laminated 4-inch IPS display with a 720x480 resolution, offering exact 3x integer scaling for Game Boy Advance games.

The retail unit's SDRAM was doubled to 64 MiB from the prototype's 32 MiB to future-proof the device for community-developed cores. The device is powered by a factory-assembled 3000 mAh battery pack that provides up to 14 hours of gameplay.

A side-mounted connector provides direct access to the FPGA's programming pins for hardware tinkerers. The companion $65 Game Bub Dock enables television output via HDMI and supports wireless Bluetooth controller pairing.

The Game Bub is priced at $269, positioning it as a premium FPGA-based alternative to cheaper software emulation handhelds.

Chapter guide

Introduction to the Game BubOverview of the finished retail unit and its development history.Hardware and Shell UpgradesTransition from 3D printing to injection-molded polycarbonate.Laminated Display and Pixel ScalingDetails on the 4-inch IPS screen and its exact 3x integer scaling.Battery and Memory ImprovementsUpgraded factory-built battery pack and doubled SDRAM capacity.Tinkerer Features and Firmware UpdatesSide programming connector and the drag-and-drop firmware update process.Controls and D-Pad PerformanceEvaluation of the buttons, D-pad accuracy, and gameplay feel.Crowdfunding and Manufacturing ChallengesDiscussion of the Kickstarter campaign and production delays.PCBWay Sponsorship and Open-Source HardwareIntroduction to open-source PCB designs like the Game Boy Enhance.Market Comparison and PricingComparing the $269 Game Bub to cheaper software emulation handhelds.Target Audience and FPGA AdvantagesWho the device is for and the benefits of FPGA over software emulation.Game Bub Dock ReviewUnboxing and testing the companion dock for TV play and controller pairing.

Worth noting

  • The video includes a sponsorship segment for PCBWay.
  • The cartridge slot on the first production run of the Game Bub is slightly misaligned by about 4 degrees.
  • The device does not support modern quality-of-life features like save states or retro achievements, adhering strictly to original hardware rules.
  • Some flash cartridges, such as certain Summon Night games on the EZ-Flash Omega, may experience compatibility issues.

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