Handheld console modder @natalie_thenerd constructed a Game Boy Color motherboard utilizing a totally clear PCB, permitting us to see its copper circuit traces in all their glory. According to her X (formerly Twitter) put up, she constructed her personal schematics to make it work, and he or she eliminated the bottom zone to make the PCB fully clear. Although that is essential for contemporary units, Natalie says that it’s not a difficulty with the hand-held console due to its simplicity.
Although the creator reverse-engineered the Game Boy Color on her personal, she had the clear PCB created by a third-party supplier. It used an acrylic-like materials to construct the see-through board, which had a low 200-degree Celsius melting level — which means she needed to be further cautious soldering the chips to keep away from harm.
Aside from the chips, copper, and screen (and a small daughter board), everything else on her custom Game Boy Color is completely clear. Even the cartridge reader, which she says is from a Chinese Game Boy clone, is semi-transparent. She then paired it with a clear shell that featured translucent keys, making a true ‘see-through’ handheld console.
Unfortunately, the custom-built clear Game Boy Color is a one-off art project she made for fun, so you cannot buy one for yourself. The clear PCB is flexible and fragile, meaning it may not withstand the rigors of daily use (or a rage-quitting gamer).
A couple of users suggested replacing the copper traces with silver for a cleaner look, or adding backlighting to make the handheld console look even cooler. Given that Natalie also created the Modded Gameboy Club and is energetic in the neighborhood, there’s a chance that somebody would possibly just do that.
A number of different folks considered utilizing the identical approach on different units, just like the Nothing Phone 2. After all, the clear aesthetic is experiencing a resurgence in tech circles, with the looks of clear energy banks, SSD enclosures, and extra. But until producers can enhance the sturdiness of clear PCBs, and make them extra reasonably priced, we is not going to see this hit the mainstream.
Nevertheless, we applaud Natalie for her nice work and marvel on the really clear Game Boy Color. This is why we love modding and embrace the inventive creations that come out of this artistic group.
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