Game Boy Pocket USB-C Charging Kit PRO Retro Game Repair Shop LLC

Description

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:

FEATURES

Exact shape for Game Boy Pocket.
External power through USB-C. (1)
Compatibility with all types of USB cables or external batteries.
Li-Ion battery charger with overvoltage and undervoltage protection. (1)
Power DC converter of 5V output. (2)
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) The USB-C and li-ion battery require trimming of the shell.

(2) 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 the 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 three 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 Light diffuser pipe.

REQUIRED (NOT INCLUDED)

Li-ion battery (for example 102050)
New speaker 8Ω 1W (optional but highly recommended to avoid noise, for example this one)
New capacitors (optional but recommended to avoid noise)
Tri-wing sand phillips screwdriver
Cutting plier
Cutter
Tweezers
Tin soldering iron
Tin
Flux
Isopropyl alcohol

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.

DOCUMENTATION

• Installation guide PDF
  
• GitHub repository