Gameboy X - Pocket with 3.5" LCD

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X..
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Gameboy X - Pocket with 3.5" LCD

Post by X.. » Wed Jul 17, 2019 9:33 pm

Finally Done!

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Ive gotten to a point where I think this concept has finally materialized.
A Gameboy pocket, with a 3.5in screen, powered by a Raspberry Pi 3A+
Parts List:
  • RPI 3A+
  • Helder PSU
  • 3.5" LQ035NC111 TFT LCD
  • Leonardo Micro Knockoff
  • Adafruit Audio Amp
  • 2500 mAh Battery
  • Custom DPI Board
This was not an easy or straightforward project by any means. The front shell needed to be CNC'd to accept a 3.5in screen. And the screen needed to be disassembled so that it would sit flush in the front shell. So the metal housing that normally surrounds the screen was pulled off and then the LCD and the LED backlight were then separated. I developed a master board with help from files provided by Mattc and Eugene (32teeth). The masterboard has a 18bit DPI adapter and the common ground button setup.
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Features include: adjustable brightness in the contrast port, USB C charging, and this is a minor thing, but the LED status from the Pi shines through the power switch. just thought that was a cool extra that just happened.
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Ive always like the Pocket's design. Nintendo has a history of great product design, but as far as handhelds go, the pocket is my favorite. but it doesn't seem to be used often due to its extremely small size.

Feel free to ask questions. I enjoy sharing my insights and I have to thank Rodocop and Tinkerboy for their ability in helping me out. Those two almost single-handedly answered all of my questions, but of course others from this forum have helped immensely.

If you want to see some vids of this thing, be sure to check out my instagram; I did a sort of walkaround after I completed it.
Last edited by X.. on Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:03 pm, edited 2 times in total.
My build Progress and Designs updated on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tymarbry/?hl=en
Upcoming Build Tutorials on my Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI96Xu ... lPs7hWdRwQ

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Re: Gameboy X - Pocket with 3.5" LCD

Post by specificity » Thu Jul 18, 2019 4:21 am

Very nice, X! There's something very satisfying about the screen going from edge to edge like that.

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Re: Gameboy X - Pocket with 3.5" LCD

Post by MrErickson » Thu Jul 18, 2019 10:06 am

That looks amazing!

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Re: Gameboy X - Pocket with 3.5" LCD

Post by infinitLoop » Thu Jul 18, 2019 10:33 am

great job! i wonder if you could get a screen protector that you could apply over that. maybe trim a clear dmg one or something. i'd be worried about damaging it, and wouldn't add any more bulk than the buttons already protrude from the case.

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Re: Gameboy X - Pocket with 3.5" LCD

Post by X.. » Thu Jul 18, 2019 8:06 pm

Im thinking about phone screen protector film, but as long as youre gentle, the screen is fine. just wouldnt advise scratching into it with your keys or anything.
My build Progress and Designs updated on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tymarbry/?hl=en
Upcoming Build Tutorials on my Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI96Xu ... lPs7hWdRwQ

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Re: Gameboy X - Pocket with 3.5" LCD

Post by neolith » Wed Jul 24, 2019 5:53 am

Nice work!
– "The biggest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist." –

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Re: Gameboy X - Pocket with 3.5" LCD

Post by Billy Blaze » Mon Aug 05, 2019 2:56 pm

awesome job!
thanks for sharing.

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Re: Gameboy X - Pocket with 3.5" LCD

Post by GordoPie » Mon Aug 05, 2019 9:54 pm

Beautiful work, very clean! Any plans to release the PCB files to the public?

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Re: Gameboy X - Pocket with 3.5" LCD

Post by X.. » Mon Oct 07, 2019 10:23 pm

Sorry for the fairly late reply but Im not sure if I'll release the PCB files. Plus Id like to make some revisions to the board going forward, and constantly updating a pcb download could be a headache.
My build Progress and Designs updated on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tymarbry/?hl=en
Upcoming Build Tutorials on my Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI96Xu ... lPs7hWdRwQ

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Re: Gameboy X - Pocket with 3.5" LCD

Post by Johnny sublime » Tue Jan 28, 2020 1:53 pm

Love it. It looks like the analogue pocket renders

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