A gamer using the ROG Xbox Ally has shared an interesting project that essentially turns the handheld gaming machine into a retro Game Boy. The Xbox handheld device is certainly capable of more than just 8-bit video games, but it's a cool variant that's sure to grab the attention of both Nintendo and Xbox fans.
The ROG Xbox Ally is considered one of the Steam Deck's main competitors, with features that are much closer to a modern gaming PC or Xbox console than the handheld devices used in the original Game Boy era. Most gamers play the latest titles on powerful portable devices like these, but at least one fan decided to go back to the 1990s with this modification.
ROG Xbox Ally unveils portable compatibility program
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A gamer transforms his ROG Xbox ally into a Game Boy.
On Reddit, a user named alanpep shared his project to convert a ROG Xbox Ally to a Game Boy, with impressive results. The gamer detailed how he built the ROG Xbox Ally by combining it with GB Operator, a third-party hardware that can connect to your PC to play Game Boy titles with original cartridges. It took some disassembly to get everything to work together with the cartridge leader on the back of the ROG Xbox Ally, but the end result looks pretty clean. The OP was originally showcased in use by running with the Game Boy Camera, displaying glorious black and white images at 128×112 resolution on the user's screen.
Many fans shared their curiosity and enjoyment of this piece, and many thought it was very cool. Some have questioned why, pointing out that it would be easier to emulate the game on a ROG Xbox Ally or pick up a used Game Boy Advance SP instead. Alanpep explained that he knew this wasn't the easiest way to play Game Boy titles, but he did it just for fun. He also said that since GB Operator is designed to work with cartridges, he enjoyed the satisfying feel and sound of loading a cartridge into the device rather than simply booting an emulated file.
Gameboy saves disappear, but memories remain.
The original Game Boy was released in most parts of the world in 1990, but it's clear that this 35-year-old device has never left the hearts and minds of those who played games back in the day. Unfortunately, being a Game Boy fan can be a bit heartbreaking. This is because the cartridge has an onboard battery that needs to be continuously powered to preserve your save files. Many Game Boy cartridges have experienced battery drain, but GB Operator can help you in this regard, whether you are connected to ROG Xbox Ally or not. The peripheral allows users to back up what they have stored on the cartridge so they don't lose it if the battery ultimately fails.
Other gamers have dug into the cartridges themselves and replaced broken components to give them a second life. With just a little bit of technical knowledge and soldering, you can replace the battery within the cartridge, giving you the ability to save your games again for years to come.
Of course, not everyone has a collection of old Game Boy cartridges, which actually makes it easier to revisit classic games. Nintendo has been gradually adding Game Boy classics to the library of games available on Nintendo Switch Online, giving players access to a library that can be played without external hardware or cartridges. Although the graphics and gameplay are quite dated at the moment, the retro Game Boy title still has a lot to offer, so it's worth checking out if you subscribe to Nintendo's services.
