The importance of nostalgia in the gaming industry can’t be overstated. Despite amazing developments in graphics and gameplay, and the many online games that pay real money, we can’t help but look back with rose-colored glasses at the days of clunky handheld devices and pixelated worlds. Some companies are using recent technology specifically to emulate old technology, as evidenced by the fact that a 24k gold-plated Nintendo was recently released as a collector’s item. It’s unsurprising, then, that other companies would be looking to recreate one of Nintendo’s other greatest hits: the original Game Boy.
Hyperkin Labs is in the process of developing an attachment for Android smartphones that will transform your device into a Game Boy. The Smartboy, which possesses an appropriately retro aesthetic, is compatible with both Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges. Currently Hyperkin is selling developer kits of the device for $60; the kit includes open source serial app and firmware so that eager early buyers can help the tech company improve the Smartboy and make it retail-ready. And there is a monetary incentive for independent techies to help out Hyperkin: the company is offering a royalty percentage to anyone who can improve the current serial app and firmware.
The expected ship date for the Smartboy is December 1st, 2016.
