Gift idea | GB Operator: a second life for GameBoy cartridges


Marc Mitrani

Smartphone expert

December 05, 2022 at 09:00

2

Gameboy Operator © © Epilogue

© Epilogue

Do you have old GameBoy cartridges lying dormant in the bottom of a drawer, but no more console to use them? You should enjoy the very original GB Operator.

Until December 24, Clubic opens a sound box for you every day advent calendar 2022 : the opportunity to discover unusual or practical gadgets, gift ideas for oneself or for loved ones.

Developed by the Romanian start-up Epilogue, GB Operator is a small transparent box that connects to a Mac or a PC via a simple USB port. Its only function is to add a port for GameBoy cartridges. The oldest of our readers and hardcore retrogamers are surely familiar with Nintendo’s gray pocket console.

See the GB Operator offer

Planetary success

Appearing at the end of the 80s, this console was a worldwide success which prompted Nintendo to decline it in different versions: GameBoy Pocket (1996), Light (1998 only in Japan), Color (1998), Advance (2001), Advance SP (2003) and Microphone (2005). All share the same cartridge connector, which makes most models backward compatible with all games available since the original GameBoy (only the Micro cannot read GameBoy and GameBoy Color cartridges).

Gameboy Operator © © Epilogue

© Epilogue

In order to work, GB Operator requires a piece of software that can be downloaded from the Epilogue website. Judiciously called Operator, it is available in Windows, macOS and Linux versions, and is not translated into French. This is not so serious, because its operation is intuitive.

The software automatically recognizes the small box and waits for a cartridge to be inserted. This is then identified, then a visual and a brief description (always in English) are displayed. The developer has added some additional information such as the type of cartridge (read only or read/write), and above all, an indication as to its origin (official model or copy).

© Epilogue

The interface gives access to different possibilities. The first is of course to start the game, which we will play by connecting a controller to the computer or by using the keys on the keyboard.

Data transfers

A few welcome settings allow you to adapt Operator to your tastes (remapping of joystick buttons, choice of color palette for monochrome games, etc.). A fast-forward mechanism means you don’t waste time on intros and other animations.

The “Data” tab allows you to save the game on the computer in order to use it in an emulator or to install it on a rewritable cartridge. You can also transfer game saves to the computer, so as not to lose your progress in the event of an involuntary maneuver. The restoration of backups is of course provided and is done with a single click.

0.013 megapixel

Finally, the “Photos” tab will only interest owners of GameBoy Camera, this module which transforms the game console into a digital camera. This one was only able to produce images in “true” black and white (no grey) with a fabulous definition of 128 x 112 pixels, or 0.013 megapixels…

Gameboy Operator © © Epilogue

© Epilogue

Nowadays, such a camera seems ridiculous… But it was a real technological achievement in 1998. GB Operator allows to recover the images that the GameBoy contains, then to erase them.

Using a GameBoy game on a computer is an enjoyable experience. We appreciated being able to retrieve our cartridge saves, which allowed us to try out some gameplay strategies that we otherwise wouldn’t have attempted for fear of having to start all over again. Epilogue reminds that the accompanying software is constantly evolving and that updates follow one another at a steady pace. Some are more expected than others, for example the ability to remap keyboard control keys (currently only the joystick can be customized).

Both original and affordable, GB Operator should quickly find its audience. We particularly appreciate its simplicity of implementation and its performance. Apart from an “unofficial” cartridge whose origin was more than doubtful, we did not encounter the slightest problem during our many gaming sessions.

See the GB Operator offer

Find our selection of the Advent calendar!

For the fourth consecutive year, Clubic is happy to offer you its Advent calendar.

We have selected for you products that are often unusual, sometimes amusing, but always original and which seem to us worthy of interest for any geek and his entourage. As in previous years, they have all passed through our hands, without exception. We have used them and loved them. Otherwise, we would not present them to you.

And for more unusual gift ideas, we remind you that the 2019, 2020 and 2021 Advent calendars are still online!

  • 1er December: Paper Shoot is a camera as simple as it is attractive. With him, you will (re)discover photography without frills!
  • December 2: Using a 360° camera to produce “flat” footage has many advantages. You do not believe in it ? It’s that you haven’t seen the Insta360 X3…
  • December 3: do you like wild animals and unicorns? Then, the polygonal creations of Papertrophy will keep you busy during the long winter evenings…
  • December 4: Limbo is a spinning top that spins nonstop for hours. Surely this is hiding something…
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