What is this thing?

This is the PicoBoy. It is a fun little video game console that runs on 3 AAA batteries and lasts 8 hours. In addition to having nearly the same battery life of the GameBoy (and the namesake), the PicoBoy has nearly the same form factor too. It is comfortable to hold and a blast to play! This is the DIY kit for the PicoBoy, it contains everything needed! (batteries and 3D-printed casing not included)

Why did I make this?

I decided to design the PicoBoy for a multitude of reasons. Primary amongst those reasons being that I wanted to create a fun project for inexperienced makers that gives them valuable experience and a fun device at the end. I also wanted to make an easily-programmable video game console for programmers to challenge themselves. (I know its challenging from ALOT of experience)

What are the specs?

The PicoBoy runs on the microcontroller that is in its name, the Raspberry Pi Pico, It runs at 133mhz with 256KB of RAM. Because of its support for Micropython, you can program it how you wish, however I recommend using the PicoBoy Communication Software to flash/interact with it. The battery life is about 8 hours on a full charge.

Important links:

Discord:

https://discord.gg/xTaUqVxDRY

Casing Files:

https://www.printables.com/model/469537-picoboy

GitHub:

https://github.com/HalloSpaceBoy5/PicoBoy

Build & User Guides

https://github.com/HalloSpaceBoy5/PicoBoy/tree/main/Guides

Read before purchase:

This is a DIY kit

This is a kit that you have to build and solder yourself. It may seem a little intimidating, but I promise, it's easier than it looks.

This does not include the 3D-printed casing

The 3D-printed casing is not included! Make sure you have/have access to a 3D-printer. If you don't, there are 3D-printing services online. The files for 3D-printing are below.

This is not an emulator

This console does not emulate games! It only supports games made for the consle in the .pbg format. Do not expect to play retro games on this device!

There is no volume adjustment (There is a mute switch though)

There is a mute switch, but no volume adjustment.

What's in the kit:

• 5 Diodes (One extra in case of mistakes)
• 10 Buttons (One extra in case of mistakes)
• An AAA Battery Holder
• A Raspberry Pi Pico
• A Speaker
• 2 Switches
• A Screen
• The PicoBoy PCB
• 8 M3x6mm Hex Screws

What's not in the kit:

• 3 AAA Batteries
• The 3D Printed Casing
• 22 AWG Solid Core Wire

What did I use to make this?

• KiCad (PCB Design)
• Fusion 360 (Casing Design)
• Thonny (OS and Game Programming)
• Visual Studio Code (PicoBoy Communication Software Programming)

What are my recommended tools and materials?

• Soldering Iron: https://www.amazon.com/Weller-Digital-Soldering-Station-WLC100/dp/B000AS28UC/
• Soldering Flux: https://www.amazon.com/AMTECH-NC-559-V2-TF-clean-free-tacky-hand-soldering/dp/B09NXCPNN3/
• Desoldering Wick: https://www.amazon.com/Lesnow-No-Clean-Desoldering-Removal-Dispenser/dp/B094GZ6CPZ/
• Solder: https://www.amazon.com/MAIYUM-63-37-Solder-Electrical-Soldering/dp/B075WB98FJ
• Kapton Tape: https://www.amazon.com/Polyimide-Tape-Temperature-Electrical-Application/dp/B07HB81Q4L/
• Wire: https://www.amazon.com/TUOFENG-Hookup-Wires-6-Different-Colored/dp/B07TX6BX47

Q and A:

Is the build difficult?

Not at all! The only tricky part is the soldering of the tiny diodes.

What if I dont know how to program?

There is no need for programming over here! You can use the PicoBoy Communication software to do everything you need on your PicoBoy.

How do I get the casing for it?

All you need to do is download the files from the link above and print it out on a 3D-Printer.

What if I don't have a 3D-Printer?

You can use one of the wide varieties of 3D-Printing services online! (Make sure to choose "PLA" or "PETG" as the material)

I'm having a lot of trouble, how can I contact you?

You can contact me on the PicoBoy Discord server (link above). Usually I'm around. If I'm not, I should usually respond in a day or two.

Is there an SDK that I can use to make games?

Sadly, there isn't one, I will begin development on one if this kit picks up. As of currently, you can read the source code and get help in the Discord server if you wish to make games/software.

If you have more questions, feel free to ask in the Discord server!