Worklog Reinventing the G-Boy

[jeremy_lugodas]

This is my very first worklog! I've only ever posted about my finished products so this will be an adjustment for me.

As the title intails, I am designing a portable using the likeness of the G-Boy, with the main difference being that it will be able to be assembled with materials that can be easily manufactured with a 3D printer, much like the G-Wii.

To give a preface, there's no doubt that the "G-" line of products and all the people behind them have made a huge impact on Wii portablizing, so it would make sense for me to reimagine the very portable I based my very first design off of.

And the second.

And the third.

Titled the J-Boy, Revs 1-3 were designed for my personal use. However, I wanted to design a portable for me to sell to customers without having to design and wait on custom PCBs (besides ordering from 4LT.) Like the G-Wii, as stated before, this design will rely on 3D printed button boards and tactile switches.

The title is the J-Boy Rev G (paying homage to the G-Boy) but for selling purposes, it will be listed a basic Wii portable just so the title isn't forced.

I got a lot done on my first night since I had three references to design off of, so making it from scratch should be no biggie.

ALSO

If you are a beginner modder and was crushed to find out that the G-Boy kit was no longer being sold in 2022 like I was, I will publish my 3D models and parts list when I complete this project for you to make.

Happy modding!

 

[jeremy_lugodas]

I made a bit more progress on the CAD portion of this project and was reminded how much I HATE modeling trigger buttons.

Instead of the trigger extensions being installed from the outside, I wanted to try and pressure-fit them from the inside to avoid 1mm of support from the 3D printer. I'm just a few screw posts away from having a prototype but I'm getting sleepy.

Also cool to find out I got Gman's attention with this project. No pressure at all.

 

[jeremy_lugodas]

The CAD works seems almost complete! I've got a prototype of the faceplate printing right now.

I wanted to try and have full sized triggers instead of having a button fit inside an extension, so I at least have a Plan B if one trigger design doesn't work.

I also wanted to implement a volume wheel like the original Gameboy, which is also one of the features of the J-Boy.

And once everything fits and I order from 4LT, it might be time to trim a Wii...

 

[jeremy_lugodas]

Side by side by side comparison:

All that's left is hardware fitments and wiring. Can't wait to publish this!

 

[jeremy_lugodas]

While I wait for parts to arrive, I've had some time to create a different design for the portable which looks more akin to the original Gameboy case.

It will probably be another portable for my personal use, but I'll still be willing to publish this too.

 

[jeremy_lugodas]

I found out that in my waiting, I can't exactly do what the normal people call "sit still," and before I knew it, I was staring at another reinvention.

I wasn't sure if I should've started another worklog before finishing the G-Boy, or just risk spamming the Wii page on the forum. In any case, oops.

I'm reinventing the Wiiboy Color.

 

[jeremy_lugodas]

All of my parts finally came in yesterday, but today also happens to be my birthday. I'll most likely be trimming a wii sometime tomorrow.

In other news, the (officially titled) J-Boy Color is coming along nicely and may actually be OMGWTF trim friendly, even without removing the LDO.

It will still be a tight fit for everything else, not to mention the amount of supports for the 3D printer, but I think it will be manageable. I'll start another worklog when I finish the G-Boy, along with it's own 3D models and parts list.

 

[Stitches]

Always great to see re-imaginings like this!

 

[jeremy_lugodas]

It's been a minute since I've updated this worklog so I'll take advantage of my day off with a stomach bug.

The G-Boy housing shell needed a few more adjustments to fit the boards from 4LT, so I have been adjusting screw posts accordingly as my ADD allows me.

Additionally, I wanted to see if I could use the OMGWTF trim with the LDO, so I ordered the RVL-PMS Lite for the build. Unfortunately the LDO compromised the Z/R button board, and I was stuck waiting on parts again.

"Great forward thinking on my part,"
-my dumbass

And to top everything else, I botched the initial trim. So it looks like it won't arrive in time for Christmas.

On the J-Boy Color side of things, I already had a working trim that still has the LDO, which is a perfect project to work on to regain some motivation. Timelines are definitely getting mixed at the moment, but I will have everything complete in the very near future.

I plan on publishing the G-Boy files as soon as I confirm all boards from 4LT fit with the other hardware, even if I don't have a working portable myself. For the Color, I'll post the complete project on Cutting Edge along with the 3D files.

Back to bed for me. Night night.

 

[jeremy_lugodas]

Well, it's been two whole months of radio silence from me so I might as well give an update. Basically my hyperfocus has shifted and personal shit lost me some motivation for modding, but I finally have a case for the G-Boy remake that will fit the internal hardware. Once I make a few more adjustments, the STL files will be ready to release. As far as the Wiiboy Color, I had to deepen the case dimensions when I was facing shorting issues, but it will still look and feel great to play. Now I need to build up the motivation for a transplant and for opening up Onshape.
later gater