Game Bub is an open-source FPGA-based retro emulation handheld that supports Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games.

Game Bub can play original game cartridges, as well as ROM files loaded from a microSD card. When emulating a cartridge, Game Bub has built-in rumble, real-time clock, accelerometer, and gyroscope, so most games, no matter how unique, will work the way you expect. Game Bub also supports link cables for multiplayer gaming with other Game Bub devices or original Game Boy and Game Boy Advance systems.

Play It Again

Game Bub is the first fully open-source FPGA retro-emulation handheld. Game Bub plays your collection of physical Game Boy and Game Boy Advance cartridges, and you can also enjoy the thriving Game Boy homebrew and romhack scene by loading ROMs you own from a microSD card—no flashcart needed. Game Bub also includes built-in cartridge backup and restore functionality: never lose a save file again!

No matter how you load your games, you’ll benefit from ultra-low input latency and compatibility with a wide array of original accessories.

Game Bub modernizes the classic handheld experience with detailed stereo speakers and a vivid backlit IPS screen. You won’t need to hunt down AA batteries, either—Game Bub has 15+ hours of battery life and is rechargeable over USB Type-C.

But, Game Bub is more than just an FPGA-based handheld. It’s fully open source (hardware, firmware, and gateware) and fully hackable, so you can use it as a portable, self-contained AMD Artix™ 7 FPGA development platform—with unrestricted access to all on-board hardware. With Game Bub, batteries are included (literally and figuratively): develop your own FPGA game cores, or use it to build other interactive FPGA experiences with its suite of I/O, peripherals, and features.

Game on the Big Screen

The Game Bub Dock is a separate accessory that allows Game Bub handhelds to connect to a TV or monitor using its HDMI port.

The Dock also adds Bluetooth controller support: it’s compatible with Xbox, DualShock/DualSense, Switch Pro, 8BitDo, and many more controllers!

Features & Specifications

Classic System Compatibility

• Game Boy-compatible cartridge slot for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games
• Custom FPGA cores designed for high accuracy and physical hardware compatibility
• Built-in ROM loading and backup
• GBA-type multiplayer link port (also compatible with Game Boy Color)
• Rumble motor for games with force feedback
• Accelerometer and gyroscope for compatible games
• Real-time clock

Modern System Specs

• FPGA: Built around the powerful AMD Artix™ 7 XC7A100T FPGA, with 101,400 logic cells and 607.5 KiB of block RAM
• MCU: ESP32-S3 microcontroller for auxiliary tasks
• Wireless: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE
• Memory: 32 MiB of SDRAM and 512 KiB of SRAM connected to the FPGA
• Display: 3.5 inch 480 x 320 IPS LCD
• Audio: Stereo 1 W speakers, TRS headphone jack
• Input: 12 buttons for the FPGA, 4 additional system buttons for the MCU only
• Expansion: PMOD header
• Storage: microSD card slot
• Power: USB Type-C charging, 15+ hour in-game time
• Optional Dock: HDMI-out and wireless controller compatibility, simultaneous charging

Open Source

Game Bub is fully open source! All hardware, firmware, and gateware source files are available on the GitHub repository. The repository also has a detailed architecture document.

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