Camera M2

A Game Boy redesigned specifically for Game Boy Camera use

The original Camera M prototype, while aesthetically pleasing, did have it's flaws:

• It requires cutting a Game Boy Pocket in half, which I'm having second thoughts on condoning makers willingly destroying perfectly good working Game Boys
• It also relied on the TP4056 charging boards which (while it was far away from the battery), can conduct unneccesary heat & can damage the battery if powered on while charging
• It's design was limited to my skills at that time and can be improved & optimized

This new, improved version will not only address the issues above, but introduce new features for a better user experience.

This project is still under construction

I am still deciding on the method on distributing this project, but will likely be both a DIY option as well as limited commission builds.

Updates

• 05/01/23 - Guess it's official. Shell & PCB arrived, slight fit issues, but overall satisfied with the design. Working on v1.1 which, with a little luck, should be official release.
• 04/21/23 - v1 board complete (lipo only version), v1 shell complete. Went through about 5 shell iterations before I landed on one I liked. Waiting on shipment of components, boards, and shell to arrive. TO DO: finish BOM, order new cam cart PCB
• 03/25/23 - Working on v1.0 board: will have a main motherboard, controller board, and a shutter board. Creating in tandem with the shell, so things should fit perfectly.
• 03/1/23 - v0.1 prototype board confirmed to work. Still finalizing shell design, controller board.

Features

• All new circuit board
  • Instead of relying on cutting discontinued circuit boards, the M2 features an all new PCB to transfer your CPU and RAM
  • This not only saves a Game Boy from being destroyed, but lowers limitation on design
• Smaller, more compact design
  • Height design limitation is no longer limited to a pre-existing PCB size, allowing for more freedom in shape and size
• All new buttons
  • The previous version featured Game Boy SP buttons, M2 features custom buttons for a more camera-like interface
• Two battery version: one with AA batteries, one with lipo & type-C
  • Lithim polymer batteries are dangerous, but convenient
  • AA battery option allows for easy swapping if your power runs low
• Additional features to be revealed later

BOM

Coming soon

Optional items

Coming soon

Contributions, Credits, Thanks

• The Game Boy Camera Club & Game Boy modding community - for ideas, support, patience, help, & contribution to the scene
• My family - for their patience & support
• bit9 - for schematics
• HerrZatacke - for unending contribution to the Game Boy Camera community with essential tools, ideas, patience, and support
• HDR - for the Game Boy Camera flash cart, contribution to the Game Boy community
• Toxa - for Photo!, the custom Game Boy Camera ROM
• Gekkio - CPU details
• Cody Wick - for support, encouragement & ideas
• AllyShreds - for support, encouragement
• NatalieTheNerd - for support, encouragement, assistance with PCB & component choice
• Bucket Mouse - for support and assistance with PCB
• 2bitboy - for inspiration with the 2bittoy camera+
• Zoe Wolfe - for support, encouragement & ideas