Max Thrun has developed the BeagleBone GamingCape, which transforms the small BeagleBone Black developer board that is available to purchase for around $45 into an awesome GameBoy emulator.
The BeagleBone GamingCape is fitted with a 320 x 240 pixel 16-bit color TFT LCD display, gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer, together with an analogue joystick and 2 buttons. Watch the video after the jump to learn more about the BeagleBone GamingCape project and see it in action.
Technical Specifications and Features
The whole system is powered by 4 x AAA batteries and the BeagleBone Black developer board is equipped with a 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor, supported by 512MB of RAM, and 2GB of internal storage. This powerful combination enables it to run emulators for NES, Gameboy, Gameboy Color, Gameboy Advance, Sega Master System, and Sega Game Gear. Phew, so that should keep you busy for a while.
The inclusion of a gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer adds a new dimension to gaming, allowing for motion-based controls and enhanced gameplay experiences. The analogue joystick and buttons are designed to mimic the feel of classic gaming consoles, providing a nostalgic yet modern gaming experience.
Building Your Own BeagleBone GamingCape
Max Thrun has now plans to manufacture the BeagleBone GamingCape but if you fancy building your very own, everything you need including schematics, 3D printers, and software are available from the Max Thrun website. The detailed instructions and open-source nature of the project make it accessible even for those who are relatively new to hardware tinkering.
Building your own GamingCape can be a rewarding project, offering insights into electronics, programming, and hardware design. The BeagleBone Black community is also very active, providing support and additional resources for those who embark on this DIY journey.
The BeagleBone GamingCape is not just a gaming device; it’s a testament to the versatility and power of the BeagleBone Black developer board. By leveraging the board’s capabilities, Max Thrun has created a platform that can emulate a wide range of classic gaming systems, bringing retro gaming into the modern age.
For those interested in further customization, the open-source nature of the project means you can modify the hardware and software to suit your specific needs. Whether you want to add more buttons, integrate additional sensors, or even develop your own games, the possibilities are endless.
Source: Liliputing : CNX Software
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