Just a few days back, a YouTuber by the name of ChromaLock shared an intriguing build log on his channel. This time around, he introduced an innovative project: a Game Boy Color reworked to stream video through its original link cable, all thanks to a Raspberry Pi Pico and some specialized software tailored for this task.
Typically, the simpler the video, the smoother the playback—even managing impressive clarity and fluidity when compared to the old-school Game Boy Camera setup. However, most videos look best in monochrome on this device, as the color palette is limited to just four colors, making it challenging for the Game Boy Color’s modest 160 x 144-pixel screen to manage color videos effectively.
For those keen to replicate this setup, ChromaLock has shared an application named CGBLinkVideo on GitHub. This tool, designed for use with a Raspberry Pi Pico, Game Boy Color, and the essential link cable, is constructed from a blend of open-source software. Sure, video compression reduces quality down to 1 Megabyte per second, yet given the link cable’s maximum throughput of 64 Kilobytes per second, final video frames undergo extreme compression. This results in frequent dropped or split frames, but overall, you’ll find the playback does run smoothly enough.
ChromaLock’s comprehensive video not only illustrates this unique video playback but dives deep into how the tool was developed within the constraints of the Game Boy Color’s system. It’s pretty neat that when switching to grayscale or monochrome, video playback can hit up to 60 frames per second. However, if you prefer using color, expect a drop to around 12 frames per second.
ChromaLock didn’t stop there; he even attempted streaming some video games. Yet, even classic Game Boy titles proved to be noticeably laggy compared to running them directly on the device. Trying to stream modern 3D games, like Doom Eternal, felt impractical as the high resolutions made them undecipherable on the Game Boy Color’s ancient display.
The entire project seems to have stemmed from ChromaLock’s desire to prove a point: he aimed to get the well-known Touhou Project music video, “Bad Apple,” running smoothly on a Game Boy Color. Since this particular video is naturally monochrome, achieving 60 FPS playback is surprisingly doable. However, you can expect a fair amount of dithering due to the streaming method used.
This project not only showcases ChromaLock’s ingenuity but also highlights how far technology has come in the retro gaming modding community. It’s a fascinating blend of nostalgia and modern tech.
