Bacteria's "Mini-Platform" gets GBA'd

British modder Bacteria really likes cartridges. The bigger the better. He turned an entire N64 console into a gigantic, beige cart, then took a slew of cheap plug 'n play games and did the same -- though smaller and minus the neutral tones. He dubbed that latest creation the Mini-Platform Plug'n'Play Console System, and promised that Game Boy Advance integration was coming soon. Two weeks later it's here courtesy of a little solder and hot glue, opening up the massive library of Game Boy and Advance titles. Yeah, the system isn't much to look at, and with an entire GBA hanging off the back it's pushing the limits of the word "mini." But, it is an intrepid hack and, like his others, he's more than happy to tell you how he did it. Video of this meaty portable in action after the break.

[Nate @ Sep 17th 2008 3:20PM]

OK. I guess I'm missing something here. But, I've got to ask.

What's the point of modding up a GBA? It's already a portable gaming system.

This is, officially, the dumbest mod ever.

[Nate @ Sep 17th 2008 3:26PM]

So, I watched the video, and I still don't get it.

I do admire the guy's pride, though. I love how he covers up the the crappy paint job (because of the paint not adhering properly to the plastic), by saying that it's the rippled texture that he was going for.

[James B. @ Sep 17th 2008 8:44PM]

Umm, are you SURE you watched the video?

He spent near a minute telling you WHY he did it. So he could hold it. Comfortably.

*sigh*.

[ryan @ Sep 17th 2008 3:23PM]

on topic: I can't deny the awesomeness of anyone who can put together something like that. Props dude.

off topic: thank goodness comments aren't faded out by default anymore. I feel like I can see again!

[Ryan Trevisol @ Sep 17th 2008 3:44PM]

So he made it bigger cause it was hard to hold cause he has big hands? Maybe it was designed for people with smaller hands. Like children.

[bacteria @ Sep 17th 2008 4:29PM]

Nate - The paint sticks totally and completely to the perspex.

ryan - Thanks!

Ryan Trevisol - ...you mean like mobile phones? No, the onus on games companies is to make handhelds fit in the pocket rather than being easy to use or comfortable to use - eg GP2x, NeoGeo Pocket, GBA, GBA SP, GBA Micro, Gizmodo, PSP, etc. Personally, I don't want my hands ache like you get with a PSP or eyestrain with GBA, etc from focussing on a small screen for any period of time. My mod stops this - big buttons, big screen, easy to hold comfortably, etc.

[YOO. @ Sep 17th 2008 8:42PM]

You mean gizmoNdo, right?

[Olivier @ Sep 17th 2008 4:32PM]

A big pocket gameboy... strange !

[bacteria @ Sep 17th 2008 4:40PM]

Nate - The paint sticks totally and completely to the perspex.

ryan - Thanks!

Ryan Trevisol - ...you mean like mobile phones? No, the onus on games
companies is to make handhelds fit in the pocket rather than being
easy to use or comfortable to use - eg GP2x, NeoGeo Pocket, GBA, GBA
SP, GBA Micro, Gizmodo, PSP, etc. Personally, I don't want my hands
ache like you get with a PSP or eyestrain with GBA, etc from
focussing on a small screen for any period of time. My mod stops this
- big buttons, big screen, easy to hold comfortably, etc.

[Darkfire @ Sep 17th 2008 5:54PM]

Um.. he thought that one was hard to hold? Try holding one of the clam shell ones that came after it...

[funetik @ Sep 17th 2008 9:29PM]

Nicely done, bacteria.

A wired controller would be a pretty cool addition/mod to this if I was using it. As you said, it was to fit your needs though, so spot on. Well done.

[Tonjevic @ Sep 18th 2008 2:39AM]

Christ. Are these things made out of papier mache or something?

They look terrible.

"Ripple Effect" indeed.

[bacteria @ Sep 18th 2008 3:08AM]

Tonjevic - No, look on my webpage - the case front is made from very rigid and tough 3mm thick perspex and the back 2mm. The case has no give when you hold it so is solid, as intended.

[Tonjevic @ Sep 18th 2008 10:52AM]

I did watch the video. I realise they were made of plastic. What I was commenting on, however, is the disgusting black paint job.
All props to you for building the actual electronics and case and so forth... I just don't like your aesthetic choices.

[Grimspoon @ Sep 19th 2008 2:29AM]

Excellent work bacteria, consider my thoroughly impressed! Looking forward to seeing future mods from you.

Don't let any negative comments get you down either. Your work is very impressive!