Games

Transform Your Game Boy Advance into a Nintendo Switch Controller with a Custom Cartridge

Discover how a custom Game Boy Advance cartridge can turn your handheld device into a versatile controller for the Nintendo Switch.
Transform Your Game Boy Advance into a Nintendo Switch Controller with a Custom Cartridge

Highlights

  • A unique modder-designed GBA cartridge transforms the handheld into a functional Nintendo Switch controller.
  • The custom cartridge enables the GBA to serve as a wireless controller for PCs, tablets, and smartphones.
  • Although the device comes at a premium price, it offers a distinctive experience, albeit lacking X/Y button support for Nintendo DS backward compatibility.

A talented hardware modder has ingeniously crafted a special Game Boy Advance cartridge that effectively converts the handheld device into a controller compatible with the Nintendo Switch. The gaming community has witnessed a surge in innovative hardware modifications for the Nintendo Switch, ranging from personalized Switch docks to controllers inspired by various sources, pushing the boundaries of what can be connected to the console.

The Game Boy Advance, released in 2001 as a successor to the original Game Boy, received widespread critical acclaim. Representing a significant advancement in portable gaming for Nintendo, the GBA boasted enhanced features surpassing its predecessor. With a rich library of beloved titles like Golden Sun, Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, and Fire Emblem, the GBA holds a special place in the hearts of gamers. The enduring love for the GBA has spurred enthusiasts to develop homebrew software and games, leading to remarkable creations such as a custom cartridge that establishes communication between the handheld system and the Nintendo Switch.

The innovative cartridge was crafted by insideGadgets, a group specializing in gaming mods and prototypes for Nintendo consoles, occasionally retailing modified components online. Their recent creation, the GBA Bluetooth TX cart, allows gamers to sync their GBA with various gaming systems, including the Nintendo Switch, via Bluetooth connectivity. A demonstration video shared on Twitter showcased the cartridge inserted into the GBA, seamlessly communicating with the Switch to enjoy playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

GBA Bluetooth TX Cart Compatibility with Nintendo Switch

The group highlighted that the custom cartridge equips the GBA with the functionality of an 8BitDo Zero 2 wireless controller, expanding compatibility to PCs, tablets, and smartphones. Interested gamers can pre-register to receive notifications about the availability of the device, albeit at a higher price point of $92 USD, reflecting the device's intricate design. While the cartridge is confirmed to work with backward compatible Nintendo DS models, it is worth noting that it lacks X/Y button support. Additionally, utilizing the GBA cartridge on the Nintendo DS necessitates a homebrew application. Despite these limitations, this modification presents a delightful opportunity for Nintendo Switch and Game Boy Advance enthusiasts alike.

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