GB, GBC, GBA Cartridge interface for Multisystem2 Analogue (With black enclosure)

This interface is designed as a reference cartridge reader for the GameBoy, GameBoy Colour and GameBoy Advance* 

Anyone if free to buy this interface, but it's initially intended for enthusiasts, developers and anyone wanting to design their own cartridge readers.

It is designed to work on the Multisystem2 Analogue system, it is not compatible with the Multisystem2 Digital.

Currently this adaptor needs a modified FPGA core for the GameBoy / GameBoy Colour that we have modified and provide on our GitHub here.

All design files, including the schematic, PCB design and FPGA source core are available for you to use, modify and if you wish produce cartridge interfaces for other systems.

* GameBoy Advance FPGA core still needs further work to make it cycle accurate enough for a hardware cartridge interface to be implemented. Our hardware included detection of cartridge type for the GameBoy Advance and has the same I/O interface as both GameBoy and Advance cartridges. We are waiting to see how the GameBoy Advance cycle accurate core develops and we intend to also implement reading of Advance cartridges in the future.

What you will receive:

• Built and Tested GameBoy Cartridge reader for the Multisystem2 Analogue console system.
• Assembled into a 3D printed enclosure (PolyTerra matte Charcoal Black).

The GameBoy Cartridge reader is assembled and ready to use.

• Works with Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges
• Hardware support for GBA cartridges but not currently supported by core. We will wait until Robert finishes the 'Accuracy' version of his GBA core as the current core does not closely resemble the real hardware
• Cartridge notch detection switch for auto selection of the correct voltage
• Link port (use a Game Boy Pocket link cable to connect to another system)
• Game cartridge is directly connected to the Game Boy's data bus with no dumping involved so saves work and all special hardware such as the Game Boy Camera should work

To install the adapter, remove the screw from the underside of the right cover on Multisystem2, remove the right cover, fit the adapter and put the screw back in.

Download the modified GameBoy and Gameboy2P cores from the link above and put them in the Consoles folder on your SD Card, or at your option, in a new folder to separate them from the stock cores. Note that using the cartridge is an option in these modified cores, so you can still use these modified cores to play ROMs from the SD card too, and don't necessarily need the stock cores as well.

Start the core and in the OSD, turn on the MMS2 Cartridge option.

Hold down the yellow button on the front of the Multisystem2, insert the cartridge and release the button. All signals and power are turned off when the yellow button is held so cartridges can be safely swapped without needing to turn the system off.

If you use the 2-player core, the cartridge will be used for player 1, and player 2 will be the selected ROM from the SD card.

If the game doesn't start or you get the classic garbled Nintendo logo like on original hardware when the cartridge is not making good connection, just hold down the yellow button, reseat the cartridge, and release the button.

The adapter can be safely left installed when using other cores.

The link port can also be used with non-cartridge games but for this to work, you should turn on the option Misc > MMS2 Cartridge Always Powered and insert a GameBoy cartridge to activate the 5V switch in the adapter for proper voltage levels. Avoid hot-swapping the cartridge when this setting is on. Many games will work when linking one MMS2 to a real GameBoy, but some don't, which we currently believe to be a timing difference between the core and original hardware, as those games work with two MMS2s linked together.

This product is designed and manufactured by Heber Ltd in the UK

All Enclosures are 3D printed in house on our 3D printer farm.  For more information visit our blog. 

Please note:

• Colours may differ from those shown due to different filament batches, varying lighting conditions and/or device settings.  
• All other items shown in images are for illustration only and are not part of what you will receive in this listing.

If you wish to 3D print your own enclosure, slice tray, and accessories, the 3D design files for this and many other enclosures are available here - Printables (Multisystem - Heber)

Shipping Information:

Orders will be shipped within 1-2 weeks of order being placed. Items will be shipped together if multiple items are purchased. When an item is pre-ordered, any other items in the order will be shipped with the pre-order product.

Heber at The Retro Collective

Heber forms part of The Retro Collective, a community of technology and gaming experts and enthusiasts hosting interactive museums, exhibition spaces, and electronics design and manufacture based just outside Stroud in the heart of the Cotswolds in the UK.

For more information visit our blog, or our website, or The Retro Collective