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You can now use the Game Boy Camera as a webcam for your PC — 26-year-old camera gets new life with the sleek GB Operator dock | Tom's Hardware (www.tomshardware.com)

submitted 4 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

8 comments fedilink hide all child comments

The Game Boy Camera Reborn as a Webcam

A 26-Year-Old Toy Camera Receives a Second Wind!

Are you ready for some retro tech revival? The Game Boy Camera, once a playful gadget for the beloved Nintendo handheld, has now been given new life as an actual webcam. This incredible transformation is thanks to GB Operator by Epilogue.

How it Works:

The GB Operator acts like a small dock, slightly larger than its counterpart Game Boy cartridges, connecting easily via USB-C to Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. Simply pair this sleek device with Playback software, which will soon support reading image data from the Game Boy Camera cartridge.

A Look Back on Past Efforts:

This isn't a first for turning the toy camera into a modern webcam, as seen by Retro Game Couch's build using additional adapters and hardware. However, such setups can be quite complex and costly, making them less accessible to enthusiasts.

The GB Operator's Convenience:

With its compact design, the GB Operator makes it much easier for users to use their 26-year-old camera as a webcam without requiring an actual Nintendo handheld console. This is especially exciting when paired with devices like the Copilot+ Microsoft Surface Pro, allowing for the unique experience of lo-fi photography on-the-go.

Limited Availability:

While Playback software isn't currently supported on Android, iOS, or iPadOS devices, users can still enjoy this novelty feature on PCs. The compatibility with Windows tablets is a particular highlight!

A Long Wait for Compatibility:

Despite GB Operator being around since 2021, the addition of Game Boy Camera support came after three years of development by Epilogue. However, it may have been worth the wait for fans who can now find new uses for their old toy camera.

Do you have any Game Boy cameras lying around that you wish were used more?

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[–] [email protected] 30 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I love it when the motivation for a project is very clearly "because I can"

This is especially exciting when paired with devices like the Copilot+ Microsoft Surface Pro, allowing for the unique experience of lo-fi photography on-the-go.

Wow, I'd sure like to drink an ice-cold glass of Coca-Cola™ while using one of those!

[–] [email protected] 15 points 4 months ago

[–] [email protected] 8 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Finally, after all these years. An indestructible webcam.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago

This isn't a Nokia project.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

I have a modded Game Boy Camera with a custom wide angle lens, a GB Operator, and lots of video calls. Sounds like it's time to downgrade from my 4K DSLR feed!

Update: It just says "coming soon" on my Mac.

[–] MajorHavoc 4 points 4 months ago

It's perfect! The potato* image quality of the Gameboy camera should just about work on my current bandwidth for Zoom meetings.

*No offense meant to any actual potatos, which probably could take a nicer picture.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago

God, I'm so tempted. I do not need to spend $90-100 on one of these and a Game Boy Camera...

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

Smile! You're on Gameboy camera! 🎶