Hyperkin's Android attachment allows users to play Game Boy cartridges on smartphones

Hyperkin’s  Smart Boy development kit is an attachment for Android devices that allows users to play Game Boy titles. The device is not exactly retail ready, and meant for developers to improve the product before it gets retail ready. Hyperkin has build the hardware, and needs help with the software.

The Hyperkin Smart Boy development kit comes with open source application and open source firmware. Developers are invited to contribute to the application, called serial, and the firmware. Those who contribute to improvements will be given a percentage of royalty on the eventual sales of the retail ready versions of the device. There is a Hyperkin Lab Forum to co-ordinate the process of upgrading the firmware, and to improve Hyperkin’s serial application.

The device supports phones ranging in size from five to six inches. Devices with Android KitKat 4.4.4 and later versions are supported. There is a double sided micro USB port for connectivity. Game Boy or Game Boy Colour cartridges can be loaded into the back of the device. Hyperkin’s serial application needs to be installed on the Android phone for the Smart Boy development kit to work. The device uses a micro-controller from Atmel. The big chunky buttons brings much needed tactile feedback to smartphone gaming.

Apart from the Smart Boy development kit, Hyperkin makes classic looking controllers for the Wii-U, with all the features of the new controller.