{
  "id": 18275871,
  "title": "Someone built a Game Boy from scratch using an ESP32, and I’m impressed",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/someone-built-a-game-boy-from-scratch-using-an-esp32-and-im-impressed",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-05T08:29:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/someone-built-a-game-boy-from-scratch-using-an-esp32-and-im-impressed/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An enthusiast crafted a functional Game Boy replica from scratch using an ESP32 microcontroller. This DIY project began when the creator discovered a spare 160x128 ST7735 LCD screen and decided to put it to use. Initially, the intention was to create a music controller, but the project evolved into a DIY Game Boy build due to its more captivating appeal.\n\nThe hardware components utilized for this endeavor include a 7cm x 9cm perfboard, an analog joystick, push buttons, a USB-powered ESP32 Devkit V1 microcontroller, and the ST7735 LCD screen. The project is still in its early stages, with plans to incorporate save game states, a splash screen upon boot, and loading games from flash memory. Unfortunately, the current setup relies on a USB power source, which prevents the creation of a fully portable device.\n\nIn their own words, the engineeroids user expressed their admiration for this project, stating that using the ESP32 made the Game Boy \"much cooler.\" While it may be a bare-bones iteration at the moment, the creator's vision and determination to expand the project demonstrate their commitment to bringing classic gaming experiences to life.",
  "summary": "It was no easy feat.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}