Game Bub is an open-source AMD Artix-7 FPGA and ESP32-S3-based handheld gaming console that supports Nintendo Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges. On top of that, it supports TV output via the Game Bub Dock and features Bluetooth for connecting wireless controllers.
The device also features cartridge backup and restore functions through FlashGBX, letting users save files, dump ROMs, reflash writable carts, and even extract photos from the Game Boy Camera. The device supports direct ROM loading and the built-in rumble motor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and real-time clock ensure compatibility with games that rely on these peripherals. The device is housed in a transparent 90s-style enclosure, runs on a 3000 mAh battery for over 14 hours of gameplay, and weighs just 250 g, making it portable yet durable. Additionally, it can be used as an FPGA development board with its PMOD expansion slot and plenty of unused FPGA logic resources for custom projects.
Game Bub Specifications:
- FPGA – AMD Xilinx Artix-7 (XC7A100T)
- 1,188 Kb distributed RAM
- 135 block RAM/FIFO with ECC (36Kb each), for 4,860 Kb in total
- MCU – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3
- CPU – Dual-core Tensilica LX7 up to 240 MHz with vector extension for AI/ML workloads
- RAM – 512KB SRAM
- Storage – 8MB flash
- Wireless – WiFi 4 and Bluetooth LE 5
- Antenna – PCB antenna
- Memory – 32MB SDRAM, 512KB SRAM (connected to FPGA)
- Storage – MicroSD card slot (ROM/homebrew loading, cartridge backup/restore)
- Display – 4.0-inch 720×480 IPS LCD (backlit)
- Audio
- 3.5mm TRS headphone jack
- Stereo 1W speakers
- Connectivity – 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE via ESP32
- USB – 1x USB Type-C port for power, battery charging, and docking
- Expansion
- PMOD header for custom accessories
- Game Bub Dock gives access to Full HDMI and USB 2.0 Type-A ports
- Link port – GBA-type multiplayer link cable (also works with original GB/GBC/GBA)
- Misc
- Rumble motor
- Real-time clock
- Accelerometer
- Gyroscope
- Power – 3,000mAh Li-ion battery, 14+ hours playtime, USB Type-C charging
- Dimensions – 174 x 85 x 19 mm
- Weight – 250 grams
- Enclosure – Transparent plastic case (campaign-exclusive transparent purple option)
The software stack is fully open-source, with hardware, firmware, and FPGA gateware released under GPLv3 and CC BY-SA licenses. The emulation cores for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance are custom-built for high accuracy and hardware compatibility, with ultra-low input latency and support for original accessories. ROM loading, cartridge backup, and save management are handled through FlashGBX, while the ESP32-S3 manages tasks like wireless connectivity and system functions. More information is available on GitHub.
We have previously written about various handheld consoles like Grant Sinclair’s GamerCard, the Experimental Pi’s PiBoy DMGxis, the Rockchip RK3566-based Anbernic RG503, the Raspberry Pi CM4-based RetroLite CM4, and many others, but the Game Bub handheld console is quite different, with an open-source, FPGA-based design with support for original Nintendo cartridges with hardware-accurate cores.
Game Bub can be purchased from Crowd Supply for $249 with the transparent enclosure. There is a limited purple edition that sells for $299. The TV output and controller dock are priced at $59. Shipping costs $8 in the US and $18 worldwide, with deliveries starting February 1, 2026.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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Great, you get a console which does the same as a GBA and costs 3 times more.
Good times…