Nintendo Wants To Turn Your Smartphone Into A GameBoy


Okay so, you’ve been able to emulate classic GameBoy titles on your mobile phone for a pretty long time now, but it’s not exactly legal, and it’s not exactly the easiest thing in the world to control.

You know why? Because original GameBoy games weren’t made for a touch-screen, so controlling characters in titles like Pokemon Red and Blue, or even getting to grips with basic old Tetris is pretty tricky business on your phone if you’re playing a Nintendo-replica, at least.

If you really wish you could have your classic GB library in your back pocket, without having to put up with non-user-friendly controls, then it looks like Nintendo might have your back.

Siliconera has found that Nintendo has appeared to patent a phone case that can transform your smartphone into a fully-functional GameBoy – complete with a D-pad and real, actual buttons.

According to the report, it would work by the casing being sensed by the touchscreen it covers, meaning you could use physical buttons to activate the touchscreen on your phone underneath.

In the images from the patent application, you can see how your phone would fit into the device, and where the screen and buttons would sit.

The design looks pretty good too, as it won’t cover up any of the slots of your phone that you might need, like the speaker or USB port.

The report also states that Nintendo has designed the gadget so that it isn’t just limited to smartphone use, but could also be used for your tablet.

More than likely we’d be looking at an emulator for your phone again – this time, a legal one.

 

 

We’ve seen non-licensed and unofficial Nintendo/GameBoy style cases in the past, but this is the first time we’ve got the big dogs at Nintendo actually offering an official version of the case.

What do you think? Would you like to be able to access your GameBoy games again?