The Game Bub is an upcoming, powerful, open-source FPGA gaming handheld console that will come with cores to support all models of the Game Boy (GB, GBC, and GBA). It’s a project I have personally backed because it ticks so many of my “want” boxes.
Although not confirmed, it is very likely that many existing FPGA cores will be ported to this device. Some of the backers of this project are also FPGA core developers, so it’ll be interesting to see who creates what.
If you have purchased one or intend to get one, the only confirmed cores are the ones you should expect. That way, you’ll only be happy, and potentially more pleased, but not disappointed.
Their was a target set of $100,000. At the time of writing this article the crowdfunding campaign via Crowd Supply is 33% over it’s target.
There was a target of $100,000. At the time of writing, the crowdfunding campaign on Crowd Supply is over 130% funded.
If you wish to get a Game Bub, the orders are open, and you can order one by clicking this link.
Units for backers are expected to ship in February 2026. What do you think? Are you a backer, or are you thinking about it?
Modern System Specs
- Enclosure: Transparent plastic
- FPGA: Built around the powerful AMD (Xilinx) XC7A100T FPGA, with 101,400 logic cells and 607.5 KiB of block RAM
- MCU: ESP32-S3 microcontroller for auxiliary tasks
- Wireless: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE
- Memory: 32 MiB of SDRAM and 512 KiB of SRAM connected to the FPGA
- Display: 4.0-inch 720 x 480 IPS LCD
- Audio: Stereo 1 W speakers, TRS headphone jack
- Input: 12 buttons for the FPGA, 4 additional system buttons for the MCU only
- Expansion: PMOD header
- Storage: microSD card slot
- Power: USB Type-C charging, 3000 mAh battery with 14+ hour in-game time
- Optional Dock: Digital video output and wireless controller compatibility, simultaneous charging
- Dimensions: 85 x 174 x 19 mm (3.35 x 6.85 x 0.75 in)
- Weight: 250 g (8.82 oz)
Here are some earlier Game Bub articles