The 26-year-old Game Boy Camera, a favourite among photographers seeking a vintage, lo-fi look, is about to get a new lease of life. Soon, it will be available as a webcam, perfect for those who want to appear on video calls with a unique, pixelated look.
Transform your Game Boy camera into a webcam
This transformation is possible thanks to the GB Operator. The GB Operator is a USB dock that allows you to use Game Boy, Game Boy Colour, and Game Boy Advance cartridges on your computer or Steam Deck. This is achieved through an app called Playback and the open-source mGBA emulator. The dock also lets you back up your game saves and extract photos taken with the Game Boy Camera.
Epilogue, the company behind this innovation, recently showcased the new feature in a short video on X. They told Time Extension, “We now have a live feed from the Game Boy Camera but still need to fine-tune some things and allow for configuration options.” They described it as “the worst and the best webcam you’ll ever have.”
Simplifying an old process
Previously, turning the Game Boy camera into a webcam was a complex process. It required a Super Nintendo, a Super Game Boy cartridge, a device to convert composite video to HDMI, and a video capture card for your PC. However, Epilogue’s solution is much more straightforward and nearly effortless, except for those who will have to endure watching their colleagues through a relic of early digital photography.
Expanding beyond Game Boy
In addition to the GB Operator, Epilogue is also working on the SN Operator. This device will offer similar functionality to Super Nintendo cartridges, allowing you to use them on your computer. The first images of the SN Operator have been shared, but there have yet to be any details on its release date. We know that the GB Operator upgrades are “coming soon.”
The GB Operator and SN Operator open up new possibilities for vintage gaming enthusiasts and those who appreciate a unique aesthetic in their video calls. With these tools, you can revive old memories and bring a touch of nostalgia to modern technology.