Build guide
Please make sure to understand what this device does and what its limitations are. Most importantly, there is a little lag which will make it unsuitable for playing on a bis screen. It might be ok for slow games, but its focus is on recording and streaming.
Also check out the compatibility tables for host software (for example OBS) and particular games. In principle this is a USB video class device and does not require drivers, but not all software supports the unsusual video format of the Interceptor. Similarly, games should usually work, but sometimes there are some details that the Interceptor does not yet support properly and some rare things that cannot work based on the principle of this device.
The following can be seen in detail in this video:
The following steps give you an outline of how to prepare the PCB with the cartridge connector. Please also have a look at the case guides for instructions on how to add a case.
Also note that the price per unit is reduced significantly if you buy 5 or 10 assembled PCBs at once. For example at JLCPCB buying ten will cost about 25€ per unit (including additional parts and shipping) while buying the minimum of two will easily exceed 100€ before shipping. So, I highly recommend ordering in groups.
You will need the main PCB and its electronic components. Unless you are experiences with small SMD packages I highly recommend ordering assembled PCB, which will only leave the cartridge slot for manual soldering. If you are not familiar with this process, please refer to the order and build video at the top of this page for help. Also, you can support me by using my affiliate link to JLCPCB if you order from them for the first time.
Important: Even if you order PCBs on your own and do not follow the instruction video above, make sure that the PCB thickness is 1mm and that you select ENIG finish or better (HASL will wear off too quickly).
Additionally, you will need a Game Boy cartridge slot. There are plenty sources online like retro gaming hardware shops, ebay or aliexpress. Make sure that it is the SMD variant with two bumps at the bottom. Here are photos of the correct version:
Remember that you will also need a few parts depending on which case you want to build for your GB Interceptor. For these refer to the case guides.
And a little suggestion if you are unsure about soldering this connector: If you find a cheap source, you could buy a few extra and train by soldering them to the extension board first if you plan to build a case that does not need the extension board.
You will need intermediate experience in soldering electronics and a suitable soldering iron for this step. Or ask someone for help as you should be ordering in groups anyway.
Break away the rails and the extension board from the PCBs that you received and place the cartridge slot on the marked rectangle. Make sure that the bumps at the bottom fit into the holes on the PCB and that the two individual solder pads line up with their counter parts on the PCB as well as the 32 data lines.
Simply solder all of them starting with the two individual pads that are there for stability. A little flux can help with the 32 pins, especially if you have a rather larger tip on your soldering iron.
Warning: If you are not using one of the original two cases, there might be some differences here as the case might use the break-out board. In this case, please refer to the instructions for your case.
Simply connect the PCB with your computer with a USB-C cable. The first time it should be recognized as a mass storage device (like a USB stick). Download the .uf2 file from the latest release and simply copy it to the GB Interceptor's folder. It should restart with only the red LED glowing and the blue one staying off. That's it.
If for some reason the Interceptor does not show up as a mass storage device or if you want to update it with a newer firmware version later, you will need to hold the button with the label [flash] next to it near the center of the PCB. Plug in the USB cable while holding the button and then release it when the LEDs turn on. It should now again show up as a mass storage device allowing you to simply copy a new .uf2 file onto it.
Next follow the instructions for adding your case and you are ready to go. To use the interceptor, simply connect it to your computer before turning on the Game Boy. It should show up like a regular webcam. Just be aware that not every software can handle the video format of the Interceptor, but in most cases you can then use OBS to convert it for more picky software. Check out the Host software compatibility list for details.
Finally, if it works for you and you want to support my hobby, you can by me a coffee. This step, of course, is extremely optional :)
