SGBC FPGA Console Promises Original Game Boy Cartridge Support With 1080p Output and a Proper SNES Controller Port

Engineer Thomas Sanfourche reveals the SGBC, an FPGA console supporting Game Boy, Color, and Advance cartridges with 1080p HDMI and a native SNES controller port.

The crowded market for modern retro hardware has gained another interesting contender with the unveiling of the SGBC, an independently developed FPGA console designed specifically for Nintendo's Game Boy family. Created by French electronic engineer Thomas Sanfourche, who is currently studying in Taiwan, the project aims to combine original cartridge compatibility with the convenience of modern television gaming. The planned machine supports Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance cartridges using FPGA technology intended to reproduce the behaviour of the original hardware rather than relying entirely on conventional software emulation. Its output system is designed to provide integer-scaled 1080p visuals, preserving the distinctive pixel structure of the original games while avoiding the blur that frequently accompanies poorly configured upscaling. Additional planned features include adjustable speed modes, Link Cable connectivity and the ability to copy cartridge data onto SD card storage. Controller support is another distinctive feature. Alongside USB-C connectivity, the console includes a traditional Super Nintendo controller port, allowing players to use familiar Nintendo control hardware without additional adapters. The design takes a deliberately restrained approach, featuring a compact enclosure with grey and burgundy detailing rather than excessive lighting and decorative panels. Sanfourche has also created an interactive product website featuring rotatable three-dimensional views and internal component illustrations. However, the SGBC remains an upcoming project. No confirmed release date, final retail price or independently validated compatibility list has been published. Interested buyers can register through the project's wishlist system, but should not mistake that for an active retail launch. The concept is appealing because it concentrates on a specific family of cartridges instead of promising to emulate practically every console ever manufactured. Sometimes the best hardware idea is simply building one machine that does a clearly defined job exceptionally well.