Someone modified a Game Boy Color to function as a much better Apple TV remote

Most people who used the Apple TV Siri remote probably wanted something that wasn’t so frustrating to use – but most of us didn’t modify a Game Boy Color to function as one (via Gizmodo) This is exactly what the Italian YouTuber Otto Climan did, and although his design looks elegant as if it were an exhaust, it’s surprising how well it works using the original Game Boy hardware.

First, we have to talk about the box he used. Apparently, it was made by a company called Retro Modding, specifically for the project, and it looks amazing with its mix of 90s Apple and Nintendo aesthetics. (It’s embarrassing that it looks better than the real video game console on which Apple worked in the 90s.) If you’re familiar with the Game Boy Color, you may notice that the Climan’s screen looks a bit sharper and backlit. In addition to replacing the case, he also updated the screen using what appears to be another part of Retro Modding.

*The IR blaster is actually original equipment.*

In addition to giving him an incredible aesthetic upgrade, though, there wasn’t a ton of hardware hacking needed. The Game Boy Color comes with an IR blaster, which the newest Apple TV device still supports. Of course, some custom software was needed to map the buttons to the IR controls.

*Climan’s UI for ROM is clean and minimalist.*

*Even Game Pak is custom-made and beautiful.*

*Of course, there is a clear version suitable for a period of time.*

I wouldn’t have blamed Climan for using a standard custom ROM cartridge, but of course he made one that matches the aesthetics of the Game Boy. He loaded a ROM that he programmed with Apple TV’s IR codes and button mappings, and there it is : a Game Boy Color that can control an Apple TV. And because it has real directional buttons and not an aggressive touchpad, it’s probably better at this task than Apple’s real remote.

*In the photo: a reasonable navigation UX.*

Although this project is absolutely incredible, I have an idea for the next iteration: using a Nintendo DS. That way, you can have touch input if you really want to, along with a microphone for Siri support. It doesn’t have an IR blaster or Bluetooth support like Apple’s remote, but maybe you can add it with the Game Boy slot, Guitar Hero style.

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