The TinyGB Printer Case

What is this?

The case is designed to house the updated version of Dr Raphael Boichot's “The TinyGB Printer” (the one with the screen). This is a device that replaces the Gameboy printer and stores the files from Gameboy games and the Gameboy Camera digitally on a microSD card.

What do I need?

Firstly, you're going to need to make one of the “printers”. Dr Boichot provides all the documents and files free of charge on Github. The parts can be ordered from AliExpress and the boards can be ordered from JLPCB.  I'd put this at a beginner to intermediate build, depending on your previous soldering experience, and whether you get the correct parts or parts that have been assembled correctly.

Please ensure you order the correct Gameboy link cable. The ones on AliExpress aren't great quality, and the Gameboy Advance cables do not work, as they have a different pin out.

You'll also need to print out the base, lid and button. I'd recommend not printing the button separately, it is quite small and unless your printer can cool very small parts very quickly, this'll just be an out of shape pile of solid goo.

Assembly

Once you have your parts printed and The TinyGB Printer built, you should have everything here -

Insert the screen into the lid. It might be a bit tight, however provided the screen clears the large opening, everything else should snap into place.

Insert The TinyGB Printer into the base. Make sure the microSD card is not inserted. This is a semi loose fit and just drops in. Put the Gameboy link port in first and the back end with the RP2040 will just drop into place. There is a small hole in the bottom should you wish to wire up a battery box.

If you're using a battery box, insert the wires through the bottom, solder them to The TinyGB Printer and pull the excess wires back through the base.

Insert the button into the camera lid and hold it in place with a finger. Then carefully marry the lid to the base and push the two halves together. The lid should friction fit into the base.

Insert the microSD card and turn The TinyGB Printer on and marvel at this fancy little gizmo.

Nothing Fits

Yeah, that happens. I've designed the case based off my build, and your soldering may be better or worse than mine.  I've provided step files to allow modification of the case. The license permits remixes and I welcome them.

I used 7mm high buttons, and if you get the smaller ones, then the plastic button insert may not be long enough. Ask and I'll make it longer or download and modify the step file yourself.

License

Yeah, it's a little restrictive, for a reason.

Dr Boichot has open sourced the project for anyone to make, and I've seen quite a few times people taking someone else's hard work and selling it, including 3D models that other have made too. I'm not a huge fan of people commercialising and profiting off an open source project.

I'm not going to get upset should you order enough parts to build all 5 of the devices (minimum order on JLPCB is 5 boards), and want to sell the other 4 to cover your costs. I am going to get annoyed if you start an Etsy store to sell these.

Update

The “base” files have been updated due to a minor issue. The PCB is smaller than the surrounding components, which caused the PCB to slide in the case, detaching the screen from the lid. I've amended the “base” file to compensate. It's the same physical size, so you don't need to reprint the lid if you've already printed the base.