Someone turned a GBA into a Switch controller, and it uses the OG Link Cable as the cord

At a glance:

• A Game Boy Advance can function as a Nintendo Switch controller using the original Link Cable and a Raspberry Pi Pico adapter
• The Pico adapter makes the GBA appear as a generic Switch controller and supports two-way communications
• Joypad OS is an open-source project that enables retro controllers like N64 to connect to modern consoles

The Old Meets the New

One of the coolest ways people use single-board computers and microcontrollers is to breathe new life into old technology. We've seen plenty of cases where someone took something outdated (or even broken) and gave it a second life using a modern-day chip. But not all of them are as cool as using a Game Boy Advance as a controller for the Nintendo Switch using the original Link Cable as the cord, which is exactly what one ingenious tinkerer achieved with their own hardware.

As spotted by Notebook Check, this cool little feat uses an original Game Boy Advance, Switch, and Link Cable to turn the old portable console into a controller. In case you're a little too young to know all of these things off by heart, the Game Boy Advance was released in 2001 as a successor to the wildly popular Game Boy, and the Link Cable let you connect two GBAs for multiplayer games and data transfer. It was how we traded Pokémon as kids.

How It Works

Now, Robert Dale Smith over on X has found a way to use a Raspberry Pi Pico to modify the Link Cable and turn it into a controller for the Switch. And while that's impressive by itself, Robert Dale Smith hints that even more could be done if he could get software running on the Switch side: "Yea as far as the console knows it's a generic Switch controller. But I do have two way communication with the GBA on the pico adapter in the middle. More is possible if software for Switch were to be written. The way it works is the GBA link cable is able to sideload a small multiboot rom into memory and run it. Then it can be crafted to send and receive messages over the link cable to trigger actions. In this case, the adapter just signals that it is in Switch USB mode when the Switch powers it."

To get the job done, Robert Dale Smith utilized their own open-source project, Joypad OS. The project claims it can connect retro controllers to modern consoles and vice versa, so it's well worth a look if you plan on mixing your gaming generations around. Not going to lie, getting an original N64 controller working with the Switch sounds like it'd be a lot of fun.

Why It Matters

This project represents a fascinating intersection of retro gaming and modern technology, demonstrating how old hardware can find new purpose in today's gaming ecosystem. For enthusiasts who still have their original Game Boy Advances lying around, this offers a novel way to experience modern games with the familiar feel of classic controllers. The use of the original Link Cable adds an extra layer of nostalgia to the project, connecting two different eras of Nintendo hardware in a functional way.

Beyond just this specific project, the Joypad OS initiative opens up possibilities for connecting various retro controllers to modern systems. This could be particularly appealing to collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts who want to experience both old and new games without having to switch between multiple controller setups. The fact that the project is open-source also means that the community can contribute to its development, potentially expanding its compatibility and functionality over time.

As gaming technology continues to evolve, projects like this remind us that innovation doesn't always have to be about the latest and greatest hardware. Sometimes, the most exciting developments come from finding creative ways to integrate the past with the present, creating experiences that are both nostalgic and contemporary.