Someone has a Game Boy Color mud to be a better Apple TV remote

Someone has a Game Boy Color mud to be a better Apple TV remote

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Most people who have used the Apple TV Siri remote have probably longed for something not so frustrating to use – but most of us have not adapted a Game Boy Color to work as one (via Gizmodo). This is exactly what the Italian YouTuber Otto Climan did, and although his project looks smooth as all outings, it’s amazing how well it works with the original gameplay of the Game Boy.

Wow, that custom case.
Photo by Otto Climan

That screen looks beautiful.
Photo by Otto Climan

First we need to talk about the case he used. It was apparently made by a company called Retro Modding, specifically for the project, and it looks amazing with the mix of Apple and Nintendo aesthetics from the 90s. (Embarrassingly, it looks better than the actual video game that Apple worked on in the ’90s.) If you’re familiar with the Game Boy Color, you may find that the screen on Climan’s looks a little sharper and brighter. In addition to replacing the case, he also gave an on-screen upgrade using another Retro Modding component.

The IR blaster is actually original equipment.
Photo by Otto Climan

Other than giving it an incredible aesthetic upgrade, however, there was no need for a lot of hardware hacking. The Game Boy Color comes with an IR blaster, which still supports the latest Apple TV set. Of course, some software was needed to map the buttons to the IR controls.

Climan’s UI for the ROM is clean and minimalist.
Photo by Otto Climan

Even the Game Pack is custom made and beautiful.
Photo by Otto Climan

Of course, there is a clear version that is appropriate for the period.
Photo by Otto Climan

I would not blame Climan for using a standard custom ROM pattern, but he obviously had one made that matched the Game Boy’s aesthetics. He loaded a ROM he programmed with the IR codes and buttons of the Apple TV, and there you have it: a Game Boy Color that can control an Apple TV. And because it has real directional buttons and not a feisty touchpad, it’s probably better at the job than Apple’s actual remote.

Pictured: a reasonable navigation UX.
Photo by Otto Climan


I need it in my life.
GIF by Otto Climan

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

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