Virtual Boy FlashBoy F.A.Q.
What is the FlashBoy (FB) or FlashBoy + (FB+)
A device to loads backup-games/homebrews/roms to play/test in your Nintendo Virtual Boy. Basically, a re-writable gamecard.
It could be seen as a simple Virtual Boy Everdrive or Virtual Boy Flashcart.
- FlashBoy has no game save ability.
- FlashBoy + has game save ability.
It could be seen as a simple Virtual Boy Everdrive or Virtual Boy Flashcart.
Why make/sell something like this? We have the HyperBoy from RetroOnyx.
Many missed the FlashBoy+ when came out of production; even with neat alternative like the HyperFlash32 & HyperBoy being available from RetroOnyx. Rather than us re-create the wheel in inventing another budget Flashcard we reach out to Richard who allowed us to make, distribute, and tweak his FlashBoy+.
What we like the most about the FlashBoy is:
What we like the most about the FlashBoy is:
- The reach history behind it.
- Its simplicity and reliability.
- How it uses simple & common components.
- It’s competitively priced for anyone on a tight budget.
I was googling and looking for a Gameboy Flash Cart?
Sorry, this for the Virtual Boy only. Yet, see the people at stoneagegamer.com; they may have something in stock for your needs
Is it hard to use the FlashBoy+? I am not the best with computers.
Very easy to use. We created the “FB+ Manual Rev B” to help. You can also email us for support. We also plan to have a step-by-step video in the future.
Try not to be intimated or frustrated, once get the knack it will be easy.
Try not to be intimated or frustrated, once get the knack it will be easy.
Do you offer CIB version (Official Box Packaging) or Deluxe version?
We don’t ever plan get into CIB or boxing, but in a few months, we’ll have an updated where a CID or Deluxe edition be available.
Are your reproduction VB games re-programable? Can I use the FlashBoy+ software to re-program your reproduction VB games?
No. We do not use FlashBoy technology in our VB reproductions. Our VB reproductions are a different PCB, chips, & design. We keep FlashBoy+ parts for FlashBoy+ use only.
Do you offer the FB+ to programmers/developers at discount?
For sure, we just request you cover shipping. This was original made for developers and many original VB homebrews or mods came from working with this device.
What type of USB Cable is it? Can I use my modern cell phone cable?
One end of the cable is regular USB. The other end that goes into the FlashBoy+ is "USB Mini-B Cable" which is an older size found in digital cameras and other portal electronics from around 200X era. Its same size that charges the PlayStation 3 Controller.
See images below of our 3-feet cable end that goes into the FB+.
See images below of our 3-feet cable end that goes into the FB+.
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Why keep using this older cable standard?
Agree “USB Mini-B” is old school, but we find it best to keep all FlashBoy standard and the large size gives more surface area that helps it be more robust.
Why do you offer a no USB Cable option?
Since your cable bit expensive how do I find it for better price?
The 6-inch long cable is sometimes not easy for us to buy/locate and the higher quality 3-feet long cable costs more to get. Also, we try to save on your shipping costs. If can find one at your location you can save some money.
You could try local pawn, older electronics, or crazy store full of stuff and locate a cable. Be familiar with the “USB Mini-B” type or have example device; a PlayStation 3 controller. Aim for the best quality or beefy cable you can find, get a spare, and ideally keep length short if lower quality cable.
Amazon a good choice as well.
You could try local pawn, older electronics, or crazy store full of stuff and locate a cable. Be familiar with the “USB Mini-B” type or have example device; a PlayStation 3 controller. Aim for the best quality or beefy cable you can find, get a spare, and ideally keep length short if lower quality cable.
Amazon a good choice as well.
Do you test each FlashBoy + before shipping? What happens if I get a defective unit?
Each FlashBoy is pre-built then tested before ships. So, when arrives for first time suggest you load it into your VB for quick play test. This confirm had no damage during shipping.
When first boot your FB+ you'll Wario Land and you will see a save file of "0" data in middle of three save slots. This will confirm that your FB+ working fine and saving fine.
Things can happen. Give the “FB+ Manual Rev B” a good try. Then let us know & we’ll ship you a replacement. We just ask for a quick video proving you have a defective unit. So far we had 0 recall units in the wild.
When first boot your FB+ you'll Wario Land and you will see a save file of "0" data in middle of three save slots. This will confirm that your FB+ working fine and saving fine.
Things can happen. Give the “FB+ Manual Rev B” a good try. Then let us know & we’ll ship you a replacement. We just ask for a quick video proving you have a defective unit. So far we had 0 recall units in the wild.
What happens if my Vintex 64 FB+ stopped working few years from now?
We’ll just ship you a free replacement. Just send a quick video and show us it’s the Vintex 64 model. It will be green PCB and show Vintex 64 stencil markings.
My original (non-Vintex 64 FlashBoy) stopped working? Can you help me?
For sure! Just try using our “FB Manual Rev B”. As instructions are same for all models of FlashBoy.
If obviously sill not working; don’t overspend time on it. You can ship us your old one & we will ship you a 100% new one at discount price. You old one will be recycled.
If obviously sill not working; don’t overspend time on it. You can ship us your old one & we will ship you a 100% new one at discount price. You old one will be recycled.
What is the difference between the Vintex 64 FlashBoy+ & the prior FlashBoy+?
What changes did you guys make? How can I tell which one I have?
The original design was quite solid, and we kept it much the same. We did add significant improvements. Tripling the copper layer count, adding Vintex 64 markings, gold plating, replaced some parts with better/updated versions, and few other tweaks.
Our FB+ has green PCB solder mask with Vintex 64 markings. The majority of original FlashBoy releases have red solder mask. See images below:
Our FB+ has green PCB solder mask with Vintex 64 markings. The majority of original FlashBoy releases have red solder mask. See images below:
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Your Flash Boy+ use Flash or SRAM save feature?
Flash chips are quite hard to get so we just use the SRAM with little battery inside.
How long does little coin battery last? When do I need to change it? Does it need be re-soldered?
All new Vintex 64 FB+ use a higher quality Energizer or Duracell BR1225 or BR1220 batteries. The BR means this type meant for electronics with lower self-discharge rate such as PC Motherboards. So recommend get BR type if can.
You can also use CR1225 or CR1220 batteries and will work fine.
If possible go for the 1225 as its little bigger than the 1220. Both will fit in cage fine.
All these batteries are cheap on Amazon, eBay, or any electronics store.
All FB+ have what called a battery cage. See image below. Which holds little battery inside an open-end pocket. Your simple slide the battery in and out. You just may need a strong pick to help push it out; it could be little tight. No soldering required.
You can also use CR1225 or CR1220 batteries and will work fine.
If possible go for the 1225 as its little bigger than the 1220. Both will fit in cage fine.
All these batteries are cheap on Amazon, eBay, or any electronics store.
All FB+ have what called a battery cage. See image below. Which holds little battery inside an open-end pocket. Your simple slide the battery in and out. You just may need a strong pick to help push it out; it could be little tight. No soldering required.
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The left image is the battery cage. If use small 1220 battery you may need to push the top spring pins down all the way down to help get better battery contact. See yellow arrows to the left.
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We suggest every 5 years; could go 10 years. As battery start to decay or corrode or leak. We also recommend a higher quality brand name; like Duracell or Energizer.
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What with the white shell?
Richard’s last release and development created a nice 3D printed shell design. We can make it, but decided to focus on our injection molded shell. Yet, we do have some 3D printed prototypes available for purchase for those interested and its part of the FB+ history. If demand/requests are high we’ll make more.
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Why did you guys replicate the FlashBoy + into a test board with sockets?
Can I buy one as collectable?
We wanted to test and experiment with raw parts/chips. Richard design is bit special. Designing the test board below was not easy, but became useful if confirm what part variations works or in testing parts from older broken FlashBoy.
In the future we can sell some to public as collectors item. Keep in mind they are bit expensive to make and have no SRAM save feature.
In the future we can sell some to public as collectors item. Keep in mind they are bit expensive to make and have no SRAM save feature.
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Is there a way to dump/copy my save file from FB+ to PC?
Sadly no, this is a modest Flashcard. When you load a new game that accesses the save feature it will whip your prior save.
You cannot dump the save by USB. The hardware not capable of that.
You could load game that may not access the SRAM part of circuit then re-load your original game it may keep your save file.
We did have an idea for a special homebrew/game/rom that could program a save file into the FB+, then you re-flash with original game to have that pre-loaded save file to FB+.
To that end, RetroOnyx VB Cart Reader (now out of production) should be able to read, write, & dump the save file. As the RetroOnyx VB Cart Reader will think its a regular game. The FlashBoy+ SRAM circuits heavily reflect the original OEM SRAM circuit.
You cannot dump the save by USB. The hardware not capable of that.
You could load game that may not access the SRAM part of circuit then re-load your original game it may keep your save file.
We did have an idea for a special homebrew/game/rom that could program a save file into the FB+, then you re-flash with original game to have that pre-loaded save file to FB+.
To that end, RetroOnyx VB Cart Reader (now out of production) should be able to read, write, & dump the save file. As the RetroOnyx VB Cart Reader will think its a regular game. The FlashBoy+ SRAM circuits heavily reflect the original OEM SRAM circuit.
Do you have a Firmware Update for FB or FB+?
We use Richards’s latest firmware, which was re-compiled just for us with some tweaks, and we don’t foresee any big firmware updates coming to the FlashBoy+. The design was pretty much complete/standard for over 10 years now. Even prior firmware versions likely have no significant changes.
I find your 2MB file size limit a bit well… limiting?
We know. At end of the day the FlashBoy is still a modest budget Flashcard. Yet, 100% of main library and 90 percent of homebrews will work on it. So that not bad odds. Only three homebrews are bigger than 2MB.
There is the Hyper Flash with greater capacity that may still be in production in years to come.
To that end, one idea a talented VB programmer had is to split a big homebrew into multiple 2MB files. So, when play past one part of the homebrew/game/rom simply re-flash next file to continue. Yet, this requires the VB programmer/developer to take extra time to make this idea a reality. Another neat trick to this idea, is you can carry over your save data that remains in the FB+.
There is the Hyper Flash with greater capacity that may still be in production in years to come.
To that end, one idea a talented VB programmer had is to split a big homebrew into multiple 2MB files. So, when play past one part of the homebrew/game/rom simply re-flash next file to continue. Yet, this requires the VB programmer/developer to take extra time to make this idea a reality. Another neat trick to this idea, is you can carry over your save data that remains in the FB+.
Your current PC software little dated. Is newer software coming out?
Your right the current software could be improved. For example, a better/easier interface and pre-padding ROM features. Yet, our current software gets the job done and once get used to it normally works just fine.
The Vintex 64 will reach out if anyone interested in a software update or if you like to reach out to us. It quite simple operators the FB+ as it uses a standard Microchip - PIC18FXXXX -Microcontroller.
The Vintex 64 will reach out if anyone interested in a software update or if you like to reach out to us. It quite simple operators the FB+ as it uses a standard Microchip - PIC18FXXXX -Microcontroller.
Do you plan update the FB+ design in the future?
We don’t plan any new changes. So unlikely we’ll be creating a new Flashcard or updating the FlashBoy+ in the future. Yet, thing can change fast in this world.
Do modern Virtual Boy programmer groups support the FlashBoy+?
We have seen some support/interest! A number of recent homebrews released have Flash Boy+ support.
The Planet Virtual Boy website has a dedicated support forum:
https://www.virtual-boy.com/forums/f/flashboy/
And historical information pages; has some small minor updates.
https://www.virtual-boy.com/hardware/flashboy/
Planet Virtual Boy does have out-of-date info still on FlashBoy+. For example, the main developer page says the FB+ no longer being made.
A lot goes on in those programmer groups... its possible some may not over support the FlashBoy+ as they focus on RetroOnyx or his HyperBoy. We'll update this FAQ as future aspects unfold; we'll leave it to them.
The Planet Virtual Boy website has a dedicated support forum:
https://www.virtual-boy.com/forums/f/flashboy/
And historical information pages; has some small minor updates.
https://www.virtual-boy.com/hardware/flashboy/
Planet Virtual Boy does have out-of-date info still on FlashBoy+. For example, the main developer page says the FB+ no longer being made.
A lot goes on in those programmer groups... its possible some may not over support the FlashBoy+ as they focus on RetroOnyx or his HyperBoy. We'll update this FAQ as future aspects unfold; we'll leave it to them.
Do you plan to keep making these? Will you run out?
Will these again become super hard or super expensive to get?
We’ll make as many as needed to meet demand for a good price. We aim to keep 25-50 in stock for sudden order surges.
Parts are still active, available, and cost effective, and we purchased extra stock. So, everything should be good for a very, very, long time. Vintex 64 is a long term company/business for you. So if Dragon Hopper rom get released we'll have extra FB+ ready!
The more FB+ sold the more support this gives to factory setup, supplier chain sustainability, & longevity support. So, every person who: purchase, speaks-up, or gives feedback is contributing to its long-term survival. Its you that makes this happen!
Many other Flashcart or retro gaming electronics are in the electronics graveyard, but after 15 years the FlashBoy continues to live on.
Parts are still active, available, and cost effective, and we purchased extra stock. So, everything should be good for a very, very, long time. Vintex 64 is a long term company/business for you. So if Dragon Hopper rom get released we'll have extra FB+ ready!
The more FB+ sold the more support this gives to factory setup, supplier chain sustainability, & longevity support. So, every person who: purchase, speaks-up, or gives feedback is contributing to its long-term survival. Its you that makes this happen!
Many other Flashcart or retro gaming electronics are in the electronics graveyard, but after 15 years the FlashBoy continues to live on.
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