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 FB:
What we like the most about the FB:
- 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” to help. You can also email us for support. We also plans 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.
Just note right now we little short as need to clear our back order, but as soon as we get extra stock be shipped your way.
Just note right now we little short as need to clear our back order, but as soon as we get extra stock be shipped your way.
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 as PlayStation 3 Controller.
See images below of end that goes into the FB+.
See images below of 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 keeps all FlashBoy standard and the large size gives more surface that helps it be more robust.
Why do you offer a no USB Cable option?
Since your charge bit for this cable how do I find it for better price?
The cable is sometimes not easy for us to buy in bulk. Also, trying to save on your shipping costs. If you can find one at your location that helps everyone out.
Another neat trick is finding a local pawn, older electronics, or crazy store full of stuff and try find a used cable. Try being familiar with the “USB Mini-B” type or have example device to try the cable. For example, a PlayStation 3 controller. Try get best quality or beefy cable you can find, get a spare, and ideally keep length short if lower quality cable.
Otherwise, we’ll both be buying form Amazon, etc.
Another neat trick is finding a local pawn, older electronics, or crazy store full of stuff and try find a used cable. Try being familiar with the “USB Mini-B” type or have example device to try the cable. For example, a PlayStation 3 controller. Try get best quality or beefy cable you can find, get a spare, and ideally keep length short if lower quality cable.
Otherwise, we’ll both be buying form Amazon, etc.
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.
Things can happen. Give the “FB+ Manual” 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.
Things can happen. Give the “FB+ Manual” 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.
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”. 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 very much the same. We 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 had red solder mask. See images below:
Our FB+ has green PCB solder mask with Vintex 64 markings. The majority of original FlashBoy releases had 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. 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. Simple look at pictures above.
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.
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. 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. Simple look at pictures above.
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 a way to fast/easily program the chips firmware before going to the automated factory. Also, to insure all raw parts meet required specs/requirements. Designing the test board below was not easy, but was a lot of fun.
In the future we can sell some to public as collectors item. Keep in mind they are bit expensive to make and more for testing parts. Yet they work like a regular FlashBoy. As 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 more for testing parts. Yet they work like a regular FlashBoy. As 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 you 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+.
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 you 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+.
Do you have a Firmware Update for FB or FB+?
We use Richards’s latest firmware, which was re-compiled just for us, 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.
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. If this idea ever becomes a reality another neat trick, 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. If this idea ever becomes a reality another neat trick, 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 team not into writing software and we don’t see any interest in anyone helping us out with software update. Yet, we’ll be very grateful if anyone steps forward. It quite simple operators the FB+ as it uses a standard Microchip - PIC18FXXXX -Microcontroller.
The Vintex 64 team not into writing software and we don’t see any interest in anyone helping us out with software update. Yet, we’ll be very grateful if anyone steps forward. 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.
Do modern Virtual Boy programmer groups support the FlashBoy+?
We have seen some modern support/interest. Some recent homebrews releases have Flash Boy+ support.
The Planet Virtual Boy website even kept the dedicated support forum:
https://www.virtual-boy.com/forums/f/flashboy/
And historical information pages; have been updated.
https://www.virtual-boy.com/hardware/flashboy/
Yet, a lot goes on in those programmer groups... So, it possible some may not over support or see the FlashBoy+ as super relevant as they may focus on RetroOnyx HyperBoy. We'll update this FAQ as future aspects unfold.
The Planet Virtual Boy website even kept the dedicated support forum:
https://www.virtual-boy.com/forums/f/flashboy/
And historical information pages; have been updated.
https://www.virtual-boy.com/hardware/flashboy/
Yet, a lot goes on in those programmer groups... So, it possible some may not over support or see the FlashBoy+ as super relevant as they may focus on RetroOnyx HyperBoy. We'll update this FAQ as future aspects unfold.
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 at a good price. We aim to keep 25-50 in stock for sudden order surges.
Parts are still active, available, and cost effective, yet we purchased extra stock just in case. So, everything should be good for a very long time.
Actually, the more FB+ we sell the more support this gives to factory setup, supplier chain sustainability, & longevity support. So, every person who purchase one 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, yet we purchased extra stock just in case. So, everything should be good for a very long time.
Actually, the more FB+ we sell the more support this gives to factory setup, supplier chain sustainability, & longevity support. So, every person who purchase one 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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