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Virtual Boy FlashBoy+ F.A.Q.
What is the FlashBoy (FB) or FlashBoy + (FB+)
A Virtual Boy game card that loads games-backups or homebrew to play, use, or test.
Basically, a re-writable gamecard for the Nintendo Virtual Boy.
Wario Land can play in FB+ & save game progress.
Basically, a re-writable gamecard for the Nintendo Virtual Boy.
- FlashBoy (FB) has no game save chip.
- FlashBoy+ (FB+) has game save chip.
Wario Land can play in FB+ & save game progress.
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 re-create the wheel in inventing another budget Flashcard we reach out to Richard who allowed us to make, distribute, and tweak his FlashBoy+ design.
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.
I noticed some high profile prototype VB games that may come to your website.
Can I buy a FlashBoy+ with a prototype game pre-load?
Yes, when that day comes, we'll pre-load your FB+ purchase with 1X prototype of your request.
You may also order more than one FB+ if like too. Since FB+ are auto-manufactured it saves us time & you get access to this prototype gaming content.
You may also order more than one FB+ if like too. Since FB+ are auto-manufactured it saves us time & you get access to this prototype gaming content.
Is it hard to use the FlashBoy+? I am not the best with computers.
Very easy to use. We created the fb_manual_b.pdf to help. And see "video testimonials" page which have some step-by-step FB+ videos.
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 a CIB version (Official Box Packaging) or Deluxe version?
We don’t ever plan get into CIB or boxing. Yet CID or deluxe edition could become available from stone-age-gamer.
Simply email them about your interest in this.
There are also FB+ cases available from www.customgamecases.com. They have two types available and are very good at what they do.
Simply email them about your interest in this.
There are also FB+ cases available from www.customgamecases.com. They have two types available and are very good at what they do.
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Are your reproduction VB games re-programable? Can I use the FlashBoy+ software to re-program your reproduction VB games?
Most of the time, 90% of the time, we use our true VB reproduction designs. They are not re-programable. They are designed as true cartridges.
As we normally keep FlashBoy+ parts for FlashBoy+ builds/sales.
Yet, with high order volume, we may use a latest generation FlashBoy or FlashBoy+ and remove the "USB Female Socket" or "SRAM chips/battery" and use it as a reproduction. The shell looks normal just no USB socket at end, but inside its a FlashBoy or FlashBoy+. We are very confident it will hold up very well over long year for your needs.
Remember without the USB female socket you cannot re-program it. Yet if re-installed this you can use it like regular FB or FB+.
As we normally keep FlashBoy+ parts for FlashBoy+ builds/sales.
Yet, with high order volume, we may use a latest generation FlashBoy or FlashBoy+ and remove the "USB Female Socket" or "SRAM chips/battery" and use it as a reproduction. The shell looks normal just no USB socket at end, but inside its a FlashBoy or FlashBoy+. We are very confident it will hold up very well over long year for your needs.
Remember without the USB female socket you cannot re-program it. Yet if re-installed this you can use it like regular FB or FB+.
Do you offer the FB+ to programmers/developers at discount?
For sure, we just request you cover shipping. Many original VB homebrews or mods came from developers using the FlashBoy+.
Do modern VB Program Developers support the FB+?
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They do, for example, the modern VUE Engine Studio has full FlashBoy+ support. This was just re-confirmed recently. It includes built in pre-padding. You can also download and install to try some of the homebrew template games.
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What type of USB Cable is it? Can I use my modern cell phone cable?
One end is regular USB. The other end, that goes into the FlashBoy+, is "USB Mini-B Cable". Its 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 PC & FB+.
See images below of our 3-feet cable end that goes into the PC & 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. This 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?
We decided to only sell the 3-feet high quality cable and cost reflects that. Cheap cables never a good investment.
Yet, you could find one at your location & save some money.
Local pawn, older electronics, or crazy store full of stuff. 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.
Yet, you could find one at your location & save some money.
Local pawn, older electronics, or crazy store full of stuff. 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? What happens if a few year from now stops working?
Each FlashBoy is pre-built then tested before ships. So, when arrives suggest you load it into your VB for quick play test. This confirms 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 & saving fine.
Things can happen. Give the “FB+ Manual Rev B” a good try. Then let us know & we’ll ship you a replacement. 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 & saving fine.
Things can happen. Give the “FB+ Manual Rev B” a good try. Then let us know & we’ll ship you a replacement. So far we had 0 recall units in the wild.
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 models.
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.
Your old one will go into research to help keep improving the design in future models.
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.
Your old one will go into research to help keep improving the design in future models.
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, adding Vintex 64 markings, gold plating, replaced some parts with better/updated versions, and few other tweaks. As of 2023 more tweaks/updates are coming.
Our FB+ has green PCB solder mask with Vintex 64 markings. Our model number is "Vintex64-27A-01" future models will have last numerical value increment up.
The majority of original FlashBoy releases have red solder mask. Note Richard did sell a few different types as well in his day.
Our FB+ has green PCB solder mask with Vintex 64 markings. Our model number is "Vintex64-27A-01" future models will have last numerical value increment up.
The majority of original FlashBoy releases have red solder mask. Note Richard did sell a few different types as well in his day.
Latest Vintex 64 - Model 01 release.
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Richard past last official FB+ release.
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Your Flash Boy+ use Flash or SRAM save feature?
5V Flash chips to VB specs 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+ & regular Vintex 64 SRAM reproduction VB games 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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'll 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 easy. As battery start to decay or corrode or leak. We also recommend a higher quality brand name; like Duracell or Energizer. If buying old eBay stock maybe do quick multimeter test; make sure actually has power.
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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 there we’ll make more & in higher quality.
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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 different parts/chips. Richard design is a bit special. Designing this test board below was not easy, but became useful if confirming part variations.
We wont sell these to the public. They are bit expensive to make, have no SRAM save feature, & not that practical to use.
We wont sell these to the public. They are bit expensive to make, have no SRAM save feature, & not that practical to use.
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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 data.
You cannot dump the save by USB. The hardware not capable of that.
You could load a 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 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, any Virtual Boy Cart reader/dumper should be able to read, write, & dump the save file. The FlashBoy+ SRAM circuits heavily reflect the original OEM SRAM circuit any good VB reader/dumper should work just fine; as it will think its a regular game & SRAM.
RetroOnyx VB Cart Reader one that been around. Others may show up over time as time goes on.
You cannot dump the save by USB. The hardware not capable of that.
You could load a 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 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, any Virtual Boy Cart reader/dumper should be able to read, write, & dump the save file. The FlashBoy+ SRAM circuits heavily reflect the original OEM SRAM circuit any good VB reader/dumper should work just fine; as it will think its a regular game & SRAM.
RetroOnyx VB Cart Reader one that been around. Others may show up over time as time goes on.
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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 99 percent of homebrews will work on it. So that not bad odds. Only three homebrews are bigger than 2MB. Some new homebrews also have 2MB version just for the FlashBoy+ too!
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 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+ SRAM.
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 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+ SRAM.
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. No one really complained.
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 to 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 to the FB+ as it uses a standard Microchip - PIC18FXXXX -Microcontroller.
Heard you guys are looking for a custom VB test Homebrew for FlashBoy+ testing?
Why don't you just use a VB cart dumper?
Correct, we been asking/looking from time to time; if anyone interested please let us know.
Reason, when you make 200+ of FB+, we & the PCB factory, will save significant time with an instant boot screen/sound/menu that then quickly pre-loads the SRAM load. Then upon power down, temporary cart removal, and re-powering up it very quickly confirm SRAM stable/working.
To get fancy could add full SRAM or ROM integrity check & a nice Vintex64 or Stone-Age-Gamer logo. Default be quick boot, but with option of slow-boot for this fancy stuff.
Many past Nintendo systems had a stress test cartridge before systems leave the factory.
This also helpful for end-customer to verify FB+ after shipping for self tests. Also, add level of overall professionalism.
Not bad idea go with VB cart dumper, but not all end-customer, or PCB factories, have access to this technology. Easier to jerry rig a VB with VGA out.
And we found the truly best way to test FB+ is with 100% official VB hardware.
Reason, when you make 200+ of FB+, we & the PCB factory, will save significant time with an instant boot screen/sound/menu that then quickly pre-loads the SRAM load. Then upon power down, temporary cart removal, and re-powering up it very quickly confirm SRAM stable/working.
To get fancy could add full SRAM or ROM integrity check & a nice Vintex64 or Stone-Age-Gamer logo. Default be quick boot, but with option of slow-boot for this fancy stuff.
Many past Nintendo systems had a stress test cartridge before systems leave the factory.
This also helpful for end-customer to verify FB+ after shipping for self tests. Also, add level of overall professionalism.
Not bad idea go with VB cart dumper, but not all end-customer, or PCB factories, have access to this technology. Easier to jerry rig a VB with VGA out.
And we found the truly best way to test FB+ is with 100% official VB hardware.
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Do you plan update the FB+ design in the future?
We are planning some new changes. Yet nothing too substantial. Just adjustment to help lower cost, make it easier to manufacture, & more reliable.
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 us and re-sellers if 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. Come to our site & we'll have a FlashBoy+ ready for you.
The more FB+ we sell the more support/justification to factory setup, supplier chain sustainability, & longevity. 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 Flashcarts 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. Come to our site & we'll have a FlashBoy+ ready for you.
The more FB+ we sell the more support/justification to factory setup, supplier chain sustainability, & longevity. 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 Flashcarts or retro gaming electronics are in the electronics graveyard, but after 15+ years the FlashBoy+ continues to live on.
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