Few consoles can claim to be as iconic as the Game Boy, one of Nintendo's earliest and most impactful successes in the games industry. And while there are many gamers that have fond memories with the handheld device, using it frequently also meant using up a ton of batteries. Luckily, a team of computer scientists from Dutch university TU Delft is working to change that.
While not an actual Game Boy, the team is working on a replica that uses emulation software called the "Engage." The device is meant to resemble the look and feel of the original handheld, though with a smaller screen. The special twist is that it doesn't have a battery slot. Instead, the console features solar panels and can draw energy from button-presses made by the user.
The emulation software lets the device play all the console's games, so it's still functional, though it can only play for about 10 seconds before it shuts off and has to be charged with more button mashing or solar power. Additionally, the device doesn't feature sound, due to the energy consumption it takes. However, it isn't designed to be sold, with the team creating it for the 2020 virtual UbiComp, an annual conference held for a variety of disciplines.
There is, however, an extra layer in the software that allows a player's progress to be saved, so when the console reboots they can pick up where they left off. The goal here is to reduce waste and help fight climate change, which getting rid of batteries would help with. Gaming can use up a lot of energy inefficiently, in part due to the power draw from machines like gaming PCs and consoles.
The Engage currently uses 3d-printed plastic, though the team eventually wants it to be recyclable. The efficiency goals, all around, are noble, and with any luck console manufacturers will start to take notice. A battery-less future sounds appealing in and of itself, with the battery life of handheld consoles and phones being a sore-point for consumers. Increasing battery life, or eliminating it entirely, is certainly something people would appreciate.
Of course, the Engage seems like it's still in the very early stages of life, so it may be quite some time before its influence has a tangible impact on the gaming industry as a whole. Hopefully, the team will keep fans updated with new information along the way.
Source: Cnet