Engineering the Time Frog Color

My childhood self used to daydream about wearing cool tech on my wrist like my favorite cartoon characters. However, as a cynical adult, the idea of a Game Boy Color smart watch sounds more like a "cursed" experiment than a dream. YouTube creator Chris Hackmann, known online as LeggoMyFroggo, has brought this unholy union to life with his latest creation: the Time Frog Color.

Rather than simply emulating retro hits on a wearable device, Hackmann has crafted something that blends original hardware with modern microcontrollers. He salvaged the surprisingly small Game Boy Color CPU and mounted it onto a bespoke PCB. To bridge the gap between eras, he paired a Sharp SoC (based on the ZROG Z80) with a Raspberry Pi RP2040. This setup allows the device to translate the original parallel RGB output into a format a modern screen can actually display.

A Cursed Control Scheme and Design

The physical design of this Game Boy Color smart watch requires significant creative compromise due to its tiny footprint. The 15mm thick housing is packed with hardware, leading to some highly unconventional choices:

  • Custom Cartridges: Games are loaded via shrunk-down, custom-made cartridges.
  • Side-Mounted Controls: To save space, the D-pad and buttons are located along the sides of the watch face.
  • Integrated Strap Battery: Because the cartridge slot takes up so much internal room, the battery is actually contained within the silicone strap.

Hackmann acknowledges that using an overmoulded silicone strap for a battery isn't ideal for thermals or safety. However, he noted that since he is unlikely to charge and play the device simultaneously, the danger is minimized. He even admits the project is essentially a "Game Boy Color with a less than optimal playing experience."

Future Documentation and Open Source Plans

The development of this ambitious project took approximately two years to reach its current state. While I am not personally inspired to attempt such a difficult build, the level of engineering involved is impressive.

Once Hackmann uploads his documentation to GitHub, the project will become available for others to follow. It is always incredible to see how old hardware can inspire new innovation, much like the recent "Ultimate" PlayStation mod or the 8-bit Morrowind demake. I can only wonder if a custom cartridge for that project is next on the horizon.