Super TapTo Boy

Super TapTo Boy is a custom case project whereby a SNES shell is used (with a SBC inside) and is used in conjuction with a Super Gameboy (for reading the games). The Super Gameboy houses a PN532 NFC reader inside that is connected to a SBC (DE-10 Nano or Raspberry Pi) which itself is housed inside the SNES shell. They are then connected on the inside to each other through a wired USB connection.

Super TapTo Boy Logo

The games' path is written on a NFC chip or tag via the TapTo Life app and the chip is then adhered to the inside of a GameBoy cartridge that is subsequently read by the NFC reader (which sits inside the Super GameBoy). This will in turn start the game on the desired hardware. You can find more information on how to use the TapTo Life app to write games to NFC chips here.

Introduction

Inside of a Super TapTo Boy

This project started it's life after contemplating on how best to use physical media together with sofware or hardware emulation. Since the MiSTer Project and the multitude of Linux-based Emulation operating systems have no physical media for games, a lot of people resort to modding and using their own classic consoles for the most nostalgic looking and feeling experience. Currently software and hardware emulation have come a long way and are in some cases (almost) interchangable with original hardware accuracy-wise. The abscence of physical media keeps people from viewing this route as a 'complete' and authentic experience.

The TapTo project introduces a new way for people to fill this gap with physical NFC cards. Super TapTo Boy tries to improve upon this concept with physical cartridges to replicate the feeling of inserting games and having a classic console to look at while keeping the cost relatively low compared to modding original hardware for the same performance.

The build

Work in progress and subject to change.