Game Boy Advance/Development Hardware

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Nintendo produced a range of hardware for developing and testing software for the Game Boy Advance family.

IS-CGB-EMULATOR (AGB-compatible)

Main article: IS-CGB-EMULATOR

AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR connected to a DEBUGGER-compatible AGB via a cartridge probe[1]

Nintendo continued to use the IS-CGB-EMULATOR hardware for Game Boy Advance development. The units used the same gray box as the CGB development hardware, with IS-CGB-EMULATOR printed on the top of the case, but were upgraded to support the Game Boy Advance (AGB). These upgraded units are referred to as AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATORs.

The AGB-compatible units used updated FPGA firmware to provide AGB support. When purchasing an AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR, the following options could be selected:

  • CGB-DEBUGGER
  • CGB-CHARACTER
  • AGB-EMULATOR
  • AGB-DEBUGGER
  • AGB-CHARACTER
  • AGB-ANIMEVIEWER

The CGB-DEBUGGER and CGB-CHARACTER options provided the same functionality as described in the CGB development hardware section.

The AGB-EMULATOR option provides ROM emulation functionality, allowing a Game Boy Advance ROM to be loaded from a PC. It can also write to development flash cartridges (only available on IS-CGB-EMULATOR versions I or later).

The AGB-DEBUGGER option adds debugging functionality, including source-level debugging and breakpoints.

The AGB-CHARACTER option adds graphics editing functionality.

Later revisions of the IS-CGB-EMULATOR hardware used USB rather than SCSI to connect to the PC. These units can be identified with a "USB Hi-Speed" label on the top of the box.

Cartridge slot

The front panel of the IS-CGB-EMULATOR has a cartridge slot located above the ribbon cable connector. This slot is used to connect development cartridges and the IS-AGB-MIDI.

Cartridges inserted into this slot are referred to as external cartridges. This distinguishes them from the ROM being run through the IS-CGB-EMULATOR's internal emulation hardware.

Emulation memory

The IS-CGB-EMULATOR has 127 Mbit of emulation memory by default. This memory stores the ROM being emulated by the unit.

A "128 Mbit Memory Expansion Kit" can be purchased to increase the emulation memory from 127 Mbit to 255 Mbit.

The IS-AGB-EMULATOR/DEBUGGER software can write either the currently emulated ROM or a ROM image file to a development cartridge. The maximum amount that can be written depends on which source is being used:

  • When writing the emulated ROM, only up to 127 Mbit can be written, even when using a 128 Mbit or 256 Mbit development cartridge.
  • When writing a ROM image file, up to the maximum capacity of the development cartridge can be written, regardless of the amount of emulation memory installed in the IS-CGB-EMULATOR.

AGB-DEBUGGER setup

The AGB-DEBUGGER setup consists of 4 main components:

  • an AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR
  • a cartridge probe
  • a DEBUGGER-compatible AGB or DEBUGGER-compatible AGS
  • a PC running the appropriate software

The IS-CGB-EMULATOR connects to the PC. A ribbon cable connects the IS-CGB-EMULATOR to the cartridge probe, which is then inserted into the DEBUGGER-compatible AGB or AGS.

The DEBUGGER-compatible AGB (or AGS) contains the actual Game Boy Advance hardware used to run the software. It is identical to a retail Game Boy Advance (or Game Boy Advance SP respectively) with a few modifications for communication with the debugger:

  • 4 wires (power, ground, reset, and interrupt) extend out and connect to a 6-pin connector.
  • This connector plugs into the corresponding connector on the cartridge probe.
  • This arrangement allows the IS-CGB-EMULATOR to supply power to the DEBUGGER-compatible AGB (or AGS) and control its reset and interrupt signals.

When loading AGB ROMs for testing, the IS-AGB-EMULATOR software should be used. Likewise, the AGB-DEBUGGER functionality requires the IS-AGB-DEBUGGER software.

  • DEBUGGER-compatible AGB - front
    DEBUGGER-compatible AGB - front
  • DEBUGGER-compatible AGB - back
    DEBUGGER-compatible AGB - back
  • AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR (USB) connected to DEBUGGER-compatible AGS - front[2]
    AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR (USB) connected to DEBUGGER-compatible AGS - front[2]
  • DEBUGGER-compatible AGS - back[2]
    DEBUGGER-compatible AGS - back[2]

Compatible cartridge probes

The following cartridge probes are compatible with AGB:

  • AGB probe using DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE2 (SL1 at the bottom right is shorted)
  • AGB CARTRIDGE PROBE
  • DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE3(C)

To perform debugging using a sub-board, a cartridge probe with a sub-board connector is required.

Backup memory (save data) can be accessed when using a cartridge probe without a sub-board connector, but this operation is not guaranteed.

  • This can be done by inserting an AGB development cartridge with a sub-board connected into the IS-CGB-EMULATOR, then set the Memory Settings option to "Use internal memory for ROM and external memory for RAM"
  • AGB probe using DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE2 - front[3]
    AGB probe using DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE2 - front[3]
  • AGB probe using DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE2 - back[3]
    AGB probe using DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE2 - back[3]
  • DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE2 - board front[3]
    DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE2 - board front[3]
  • DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE2 - board back[3]
    DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE2 - board back[3]
  • AGB CARTRIDGE PROBE - front[4]
    AGB CARTRIDGE PROBE - front[4]
  • AGB CARTRIDGE PROBE - back[4]
    AGB CARTRIDGE PROBE - back[4]
  • AGB CARTRIDGE PROBE - board front[4]
    AGB CARTRIDGE PROBE - board front[4]
  • AGB CARTRIDGE PROBE - board back[4]
    AGB CARTRIDGE PROBE - board back[4]
  • DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE3(C) - front[4]
    DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE3(C) - front[4]
  • DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE3(C) - board front[4]
    DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE3(C) - board front[4]
  • DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE3(C) - board back[4]
    DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE3(C) - board back[4]

AGB-CHARACTER setup

The IS-AGB-CHARACTER software allows editing graphics on the PC. The graphics can be displayed in real time on a Game Boy Advance console, allowing developers to see how they will appear on the console's LCD screen.

This functionality could be used with the same AGB-DEBUGGER setup described above.

Developers who did not require an AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR could instead use an AGB Parallel Interface Cartridge (AGB-PIC). The AGB-PIC is a cartridge with a parallel port on the opposite end. The parallel port connects to a PC running the IS-AGB-CHARACTER software, while the cartridge itself is inserted into a standard retail Game Boy Advance. This setup allowed developers to use the graphics editing and preview functionality without purchasing an AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR.

WIDE-BOY64 for AGB

Main article: WIDE-BOY64

WIDE-BOY64 for AGB[6]

The WIDE-BOY64 for AGB is shaped like a tall Nintendo 64 cartridge. It contains Game Boy Advance hardware and a cartridge slot, and plugs into a Nintendo 64. The AV output from the Nintendo 64 is used to output the Game Boy Advance display to a TV.

The WIDE-BOY64 can be used independently of the AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR. Inserting either a retail Game Boy Color or Game Boy Advance cartridge, or a development flash cartridge, into the WIDE-BOY64 and connecting it to a Nintendo 64 is sufficient to display the game on a TV.

  • WIDE-BOY64 for AGB[7] This variant has a larger cutout on the top, presumably to allow inserting an AGB CARTRIDGE PROBE
    WIDE-BOY64 for AGB[7]
    This variant has a larger cutout on the top, presumably to allow inserting an AGB CARTRIDGE PROBE


WIDE-BOY64 with AGB-DEBUGGER

The WIDE-BOY64 can also be used together with the AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR.

For this setup, the cartridge probe is inserted into the WIDE-BOY64. The included 2-pin-to-6-pin cable connects the 2-pin connector on the WIDE-BOY64 to the 6-pin connector on the cartridge probe.

This provides the same debugging functionality as with the DEBUGGER-compatible AGB (or AGS), but uses the WIDE-BOY64 to output the Game Boy Advance display to a TV. This makes it possible to debug software while viewing the display on a large screen rather than on the small LCD of the DEBUGGER-compatible AGB (or AGS).

The WIDE-BOY64 also provides a link port, allowing software using it to be developed and tested.

  • WIDE-BOY64 for AGB connected to AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR[8]
    WIDE-BOY64 for AGB connected to AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR[8]

WIDE-BOY64 for AGB LCD Set

WIDE-BOY64 for AGB LCD Set[9]

The WIDE-BOY64 for AGB LCD Set retains all the features of the WIDE-BOY64 for AGB while adding a connector on the front of the cartridge for an AGB LCD.

The AGB LCD is a dummy Game Boy Advance handheld that contains no Game Boy Advance hardware of its own. It provides a physical Game Boy Advance form factor and LCD, allowing simultaneous video output and confirming the actual gameplay feel and display size.

This variant is ideal for shows and exhibitions. A player can use the AGB LCD unit to control the game while an audience watch the same game on the TV.

  • WIDE-BOY64 for AGB LCD set, connected to a Nintendo 64[10]
    WIDE-BOY64 for AGB LCD set, connected to a Nintendo 64[10]


IS-AGB-CAPTURE

Main article: IS-AGB-CAPTURE

IS-AGB-CAPTURE connected to AGB LCD[11]

The IS-AGB-CAPTURE is a standalone successor to the WIDE-BOY64 for AGB LCD Set. It provides simultaneous output to a TV and a Game Boy Advance-style handheld without requiring a Nintendo 64.

The handheld used with the IS-AGB-CAPTURE is the same AGB LCD unit used with the WIDE-BOY64 for AGB LCD Set.

The IS-AGB-CAPTURE can also connect to a PC and capture images as bitmap files.

Later revisions of the IS-AGB-CAPTURE were available with USB connectivity.

  • AGB LCD - back[12]
    AGB LCD - back[12]
  • IS-AGB-CAPTURE (USB)[13]
    IS-AGB-CAPTURE (USB)[13]


IS-AGB-CAPTURE with AGB-DEBUGGER

The IS-AGB-CAPTURE can also be used together with the AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR.

For this setup, the cartridge probe is inserted into the IS-AGB-CAPTURE. The included 2-pin-to-6-pin cable connects the 2-pin connector on CN2 of the IS-AGB-CAPTURE to the 6-pin connector on the front of the IS-CGB-EMULATOR.

This allows debugging software while viewing the Game Boy Advance display on a large screen.

  • IS-AGB-CAPTURE (USB) connected to AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR[14]
    IS-AGB-CAPTURE (USB) connected to AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR[14]

IS-AGB-MIDI

Main article: IS-AGB-MIDI

IS-AGB-MIDI[15]

The IS-AGB-MIDI is a Game Boy Advance cartridge used with an AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR. It provides a MIDI interface for connecting external MIDI devices, such as a sequencer or keyboard, to the Game Boy Advance's sound engine.

MIDI data can played back in real time and the resulting audio is output through a DEBUGGER-compatible AGB (or AGS).

The IS-AGB-MIDI cartridge would be inserted into the cartridge slot on the front panel of the IS-CGB-EMULATOR.

  • IS-AGB-MIDI - back[16]
    IS-AGB-MIDI - back[16]

AGB FLASH GANG WRITER

Main article: FLASH GANG WRITER

AGB FLASH GANG WRITER[17]

The AGB FLASH GANG WRITER is a separate development hardware that allows writing up to 8 Game Boy Color or Game Boy Advance development flash cartridges simultaneously. This makes it useful for preparing multiple development cartridges at once.

Older DMG FLASH GANG WRITER units could also be upgraded to support Game Boy Advance development flash cartridges.

Later FLASH GANG WRITER units were available with USB connectivity.

The software used on the PC is the IS-FLASH-GANG-WRITER.

  • Upgraded DMG FLASH GANG WRITER[18]
    Upgraded DMG FLASH GANG WRITER[18]
  • Upgraded DMG FLASH GANG WRITER[19]
    Upgraded DMG FLASH GANG WRITER[19]

Development Cartridges

Main article: Game Boy Advance/Developer cartridges

Development cartridges are rewritable game cartridges used to store game software for testing purposes.

Several types of development cartridges were produced throughout the Game Boy Advance lifecycle.

  • AGB Cartridge 64M Flash[20]
    AGB Cartridge 64M Flash[20]
  • AGB Cartridge 128M Flash[21]
    AGB Cartridge 128M Flash[21]
  • AGB Cartridge 64M Flash with Case[22]
    AGB Cartridge 64M Flash with Case[22]
  • AGB Cartridge 128M Flash with Case[23]
    AGB Cartridge 128M Flash with Case[23]
  • AGB Cartridge 64M Flash S[24]
    AGB Cartridge 64M Flash S[24]
  • AGB Cartridge 128M Flash S[25]
    AGB Cartridge 128M Flash S[25]
  • AGB Cartridge 256M Flash S[26]
    AGB Cartridge 256M Flash S[26]

Sub-boards connect to development cartridges and compatible cartridge probes. They provide backup memory (save data storage).

  • AGB Sub Cartridge 4K EEPROM[27]
    AGB Sub Cartridge 4K EEPROM[27]
  • AGB Sub Cartridge 256K SRAM[28]
    AGB Sub Cartridge 256K SRAM[28]
  • AGB Sub Cartridge 512K Flash S[29]
    AGB Sub Cartridge 512K Flash S[29]
  • AGB Sub Cartridge S 4K EEPROM[30]
    AGB Sub Cartridge S 4K EEPROM[30]
  • AGB Sub Cartridge S 256K SRAM[31]
    AGB Sub Cartridge S 256K SRAM[31]
  • AGB Sub Cartridge S 512K Flash M[32]
    AGB Sub Cartridge S 512K Flash M[32]

Prototype Hardware

Before the finalized development systems were released, several prototype boards and development units were used during the hardware and software development process.

The "TS" designations identify the state of the Game Boy Advance hardware at different points during development.

The TS1 dates to November 1999 and differs significantly from the later TS2. It has 48 KB of internal work RAM and no external work RAM.

The TS2, which dates to April 2000, has 32 KB of internal work RAM and added 256 KB of external work RAM.

AGB SDK 1.0 corresponds to TS1, while AGB SDK 2.0 corresponds to TS2.

Later hardware stages, TS3 and TS4, were used in systems with the same form as the final Game Boy Advance console.

AGB Target Board

Main article: AGB Target Board

The AGB Target Board was a board used for early Game Boy Advance development. It contains all the Game Boy Advance hardware laid out on a large board. The board also has connectors for a modified Super Famicom controller.

  • A Super Famicom (JP) controller shipped with US sets, while a Super Nintendo (US) controller shipped with Japanese sets

There were 2 versions of the target board: TS1 and TS2.

TS1 target boards are identified by the AGB-STB-01 marking on the target board, while TS2 target boards are identified by AGB-STB-02 or AGB-STB-03.

  • TS1 target board - front[33]
    TS1 target board - front[33]
  • TS1 target board[33]
    TS1 target board[33]
  • TS2 target board - front[34]
    TS2 target board - front[34]
  • TS2 target board - back[34]
    TS2 target board - back[34]
  • Probe used with the target board[35]
    Probe used with the target board[35]
  • SNES controller - front[3]
    SNES controller - front[3]
  • SNES controller - back[3]
    SNES controller - back[3]
  • SFC controller - front[35]
    SFC controller - front[35]

An AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR would be connected to the target board using a cartridge probe inserted into the cartridge slot on the right side of the board. The probe is a modified DMG CARTRIDGE PROBE ( ), with traces cut and 2 or 4 bodge wires added.

The included 2-pin-to-6-pin cable connects the target board's 2-pin connector (P4 on TS1, P5 on TS2) to the 6-pin connector on the cartridge probe.

  • TS2 target board connected to AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR[36]
    TS2 target board connected to AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATOR[36]

WIDE-BOY64 AGB (Target Board only)

WIDE-BOY64 AGB Target Board only[37]

The target boards can also be used with a special target board-only WIDE-BOY64 AGB. Unlike a normal WIDE-BOY64 AGB, this WIDE-BOY64 does not contain Game Boy Advance hardware and has no cartridge slot. It is used only to provide video output from the target board.

This setup is required for target boards without an LCD. A ribbon cable connects the connector on the front of the WIDE-BOY64 to the 40-pin connector on the left side of the target board (P1 on TS1, P7 on TS2).

  • TS2 target board connected to target board-only WIDE-BOY64, inserted to a Nintendo 64[35]
    TS2 target board connected to target board-only WIDE-BOY64, inserted to a Nintendo 64[35]


DEBUGGER-compatible AGB

Once the enclosure design for the Game Boy Advance had been decided, development hardware began to be produced in systems with the same form as the final Game Boy Advance handheld. AGB-compatible IS-CGB-EMULATORs began shipping with a TS4 DEBUGGER-compatible AGB instead of a TS2 target board. These units are notable for using color schemes that were not released commercially:

  • "Berry" (AGB-CPU-X7 motherboard)
  • "Lemon yellow" (AGB-CPU-X9 motherboard)
  • "Berry" - front[38]
    "Berry" - front[38]
  • "Berry" - back[38]
    "Berry" - back[38]
  • "Berry" - X7 designation[38]
    "Berry" - X7 designation[38]
  • "Lemon yellow" - front[38]
    "Lemon yellow" - front[38]
  • "Lemon yellow" - back[38]
    "Lemon yellow" - back[38]
  • "Lemon yellow" - X9 designation[38]
    "Lemon yellow" - X9 designation[38]

Additionally, a TS2 DEBUGGER-compatible AGB is also known to exist, using one of the color schemes shown at Spaceworld 2000.

  • "Silver/Blue" - front[39]
    "Silver/Blue" - front[39]
  • "Silver/Blue" - back[39] This console uses an AGB-CPU-X4 motherboard
    "Silver/Blue" - back[39]
    This console uses an AGB-CPU-X4 motherboard

References

  1. ↑ https://paypayfleamarket.yahoo.co.jp/item/m1091432909
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://x.com/Rare_DevKits/status/1383826066209329155
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 RGD Discord - Voodooween
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 https://www.behindthecode.ca/gameboy-probe-carts/
  5. ↑ https://x.com/forestillusion/status/1514256357343461379
  6. ↑ https://iceboy.a-singer.de/doc/wide_boy.html
  7. ↑ https://www.behindthecode.ca/agb-wideboy-64/
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNPQCINCqSo&t=457s
  9. ↑ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nintendo-Intelligent-Systems-WideBoy64-AGB-01.jpg
  10. ↑ https://consolevariations.com/collectibles/nintendo-64-wide-boy
  11. ↑ https://www.ebay.com/itm/168556003929
  12. ↑ https://consolevariations.com/collectibles/nintendo-gameboy-advance-is-agb-capture-unit-scsi-ver
  13. ↑ https://www.behindthecode.ca/gameboy-is-agb-capture/
  14. ↑ https://www.behindthecode.ca/gameboy-probe-carts/
  15. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHe2o2p_6AY&t=898s
  16. ↑ https://x.com/Rare_DevKits/status/1434119734207946753
  17. ↑ https://x.com/Rare_DevKits/status/1387144622758055937
  18. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hHQAPcAgOA&t=424s
  19. ↑ https://consolevariations.com/collectibles/nintendo-game-boy-advance-dmg-flash-gw-agb-rom-2-0
  20. ↑ https://www.behindthecode.ca/agb-flash-cartridge/
  21. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/gamecollecting/comments/alwas6/latest_purchase_gba_dev_cart_project_alpha/
  22. ↑ https://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/s1177741690
  23. ↑ https://digiex.net/threads/flash-write-official-gba-development-flash-carts-with-an-nintendo-ds.15673/
  24. ↑ https://www.behindthecode.ca/agb-flash-cartridge/
  25. ↑ https://www.behindthecode.ca/agb-flash-cartridge/
  26. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/gamecollecting/comments/bxqgxv/picked_this_gba_prototype_cartridge_up_at_a/
  27. ↑ https://www.behindthecode.ca/gameboy-probe-carts/
  28. ↑ https://jp.mercari.com/item/m84059714896
  29. ↑ RGD Discord - Kelly
  30. ↑ https://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/u1192735055
  31. ↑ https://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/1181504597
  32. ↑ RGD Discord - Kelly
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/22/game-boy-advance-development-kit-revealed
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 https://www.ebay.com/itm/287435763358
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 https://x.com/JustTeddii/status/2004624153551261835
  36. ↑ https://archive.org/details/nintendo-power-issues-1-50.7z - Nintendo Power Issue 143 page 43
  37. ↑ https://www.nesworld.com/index.php?page=wideboy64-agb-the-early-version
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 38.3 38.4 38.5 RGD Discord - MrPinball64
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 https://www.behindthecode.ca/agb-prototypes/
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