Virtual Boy USB PD Adapter

The Nintendo Virtual Boy is a fascinating part of video game history. The console itself is relatively rare, and its accessories even rarer. Many official power adapters for the Virtual Boy are expensive, on top of an already expensive retro console. This is not the first USB-C power adapter mod for the Virtual Boy, but this is hopefully one of the simplest.

Materials:

• A 3D printer with filament

• Solid core 18 AWG wire (no insulation)

• USB PD trigger board (9 volts) - like this

• A soldering iron with solder

• Three M2.5 screws, 8mm long

Assembly:

1. Print the top and bottom pieces. Standard print settings for any conventional 3D printer will work. Supports are not necessary.

2. For the bottom piece, cut some solid core wire to run the length of the channels.

3. Insert the USB PD trigger board in the top of the bottom piece, and solder the wire to the trigger board terminals.

4. Lay the top piece over the bottom piece and screw in the three screws.

Notes:

• The Virtual Boy internal power regulator expects 10 volts nominal, but can run on 9 volts just fine even with a Virtual Tap mod and a Mr CART flashcart. I have not tested 12 volt trigger boards.

• If the USB-C is not connected to an appropriate USB PD power source, it may only draw 5 volts instead of 9, and your Virtual Boy may not power on. Double check your power supply's power output ratings.

• This is a very tight fit device made in a single 24 hour span. The FreeCAD source files, along with STEP and STL files, are available for download. Please feel free to remix and/or sell your own versions of this, as long as the original is given credit!