MGBC-MBL-01 VS SZ-POCO VS MGBC-CPU-X64 Vs NTN-YAP-POCO
This is just a quick post about my thoughts on the current MGB/PoCo boards that currently exist. Each have their own pros and cons, They are similar in that they all play Game Boy Color games, they all fit in Game Boy Pocket shells with no modifications, and they all use some parts from an oem Game Boy Color, some using more than others. They require a display kit like the OSD kit from Hispeedido in order for the image to fit properly. You can’t really go wrong with any of them, the biggest difference is there are features that exist in some and not others.
The first board I want to talk about is the Bucket Mouse MGBC-MBL-01, one of the first MGBC boards I built and a standout in my collection. Unlike many other builds, this one was assembled using all new parts, with the only OEM components being the CPU, RAM, cartridge slot, DC jack, headphone jack, power switch, link port, and volume potentiometer—basically, the proprietary or hard-to-source parts from Nintendo. While you could theoretically reuse capacitors and resistors from your donor board by referencing the CGB replacement parts list, I opted for the simpler route and used all new passive components.
The MGBC-MBL-01 is a modern take on the MGBC concept. One of the standout improvements is the audio, thanks to a new amplifier (LM4853) that delivers better sound quality. Another great feature is the toggle switch, which replaces the contrast wheel, allowing you to easily adjust brightness and palettes without dealing with finicky touch sensors. A bonus: pressing the toggle switch down lets you quickly reset the game—perfect for shiny hunting in Pokémon.
For those who like tactile feedback, this board also has the option to add tactile buttons, which can be soldered on for more responsive inputs. As a modder, I really appreciate the dedicated soldering points for the buttons, which make wiring up the OSD display super easy and keep everything neat and organized.
At the moment, the MGBC-MBL-01 is my daily driver. It’s reliable, does everything I need, and just works. The BOM cost is around $50, not including the donor board and Bucket Mouse’s board, which you can pick up from his Etsy store or have manufactured once he releases the Gerber files.
The only real downside is the lack of IR support, as the components for that feature have been removed. However, given how few games actually use the IR function, I don’t feel like I’m missing out on much.
The SZ-POCO is a board designed by Skimzor, a well-respected modder and an incredibly knowledgeable figure in the Game Boy modding community. His SZ-MGBC was actually the first Game Boy Color-in-a-Game Boy Pocket form factor I came across, and it’s what set me on my own journey of building and modding these devices.
I recently completed a build using the SZ-POCO, and I must say, it was a genuinely enjoyable experience. What immediately stood out to me was how thoughtfully spaced out the components are on the board. The roomy layout makes soldering each part into place feel effortless, and I found myself moving through the assembly process fairly quickly. This is largely due to Skimzor's decision to omit the components needed for the old OEM LCD, which simplifies the build considerably.
The alignment of the component footprints is spot-on, and if I were recommending a first-time MGBC/PoCo board, the SZ-POCO would definitely be my top pick. Like many other similar builds, it reuses components from a Game Boy Color, so you can easily transplant them from a donor board. Just be mindful of the component designators during the transplant—it's easy to lose track of where each piece belongs if you’re not paying attention.
One feature I really appreciated was the inclusion of soldering pads for the Select, A, and B buttons. It eliminates the need for long wires running to vias near the buttons, keeping the build clean, which is particularly important if, like me, you favor using clear shells to show off the board. Skimzor also included the option to add tactile buttons, which is always a nice touch in my opinion.
The SZ-POCO also offers IR support, with the IR diodes cleverly placed where the contrast wheel used to be. This is great for those who want to keep enjoying features like Mystery Gift in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal.
At its core, the SZ-POCO is essentially a Game Boy Color, shrunken down to fit into a Game Boy Pocket form factor. It simplifies the build by eliminating unnecessary components and reorganizing the layout for easier soldering. The cost to build is quite reasonable—you only need a donor board and the SZ-POCO board itself, which can be purchased directly from Skimzor’s Ko-Fi or manufactured independently once he releases the Gerber files.
There aren’t many cons to mention. Unlike Bucket Mouse’s board, the SZ-POCO doesn’t have a toggle switch, so brightness and palette changes must be made using either touch sensor pads or the OSD menu. Personally, I found it easier to use the OSD menu and opted to remove the pads altogether in my build.
If I hadn’t experienced the MGBC-MBL-01, the SZ-POCO would be my first choice out of the three currently available. It’s a great balance of simplicity, functionality, and ease of use.
N64Freak’s take on the MGBC has been a game-changer for retro handheld enthusiasts. Known for designing replacement boards for models like the DMG, AGB, CGB, and MGB, N64Freak's boards are the go-to solution if you're looking to resurrect a dead unit by transplanting parts. Having worked with his MGB and CGB boards myself, I can say they’re a perfect 1:1 in terms of component placement and functionality. If you’re comfortable soldering small components and ICs, these transplants can be done with minimal hassle.
The MGBC-CPU-X64 kind of came out of nowhere for me. I hadn’t heard anyone talking about it until N64Freak made a post on Reddit. It quickly became one of the first widely available boards and was the second MGBC board I built. True to form, it functions just like an OEM Game Boy Color but shrinks everything down to fit the Game Boy Pocket’s board footprint. While some components are rearranged to fit the MGB layout, the core design remains untouched, maintaining IR support, and his newer boards now include a handy toggle switch, similar to Bucket Mouse’s design. This switch can be wired for different functions, which is a welcome addition.
One of the key benefits of N64Freak's board is that, since it uses all OEM components, your only real expense will be the board itself and a donor, making it cost-effective compared to other options like Skimzor's or Bucket Mouse’s boards. If you plan to stick with the original Game Boy Color LCD, this is currently your best option. You can also opt to skip transplanting certain components to simplify the build, but for my projects, I always prefer to move everything over.
There are a few downsides, though. Unlike Skimzor’s and Bucket Mouse’s boards, N64Freak hasn’t added dedicated soldering pads for the buttons used to access the OSD menu. You’ll need to find and solder wires to the appropriate vias on the top or bottom of the board. While this isn't an issue if you're using an opaque shell, I tend to use clear shells to show off the PCB, and this limitation is a minor inconvenience for me. Additionally, there’s no option for built-in tactile buttons, but thanks to Froggo Mods, you can add tactiles separately if you like. Still, I do prefer having the option integrated into the board itself.
This is the latest Game Boy Pocket Color board to hit the scene, offering a design that’s similar to those from N64Freak and Skimzor but with a few unique features. Like its counterparts, it uses OEM components along with a couple of new additions, such as a toggle switch and two capacitors dedicated to it. The build process is straightforward—simply transplanting components from a donor board makes it significantly easier.
One of the standout aspects of this board is how the components are spaced out, making it roomy and comfortable to work with. It also includes dedicated pads for A, B, Select, and Up/Down buttons for the toggle switch, which is a nice touch. While it would have been great to see a dedicated "battery" pad, it's not essential to the build. Additionally, this board is compatible with the Hispeedido GBC OSD kit, just like other popular boards in this category.
One of the best aspects of this board is that it’s open-source, meaning you can order it from your preferred PCB manufacturer—a huge plus compared to Skimzor and N64Freak’s boards, which often require purchasing directly from the creator when they are in stock. Unlike the N64Freak and Skimzor boards, you have the flexibility to source this board from any manufacturer if it’s unavailable in Natalie’s store. If you're in the market for a Pocket Color board and prefer not to use entirely new components like those in the Bucket Mouse MGBC, this is a solid option. I do wish that this board had the option for tactiles but it’s not a deal breaker without them and I have found that not that many people are as fond of them as I am.
In conclusion, as I mentioned in the first paragraph, you really can’t go wrong with any of these boards if you want a Game Boy Color in a Game Boy Pocket form factor. It really comes down to what features you’d like and which are you okay with no having. This by no means is an exhaustive list or review of every variation out there, but I wanted to give people an idea of what they can expect. My personal choice is Bucket Mouse’s MGBC-MBL-01 because of everything I mentioned about it above. If it didn’t exist, then Skimzor’s SZ-POCO would be my second choice, and N64Freak’s would be after that. If all you care about is playing Game Boy Color games, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with any of the available options. If you found this helpful and would like to support me you can utilize my code: JACKV on retrogamrepairshop.com for 10% off your order along with following me on Twitter: @JackvMakes, Instagram: jackv_makes, and Ko-Fi: Jackvmakes. I will be taking commissions on N64Freak and Bucket Mouse MGBCs, so keep an eye out for those on my Ko-Fi shop.