Game Boy Link
From HwB
| Todo: This page needs some editing. |
Known as EXT on Nintendo Game Boy Advance (GBA) and EXT.1 on Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP (GBA SP).
Contents |
Pinout
GBA/GBA SP Socket
___________
| 2 4 6 |
\_1_ 3 _5_/ (at handheld game)
'-'
GBA/GBA SP Plug:
_________
/ 6 4 2 \
\_5_ 3 _1_/ (at cable)
'-'
Old "8bit" Plug:
___________ | 6 4 2 | \_5__3__1_/ (at cable)
| Pin | Name | Cable |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VDD35 | N/A |
| 2 | SO | Red |
| 3 | SI | Orange |
| 4 | SD | Brown |
| 5 | SC | Green |
| 6 | GND | Blue |
| Shield | Shield |
SI=Data In, SO=Data Out, SD/SC Flow control
Note: The pin numbers and names are printed on the GBA mainboard, colors as used in Nintendos AGB-005 and older 8bit cables.
Notes
- 1st Game Link: Game Boy
- Big connector
- 2nd Game Link: Game Boy Pocket, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance (8-bit) & Game Boy Advance SP (8-bit)
- Small connector (compatible with Big connector)
- 3rd Game Link: Game Boy Advance & Game Boy Advance SP
Cable
GBA Cable
Big Plug Middle Socket Small Plug SI _________________ ____ SI SO ____________SO |__ | ___ SO GND____________GND______|____GND SD ____________SD____________ SD SC ____________SC____________ SC Shield_______Shield_______Shield
8bit Gameboy Cable
Plug 1 Plug 2 SI ______ ______SI SO ______><______SO GND_____________GND SD SD SC _____________ SC Shield_______Shield
Connections
Normal Connection
Just connect the plugs to the two GBAs and leave the Middle Socket disconnected, in this mode both GBAs may behave as master or slave, regardless of whether using big or small plugs. The GBA is (NOT ???) able to communicate in Normal mode with MultiPlay cables which do not have crossed SI/SO lines.
Multi-Play Connection
Connect two GBAs as normal, for each further GBAs connect an additional cable to the Middle socket of the first (or further) cable(s), up to four GBAs may be connected by using up to three cables. The GBA which is connected to a Small Plug is master, the slaves are all connected to Large Plugs. (Only small plugs fit into the Middle Socket, so it's not possible to mess up something here).
Multi-Boot Connection
MultiBoot (SingleGamepak) is typically using Multi-Play communication, in this case it is important that the Small plug is connected to the master/sender (ie. to the GBA that contains the cartridge).
Non-GBA Mode Connection
First of all, it is not possible to link between 32bit GBA games and 8bit games, parts because of different cable protocol, and parts because of different signal voltages. However, when a 8bit cartridge is inserted (the GBA is switched into 8bit compatibility mode) it may be connected to other 8bit games (monochrome gameboys, CGBs, or to other GBAs which are in 8bit mode also, but not to GBAs in 32bit mode). When using 8bit link mode, an 8bit link cable must be used. The GBA link cables won't work, see below modification though.
Using a GBA 32bit cable for 8bit communication
Open the middle socket, and disconnect Small Plugs SI from GND, and connect SI to Large Plugs SO instead. You may also want to install a switch that allows to switch between SO and GND, the GND signal should be required for MultiPlay communication only though. Also, cut off the plastic ledge from the plugs so that they fit into 8bit gameboy sockets.
Using a GBA 8bit cable for 32bit communication
The cable should theoretically work as is, as the grounded SI would be required for MultiPlay communication only. However, software that uses SD for Slave-Ready detection won't work unless when adding a SD-to-SD connection (the 8bit plugs probably do not even contain SD pins though).