Researchers at Delft University of Technology and Northwestern University have developed a Game Boy that doesn’t require batteries to function, instead relying on solar energy and power created by button presses.
Solar panels affixed to the front of the Game Boy provide its primary source of power, with the researchers admitting there are still some flaws. At present, you’ll be able to get about ten seconds of gameplay from the device before it needs to shut down for one second before continuing in that cycle. Luckily, a clever save statre system ensures that players won’t lose progress in whatever game they’re playing during the power down period.
“Sustainable gaming will become a reality, and we made a major step in that direction — by getting rid of the battery completely,” said Delft University of Technology Przemyslaw Pawelczak. “With our platform, we want to make a statement that it is possible to make a sustainable gaming system that brings fun and joy to the user.”
It’ll be sometime before your Nintendo Switch can run without being plugged into the wall, of course, but this is cool nevertheless. Check out the video for more.
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