- An updated version of the trash80 ArduinoBoy MIDI adaptor for Game Boy, with a USB-C host port to plug in and power a piano keyboard.
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$40 w/ case & DIN ports
$25 PCB ONLY, no DIN
Change the settings on any Arduinoboy variant with the free no-install Web Editor
Connect a USB MIDI keyboard right to your Game Boy without a computer in-between. Or, connect it to a computer/phone as a driver-free MIDI device.
Good ol’ MIDI jacks are here too, TRS MIDI A jacks and our own patent-pending Half-DIN port for universal classic DIN compatibility.
This version even doubles as a handy USB-C to MIDI adaptor for all your MIDI gear!
Arduinoboy lets a Game Boy communicate with MIDI gear. You connect it to the Game Boy’s link port, then run one of these ROM files from a cartridge or flash cart. Different programs turn the Game Boy into different kinds of MIDI instruments and sequencers.
- mGB turns the Game Boy into a four-channel MIDI synth you can play from a keyboard or sequence externally. (Up to 3 note polyphony + 1 channel for noise)
- LSDJ is the famous tracker-style full Game Boy music workstation. Arduinoboy can sync it to MIDI clock, trigger notes and song sections, or let LSDJ control other MIDI gear. This is the original inspiration behind the Dirtywave M8.
- Nanoloop is another Game Boy sequencer that can sync with the rest of a MIDI setup.
Metal-reinforced high-strength PETG enclosure survives all squishes. Multiple hip colorways and custom color options.
*NOTE: A 6-pin DMG or GBC link cable is required. Some cables have only 4 pins, and these may still work but will not power the device from the Game Boy so you would need USB power. GBA cables do not work.
*NOTE: Not all USB MIDI controllers will work with this host port.
30-Day Test Drive Guarantee
If you don’t love it, return it for a refund within 30 days, excluding shipping.
One-Year Limited Warranty
Shown above in Neon Green on Black and Black on Superlight Bluewhite
Dimensions
13mm x 60.2mm x 44.2mm (45.16mm with jacks)
Specifications
| USB Ports | 2x USB-C with CC resistors to receive or present power and report as a standard compliant USB MIDI device on all USB-C host devices, and host to most compliant midi peripherals. |
| MIDI Ports | 1/8″ TRS A x2, 5-Pin DIN x2 (DIN only on enclosure) |
| Processor | RP2040 fully re-programmable with open source Arduino firmware. Short the firmware pads to enter firmware mode. |
| Power | USB or 5V in/out from board power tap pads |
| Enclosure | PETG with metal-reinforced DIN ports |
| LEDs | 1 red activity light, 5 white status lights |
| Button | 1 mode button |
Compatibility
Works with USB MIDI, TRS MIDI Type A, and standard 5-pin DIN MIDI.
You must use Game Boy versions that have an original DMG or GBC compatible cartridge port.
You must run ROMs on a DMG or GBC cartridge (not a GBA cart).
A DMG or GBC cable must be used. GBA cables will not work.
The DMG or GBC cables that have 6 pins are preferred. Some have 6 pins but not 6 wires in the cable. If a 4-pin cable is used, it may still work, but the Arduinoboy will need USB power, it won’t get power from the Game Boy.
A GBA can use this device with a GBC cable and GBC cartridge. DS and newer are not in the club.
Use Cases
Computer USB → Arduinoboy Host Edition → Game Boy running LSDj, mGB, or Nanoloop
Computer USB → Arduinoboy Host Edition in mGB mode → MIDI DIN and TRS A as a USB adaptor
USB MIDI controller → Arduinoboy Host Edition → Game Boy, with power supplied through the Game Boy link cable or the second USB power port
USB MIDI controller → Arduinoboy Host Edition → 5-pin DIN (or TRS A) MIDI device, standalone USB host operation with power supplied through the USB power port or the board’s 5V pad
5-pin DIN or TRS A MIDI device → Arduinoboy Host Edition → Game Boy
Standalone USB host mode requires external power unless power is already supplied through a compatible 6-pin GBC or DMG link cable. Not compatible with all midi devices.
Shipping
Ships from Las Vegas, Nevada. Orders are usually printed, assembled and shipped within 48hrs, with tracking provided when available. In some cases we may temporarily run out of circuit boards locally, but new shipments come to us in 1-2 weeks. Your order should arrive to you within the contiguous United States in 1 week, but may take as long as 3-4 weeks in rare circumstances. We will give you a time estimate when we receive your order or feel welcome to contact us beforehand.
Sep 25, 2026 UPDATE: First batch ready to ship.
Sept 12, 2026 UPDATE: Enclosure is complete. Metal-reinforced PETG, snaps together without screws. It has the fabled half-DIN ports to allow old-school MIDI! 5 Pin MIDI only uses two of the pins, making this mini MIDI trick possible. Firmware updates for usb host stability as well. The Arduinoboy Web Programmer alternative to the old MAX programmer is now also complete!
July 24, 2026 UPDATE: First-gen PCB is available now! Soon there will be an enclosure with DIN MIDI ports as well. The next generation PCB has a slightly smaller DMG port and a pin polarity fix on both ports. Because of this, the first-run demo units have a couple bodge-wires and the DMG port has been shaved smaller slightly by hand.
This independent open-source accessory is not affiliated with Nintendo and is not designed to use, run, or distribute any Nintendo-licensed software, ROMs, games, or content.
🔗 Open Source • GitHub Link
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