Modder Turns Game Boy Advance Into Nintendo Switch Controller

Modder Robert Dale Smith has converted a classic Game Boy Advance into a functional Nintendo Switch controller.

Custom firmware enables two-way communication via link cable to trigger actions on the console.

The project repurposes the original handheld as an input device for the console using its legacy link cable and a custom Pico adapter running open-source Joypad OS firmware.

Smith demonstrated playing emulated GBA games and physical copies of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch Online with the setup.

According to Smith, the adapter signals that it is in Switch USB mode when the Switch powers it.

The system allows two-way communication via sideloaded multiboot ROMs, enabling the Game Boy Advance to send and receive messages over the link cable to trigger actions.