HyperFlash32 eInk Flash Cart for Virtual Boy
HyperFlash32 is a single ROM Virtual Boy flash cart with 32 Mbit of built in flash memory along with an 8k x 8 nvSRAM that doesn’t require a backup battery. It can be reflashed from ROMs available on the microSD card without a computer connected. As such, it crosses the boundary somewhat between a single ROM cart and a multi-ROM cart. Although only one game is loaded at a time, it takes anywhere from 15 seconds to 90 seconds to load a new one. The digital labels and loading bar icons are user customizable. SRAM contents with save data are saved off to the microSD card and reloaded as ROMs are swapped out. You can even access your SRAM files to transfer to another HF32, or even to original VB game cartridges. HF32 has built-in capacitive touch buttons on the back to provide a fully self-contained user interface that doesn’t require a computer or GUI. It even has a haptic module to improve feedback on the rear capactivie touch buttons.
Features:
- 32 Mbit Flash memory
- 8k x 8 or 32k x 8 nvSRAM (depending on part availability)
- Auto backup of SRAM save files (only games that support save)
- microSD Card slot for holding game files, labels, icons, and save status
- e-Ink digital label that is user customizable per game
- Per game user customizable icons for programming bar
- Capacitive touch buttons on the back for on-screen control
- USB dev port with command line interface
- Haptics triggered by cap. touch input
- User firmware updates are possible using HyperFlasher GUI
- Aluminum cover color options
- Frame color options
- eInk display color options
You can also watch one of the first reviews of HyperFlash32 posted by RetroRGB.
NOTE: We recommend using Kingston branded micro SD cards. There are known issues with Samsung EVO, Transcend, and some PNY microSD cards. Requires FAT32 formatting.
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Video
BW (Black/White): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh4MMVJgO7o&t=8s
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HyperFlasher GUI
Thunderstruck produces a GUI for HF32 called HyperFlasher. This is a great resource for setting up your SD card, managing labels/icons, and upgrading HF32 firmware. Note: Please make sure to use the correct HyperFlasher for your cart! There is a prototype, production, and BWR version. You can cause your HF32 to stop functioning properly.
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HF32 Labels and Icons
On PlanetVB.com artists maintain their own updates of HF32 labels and icons. You can always find the latest art here.
https://www.virtual-boy.com/hardware/hyperflash32/downloads/
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PlanetVB.com HyperFlash32 Info
PlanetVB.com hosts quite a bit of information on HF32.
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FTDI Drivers needed for HF32 on PC
HF32 uses an FTDI chip internally for USB. You'll need FTDI VCP drivers on your machine for proper communication.
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DriveSort for organizing HF32 SD cards
This will allow you to organize files on your SD card.
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HyperFlash32 online users manual
Here is the online user manual for HF32.
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Label Templates
Here's a zip with info and templates to help with correct placement of eInk art for HF32 labels.
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FAT32 Formatting Utility
Here's a Windows program that will properly format your SD card to FAT32 for HF32.
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Recommended microSD Card
Kingston branded microSD cards. Formatted to FAT32.
FLASH CART DISCLAIMER
A) PIRACY – Stone Age Gamer Retroworks, Inc. ("Stone Age Gamer") does not support or condone piracy. Flash carts and similar devices Stone Age Gamer sells and supports are intended to be used only for the following purposes: development, playing games licensed by Stone Age Gamer for use with the product, and/or playing currently owned personally backed-up games and media where it is legal to do so. Stone Age Gamer does not offer support for any other use of this product.
B) PERSONAL BACK-UPS – In many territories it is legal to make back-ups for personal use and/or archival purposes, however it may not be legal in all territories. Please learn the national and local laws regarding this subject before making back-ups for personal use. Please note, in most territories "Personal Back-up" means exactly that; back-ups you made yourself of games you currently own. This often does not include back-ups obtained via other methods (i.e. downloading), even if it is a game you physically own.
C) MODIFICATION & USE – Any unauthorized modification and/or non-intended use of this or any other flash cart product sold by Stone Age Gamer shall void both manufacturer and retailer warranties of that product.