Modular mounting
Mounted to the backplate.
An offset mount keeps the module clear of the shoulder buttons.
REV A · The maker edition
Cartridges
are back. Sort of.
BirdBoy turns physical NFC cartridges into a delightfully simple way to launch games on the R36S.
Meet the REV A retrofit ↘
No ROM inside.
Just one tiny NFC tag.
THE ORIGINAL PROTOTYPE · 8 SECOND DEMO
01INSERT · DETECT · PLAY
/ REV A
A new back. A familiar feel.
Shoulder buttons.
Back in play.
The new retrofit mounts as a module on the backplate, bringing shoulder-button support back to BirdBoy.
/ TWO FORMATS
Choose your ritual
Card or
cartridge?
Two ways to give your game library a physical form. Both designs are planned for the REV A build pack.
01 / NFC CARD
A card for every game.
A slim NFC card with the same physical insert-to-play experience. 16 mm case thickness, excluding the R36S.
02 / 3D-PRINTED CARTRIDGE
Make it a cartridge.
A printed cartridge gives the NFC tag a shell of its own. 18 mm case thickness, excluding the R36S.
See the whole profile
A closer look at the fit.
Both formats mount to the backplate. The offset gives your fingers more room at the shoulder buttons; the REV A module extends above the handheld.
Case thickness: 16 mm for NFC Card, 18 mm for Cartridge. These measurements exclude the handheld.
/ 01
The simple version
Pick it up.
Drop it in. Play.
Pick a cartridge
Every physical cartridge represents one game in your local library.
BirdBoy detects it
The built-in reader identifies the NFC tag in a fraction of a second.
The game launches
No searching and no menu diving. Remove it when you are done.
WHAT IS ACTUALLY INSIDE?
The honest answer
Not a ROM.
A tiny key.
The game stays on the handheld. The NFC tag tells BirdBoy which title to launch—giving a digital library a physical ritual again.
Starting with makers
Build this.
Help fund
what’s next.
BirdBoy starts as a DIY project. A finished hardware product needs funding for testing, compliance and manufacturing.
The REV A digital build pack is the first step. Purchases help fund the next prototype boards and tests, with a thinner REV B as the next development goal.
REV A will be completed regardless of sales. Future revisions and a finished hardware product are not guaranteed.
01REV A
Print files being finalized. Illustrated guide in progress.
02REV B
Development goal: a thinner PCB integrating the NFC chip and antenna.
03Finished hardware
A possible later step, depending on feasibility and demand.
Early supporter edition
Your own
BirdBoy.
Built by you.
One digital pack for the REV A retrofit, with both build variants and the instructions to put it together.
REV A DIY BUILD PACK
Coming soon.
Join the newsletter for pricing and availability when the build pack launches.
- PCB manufacturing files & bill of materials
- 3D-print files for both REV A variants
- Illustrated PCB-ordering & assembly guide
- Software setup & troubleshooting instructions
- Future digital retrofit updates if released, including REV B
Digital download only. Handheld, components, manufacturing and individual support services are not included.
Preparing for pre-orders
Follow the maker updates ↘The complete pack is still in development. A delivery date will be confirmed before checkout opens.
Before you build
A few things
to know.
Am I buying a finished BirdBoy?
No. This is a digital DIY pack. You order the parts, print the enclosure and assemble the retrofit yourself. No handheld or physical hardware is supplied.
What will I need to build it?
A compatible R36S, the required electronic components, access to 3D printing and the tools listed in the guide. Confirmed compatibility, assembly requirements and estimated parts costs will be published before pre-orders open.
Are future updates included?
The early-supporter build pack will include future digital updates we release for the BirdBoy retrofit project, including a REV B build pack if released. It does not promise that further revisions will be developed, or include physical hardware.
What does my purchase help fund?
Further prototype boards and testing. REV A will be completed regardless of sales. A thinner REV B and a finished hardware product are potential next steps.
Are games included?
No. NFC tags identify games in your existing local library. The pack does not include games or ROMs.
Follow the build
Small boards.
Next steps.
Get REV A progress, build notes and early-supporter availability in your inbox.