Self-Taught Modder Creates Functional Transparent Game Boy Color Circuit Board — Stunning Design Pairs Perfectly with Clear Shell

Sure thing, here’s the reimagined version:

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So there’s this modder, @natalie_thenerd, right? And she’s done something pretty wild with a Game Boy Color. No kidding, she built a motherboard with a completely transparent PCB. Like, you can see all the copper veins. Totally exposed. She tweeted about it — yeah, I’m still calling it Twitter, old habits die hard — and it’s fascinating. Apparently, she mapped it all out herself. Yeah, got rid of that ground zone to keep it see-through. It’s only possible because these old consoles are—let’s say—simple.

But here’s the twist. Even though she unraveled the Game Boy Color’s secrets all by herself, she got someone else to make this clear PCB. They used some acrylic-style stuff. Melts at 200 degrees Celsius, so soldering had to be done with the grace of a brain surgeon.

Let’s not ignore the finer details. That thing’s clear! Seriously, apart from the necessary circuit bits, like chips, and a stray small board, the rest is transparent. Even the cartridge slot—nabbed from a Chinese knock-off—is kinda see-through. She wrapped it all up in a matching clear case with those ghostly keys. Pretty rad.

Now, here’s the kicker: you can’t buy it. Yep, it’s a one-time art piece. Too fragile for the usual rough and tumble. Like, it wouldn’t survive that moment when you chuck your controller during a boss fight.

There’s chatter among fans—like what if the copper was swapped for silver? Or slapped some backlighting in it? Natalie’s kinda a big deal in the Modded Gameboy Club, so someone might eventually do it. Could be interesting.

Oddly enough, some folks are wondering about applying this clear vibe to other stuff, like phones. Transparent tech is having a bit of a moment. But, until these clear boards get tougher and cheaper, they won’t hit the big time.

Anyway, hats off to Natalie. She’s killing it with her artistry in modding. This is what makes that community so vibrant and why inventive tinkering is celebrated.