GameBoy Hardware Wallet!

[dkbit98]

Do you have old Gameboy console collecting dust in some old box of memories? Maybe you like '90s retro gaming items or you are a collector?

Thanks to guys from Keyp you will soon be able to turn your own GameBoy into secure offline cold wallet, generate seed phrase and use it to store Bitcoin and Ethereum.
There will be no internet connection so we can call this a cheap airgapped device that is going to have Open Source code.

Now comes interesting part, there will be NO firmware updates ever, and all updates will be released as a new game with cartridges
Randomness will be generated inside device, and that can be a tricky part, so I would like them to include option of importing our own seed phrase manually.

Wondering who the heck is Keyp?
They are working with web3 Games and Apps:
https://www.usekeyp.com/

Do you want to help this project?
Upvote on product hunt and retweet on twitter.
https://www.producthunt.com/posts/the-game-wallet

I don't like they will focus this wallet more on ethereum than on bitcoin, but it is what it is, and this is still a cool project.
For more details check out GameWallet website:


https://www.gamewallet.gg/

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[Coin_trader]

I still have a couple of game boy colored and advance on my collection. This a very cool idea for an air gapped wallet. I mean this is the real deal since it doesn’t connect on internet like what you mention.

My worries if this team provide a rigged cartridge which all the seed phrase in already on their data base. There’s no way for a normal guy like me that doesn’t have enough understanding on code to check if the cartridge is same to generate seed phrase at all.

Thanks for sharing. I already sign up for the first batch. I hope that they can let us choose the game for the cartridge which they will insert the seed phrase generator. AFAIK, they will use the random click on buttons while playing the game to generate seed phrase.

[BitcoinGirl.Club]

For more details check out GameWallet website:


https://www.gamewallet.gg/

The last thing I remember is, I gave my gameboy to my cousin. If he still has it (chances are slim) then I am going to get it back LOL. I never thought I will have a use of it anymore 🤣

Good old days, after seeing the image an the gif on their website, I can recall a lots of memories. Most with Mario and street fighter. The Mario music is still fresh in the mind.

[BitMaxz]

This project is pretty awesome just like mining BTC on old gameboy.

The idea is interesting, but looking at provided video and reading their video it seems this wallet only can generate mnemonic phrase. I expect all hardware wallet should transaction signing feature, although i doubt it's possible in this case since GameBoy doesn't seem to have HD camera accessory. Without signing feature, i could just run offline Bitcoin wallet on Linux which utilize /dev/urandom.

I think based on what they said it still under develop and they might add some feature since the old gameboy has link cable they maybe use it to transfer signed and unsigned raw transaction they can convert the link cable to USB adapter using Raspberry Pi Pico.

[dkbit98]

My worries if this team provide a rigged cartridge which all the seed phrase in already on their data base. There’s no way for a normal guy like me that doesn’t have enough understanding on code to check if the cartridge is same to generate seed phrase at all.

I don't think they are sending any seed phrases with cartridges, that was not my conclusion after reading all material posted by them.
This is first news in public and they started working on GameWallet few months ago, but I am sure I saw that use generates seed phrase with a button.
I said that I would prefer to import seed phrase generated offline by myself, and I expect them to release everything as open source... I am not messing around with any closed source wallets anymore.

The last thing I remember is, I gave my gameboy to my cousin. If he still has it (chances are slim) then I am going to get it back LOL. I never thought I will have a use of it anymore 🤣

I think Gameboy Pocket would be best as hardware wallet, it's smaller than regular version.
We better think about all retro pocket devices we have hidden in boxes... but I saw someone is making

The idea is interesting, but looking at provided video and reading their video it seems this wallet only can generate mnemonic phrase. I expect all hardware wallet should transaction signing feature, although i doubt it's possible in this case since GameBoy doesn't seem to have HD camera accessory. Without signing feature, i could just run offline Bitcoin wallet on Linux which utilize /dev/urandom.

Just imagine special cartridge addons that includes build in cheap camera and support for miscroSD cards... Frankenstein GameWallet.

I think based on what they said it still under develop and they might add some feature since the old gameboy has link cable they maybe use it to transfer signed and unsigned raw transaction they can convert the link cable to USB adapter using Raspberry Pi Pico.

It's possible and I would like to se that.
I think they picked a perfect time to ask support from community, but I doubt they will release anything this year.
Anyway, I am folloing this project and I will post any updates... unofficially.

[Pmalek]

I still have a Gameboy Pocket lying around in my drawers somewhere. What a cool reason to search for it and see if it's still working. Last time I checked, it was, but there were some connectivity issues with the device and cable. Nevertheless, it can always take batteries if the cable fails. The cartridges between the original Gameboy and the Gameboy Pocket should be the same.

Someone who knows what they are talking about should comment if such a device can generate enough randomness? This could be a successful project if it's completely trustless and they figure out how to sign transactions. Question is, how to export the PSBT from the Gameboy's memory or cartridge to a different medium? 

[m2017]

Do you have old Gameboy console collecting dust in some old box of memories? Maybe you like '90s retro gaming items or you are a collector?

Thanks to guys from Keyp you will soon be able to turn your own GameBoy into secure offline cold wallet, generate seed phrase and use it to store Bitcoin and Ethereum.
There will be no internet connection so we can call this a cheap airgapped device that is going to have Open Source code.

Now comes interesting part, there will be NO firmware updates ever, and all updates will be released as a new game with cartridges
Randomness will be generated inside device, and that can be a tricky part, so I would like them to include option of importing our own seed phrase manually.

Wondering who the heck is Keyp?
They are working with web3 Games and Apps:
https://www.usekeyp.com/

Do you want to help this project?
Upvote on product hunt and retweet on twitter.
https://www.producthunt.com/posts/the-game-wallet

I don't like they will focus this wallet more on ethereum than on bitcoin, but it is what it is, and this is still a cool project.
For more details check out GameWallet website:


https://www.gamewallet.gg/

Today doesn't seem to be April 1st, does it?

Every day, we learn awesome news. While some hardware wallet manufacturers offer users to share their seed phrase for a monthly payment, others create hardware wallet based on old game boy.

Tell me about it before, what will happen, I would not have believed.

I have a question about the text I highlighted. How will the firmware be delivered to the gameboys's owner if it is released on cartridges? Is this some kind of joke too? Do you need to order firmware cartridges with home delivery? How will the company distribute the firmware? Will they also say that they do not collect information about their customers and do everything on a voluntary basis?

Astrologers announce gameboy week? Sales of old devices in online stores doubled.

In general, I like the trend that the community is starting to look for and create alternative solutions that are independent of big hardware wallet manufacturers. I have long believed that should move in this direction.

[hZti]

Actually I do not like the idea for real bitcoin storage. The reason is simple: If you are not able to access you bitcoins at some point, because you are old/dead or anything like it, your family will pretty much not be able to find your bitcoin storage device at all.

For what I like this idea however is, that it is a very cool project that could be done just for fun. Also I can see a use case, where a person needs to take their bitcoins with them in an airplane and does not want to attract any attention. If you carry a regular hardware wallet it can get spotted much easier.

[Pmalek]

I have a question about the text I highlighted. How will the firmware be delivered to the gameboys's owner if it is released on cartridges? Is this some kind of joke too? Do you need to order firmware cartridges with home delivery? How will the company distribute the firmware?

Yep. You will have to buy the cartridge and have it shipped to your home, place of work, or a PO box, depending on what is supported, where you live, and what shipment options the company supports. It's no different from when you purchase a standard hardware wallet. You have to pay for it and have it shipped to you or someone/ somewhere else.

Actually I do not like the idea for real bitcoin storage. The reason is simple: If you are not able to access you bitcoins at some point, because you are old/dead or anything like it, your family will pretty much not be able to find your bitcoin storage device at all.

It's the same as any other physical backups you have. If you die and your family doesn't know where your recovery phrases are hidden, they lose access to their coins. If they have the seed backup but you didn't tell them where the non-crackable passphrase is, they again lose access to the coins.

[dkbit98]

I still have a Gameboy Pocket lying around in my drawers somewhere. What a cool reason to search for it and see if it's still working. Last time I checked, it was, but there were some connectivity issues with the device and cable. Nevertheless, it can always take batteries if the cable fails. The cartridges between the original Gameboy and the Gameboy Pocket should be the same.

This Gameboy thing is more expensive as times passes, and I wish I kept many of my old devices but life happens and they end up as junk.
I think best version of Gameboy was created only for Japan and it was called Gameboy Color, but mst Gamboy devices have no backlight.

Someone who knows what they are talking about should comment if such a device can generate enough randomness? This could be a successful project if it's completely trustless and they figure out how to sign transactions. Question is, how to export the PSBT from the Gameboy's memory or cartridge to a different medium?  

I wouldn't count on achieving true randomness in this way, but option to import your own seed phrase would be enough.
But please don't use GameWallet for storing all your coins  

[Pmalek]

I think best version of Gameboy was created only for Japan and it was called Gameboy Color, but mst Gamboy devices have no backlight.

The Gameboy color wasn't exclusive only for Japan, and I remember seeing kids with it in Europe towards the end of the 90s. It would be weird if such a device was only available in Japan considering the huge popularity of the previous versions. Regarding the backlight, no I don't remember ever seeing one that had a backlight. 

But please don't use GameWallet for storing all your coins  

I am not going to store any of my coins there for now. I am not sure how popular it will become and how easy it will be to purchase a cartridge with the latest firmware.

[hZti]

I am not going to store any of my coins there for now. I am not sure how popular it will become and how easy it will be to purchase a cartridge with the latest firmware.

After reading this thread I became interested in this topic and wanted to buy a Gameboy color from eBay. After seeing the price tag of more than 100 Euros for a used one I quickly canceled this project, since for that amount of money I can build multiple other hardware wallets.

For that reason I would not hope to much, that this kind of hardware wallet will gain a lot of popularity, even if it is a nice gimmick.

[Pmalek]

After reading this thread I became interested in this topic and wanted to buy a Gameboy color from eBay. After seeing the price tag of more than 100 Euros for a used one I quickly canceled this project, since for that amount of money I can build multiple other hardware wallets.

All of the devices you find on sale will be used ones. You don't need the color version, though. The original one is big and quite clunky, but look for sales ads of the Gameboy Pocket. After some quick eBay browsing, I can see various offers spanning from €10 up to €80. Depending on where you live, you could come across a real bargain. 

[m2017]

After reading this thread I became interested in this topic and wanted to buy a Gameboy color from eBay. After seeing the price tag of more than 100 Euros for a used one I quickly canceled this project, since for that amount of money I can build multiple other hardware wallets.

All of the devices you find on sale will be used ones. You don't need the color version, though. The original one is big and quite clunky, but look for sales ads of the Gameboy Pocket. After some quick eBay browsing, I can see various offers spanning from €10 up to €80. Depending on where you live, you could come across a real bargain. 

Maybe for him a color screen is urgently needed.

Although I believe that for a device that will only sign transactions and view time on the screen will be short, there is no need to have a color screen. Gameboy with a black and white screen will be a cheap and affordable solution.

Oh yeah. A cheaper option may be to search on local Internet websites selling various junk, shops, flea markets, as well as from individuals. For many, this device can gather dust on distant shelves waiting for your purchase. A second life for Gameboy can be a useful solution to the problem of owning a hardware wallet device.

The appearance of Gameboy can be neglected (broken case, buttons, etc.), the main thing is that the filling is intact and functional. The case can be changed by ordering from a well-known Chinese marketplace.

[BitMaxz]

All of the devices you find on sale will be used ones. You don't need the color version, though. The original one is big and quite clunky, but look for sales ads of the Gameboy Pocket. After some quick eBay browsing, I can see various offers spanning from €10 up to €80. Depending on where you live, you could come across a real bargain.  

That's pretty cheap if you can buy it for $10 but right now even used ones is expensive here in my local store/shop and most of what I found are Gameboy color but the price is fine it's around $25 each the problem is the LCD is not clear look the image below



It is still a good offer if you just want to use it for this project.

[ChiBitCTy]

Have saved this for I think almost 30 years at this point. Screen needs replaced, but I’ll def be getting one of these wallet cartridges.

I still have my TalkBoy and YakBak too if they are next lol


A few blows and it’s working, despite the screen having fallen off (it’s just resting on top now)

[crwth]

I'm interested in this project, would be on the look out for this.

I'm curious though to what extent you can make it. Can you have it with the games? Like with the cartridges? I can't find my old GameBoy but I have some of the old cartridges.

[Pmalek]

Although I believe that for a device that will only sign transactions and view time on the screen will be short, there is no need to have a color screen.

Keep in mind that for the time being, they aren't talking about a signing feature. We don't know if it will even have that option. For now, this is an offline seed generation device.

The appearance of Gameboy can be neglected (broken case, buttons, etc.), the main thing is that the filling is intact and functional.

You are going to need to use the buttons to generate your seed. There will be a game you will need to play and walk around and possibly perform certain actions using the A and B buttons on the device. If they don't work properly, there won't be enough randomness in your seed, which decreases the security. Or you won't even be able to play the game with certain functions missing. 

[SFR10]

How will the company distribute the firmware?

In addition to what @Pmalek said, they are planning to also distribute it in their "GitHub repo", so with the necessary tools you can flash it by yourself.

Also I can see a use case, where a person needs to take their bitcoins with them in an airplane and does not want to attract any attention.

As someone who recently purchased and tried one of those classic handheld Tetris game consoles in a public market, I can guarantee you such things will always attract some attention ^{[mostly from the older generations, but still...]}.

[Pmalek]

In addition to what @Pmalek said, they are planning to also distribute it in their "GitHub repo", so with the necessary tools you can flash it by yourself.

If you have the necessary hardware, yes. As their GitHub page mentions, you'll need a flashing device for the job. No idea how much those cost and which ones are compatible. You also need a cartridge. Again, I am not sure if it needs to be an empty cartridge (where would you get one for Gameboy in 2023) or if you can use one you already own with a game on it.

If would surely be cheaper to buy the finished product if you stand there without the necessary tools to do the flashing yourself.