GameBoy Player FAQ answers

On June 20th, you'll spot a new Nintendo GameCube accessory gleaming from shop shelves nationwide. The Game Boy Player does exactly what its name suggests - giving you the power to play just about every Game Boy in history on your TV, through your Nintendo GameCube.

But how exactly does it work? Which games work with it? And what's the maximum number of minutes available on the built-in countdown timer? Wonder no longer...

How does it work?

Easy as pie. It slots straight onto the bottom of your Nintendo GameCube - no wires or batteries to confuse things. Then all you need is the included Game Boy Player Start-Up Disc, and a Game Boy Game Pak you want to see blazing out of your TV. Switch on, and play away.

Which games are compatible?

Nigh-on every title in Game Boy's 14-year history - that's a game library of over 1000 games - can appear on your TV courtesy of Game Boy Player. So whether you want to shuffle classic Game Boy's Tetris blocks in big-screen-o-vision or enjoy supersized Game Boy Advance gobsmackingness in Metroid Fusion, Game Boy Player is happy to oblige.

How do I control the on-screen action?

Two options. Either use your Nintendo GameCube controller (or WaveBird wireless controller) - the analogue Control Stick works an absolute treat. Or, use the Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance Cable to plug in a Game Boy Advance, and control your play using that.

Is multiplayer gaming possible?

Definitely. The Game Boy Player has a Link Cable port just like Game Boy Advance - so with one, two or three friends (and the appropriate number of Game Boy Advances, Game Boy Advance Game Link cables, and Game Paks), you can link up.

What else can I do?

By pressing Z on your Nintendo GameCube controller, a feature-packed options menu pops up. Here, you can choose from one of 20 different screen borders, soften or sharpen the game visuals, set a countdown timer of up to 60 minutes to remind you when dinner's ready, and 'hot-swap' Game Paks (change games with the Game Boy Player still switched on).

Can I still use my Nintendo GameCube Modem/Broadband Adapter?

You bet. The Game Boy Player slots into the 'Hi Speed Port' on the base of the Nintendo GameCube, and leaves the 'Serial Port' unaffected. So when you're not larging up your Game Boy games on the TV, you can still plug in your Modem/Broadband Adapter and enjoy the likes of Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II without the hassle of unplugging the Game Boy Player.

source NOE

I am also guessing that you will be able to run a sort of LAN system with this. Connect up four GameBoy Players witht he GBA link cable, and have them linked to 4 different TVs, so you can all play on a GB player.

But no you cannot do it split screen.