Game Link Cable
|
A second generation Game Link Cable plug (left) and socket on a Game Boy Pocket (right) | |||
| Type | Data transfer | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Production history | |||
| Designer | Nintendo | ||
| Designed | 1989 | ||
| Data | |||
| Bitrate |
| ||
| Max. devices | 4 | ||
| Protocol | Serial | ||
| Pinout | |||
| Pinout looking at end of port (as seen looking at the side of the Game Boy) | |||
| Pin 1 | VCC | +5 V DC | |
| Pin 2 | SO | Serial Out | |
| Pin 3 | SI | Serial In | |
| Pin 4 | SD | CPU Pin 14 (not used) | |
| Pin 5 | SC | Shift Clock | |
| Pin 6 | GND | Ground | |
| References: | |||
The Game Link Cable, also known as Video Link in early versions, is an accessory for the Game Boy line of handheld consoles. Introduced in 1989 alongside the original Game Boy, it was revised over four generations with varying degrees of backward compatibility. The cable enables data transfer and multiplayer gaming between up to four devices, supporting head-to-head competition, cooperative play, item exchanges, and unlockable features, depending on the game. The cable could also connect the console to external peripherals, most notably the Game Boy Printer. The port on Game Boy consoles is labeled "EXT" for Extension connector.