FPGB MINI User Manual — Retro Handheld for Original GB / GBC Cartridges

1. Package Contents

  • ✅ FPGB MINI console × 1
  • ✅ Carrying case × 1
  • ✅ Button cell battery (original) × 1 — CR1220 (for RTC)
  • ✅ Manual × 1 (English)

💡 The dedicated link cable for multiplayer battle is an optional accessory, sold separately. See Section 6.

2. Product Overview

2.1 Front Layout

  • Left: D-Pad (4-way cross)
  • Right: B / A buttons
  • Bottom: Start, Select
  • Top: Slide power switch (ON/OFF)

2.2 Ports & Expansion

  • Side: Volume +/−
  • Bottom / Side: USB Type-C (charging + link)
  • Top/Back: GB/GBC original cartridge slot
  • Body side: MicroSD (TF) slot (up to 32GB)

3. Power & Charging

3.1 Power On / Off

  • Power On: Slide the power switch to ON; the screen lights up and the system starts.
  • Power Off: Slide the power switch to OFF (this unit uses a slide power switch; there is no shutdown option in the system menu).

3.2 Battery Charging

  • Protocol: Compatible with PD and other common charging protocols (works with PD chargers or regular USB chargers).
  • Method: Use a USB Type-C charging cable (C to C) connected to a charger. The Type-C port uses a proprietary protocol: charging works in one direction only; the other end of the Type-C port is for connecting the link cable (for link battle).
  • Power: Actual charging is locked at 5V / 1A, regardless of charger wattage.
  • Indicator: Battery level and charging status are shown in the OSD menu (bring up OSD to view).
  • Duration: Full charge takes about 2 ~ 3 hours.

⚠️ Note: Charging cable ≠ link cable. The Type-C port on this unit is multi-purpose (proprietary protocol): charging works in one direction only; for link battle use the dedicated link cable (see Section 6), do not mix them up.

4. TF Card (MicroSD) Use

4.1 First Use: Create Folders

Create the following three folders in the TF card root directory (names must match exactly, case-sensitive):

  • Upgrade — store system firmware update files
  • GAMES — store game ROM files
  • Save games — store game save files

Supports FAT32 file system, up to 32GB; a Class 10 / UHS-I or faster TF card is recommended.

4.2 Firmware Update

  1. Put the update file in the Upgrade folder.
  2. Insert the TF card while the unit is off.
  3. After powering on, go to System Menu → Settings → Update page, select the corresponding firmware version, then follow the on-screen prompts to update.
  4. After updating, it is recommended to delete the update file in the Upgrade folder to avoid repeated updates.

4.3 Play TF Card ROMs

  1. Put the game ROM in the GAMES folder.
  2. Power on → System Menu → select "TF Card Games" → select the game.

5. Save Notes (Important)

5.1 Original Cartridge Saves

Original cartridge games save the same way as on original GB/GBC hardware (normal in-game saving).

5.2 TF Card ROM Saves ⚠️ (Important Order)

For ROMs run from the TF card, games that support saving must follow this order to actually save:

  1. Save in-game once first (use the game's built-in save function, Game Save).
  2. Then bring up the OSD menu and save (OSD Save).
  3. Save complete (only now is the game truly saved).

⚠️ Do not skip step ① and save directly via OSD, otherwise the OSD save will not take effect and your progress will be lost.

6. Link Battle

  • Supports link battle between 2 or more consoles (some games support 4).
  • Link mode uses a proprietary protocol and requires the dedicated link cable (optional, sold separately).

How to use:

  1. Purchase and take out the dedicated link cable.
  2. Insert each end of the link cable into the Type-C ports of the two consoles (an original link cable adapter is also required).
  3. Use a game that supports link play to enter link mode, and follow the on-screen prompts.

⚠️ Note: Regular Type-C charging/data cables cannot be used for link battle. You must use the dedicated link cable, otherwise the connection cannot be established.

7. RTC Real-Time Clock

  • Built-in RTC clock module, powered by a CR1220 button cell battery (original).
  • Supports day/night, day-change and evolution events in time-based games such as Pokémon.
  • The button cell battery lasts about 2 years; replace with a CR1220 when it runs out.

8. Cartridge Compatibility ⚠️

8.1 Supported Cartridges

✅ Original GB cartridges and original GBC cartridges: plug-and-play, fully supported.

8.2 Compatibility Boundaries

  • ⚠️ Non-original cartridges (compatible carts, flash carts, clone carts, etc.): some may run, but not all are guaranteed to work.
  • ⚠️ Physical limitation: due to slot depth, the following cartridges are not supported:
    • Original cartridge cameras (Game Boy Camera, etc.)
    • Some original odd-shaped / long cartridges (special elongated cartridges)

8.3 Insertion / Removal Tips

  • Insert: push straight in along the slot direction; a "click" means it is fully seated.
  • Remove: hold both sides of the cartridge and pull up gently; do not yank at an angle.
  • Insert/remove cartridges only while the console is off.

9. Technical Specifications

  • Screen: 2.98" IPS TFT, 800×720, RGB565, 16.7M colors
  • Battery: 1800mAh Li-Po (removable)
  • Charging: USB Type-C, compatible with PD and other protocols, actual charging 5V/1A, about 2 ~ 3 hours for full charge
  • Battery Life: About 4 ~ 6 hours
  • Dimensions & Weight: 113 × 64 × 22 mm | 135g (with battery)
  • TF Card: MicroSD up to 32GB, FAT32
  • Cartridge Slot: GB/GBC original 32pin
  • Audio: 0.5W speaker ×1 (no 3.5mm headphone jack)
  • Operating Temperature: 0 °C ~ 40 °C

10. Safety & Maintenance

  • Use original or certified charging accessories. Avoid low-quality chargers.
  • Do not use or store the console in humid or high-temperature environments.
  • If idle for a long time, charge the battery once every 3 months to keep it active.
  • Do not scratch the screen with sharp objects.
  • Turn off the console before inserting/removing cartridges and TF cards.
  • If the system malfunctions, remove the TF card and restart the console; if the issue persists, update the firmware.

11. Customer Support

  • Firmware updates & FAQs: see the included upgrade guide / official channels.
  • For quality issues, keep the proof of purchase and contact the dealer / customer support.
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