At the GitHub Universe conference, attendees received a conference badge featuring a full-blown color screen computer. Simon Willison reported on the device, noting that he had been hacking around with it before running into Steve Francia. Francia utilized Gemini to build a fully functioning NES emulator for the badge, and subsequently went a step further to deploy emulators for both the Game Boy and the Game Boy Color. This capability allows users who obtain the appropriate ROM to play titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening directly on the hardware. Additionally, the badge includes a hardware feature that allows the screen to be used when turned upside down.
The Evolution of Programmable Conference Badges
Conference badges have increasingly transitioned from simple paper nametags into programmable microcontrollers and small computers at developer-focused events. Hardware hacking at tech conferences has a long history, with attendees frequently attempting to push official devices past their intended use cases. Running retro video game emulators on constrained hardware demonstrates the processing capability of modern microcontroller-class displays, turning standard event swag into portable gaming devices.
What Remains Unclear
The announcement did not specify the exact hardware specifications of the conference badge, such as its processor model, RAM capacity, or battery life. Furthermore, details regarding how the Gemini tool was specifically prompted or integrated into the emulator development process were not detailed, nor was it specified whether future software updates for the badge will officially support these emulation capabilities.
As the GitHub Universe event continues, it remains to be seen what other custom software attendees will deploy to the color screen badges.
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