The application of dedicated games consoles to more varied functions other than just playing games is fraught with difficulties. Not only do the consoles contain highly integrated and custom-made components, there will often be no publicly available development tools or applications manuals. However the Nintendo Gameboy© is one such system which has received considerable attention from the hobby designer and enjoys a large selection of both technical and software support through a network of websites.The attraction of using a mass produced console soon becomes clear when the time and cost involved in producing a general purpose portable instrument with processor, LCD display and user interface, not to mention the moulded case, sound system and serial port, are considered.