DRAFT: Pokemon Mini, the smallest Nintendo console with cartridges

The Pokemon Mini is Nintendo's smallest cartridge-based console. It launched in 2001 and was discontinued in 2002, and I don't know when I got mine. I found it in one my recent trips home, and wondered if it was still working.

The smallest Nintendo

The Pokemon Mini is 2.91 × 2.28 × 0.91 in and weighs 70g with the battery and cartridge. It is powered by a single AAA battery that can provide up to 60 hours of gameplay for the console. The console has a rumble motor, shake detection, an infrared data port for multiplayer gaming, a speaker, and came in one of three colors: blue, green or purple.

TODO: Add an image here of the pokemon mini, side by side with my pokemon mini

Intro to Hardware?

The console is an artifact of the past, has little sentimental value, and is severely outclassed in every way by new things. However, I find myself increasingly captivated by the idea of refurbishing this console and getting the old games working.

I have zero experience in hardware nor am I a hardcore pokemon fan. However, I find myself increasingly interested in efficient software / hardware systems, memory constraints from ages past, and seeing if I still have my old skills in the six minigames included in the cartridge I have.

Pokemon Mini Emulation

The console has had much work and interest over the last couple decades. I have done a preliminary search and found a few emulators listed that I could try out. I always wondered what other games were available so it would be super cool to get to see those even before I get my own handheld working!

TODO: Add image of the wiki, the emulators listed, other games, the gamecube emulator?

Next steps

The next steps is going to have to be a brainstorming session. I suspect that with the help of an agent I can both get a quick primer on how not to ruin it further, and what are some things to check first. It could be that the battery contacts are too rusted. Part of me hopes it is more than that, but not too much more, but I do hope I can get it working someday.