GoKawiilEpilogue's USB-C Operator devices let PCs play and back up Nintendo cartridges
Epilogue makes USB-C cartridge readers, the $50 GB Operator for Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance carts, and the $60 SN Operator for Super Nintendo and Super Famicom titles, with an N64 version in development. The devices connect real cartridges to Windows, Mac, Steam Deck, Xbox Ally or even phones, letting users back up save data and play games through companion Playback software that pulls the ROM and runs it in an emulator.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Old cartridge saves rely on decades-old batteries that are failing, putting years of game progress at permanent risk of loss. Tools like this give collectors and families a simple way to preserve save data and keep aging physical game libraries playable on modern hardware without needing dedicated retro consoles.
- GB Operator ($50) supports Game Boy, Color and Advance carts; SN Operator ($60) supports SNES and Super Famicom
- Devices act as pass-through readers, relying on companion software to run games via emulation rather than original chips
- They double as backup tools, letting users preserve save files before aging cartridge batteries fail completely
Epilogue GB Operator — This is the exact gadget the article celebrates: a clear USB-C cartridge reader that lets your PC or Mac read and write real Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance carts. It's the easiest way to back up decades-old save files before those tiny watch batteries finally give out.
See Epilogue GB Operator on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: theverge.com — Sean Hollister, 2026-09-02
Published there as: “The amazing USB-C gadgets that play old Nintendo cartridges”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.