Every now and again, a custom handheld catches our attention and makes us throw money at our laptop screens. They have to evoke a sense of extreme nostalgia, feature some of our favourite characters, and usually be incredibly shiny. And when it comes to creating custom GBA SP handhelds, SuperGusiland knows how to knock it out of the park.
I’ve been chatting with Hugo, the brains behind the brand about his range of Game Boy shells after this incredible Ancient Mew GBA caught my eye, and the fact that we can all get in on a slice of the action and make our own SP look like it came out of a secret chest hidden in the depth of Kanto makes me very happy. I mean, just take a look at this thing – it’s designed just like the Ancient Mew card and features all the intriguing elements of the card that evoke that childhood mystery surrounding Mew that we all felt collecting the cards back in the 90s.
The holographic elements on this case are incredible, creating a shifting light pattern whenever you move your hand, and I love the attention to detail with the colours too, creating that ‘otherwordly universe’ kind of feel, again capturing that mystique that Mew still brings to the franchise today. And the custom box adds the finishing touches too – that would definitely be going on my shelf next to my prized Pokémon cards!
But the case comes to life even more when twinned with Hugo’s modded Game Boy with flashing LED lights. It’s like you’re witnessing a Psyschock attack in real life… just without having to run to the nearest Pokémon Center with a bunch of K.O’d Pokémon in your hands.
You can grab this Ancient Mew shell for €79.99 (around £66/$84) along with some other amazing shells for the original GBA and the Game Boy Colour from the SuperGusiland store, with prices starting from €64.99 (around £54/$68). Hugo also makes custom Game Boys, so make sure to message him on Instagram for more details if you’re in the market for a fully-modded machine!
Quick Fire Questions With Hugo ‘SuperGusiland’
RD: When did you first get into designing and creating custom shells for handhelds?
Hugo: I wanted to start many years ago, but it wasn’t until 3 years ago that I finally had the means to start working on it. Now it’s my absolute number-one passion.
RD: What are the processes behind building your handhelds, and what materials are the shells made from?
Hugo: We can divide the process into different sections; first there is a creative phase where there is a brainstorm about the design and colors that will be applied to the entire set (including elements such as buttons and other pieces). Then you have to design and give shape to that idea; not only do you have to design the case, but also the vinyls for the label areas and the inlays that will go inside the GBA SP cases (for example).
Hugo: In some cases, I also design a custom box. Now comes the part that is perhaps most boring, these designs must be given a specific format to print them – on the one hand the cases that will be printed with UV and on the other hand the vinyls that will be printed, laminated, and cut with a machine. Once all the visuals are prepared, the part that many know will come – preparing the mod, restoring an original Game Boy motherboard, and installing the modifications desired for each case, the IPS screen is always the most popular.
RD: How long does it take to design and create each piece?
Hugo: Regarding the time it takes to create one, it varies greatly. I think that when it is a new design and you have to prepare everything from scratch, the average time can be between 6 and 10 hours. In general, it is a time that is not usually profitable with the first sale, but if the design is popular it becomes profitable over time by being ordered several times.
RD: How much does retro gaming play a part in your design choices – are you an avid Pokémon fan, for instance?
Hugo: Retro gaming plays a key role in my decisions and inspirations, the power of nostalgia is what has always moved me to create these pieces. Many people suggest that I could do work for more current systems, but my passion lies in nostalgia and in the retro world. Of course, I am a big fan of not only Pokémon but also everything Nintendo, especially Zelda and Metroid. Although I have a love for every good video game regardless of its “brand”.
RD: What handhelds have you created shells for, and what console would you like to work on next?
Hugo: So far I have created cases for: GB DMG, GB Pocket, GBC, GBA, GBA SP, GB Micro, NDS, NDS lite, NEW 3DS XL, and Gamecube. I have many plans for the future and I would like to work with N64, Dreamcast, PS1, PSP, and maybe Switch, but time is very limited – everything requires a lot of attention and dedication, we’ll see what happens!
RD: How easy are your shells to attach for first-time modders?
Hugo: I think that changing the casing is not particularly complicated, I always recommend following a guide or video step by step and without fear. Being a single person who PERSONALLY manages all the production of my products, it is difficult to have an offer of all the types and morphologies of casings that exist for the same system (because there are differences depending on the screen that is going to be installed), but I am always willing to be communicative and help those who do not understand the subject well.
