Game Boy Camera Lovers!

What was once the world's smallest digital camera (Guinness World Records 1999), and way ahead of its time with a built in "selfie" mode, the Game Boy Camera has ignited modern artists curiosity with its lo-fi retro aesthetic. Initially relegated to only sharing images on the Game Boy screen or with the GB Printer, modern solutions now allow you to easily pull the images off the GB Camera to share it with the world! We're calling all enthusiasts to participate in our first GB Camera Jam.

Building on the format and success of our GB Pixel Art Jam, this is an un-ranked and non-adjudicated Jam, where participants submit their favourite capture that fits the theme (to be announced). All images that meet the requirements will be included in a compilation Gallery ROM/Cart. Qualified submissions are also entered into a random draw for prizes (listed below).

So grab your AA Batteries and some inspiration, go explore the world and capture your heart out, then share it with the world here!

Submission Guidelines:

What: One image captured with the Game Boy Camera. Images must be captured with the original camera sensor, digitally generated images that mimic the aesthetic are not allowed. Modified Game Boy Cameras (lenses or carts) are permitted as long as the sensor is original.

Theme:   To be announced at Jam start. 

Rules Summary:

• Original captures only
• Submit (up to 4) 160px by 144px .png file(s) downloaded from the Game Boy Camera
• SFW (Safe For Work)
• No alterations to the image post capture
• Prizes randomly assigned and not based on criteria
• One submission per artist

All submissions will be included in a downloadable Game Boy ROM after the event. Read below for more detail. I draw your attention to the bottom of this page for RESOURCES and SUBMISSION TIPS.

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Rules In Full

The Jam runs from May 1st 7:00 PM EST to May 10th 7:00 PM EST. All submissions must be captured from a Game Boy Camera (stock or modified) and fit the theme (to be announced on May 1st 7:00 PM EST). One submission per person.  Each submission can consist of a maximum of Four (4) separate images/captures taken with the Game Boy Camera.

NSFW material is not permitted. All work must be family friendly, no depictions of violence, gore, nudity or sexual activity. Images that are politically charged or intended to incite adversarial responses may be disqualified from the Jam at the host's discretion.

By submitting to this Jam, you agree to allow your work to be used in the Gallery ROM that will be produced for this event. The ROM will be available as a free Digital Download after the event. You also allow for your work to be shared and published/reproduced in GB Studio Central's other media, such as (but not limited to) our social media networks, website and magazine. All work will be credited and a link to your profile/portfolio will be included if provided with your submission.

Prizes

Prizes are randomly selected from qualified entries (excluding those involved in running the jam, such as GB Studio Central staff members). One prize per participant. Prizes include:

• Physical Print of Submitted Art (Lithophane) + Gallery Cart
• Gift Card from insideGadgets ($50 USD) 
• Game Boy Camera Jam Gallery Carts (5 total)
• 1 Year Subscription to GB Studio Magazine (5 total)

Resources

Use the following image for your project cover image. It contains an alpha transparency, use as a layer over your resized art. Simply right click and select "save image as". 

Submission Checklist

1. create a new project on your itch dashboard
2. upload (up to 4) 160px by 144px image as .png file for download
3. upload (x1) upscaled cover image. Feel free to add the GB Camera Jam 2026 cover to your upscaled image (see above in resources)
4. add screen shot(s) to your project (the Game Boy Camera capture, upscaled, without the Pixel Art Jam 2025 cover)
5. feel free to write about your photo(s) on your project page

We recommend describing your itch project page as an asset/tool.

When you increase the size of your image, in the app you use, make sure you choose “no interpolation” or “nearest neighbour” for crisp big pixel goodness.

Thank you for reading until the end, and thank you for joining the Jam. I hope you will submit a piece!