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nitro2k01’s SGB Enabler for EZ Flash Jr
August 19th, 2021EZ Flash Jr is an SD card based flash cartridge for the Gameboy and Gameboy Color. While economical, there’s one feature that has been missing from it, namely good support for SGB (Super Gameboy). You can sometimes get it to work by hitting the reset button at exactly the right time, but even then any SGB enabled game would lack any SGB enhancements, like custom borders. The SGB Enabler is a modified version of EZ Flash Jr Kernel 1.04e which mostly solves these problems.
This is a beta version - feedback appreciated. Especially from people using a NTSC SNES or a SGB2.
What was the problem and how does the SGB Enabler work?
The SGB contains a full Gameboy CPU and the SNES is used to show the graphics and sound from the Gameboy. But before the SNES allows an image to be shown, it needs a message from the Gameboy to validate the cartridge. Unfortunately, EZ Flash Jr holds the CPU in reset (basically locks it up) while it’s loading its own firmware. Because of this, the timing is thrown off. The SNES never gets the message and only shows a black screen forever.
But the Gameboy CPU is still running in the background. The SGB Enabler sends the same commands as the Gameboy boot ROM would normally send, and the SNES allows an an image to be shown.
How do you use the SGB Enabler?
Simply copy the included ezgb.dat file to the root of the SD card, overwriting the existing file. Then start the Super Gameboy. (download link at the bottom of the page.) You do not need to touch the reset button on either the cartridge or SNES. It just works.
Does the SGB Enabler restore all SGB functions?
Yes, it enables the game to use colorization and border graphics, and even special sound effects in the few games that use those. And Space Invaders 94’s SNES arcade mode works as well.
Is the SGB Enabler safe to use?
Yes. The SGB Enabler only modifies the kernel (menu), and doesn’t touch the firmware (FPGA). Therefore, you can simply restore it to its original state by copying the original ezgb.dat file from EZ Flash Team onto the SD card, and there’s no risk of bricking. You do not need to upgrade to FW5 (which Team EZ Flash removed). It’s recommended to use FW4.
Can I still use the SGB Enabler on a DMG/GBC?
Yes, the only downside is that the boot time is longer because it always tries to send the commands to wake up the SGB as explained above. I will try to figure out a way to fix this later, but this is just an early beta version to get feedback from users. If this is a problem, simply replace ezgb.dat with the original file from EZ Flash. (Detecting the hardware is not as straightforward as it seems because the EZ Flash Jr has an internal boot ROM that erases the initial registers that programmers normally use to detect which type of hardware the game is running on.)
Does the SGB Enabler work on both PAL and NTSC Super Gameboys?
I only have a PAL SNES, but I’ve region modded it so I can select PAL or NTSC. In my testing, I’ve made sure the SGB Enabler works in both PAL and NTSC mode, but feedback from someone who has a real NTSC SGB would be appreciated.
The SNES reset button doesn’t work!
Please use the reset button on the cartridge, or power cycle the SNES to restart.
October 19th, 2021 at 9:53 pm
I tested on my ezflash with latest official and stable firmware on my super GB under SNES pal versión and no luck.
I rewrite ezbg.dat and ez flash menú didnt start, need to reset from ezflash button Two times and screen stucks on ezflash initial loading.
October 20th, 2021 at 10:15 pm
Ok. Now its working 100%. The only thing i do is that yesteday i copy (not overwrite) the file, today overwrited and works like a charm.
Thanks nitro2k01.
October 27th, 2021 at 9:42 am
We have test in different scenarios and all works as espected.
Works under Super Gameboy 2 and a SNES clone.
Simply you have done BEST than ez flash manufacturer😃.
Keep the good work nitro!
March 2nd, 2023 at 9:08 pm
This works amazingly well. The boot time on actual Gameboys is a little long but it’s worth it for being able to explore all the Japanese games that have SGB enhanced features. I can confirm this works on: US Super GameBoy, JP Super GameBoy, JP Super GameBoy 2.
If you are using a game with custom borders on the SNES, and reset, the old game will show up until a new border is loaded and the pallet and border will be reset to a new one. But sometimes it has some artifacts so then you just have to turn it off and on again at the system level.
Thanks so much for figuring it out and sharing with the world nitro!