Goodboy Galaxy Dev Blog Update (May 2026)

Hi gang,

As we are in the final stretch we'll be updating every couple of weeks, at least until we are shipping out the products, to keep you all aware of where we're at and what we're up to.

Release ROM finalising

Lately we've been finalising the ROM (1.4) for flashing to the cartridges, which differs slightly from the digital version available currently (1.3). Main changes:

• We ported over the difficulty balancing from the PC/Switch version which is a bit easier (a slight delay before shield bursts, bosses are slightly easier - you can still change the difficulty to 'hard' if you want the original version).

• Added some touches like icons for the selected charge shot (also from the PC/Switch version).

• Some optimisations enabling the ROM to work with a wider variety of flashcarts.

• Korean language option.

• Other small fixes ported over from the latest PC/Switch version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyUiqwm2cvw

The eagle-eyed viewer might spot some of the above changes in this quick video.

Cartridge building

This week Bitmap Bureau are assembling a final test batch of the cartridges, with the aforementioned 1.4 ROM. We've already done a few rounds of prototype cartridges using the final components, so we're not expecting any issues at this point, but we now have these rigs to flash the ROM onto cartridges in larger batches, so it's a final sanity check and also a test of the full process. Once this is put through its paces and confirmed good, we can prepare the full assembly line for making the entire producton run (which is a lot!).

This contraption (left) puts the game on the cartridge, many at a time. The checksum calculation (right) ensures that the ROM is bit-for-bit identical once flashed to the cartridge. It also detects if it's running on the Bitmap Bureau's PCB design (indicated by the 'BB' text) or another cartridge type.

eShop Live

On the Switch side, Reef Entertainment have got the eShop page live (US/EU/AUS/JP/KR regions). Currently we're preparing to order the Switch Codes for redemption on the eShop. These should be sent over (to your email if you backed Switch digital) over the course of June (we'll do another update with details when we do). Note: Even though the game won't be available to purchase on the eShop until later in the year, the codes should be redeemable (and you will be able to play the game) right away.

That's all for now, see you again soon

Rik + Jeremy