SF2000/GB300 First steps & Multicore setup

This article covers the installation of our software modification called Multicore for Datafrog SF2000 and GB300 handhelds.

There are many ways to use Multicore. In this short guide, we’ll cover the simplest method. More advanced tools for customisation are linked at the end.

0. Table of Contents

• 1. Prerequisites
• 2. Installing the Multicore
• 3. Using the Multicore
  • 3.1 Adding ROMs
  • 3.2 Reloading ROM list & running games
• 4. OPTIONAL: Tips & Tricks
  • 4.1 Change Game Boy palette
  • 4.2 GBA and GB/C RTC settings
  • 4.3 Editing core options & community scripts
  • 4.4 Menu integration & advanced tools
• 5. Updating GB300 to v2

Step 1: Prerequisites

• A Datafrog SF2000 or GB300 handheld
• An SD card reader (via phone or PC) to transfer files to the SD card
• If you’re using a GB300, make sure you’re on GB300 v2. See Updating GB300 to v2 software version

Step 2: Installing the Multicore

1. Insert your SD card into your computer or phone
2. Download the latest stable release of Multicore
   • ⚠️ Make sure you download the archive for your correct device (GB300 or SF2000)
3. Unzip the archive
4. Copy everything inside the sdcard folder to the root of your SD card
   • Replace any files if prompted

5. You should now see a cores folder on the root of the SD card

6. Put the SD card back into your device and power it on
7. On first boot, your device may perform a bootloader fix update (this is automatic and only happens once)
8. It’s recommended you remove the sd:\UpdateFirmware folder once bootloader fix update has been installed
9. Done! Multicore is now installed 🎉

3. Using the Multicore

This guide focuses on the simplest, tool-free usage.

3.1 Adding ROMs

1. Place unzipped ROMs into their respective system folders under sd:/roms/*
2. Check the list of supported systems and emulators here
3. Example:
   • To add Pokémon Fire Red, copy the file like this:

     sd:/roms/gba/PokemonFireRed.gba
     

3.2 Reloading ROM List & Running Games

Whenever you add new games, you must regenerate the ROM list.

Recommended Option 1: On the device

• Navigate to:
  User, ROMS & SETTINGS → Game list → js2000;rom_list_generators.js.gba
• Press A to generate the ROM list
• Your game will now appear under:
  User, ROMS & SETTINGS → Game list → gba;PokemonFireRed.gba
  
  Option 2: On your computer
• Run make-romlist.bat from the SD card (sd:/make-romlist.bat)

4. OPTIONAL: Tips & Tricks

4.1 Change Game Boy Games Palette

You can customise the colour palette for Game Boy games:

• Run the script:
  User, ROMS & SETTINGS → Game list → js2000;gambatte_pallete_picker.js.gba

4.2 GBA and GB/C RTC Settings

You can also manage RTC (Real-Time Clock) settings directly:

• Run:
  User, ROMS & SETTINGS → Game list → js2000;rtc_settings_manager.js.gba

4.3 Editing Core Options and Other Cool Scripts

The community has created additional helpful scripts, such as the config editor. Browse the script library:

• JS2000 script examples

4.4 Running Games from Main Menu Categories & Other Customisation

For more advanced customisation, check out these tools:

• Multicore ROM Helper
• GB300/SF2000 Tool
• Read Q_ta’s detailed guide on Discord

5. Updating GB300 to v2 Software Version

If you’re using GB300 with v1 firmware or you’re not sure:

1. Format the SD card to FAT32
2. Download:

• Minimal backup
• (Full backup not linked due to ROMs being included)

3. Unzip the archive directly to the SD card

• You should now see folders like bios, resources, roms, etc. on the root

Done! You can now follow the Multicore installation instructions.

Happy gaming! 🕹️