Build Your Own Game Boy Emulator with Lego’s BrickBoy Kit
▼ Summary
– The BrickBoy is a custom module that slots into Lego’s Game Boy model to play games through emulation and ROM files, unlike Natalie’s version requiring original chips.
– It takes about five minutes to install the BrickBoy kit, including adding a screen, magnetic sensors, and reassembling, though one version protrudes due to AAA batteries.
– The Gamer Kit version has a smaller cartridge module with a rechargeable battery, avoiding the protrusion issue of the AAA battery version.
– The BrickBoy will launch via Kickstarter on October 28, 2025, in three versions: Essential, Gamer, and Collector’s Edition, each with varying features.
– The Essential Kit plays Game Boy games in grayscale with a mono speaker, while the Gamer Kit adds Game Boy Color/Advance support, Bluetooth, and a rechargeable battery.
For those who love both retro gaming and creative building, the BrickBoy kit offers a way to transform Lego’s Game Boy model into a fully functional emulator. This custom module fits directly into the cartridge slot of the Lego replica, allowing you to play classic games using ROM files rather than original cartridges. Unlike earlier DIY projects that required sourcing vintage chips and designing custom circuit boards, the BrickBoy arrives as a self-contained unit ready for straightforward installation.
Assembling the BrickBoy into the Lego Game Boy reportedly takes around five minutes. The process involves fitting a 2.4-inch LCD screen, positioning magnetic sensors under the directional pad and action buttons, and then putting all the pieces back together. While the setup seems simple, one design compromise is visible: a version of the cartridge that holds two AAA batteries protrudes noticeably from the back of the Lego shell. This may disappoint builders who prioritize a seamless appearance.
A more streamlined alternative exists with the Gamer Kit version, which uses a rechargeable battery and results in a slimmer cartridge module. The BrickBoy will be available for pre-order via a Kickstarter campaign launching on October 28, 2025. It comes in three distinct configurations. The Essential Kit supports original Game Boy titles in grayscale and includes a mono speaker. Upgrading to the Gamer Kit adds compatibility with Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games, enables Bluetooth headphone connectivity, and includes that built-in rechargeable battery. For display purposes, a Collector’s Edition will feature a permanent power supply, ideal for keeping the unit powered on continuously. Final pricing for the different kits has not yet been revealed.
(Source: The Verge)
