If you fell for the LEGO Game Boy released this year, good news: it might soon become playable! The BrickBoy project has just landed on Kickstarter with a DIY kit that turns your LEGO build into a fully functional handheld console. And the best part? No soldering required—installation takes less than 10 minutes.

The official LEGO Game Boy is a beautiful collector’s item, but of course, it’s not functional. BrickBoy changes that with a kit that fits directly into your existing build to make it work for real. The concept is simple: an emulator module slides into the cartridge slot (sticking out slightly), paired with a 2.4" screen that replaces the original LEGO display.

Emulation, not physical cartridges

A key point to clarify right away: BrickBoy runs through emulation and reads ROM files, not original Game Boy cartridges. If you were hoping to insert your real Pokémon or Tetris cartridges into your LEGO Game Boy, this isn’t the kit for you. Other modders, like NatalieTheNerd, are working on solutions that use original Game Boy chips to read physical cartridges, but BrickBoy took the emulation route to make the product more accessible and versatile.

This approach has its advantages: you can potentially access the entire Game Boy, Color, and Advance library (depending on the kit) without collecting cartridges. The downside? It’s less “authentic” for purists who prefer original hardware. It’s up to you to decide what matters most: authenticity or convenience.

Three kits for three types of players

BrickBoy offers three distinct versions to suit all budgets and needs:

Essential Kit: The entry-level option for those who just want to make their LEGO Game Boy playable without spending much. It emulates Game Boy games in grayscale and runs on two AAA batteries. Small drawback: the battery pack sticks out from the back, slightly breaking LEGO’s perfect aesthetic.

Gamer Kit: The full version for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate experience. It includes Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance emulation in color, gameplay acceleration, customizable backlight, Bluetooth audio, wireless updates, and a rechargeable battery. This version fixes the aesthetic issue with a compact, discreetly integrated battery.

Collector’s Edition: The premium version designed for display as much as for play. It features a “show mode” and USB power for permanent display, ideal for looping demos on a shelf.

Plug-and-play installation with magnetic sensors

One of BrickBoy’s biggest strengths is its simplicity. No need to be a modding expert: no soldering, no screwing. The clever part lies in button management—rather than modifying LEGO bricks, BrickBoy uses magnetic sensors placed under the D-pad and action buttons. When you press the LEGO plastic buttons, they approach the sensors, triggering the input.

The entire electronic module is housed in a “super cartridge” that fits directly into LEGO’s slot, while the 2.4" LCD screen replaces the fake green window. Full installation takes 5 to 10 minutes.

A few grey areas remain

While the concept is appealing, some questions remain. The precise technical specifications of the module haven’t been detailed yet on the Kickstarter page (processor, storage capacity, etc.), and the emulation quality shown in promo videos seems imperfect (BrickBoy is rather evasive about the built-in emulator).
In addition, some segmentation choices raise eyebrows: the Essential Kit apparently lacks volume and brightness controls—pretty essential features.

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, making it hard to judge the value for money. The team promises first deliveries in December 2025 after the end of the Kickstarter campaign.

A philosophical dilemma

BrickBoy isn’t alone in this field, and that’s what makes it interesting. On one side, you have modders like NatalieTheNerd, whom we mentioned here: respect for original hardware, real cartridge reading, authentic preservation.
On the other, BrickBoy: the path of modernity and convenience, the power of emulation opening three generations of Nintendo handhelds, the comfort of a ROM library and rechargeable battery.

The BrickBoy project launches its Kickstarter campaign on October 28, 2025.
As always with crowdfunding, remember that not every project reaches completion—do your research before backing. If the idea of turning your LEGO Game Boy into a functional console excites you, now’s the time to keep a close eye on it.