The LEGO Game Boy, released this summer, did not go unnoticed. True to the design of Nintendo’s iconic handheld, it proudly sits on the shelves of brick and retro gaming fans alike. But for Natalie the Nerd, a well-known American modder, this simple display model was only the beginning.

Her idea? Turn this LEGO creation into a fully functional handheld console, capable of playing real Game Boy cartridges!

A 100% authentic mod

Natalie chose authenticity: she integrated a Game Boy Pocket motherboard directly inside the LEGO shell (Pocket version to save space and make integration easier). The result? A console that plays original cartridges using real vintage hardware — no Raspberry Pi, no emulator software. A true feat of miniature engineering!

To achieve this, she had to redesign several internal elements:

• a smaller board than a standard cartridge, to fit inside the LEGO case
• a more modern USB-C power system
• and soon, fully functional buttons mounted on a small PCB and fitted into a 3D-printed LEGO piece

Every detail was carefully planned to preserve the charm of the LEGO set while staying true to the spirit of the original console.

A creation made for the community

Natalie didn’t design this Game Boy just for herself. In true DIY spirit, she plans to share her files and schematics so that enthusiasts can reproduce the mod at home.
She will also provide details on all the required components, allowing anyone to build their own version.

This kind of initiative perfectly illustrates the creativity of the modding scene — a blend of nostalgia, engineering, and passion — a mix that could inspire many other hybrid projects.

Images: Natalie the Nerd