When LEGO launched the Game Boy replica, modders were quick to transform it into a playable handheld. Following a successful attempt by Natalie The Nerd, a group of Swiss creators called Substance Labs has debuted their own take on the upgrade. The BrickBoy comes in three versions, which are all available for pre-order via Kickstarter campaign. However, they are pretty pricey.
While Natalie opted for a more involved approach in her build, the BrickBoy uses a custom module that plays games via ROM files and emulation. According to Substance Labs, assembly takes approximately five minutes, with only a few pieces replaced so the set retains its original look.
That said, the cheapest version of the BrickBoy, the Essential Kit, features a module that sticks out as it uses AAA batteries. Aside from that, this variant sports a mono speaker and can only play games in greyscale. Furthermore, despite being billed as the “low cost entry point”, it’s priced at EUR129 (~RM631), which is considerably more than the price of the LEGO Game Boy set.
Meanwhile, the Gamer Kit will set you back EUR169 (~RM827). For its price, backers get support for Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games. Additionally, this version comes with a rechargeable lithium battery and a customisable backlight, plus compatibility with Bluetooth headphones.
Finally, there is the Collector’s Edition, which turns the Game Boy into a display piece. It features Exposition Mode and a power supply for always-on display. Of course, as the premium option, it comes with a hefty EUR189 (~RM925) price tag.
According to the BrickBoy Kickstarter page, the kits will begin shipping in March 2026. It is worth noting that the LEGO Game Boy set is not included in any of these kits.
(Source: Substance Labs via Kickstarter)
