This mod turns your Lego Recreation Boy into an actual handheld console

If there’s one firm that has just lately been betting on nostalgia, it is Lego. Earlier this month, the corporate launched an official Lego Game Boy set that precisely recreates Nintendo’s traditional handheld console in Lego kind. Whereas the set is eye-catching for players and collectors alike, the unlucky half is that it’s Lego in any case, so you may’t really energy it on and play video games on it as a lot as you’d want too. Nonetheless, due to the efforts of modders, that dream is turning into a actuality.

Natalie the Nerd was one of many first modders to efficiently flip the Lego Recreation Boy into a totally practical gadget that may play video games, making a small PCB that matches contained in the Lego set and performs precise Recreation Boy cartridges. She is at the moment engaged on making a package in order that anybody can do that, however within the meantime, one other modder has entered the scene, providing an alternate.

A gaggle of Swiss modders who name themselves Substance Labs just lately introduced the BrickBoy, which brings the Lego Recreation Boy to life and makes it playable. Nonetheless, the distinction in comparison with Natalie the Nerd’s mod is that BrickBoy’s design depends on emulation, somewhat than really working video games from a Recreation Boy cartridge. The crew behind BrickBoy says putting in the mod takes “lower than 10 minutes” and that each one the components are custom-made, however did not dive into specifics on how its emulation system really works.

“BrickBoy is an easy-to-assemble package that transforms the Lego Recreation Boy set right into a playable console. It’s an impartial, creator-made improve package, constructed completely from our personal {custom} elements, together with the cartridge, buttons mechanism, display screen module, and management board,” Substance Labs defined.

BrickBoy might be obtainable by way of Kickstarter

Pricing has not been revealed but

Substance Labs uploaded a YouTube video demonstrating the BrickBoy mod, which you’ll be able to watch above. The video exhibits that putting in the mod requires attaching a 2.4-inch LCD display screen to the Lego set and including magnetic sensors for the D-pad and motion buttons. Probably the most visually impactful change, nevertheless, is the BrickBoy’s battery pack, which requires two AAA batteries and protrudes from the again of the cartridge module.

The BrickBoy might be obtainable by way of a Kickstarter campaign launching on October 28, with three kits obtainable: Important, Gamer, and Collector’s Version. The Important Package can play Recreation Boy Basic titles in greyscale, has mono audio system, and depends on the AAA battery pack I discussed earlier. The Gamer Package can play Recreation Boy Coloration and Recreation Boy Advance video games, in addition to traditional titles, helps Bluetooth audio and wi-fi updates, and is powered by a chargeable lithium battery. The Collector’s Version features a USB energy provide and charger so you may run video games frequently on the display screen for show functions.

Although Kickstart launches in just some days, pricing for any of the kits hasn’t been revealed but. It is also value noting that not one of the kits embrace the Lego Recreation Boy set itself; you need to purchase it individually. Substance Labs says as soon as the Kickstarter marketing campaign ends, it’ll start meeting and begin transport to backers by December.

So, should you’ve received a Lego Recreation Boy set and wish to convert it right into a playable handheld, both the package from Natalie the Nerd or BrickBoy ought to do the job. Nonetheless, a phrase of warning: Kickstarter campaigns do not all the time come to fruition, so maintain that in thoughts should you’re occupied with turning into a backer for the BrickBoy.