A hardware enthusiast known as @natalie_thenerd has amazed the modding community by converting the recently released LEGO Game Boy set into a fully functional console capable of running real Nintendo Game Boy cartridges—without relying on emulation. The project was completed in less than a day after the official release of the LEGO set and integrates authentic Game Boy components.
The LEGO Game Boy, praised for its faithful design and nostalgic details, served as immediate inspiration for Natalie. Upon examining the model, she noticed an opening behind the screen meant to hold a decorative cartridge. This design element sparked the idea to modify the toy so that it could actually play games.
According to Tom’s Hardware, Natalie designed a custom printed circuit board (PCB) featuring a MGB CPU, the same processor used in the original Game Boy Pocket, along with built-in RAM to save space. The result is a compact board—smaller even than a standard Game Boy cartridge—yet fully capable of reading and running genuine Nintendo game cartridges.
In videos shared on her blog, Natalie demonstrates the modified LEGO console successfully booting up Tetris, confirming that the system can recognize and load authentic game cartridges. The project also features what she describes as the smallest display kit available on the market, replacing LEGO’s decorative screen parts. To fit the electronic components, some original LEGO pieces had to be removed or adjusted.
Although the system can already power on and read cartridges, the mod remains a work in progress. While the buttons can be pressed, they are not yet fully functional. In an interview with The Verge, Natalie explained that she plans to design and 3D-print custom parts to connect the buttons directly to the PCB, ensuring proper input response. She also promised to release a full demonstration once the build is complete.
The unmodified LEGO Game Boy set remains available for purchase at $59.99 through the My Nintendo Store and the official LEGO website.
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