LEGO Super Mario 72046 Nintendo Game Boy: BrickBoy solution promises to make the console functional

Conclusion: It's way too expensive for what it is.

Since the announcement and release of the LEGO Super Mario set 72046 Nintendo Game Boy (€59,99), projects aimed at making this brick console functional have logically appeared. Australian Natalie The Nerd, for example, is working on integrating a "real" Game Boy console into the construction with his Build a Boy project which should allow in early 2026 and in exchange for a hundred dollars to convert the LEGO version into a console playable with real official cartridges.

Another project is currently underway, and it looks like it's going to take the Australian modder by surprise: BrickBoyThis modification, currently presented on Kickstarter with a crowdfunding phase scheduled to launch on October 28, 2025 at 16:00 p.m., takes the shortcut of emulation and also promises a perfectly functional console at the cost of a few compromises.

The kit designed by Substance Labs, a collective of three Swiss AFOLs, can be installed on the construction and you will have to choose between three versions: the "Essential Kit" version with a 2.4" monochrome screen, a mono speaker and a slot for the two AAA batteries, the "Gamer Kit" version with its color screen and the possibility of playing Game Boy Classic, Color and Advance games, customizable backlighting, a rechargeable battery, a Bluetooth headset connection and the possibility of adding games in wireless mode and finally the "Collector's Edition" version which adds a USB port as well as a charger that will allow the console to be displayed in permanent operation without having to change the batteries or recharge its battery.

The prices of these three kits are not yet known and it is advisable to remain very cautious on several points: We do not know much about the hardware specifications of the product and the OS that will be used, even if it should logically be a simple classic emulator like those that can be downloaded almost everywhere.

We don't really know how it will be possible to benefit from possible technical support in the event of a problem with the product and it is, as usual, a crowdfunding operation with the usual risks of seeing the project fail, of obtaining a product which ultimately does not live up to the initial promise or of never receiving anything and not being able to get your money back.

If you've never used crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo, I strongly encourage you to do your research before committing.

In the meantime, you can discover the product's Kickstarter page to this address and get a first impression of the offer. Then it's up to you to decide if it's worth the effort. I'm waiting to see the prices that will be charged and the theoretical delivery times before deciding.