From Bricks to Gameplay: A Gamer's Incredible Mod Turns a LEGO Game Boy into a Fully Playable Console

In a stunning display of creativity and technical skill, a modder named Natalie has transformed the LEGO Game Boy toy into a fully functional handheld console. In a recently released podcast, she showcased her creation, which is capable of playing the timeless classic, *Tetris*.

Natalie explained that the idea to embed a circuit board into the LEGO model came to her as soon as the toy was announced. After seeing images of the physical product, she realized that the cartridge slot at the back provided just enough space for a motherboard, solidifying her decision to undertake this ambitious project.

For the core components, Natalie chose to use the CPU from a GameBoy Pocket. This was a practical decision, as parts for the GameBoy Pocket are generally cheaper and more readily available than those for the original GameBoy. Additionally, the Pocket's motherboard features a higher degree of integration, making it a better fit for a modification where every millimeter of space counts.

To overcome the spatial limitations of the LEGO shell, she designed a custom motherboard from scratch. Drawing on experience from previous projects, she integrated a power circuit, replaced the original hardware power switch with a modern electronic one, and fitted in a soft-pack battery. In a nod to modern convenience, she also upgraded the charging method to a USB-C port.

To make the device playable, Natalie ingeniously combined the original LEGO button pieces with 3D-printed components to create functional inputs connected to the motherboard. The final touch was installing a backlit screen, officially completing the transformation from a static display piece into a genuine, playable gaming device.

Currently, the modded LEGO Game Boy runs *Tetris* smoothly, though Natalie mentions there are still a few minor details to refine. She has promised to release a full guide on the creation process once the project is completely finished, allowing others to follow in her footsteps.

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