I turned the Lego Game Boy into a working Game Boy part. 1 Published October 2, 2025 · 2 min read --- Overview Natalie the Nerd combines her expertise in Game Boy hardware and custom builds to transform the Lego Game Boy into a functional Game Boy part. Drawing from her extensive experience with Game Boy boards and schematics (see her board scan wiki), she embarked on this project initially as a joke after the Lego kit announcement but decided to seriously pursue it. --- Key Details Game Boy CPU Choice: Uses the MGB (Pocket) CPU instead of DMG (original Game Boy) because: They are essentially the same. More readily available and affordable. MGB CPU features internal VRAM, important for a compact build. DMG CPU requires external VRAM, which is less space efficient. Project Planning: Measurements for the Lego build were based on scaled press images from Lego product pages (source). The Game Boy fit inside the Lego's screen inserts. Electronic Design: Integrated Natalie's existing power circuit design from her Safer Charger boards. Replaced mechanical power switch with a soft latching power button. Added pinouts for button matrix and audio. Buttons were wired to custom 3D-printed toy brick parts, reflecting their press-ability. USB-C port functionality included, also via custom parts. --- Visuals and Media Images of the DMG motherboard annotated for reference. KiCad 3D renders of the PCB showing design progress. Photos of the physical Lego Game Boy parts and custom PCB within. Two videos demonstrating: The clicky buttons working. The functioning Lego Game Boy integration. --- Next Steps Natalie is currently refining the PCB design now that she has the physical Lego model. She plans to release the full project once completed and encourages readers to stay tuned for updates. --- About the Author Natalie runs a small online store selling electronics and modifications for retro handheld consoles. --- Stay Updated Subscribe to Natalie’s newsletter on her blog to get the latest posts by email. --- Tags Game Boy | Custom Build | Lego | USB C | Thoughts | PSP | DSi | 2DS | Game Boy Advance | Self Hosting --- © 2025 Natalie the Nerd's blog. Theme: Actually Simple