BrickBoy Kickstarter Extended to December Following €500k Funding Milestone

The Kickstarter campaign for BrickBoy, a modification kit capable of transforming the LEGO Game Boy set into a fully functional handheld console, has surpassed €500,000 in funding. Following this financial milestone, the creators have announced a campaign extension until 2 December and introduced a new hardware variation: the Arcade Edition.

Campaign Extension and Funding

The campaign, initially scheduled to close earlier, has been extended by several days. According to the latest Kickstarter update, the project crossed the €500,000 threshold this week, prompting Substance Labs to keep the funding window open until 2 December. This extension grants potential backers a final opportunity to secure a unit before the team shifts focus to manufacturing and fulfilment.

Introducing the Arcade Edition

Coinciding with the funding news, Substance Labs unveiled the ‘BrickBoy Arcade Edition’. While the primary kits—classified as Essential, Gamer, and Collector—are engineered to convert the LEGO chassis into a portable device, the Arcade Edition offers a stationary form factor.

The update details a distinct aesthetic for this edition, differentiating it from the standard handheld conversion. It retains the same emulation architecture as the portable units but is designed for shelf display or desk use rather than handheld play.

Expanded Bluetooth Capabilities

A notable technical revision concerns Bluetooth connectivity. Previously, the Gamer and Collector kits utilised Bluetooth strictly for audio output. The revised specification now includes full Bluetooth controller support for these tiers.

This adjustment allows users to pair external wireless controllers with the device. This feature is particularly relevant for users who intend to dock the unit or utilise the new Arcade Edition, decoupling the controls from the console itself. A dedicated Bluetooth controller has also been listed as an optional add-on within the pledge manager.

Bundles and Community Updates

The update introduces the ‘Triple Play Pack’, a new backer tier designed for those requiring multiple kits. Furthermore, the team has announced the winners of the ‘Mystery Game’ challenge, a community-focused initiative that ran during the campaign’s active period.

Context: What is BrickBoy?

Developed by the Swiss engineering team Substance Labs, BrickBoy is a hardware kit created specifically for the official LEGO Game Boy set (72046). It replaces the set’s static sticker screen with a high-resolution display and integrates a custom PCB to register button inputs.

The design allows for installation without soldering or permanent alteration of the LEGO bricks. While the base unit runs ROM files, a previously unlocked stretch goal added a physical cartridge reader, enabling the device to play original Game Boy, Game Boy Colour, and Game Boy Advance cartridges.