Frequently Asked Questions

BlockBoy is a drop-in electronics kit that turns the official LEGO Game Boy set (#72046) into a fully functional handheld console. The 2.8" display is software-fitted to perfectly fill the window of the LEGO set, and the original LEGO on/off switch controls the device.

There are two versions available: the V1 with Game Boy and Game Boy Color emulation, and the V2 with additional emulation systems, a larger battery in a custom cartridge, a better speaker, and a showcase mode.

Yes, this kit is specifically designed as an upgrade for the official LEGO Nintendo Game Boy set (#72046). The LEGO set is essential and is not included.

BlockBoy V1

BlockBoy V2

The V1 can play Game Boy (GB) and Game Boy Color (GBC) games.

The V2 also supports Game Gear, Game & Watch, NES, Mega Drive, Sega Master System, ColecoVision, and native Doom.

Games are played via ROM files stored on a MicroSD card (max 32GB, FAT32 formatted). Recommended brands: SanDisk or Samsung.

Note: the V2 is primarily designed to provide an authentic Game Boy experience. While additional systems are supported, some titles may push the ESP32-S3 to its hardware limits.

No. The kit uses emulation with ROM files on a MicroSD card.

Showcase Mode is a V2 feature that can be enabled through the menu. The software automatically cycles through the games in your library, showing a different game every minute. Ideal for displaying your BlockBoy as a showpiece.

The V2 can be powered via the USB port on the back, keeping the sides free of cables.

No, link cable functionality is not supported.

The V1 has a 300mAh battery with a minimum of 1 hour of playtime at maximum brightness and volume. With lower volume and brightness you can play longer.

The V2 has a 1000mAh battery in a custom cartridge with approximately 3 to 4 hours of playtime. Actual battery life depends on the emulator used, screen brightness, and volume.

Charging is done via the USB-C port on the side using the included USB-A to USB-C cable. On the V2, you can also charge via the USB port on the back.

Note: USB-C to USB-C chargers are not supported. Use a USB-A to USB-C cable.

The installation requires no soldering, but it's not effortless either. You'll be working with small components, flat cables and tight connectors, so patience and concentration are a must. Most users complete it in about an hour.

Follow the full installation guide at blockboy.nl/pages/manual.

The kit includes everything you need:

• PCB with display
• 3D-printed parts
• 3x button PCB (D-pad, A/B, Select/Start)
• 3x flat cables
• USB-A to USB-C cable
• Screwdriver
• Alcohol pad (for cleaning membrane buttons)
• 1x dark grey 1x2 brick
• 2x light grey 1x1 tile

Additional with V2:

• Rear USB port adapter (showcase mode)
• 2x black 2x2 tile

Not included:

• LEGO Game Boy set (#72046)
• MicroSD card (max 32GB, FAT32)
• Game files (ROMs)

A screwdriver is included with the kit. The yellow LEGO pry tool is also handy, this is included with the LEGO Game Boy set. No other tools are needed.

Most users complete the installation in about an hour.

The full manual with step-by-step videos is available on the manual page. You can choose between V1 and V2 instructions.

Yes. You can remove all components and put the original LEGO bricks back to restore the set to its original state.

Press Select + Start at the same time to open the menu. Go to Options → Launcher Options → USB Mode and press A. "USB Connected" will appear on the screen.

Connect the BlockBoy to your computer using the included USB-A to USB-C cable via the USB port on the side. Open the SD card on your computer, go to the ROMs folder, choose your console folder, and place your ROM files there.

Press B to exit USB Mode and restart the BlockBoy.

Note: data transfer only works via the USB port on the side, not via the rear port (V2).

See the manual for detailed instructions per version.

Yes. Check the firmware page for the latest version and update instructions.

The main differences:

• Emulation: V1 plays Game Boy and GBC. V2 also supports Game Gear, Game & Watch, NES, Mega Drive, Sega Master System, ColecoVision, and Doom.
• Battery: V1 has 300mAh, V2 has 1000mAh in a custom cartridge.
• Speaker: V2 has a larger speaker (20x30mm vs 15x24mm).
• Processor: V1 has an ESP32-S3 N4R2, V2 has an ESP32-S3 N16R8 with more memory.
• Showcase Mode: Only available on the V2, automatically displays game demos via the rear USB port.

I ship within the European Union. International shipping outside the EU is currently being tested, more details will follow later.

Please reach out via the contact page, join the Discord server, or send an email to ovitechprojects@gmail.com. Describe the issue and include photos or videos if possible so I can help you quickly.

Yes, you have a 14-day return period after receiving the kit. The kit must be unused and in its original packaging. Reach out via the contact page to initiate a return.

Yes, you are entitled to the statutory warranty. If your kit has a manufacturing defect, please reach out via the contact page.

Yes. The hardware kit itself is fully legal. However:

• Emulators are legal.
• You must own the original games for the ROM files you use.
• I do not supply, sell, or link to copyrighted game files.
• This product is intended for personal use only.

No. I do not supply, sell, or distribute any copyrighted game files. Users are responsible for legally obtaining their own games.

The BlockBoy runs on a custom build of Retro-Go, an open-source firmware by ducalex, licensed under GPLv2.

The BlockBoy source code is available on GitHub. The hardware/PCB designs are currently not open source.

Check out the YouTube channel for build videos, gameplay demos, and the latest updates.

Absolutely! Share your build in the Discord server, I'd love to see your creations!

Yes! Join the BlockBoy Discord server.