We did ask Lego for comment on the potentially misleading nature of the video promo, and while we didn’t receive any response in time for publication, Lego did confirm that the Lego Game Boy isn’t playable, but highlighted that the buttons do move like real buttons. A nice bit of attention to detail that is continued across the 421-piece replica.
For a start, it’s almost identical in size, standing 14cm tall and 9cm wide, and with all original features accounted for. Of course, those pressable bright pink A/B buttons, the D-pad, and start and select buttons are present and correct, but there’s also the volume wheel on the side, the speaker grille along the corner, and a battery “light”—even a serial number, plus properly labelled bricks for everything from the on/off switch to the EXT connector and headphones port.
Photograph: Lego
However, arguably the best parts are the source of the apparent confusion: those brick-built games—The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and Super Mario Land—and the swappable lenticular screens, that animate famous scenes when viewed at different angles. Purists might prefer the lenticular start screen, though.
The decidedly unplayable but eminently buildable Lego Game Boy is available for pre-order today for $60, and will be available from 1 October. Sadly there’s no word on coming Lego versions of the Game Boy Printer or Game Boy Camera.