
Had your fill of Pokémon Go? Use this device to play classic Game Boy-era games on your phone’s display!
First of all, it needs to be said: Sorry, Apple fans, but this one’s for Android only.
Hyperkin’s SmartBoy attaches to your smartphone so that you can indulge yourself in that 8-bit nostalgia and MIDI sound wherever you go. While it was previously offered on a smaller scale through the SmartBoy Development Kit, this time, Samsung will officially release the product through its accessory partner program in the U.S. and South Korea within the upcoming months.
It’s hard to remember back to 2015 when the SmartBoy was nothing more than an April Fool’s Day prank–but the public response was so overwhelmingly positive that it was turned into an actual product.
Check out how it works in the below videos:
▼ Simply slip your phone into the center slot and the game cartridge into the back slot and you’re good to go!
The SmartBoy is compatible with Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges. It was designed with the Samsung Galaxy S6 in mind, and is recommended for Android OS 4.4 and above. Furthermore, here’s a neat trick–the retro buttons on the front supposedly work with other smartphone apps as well!
While the SmartBoy Development Kit currently retails for US$59.99 on Hyperkin Lab’s site, it remains to be seen whether this price will change through its upcoming partnership release with Samsung.
Source: Automation via Hachima Kiko
Top image: Hyperkin Lab

Hyperkin’s joke design for a Game Boy emulator for iPhones is now the real deal…maybe
You can control your air conditioner with a Game Boy Color, genius inventor proves【Video】
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Shinjuku izakaya’s all-you-can-eat-and-drink plan is one of Tokyo’s best secret cheap eats
Studio Ghibli now sells Ursula’s backpack from Kiki’s Delivery Service at its anime shop in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Cats and dogs apologising at Japanese press conference is our newest gacha capsule toy obsession
Power up like Godzilla with new limited-edition Godzilla Energy Drink
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Pikachu and Eevee become handmade Lladró porcelain sculptures to celebrate Pokémon’s 30th birthday
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says