Why it's a great gift
Unwrapping this hits a very specific memory. The buttons press, the switch flicks, and Mario or Zelda "boots up" on lenticular screen inserts, with brick cartridges to display beside it. An easy evening build with a long shelf life.
Is this the right gift?
- Great for: desk decorators and retro-game collectors.
- Great for: a nostalgic sibling gift that lands instantly.
- Great for: builders who want a satisfying one-evening project.
- Skip if: they expect it to play anything — it's display only.
The verdict
An evening build, a decade on the shelf
Give it to the grown-up Game Boy kid. It can't play a game and the build is short — roughly one to two hours — but the tactile detail earns its desk spot.
Why it works
- ✓ Near life-size and instantly recognizable
- ✓ Pressable buttons, turning dials and a moving switch
- ✓ Three swappable screens and two display cartridges
Tradeoffs
- × No electronics — nothing lights up or makes sound
- × Shorter build than the price might suggest
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Before you buy
- Confirm LEGO set 72046, the 421-piece Super Mario Game Boy, sealed and authentic.
- It carries an 18+ label for display appeal; screen swaps are done by hand.
- Two cartridge labels are stickers — worth applying with a steady hand.
Quick answers
Does it actually turn on?
No — there are no electronics, lights or sounds. The screen is a printed lenticular insert swapped by hand.
How long is the build?
Roughly one to two hours for most builders — a relaxed single sitting.
Which games does it reference?
Brick cartridges for Super Mario Land and Link's Awakening, plus three screen inserts to match.
As an Amazon Associate, XmasGoat earns from qualifying purchases. Check for a sealed, authentic box before checkout. Choose Canada or the United States for local pricing.
Sources
- LEGO Canada: Game Boy 72046 — Official Canadian set, piece count, age, dimensions and included display details; checked August 6, 2026.
- LEGO: LEGO Game Boy set announcement — Official controls, cartridges, screens and non-electronic design context.
- Brickset: LEGO Game Boy 72046 review — Independent build, parts, stickers, interaction and display observations.
- StoneWars: Review of LEGO Game Boy 72046 — Independent build duration, scale, controls and value observations.