Here's Nintendo's design for a case that turns your phone into a working GameBoy

Nintendo wants to protect your phone from scratches, and let you play Dr. Mario on your commute

Nintendo Game Boy

Nintendo looks set to rekindle childhood gaming nostalgia with the launch of a smartphone case with a working GameBoy built-in.

Following its monumental success with the NES and SNES Classic, it looks like Ninty is turning to the 90s handheld console for its next blockbuster commercial success.

Nintendo has patented a folio-style smartphone case with a Game Boy stitched into the front cover complete with physical D-pad, A, B and Start and Select buttons.

There isn't a Game Boy screen sewn into the cover, instead Nintendo has included a cut-out in the case with the same 1:1 aspect ratio as the original console screen. Presumably, the game will be played on the smartphone inside the case, with the video visible through the window in the front of the case.

Nintendo Game Boy

When clasped over a smartphone, the physical buttons will interact with the smartphone touchscreen, the patent says

According to the patent, which was unearthed by technology blog Siliconera, the physical buttons on the front of the case are designed to interact with a touchscreen when the case is clasped over a smartphone. 

The prospect of an official Game Boy app with access to the classic catalogue of titles is deeply excited, and something that could generate a bucketload of cash for Nintendo – especially if the games are sold as in-app purchases.

Unfortunately, there's currently no word on a release date for the Game Boy case, or which smartphone models will be compatible with the design when it launches.

It's also worth noting that Nintendo patents technology and products all the time which never make it to market, so it is possible the Game Boy case never leaves the company's R&D department.

Aaron Brown

As a former Staff Writer for T3, Aaron writes about almost anything shiny and techie. When he’s not barking orders at Alexa-powered microwaves or gawping at 5G speed tests, Aaron covers everything from smartphones, tablets and laptops, to speakers, TVs and smart home gadgets. Prior to joining T3, Aaron worked at the Daily Express and and MailOnline.