When we talk about technological nostalgia, few devices evoke as much passion as the Game Boy. That console, which defined the childhood of millions, has served as inspiration not only for games, but also for some rather curious peripherals that attempt to blend productivity with Nintendo's retro aesthetic.
From 90s tech fancies that never made it to stores to handcrafted mechanical keyboards that cost a small fortune, the ecosystem of accessories inspired by Nintendo's handheld is more varied than it first appears.
The WorkBoy: The smartphone that never was
In the early nineties, specifically in 1992, a company called Fabtek had an idea that seems normal to us today, but which was absolutely crazy back then: to create an external keyboard for the Game Boy . The intention wasn't to play Tetris with more keys, but to transform the console into a work tool, a kind of pocket terminal.
This device, dubbed WorkBoy, connected to the console via the Link cable . The most interesting aspect was that it came with a specific cartridge which, when inserted, displayed a menu of applications that made the console resemble an early iPad . Among its functions were:
- Un world clock to check the time in different countries.
- Organizational tools such as a calendar and a Daybook to plan the day.
- Practical converters, for both currencies and degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius.
- A basic translator who handled five languages, including the Spanish and English.
- Even a world map where you could search for countries and listen to their hymns.
Although the WorkBoy was unveiled at CES in 1992 and officially registered with Nintendo of America , the product was never released. It's speculated that the price, projected at around $80 (the same as the console itself), was too high for a public that viewed the Game Boy as a toy, not a mobile office.
KeyBoy Advance: Mechanical luxury for collectors
Fast forward to the present, and the retro trend continues with the KeyBoy Advance. Unlike the WorkBoy, this is a modern wireless mechanical keyboard that pays homage to the 2001 Game Boy Advance. It's not a console accessory, but a PC peripheral with a 50% compact form factor.
Its design is an almost exact replica of the console's silhouette, including the front buttons, although these are integrated into the typing experience. It uses low-profile mechanical switches and allows for both USB and wireless connectivity. However, it's not a keyboard for everyone, as its price is around €324 , placing it in the high-end range of custom hardware.
Because it's manufactured in very limited runs and almost entirely by hand, the KeyBoy Advance is more of a collector's item than a keyboard for typing emails. Its triggers and ergonomics suggest that it's almost more comfortable to use holding it in your hands than resting it on a table, reinforcing the feeling of having a game console in your hands.
Other options and retro customization
For those who can't afford a high-end keyboard or are looking for something simpler, there are options on marketplaces like AliExpress. There you can find everything from retro-style mechanical keyboards to modification kits. For example, there are multi-colored button sets for the Game Boy Pocket that allow you to give the original console a fresh new look.
These marketplaces allow you to filter by best-selling models and read real customer reviews , helping you decide if a peripheral is truly high-quality or just looks good. It's the ideal option for those who want to customize their hardware without spending hundreds of euros.
The history of these devices proves that the Game Boy is an unbeatable icon. Whether through failed prototypes like the WorkBoy, which tried to be ahead of its time, or through boutique keyboards like the KeyBoy Advance , Nintendo's blend of productivity and nostalgia continues to generate fascinating products that appeal to both computer enthusiasts and collectors.
