Building Guide

LEGO® Game Boy™ 72046 Assembly Instructions

Master the art of building your LEGO Game Boy with our comprehensive guide. From preparation tips to advanced techniques, we'll help you create the perfect nostalgic masterpiece.

421 Total Pieces
2-4 Build Hours
8 Building Stages
LEGO Game Boy Building Process

Before You Begin

📋

Organize Your Workspace

  • • Clear, well-lit workspace
  • • Flat building surface
  • • Small bowls for piece sorting
  • • Good lighting (LED desk lamp recommended)
  • • Comfortable seating for 2-4 hours
🧱

Sort Your Pieces

  • • Sort by color first (grays, blacks, others)
  • • Then by piece type and size
  • • Keep small pieces in separate containers
  • • Check piece count against instruction manual
  • • Set aside special elements (buttons, screen)
📖

Study the Manual

  • • Review all steps before starting
  • • Understand the building sequence
  • • Note any special techniques used
  • • Identify potential challenging sections
  • • Have spare time for detailed work
🔧

Tools & Accessories

  • • LEGO brick separator (essential)
  • • Clean hands (oils affect grip)
  • • Good posture support
  • • Background music or podcast
  • • Phone/camera for progress photos

Building Stages Overview

1

Foundation & Base Structure

Build the main body framework and internal structure. This stage establishes the Game Boy's proportions and stability.

⏱️ 20-30 minutes 🧱 ~60 pieces
2

Screen Assembly

Construct the iconic LCD screen area with its distinctive border and proportions. Attention to detail is crucial here.

⏱️ 15-20 minutes 🧱 ~35 pieces
3

D-Pad Construction

Build the directional pad with its functional pressing mechanism. This is one of the most intricate parts of the build.

⏱️ 25-35 minutes 🧱 ~45 pieces
4

Action Buttons (A & B)

Create the A and B buttons with their distinctive red coloring and tactile feedback mechanisms.

⏱️ 15-25 minutes 🧱 ~25 pieces
5

START & SELECT Buttons

Install the smaller control buttons with proper spacing and alignment to the original design.

⏱️ 10-15 minutes 🧱 ~20 pieces
6

Speaker & Details

Add the speaker grille and other authentic details that make the Game Boy recognizable.

⏱️ 20-30 minutes 🧱 ~40 pieces
7

Game Pak Cartridges

Build both Super Mario Land and Zelda: Link's Awakening cartridges with authentic label details.

⏱️ 30-40 minutes 🧱 ~80 pieces
8

Final Assembly & Details

Complete the build with final structural elements, logo placement, and quality checks.

⏱️ 20-30 minutes 🧱 ~50 pieces

Expert Building Tips

💡 Pro Tip

Button Mechanism Precision

When building the D-pad and button mechanisms, ensure all pieces are firmly pressed together. The tactile feedback depends on proper assembly tension. Test each button after installation.

🎯 Accuracy

Color Matching

Pay close attention to gray variations. Some pieces may look similar but have different shades. Sort grays carefully to maintain the authentic color scheme throughout the build.

⚙️ Technical

Structural Integrity

The internal framework is crucial for stability. Don't rush the foundation stages - they support all the interactive elements and determine the final build quality.

🔍 Detail

Screen Alignment

The screen area requires precise alignment. Use the instruction manual's measurement guides to ensure proper positioning relative to the buttons and overall proportions.

🎮 Functionality

Game Pak Fit

Test the cartridge slot fit frequently during construction. The Game Paks should slide in smoothly but securely. Adjust internal spacing if needed.

📸 Memory

Document Your Build

Take photos at each major stage. This helps with troubleshooting and creates a personal record of your building experience. Share your progress online!

Common Issues & Solutions

❓ Buttons feel loose or unresponsive

+

Cause: Incomplete connection in the button mechanism assembly.

Solution: Disassemble the button area and check that all Technic pins are fully inserted. Ensure spring mechanisms are properly aligned. The buttons should have slight resistance when pressed.

Prevention: Press all pieces firmly during assembly and test functionality at each step.

❓ Game Pak cartridges don't fit properly

+

Cause: Cartridge slot dimensions are slightly off due to assembly errors.

Solution: Check the internal slot construction step-by-step. Look for misaligned pieces or incorrect spacing. The slot should allow smooth insertion with slight resistance.

Tip: Build one cartridge first and test fit frequently during main unit construction.

❓ Screen area looks uneven or crooked

+

Cause: Foundation pieces weren't aligned properly in early building stages.

Solution: This often requires partial disassembly back to the base structure. Check that the foundational framework is square and level before rebuilding the screen area.

Prevention: Use a flat surface and check alignment frequently during foundation stages.

❓ Missing or wrong colored pieces

+

First Step: Double-check your sorting - pieces may be mixed in with similar colors.

Verify: Compare against the official parts list in the instruction manual.

Contact Support: If pieces are genuinely missing, contact LEGO customer service for free replacement parts. Keep your receipt and set number (72046) ready.

❓ Overall structure feels fragile

+

Cause: Internal connections may not be fully secured.

Solution: Check all connection points, especially where different sub-assemblies join. Press firmly to ensure pieces are fully connected. The finished model should feel solid.

Note: While display-focused, the model should withstand gentle handling and button pressing.

Display & Care Recommendations

🏠

Ideal Display Location

  • • Away from direct sunlight (prevents fading)
  • • Stable, vibration-free surface
  • • Accessible for interaction
  • • Good ambient lighting for viewing
  • • Protected from dust accumulation
🧹

Maintenance & Cleaning

  • • Dust weekly with soft brush
  • • Use compressed air for detailed cleaning
  • • Avoid water or liquid cleaners
  • • Check structural integrity monthly
  • • Store cartridges safely when not displayed
📸

Photography Tips

  • • Natural lighting works best
  • • Show scale with reference objects
  • • Capture button detail close-ups
  • • Include both Game Pak options
  • • Share your build story online
🎁

Storage & Transport

  • • Original box provides best protection
  • • Wrap in soft cloth if moving
  • • Keep instruction manual with set
  • • Store cartridges in separate container
  • • Avoid extreme temperatures