Creator Paige Powell spent approximately 200 hours building a Pokémon-themed Game Boy Color that stands about 1.5 meters tall. This giant device is not merely an enlarged model; it is a fully functional console capable of running Pokémon games, allowing players to interact directly with working power switches and volume knobs.
The device is made of wood and replicates the appearance of the limited-edition Game Boy Color released by Nintendo in 1999 for "Pokémon Pikachu." Powell shared several videos on Instagram showcasing the device's construction process and its actual operation.
Powell also thanked programmer and designer Nick Alvarez for his assistance, as the two worked together to transform the enlarged casing into a functional console. Alvarez had previously built a larger teal Game Boy Color, so this wasn't the biggest Game Boy the pair had ever created.
In the video, the two giant handhelds exchange Pokémon via an equally oversized but functional link cable. The cable features flashing green LEDs to represent data transmission between the devices, scaling up the limited-edition design, actual gameplay, and multiplayer experience alike.