Hyperkin

Hyperkin SmartBoy Mobile Device for Game Boy/ Game Boy Color (Android USB Type-C Version)

Name: Hyperkin SmartBoy Mobile Device for Game Boy/ Game Boy Color (Android USB Type-C Version)
Brand: Hyperkin
SKU: B072FRQZ65

Bottom line: The Hyperkin SmartBoy Mobile Device for Game Boy/ Game Boy Color: Plays original Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges; main trade-off: only a limited list of phones is officially supported; other Android phones may not work.

Live pricing on eBay

As an Amazon Associate, SpecPicks earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure →

🛒 See live eBay price Also on Amazon — Check price → Compare to similar retro consoles

By Mike Perry, Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated 2026-10-21

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro consoles and console accessories, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. About the author →

Pros & Cons

Pros

✓ Plays original Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges
✓ Reads both NTSC and PAL cartridges, so imported games work too
✓ Upscales games to your phone's resolution for a larger picture
✓ Classic-style tactile buttons instead of touchscreen controls
✓ Needs no batteries; also works with other apps, including GBA apps from Google Play

Cons

✗ Only a limited list of phones is officially supported; other Android phones may not work
✗ Won't fit phones smaller than 5.2 inches or larger than 6.4 inches
✗ No Game Boy Advance cartridge support; GBA play is through apps only
✗ Android USB Type-C version only; not built for phones with other ports

Manufacturer description

The Hyperkin SmartBoy Mobile Device (Android USB Type-C Version) turns your Android phone into a Game Boy that plays your original cartridges. Attach it to your phone's USB Type-C port, insert a Game Boy or Game Boy Color cartridge, and play the game on your phone's screen. The SmartBoy reads both NTSC and PAL GB and GBC cartridges, so your collection works whether the games came from the US or from overseas. It upscales each game to your phone's resolution, so classic titles fill a much larger display than the original handheld. The classic-style tactile button set gives you the directional…

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Hyperkin SmartBoy Mobile Device for Game Boy/ Game Boy Color using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro consoles category. Hyperkin's retro consoles lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for retro consoles of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Hyperkin SmartBoy play Game Boy Advance cartridges?

No. The SmartBoy plays Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges only. You can use its controls with GBA apps from Google Play, but setup varies by app.

Which phones work with the SmartBoy Android USB Type-C version?

It is designed for Samsung's S8 line and newer and fits phones from 5.2 to 6.4 inches with a USB Type-C port. Hyperkin's supported list also includes the ASUS ZenFone 2 and 3, Gionee Marathon M5, and Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Other Android phones may not work, so check the full list on the product listing.

Can I play PAL or imported Game Boy cartridges on the SmartBoy?

Yes. The SmartBoy works with both NTSC and PAL Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges.

Does the SmartBoy need batteries?

No. The SmartBoy does not need batteries. It attaches directly to your phone's USB Type-C port.

Will games look stretched or small on a modern phone screen?

The SmartBoy upscales Game Boy and Game Boy Color games to your phone's resolution, so games display on your phone's screen instead of at the original handheld's small size.

Key Features

Plays GB and GBC cartridges, compatible with NTSC/ PAL cartridges
Classic-style tactile button set, upscales to phone's resolution, does not require batteries
Designed for Samsung's S8 line and up (other Android device compatibility may vary)*
Phone Size: 5.2 - 6.4 inches, USB Type-C port
The SmartBoy is compatible with other apps and games, including GBA apps from Google Play. Configuration for such apps may vary.

Full Specifications

Brand	Hyperkin
Color	White
Platform	Android, Game Boy, Game Boy Color
Phone Size	5.2 - 6.4 inches, USB Type-C port
Connectivity	USB
Input Device	Gamepad
Model Number	M08886-GR
Compatibility	Android
Connectivity Technology	USB
Manufacturer Part Number	M08886-GR
Global Trade Identification Number	00813048018766

Ready to buy?

Hyperkin SmartBoy Mobile Device for Game Boy/ Game Boy Color (Android USB Type-C Version) is vintage hardware; the used and vintage market on eBay carries most of the live inventory. Prices and condition vary by seller and move in real time, so we link the live listing rather than quote a cached price. It also has an Amazon listing — check it for current price and availability. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

See live eBay listings → Check Amazon listing →