When the LEGO Game Boy set was first revealed, it instantly captured my imagination. As a huge fan of both LEGO and video games, this combination was simply irresistible. It seems our readers felt the same, as it quickly became a massive hit! This set is truly something special. When we had the chance to build it, we were amazed by its nearly 1:1 scale recreation of Nintendo’s groundbreaking handheld console, packed with delightful details, unique elements, and clever Easter eggs. Plus, at around $59.99, it felt like a perfect price point.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Carl Merriam, a Senior Designer at the LEGO Group, via email. Carl’s impressive portfolio includes numerous LEGO sets, especially many fantastic Nintendo-themed creations. In fact, one of his designs, the Mario & Yoshi set, proudly sits on my desk!
IGN: Carl, how did your journey into LEGO set design begin?
Carl Merriam: Becoming a LEGO designer was truly a dream come true for me. I’ve been building with LEGO bricks my entire life! I started officially in 2014, working on LEGO Minecraft. Before that, during college, I began photographing my creations and sharing them online. This led to some commission work for friends, family, and even local businesses.
Discovering the Adult Fans Of LEGO (AFOL) community was a game-changer; it allowed me to connect with others and share my passion. Eventually, I compiled my best work into a portfolio and applied for a design position. The very next Monday after I applied, I received an email inviting me to a workshop in Denmark. Building with LEGO bricks in Billund was an incredible experience, and just a few weeks later, I got the call offering me the job!
IGN: Beyond the Game Boy, what other LEGO sets have you had a hand in creating?
Carl Merriam: My design journey at LEGO spans many beloved franchises, including Super Mario, Minecraft, Mixels, Boost, Star Wars, Icons, Ideas, and MINDSTORMS. There’s a comprehensive list of my work available on Brickset.
IGN: Were you a nostalgic Game Boy player growing up?
Carl Merriam: Absolutely! My older sister, Julie, actually owned the very first Nintendo Game Boy in our family. She had a strict “dollar an hour” policy for playtime! Eventually, I got my own and became completely obsessed. My all-time favorite Game Boy game is The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. Recreating that Game Pak in LEGO form was a particularly special and exciting moment for me.
IGN: Those lenticular screen pieces are incredibly clever! Is this a brand-new innovation for LEGO sets?
Carl Merriam: While the LEGO Harry Potter house banners from 2023 also utilized similar lenticular sheets, we always strive to find fresh and innovative ways to use existing elements in our new sets.
My older sister got the first Nintendo Game Boy in our family and used to charge us a dollar an hour to play it.
IGN: How did you select which games to feature in the set? Was it a requirement that they be first-party Nintendo titles? Did you ever consider including Tetris?
Carl Merriam: Given the enduring partnership between LEGO and Nintendo, we focused on celebrating their first-party games. These were among the initial titles released for the original Game Boy, making them a natural fit for our tribute.
IGN: What stands out as your absolute favorite detail or feature within the LEGO Game Boy set?
Carl Merriam: The LEGO System, to me, is like a language, and the LEGO Game Boy is a poem crafted with those very bricks. As both a veteran LEGO designer and a lifelong enthusiast, I poured all my passion into making this set truly exceptional, so it’s hard to pick just one favorite element.
However, if I had to choose, it would be the power switch. Throughout the development of this set, I was dedicated to meticulously replicating the haptics of the original Game Boy. Every button is press-able, and the dials turn, but achieving that satisfying slide and click for the power switch – that’s definitely my favorite feature.
IGN: Looking ahead, are there any other video game-inspired LEGO sets you dream of creating?
Carl Merriam: I’m a huge video game enthusiast, and the LEGO brick’s versatility offers endless possibilities for new creations, which is why I’ve always loved working with this format. While I can’t reveal any current projects, it’s safe to say that if it can be built with LEGO bricks, I’d be thrilled to take it on!
Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert. He also manages IGN’s coverage of board games and LEGO.