# DIY Gaming Smartphone Mods Turn a Game Boy into an Android Controller with These DIY Instructions By Andrew Sztein | Published 2013-03-21 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-smartphone References: [bitrebels](http://www.bitrebels.com/technology/game-boy-mod-android-controller/) & [instructables](http://www.instructables.com/id/Game-Boy-Android-Gamepad/) Gaming can be wonderful on Android devices, but to truly be considered a gaming smartphone, the device should have some physical buttons to work with. Thanks to these clever DIY instructions by Instructables.com user alpinedelta, an old [Game Boy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-boy-flip-concept) is transformed from a vintage collectors item to a fully functional smartphone game controller. The top of the Game Boy is hollowed out to be fitted with a [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abxylute-m4-snapon) Nexus case to hold the phone in place. The battery case is then modified to include the same wireless transmitter that is found in a common Wii remote. Wiring and setting up the Game Boy nicely is the hardest part. From there, it's just a simple matter of syncing a freely available emulator to what the device thinks is a Wii remote, and presto, your Google Nexus is now a gaming smartphone. There's only one real catch; the Game Boy only had two buttons compared to the [Super Nintendo's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/booster-course-pass) six, so certain games won't be playable if you're going the Super Nintendo route. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **DIY Gaming Smartphone Mods:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the growth potential of DIY smartphone modifications to create unique gaming experiences. - **Vintage Gaming Controllers:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Tap into the nostalgia market by developing and selling vintage game controllers that can be used with modern smartphones. - **Mobile Gaming Accessories:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative and customizable mobile gaming accessories that enhance the gaming experience on smartphones. ### Who This Affects Most - **Gaming Accessories:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionize the gaming accessories industry by developing wireless and customizable smartphone game controllers. - **Mobile Phone Accessories:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and produce smartphone accessories specifically tailored for gaming, such as phone cases with built-in physical buttons. - **DIY and Maker Community:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Tap into the DIY and maker community by offering DIY gaming mods and kits for popular gaming consoles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Interactive Gaming Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-phone-case.md) - [Mappable Mobile Gamer Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultimate-mobile-gaming-controller.md) - [Retro-Inspired Smartphone Gaming Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gamesir-pocket-taco.md) - [Gaming Console Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nintendo-switch-phone-concept.md) - [Gaming-Inspired Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-3-case.md) - [Mobile Retro Gaming Handsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ayaneo-pocket-ace.md) - [Foldable Gaming Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-boy-flip-concept.md) - [Retro Gaming Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gamebaby.md) - [Analog Joystick Smartphone Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-flex.md)