Lego Game Boy Buttons: Magnets or Mystery?

A popular Lego Game Boy project on Kickstarter is facing scrutiny over its button technology. Instead of the expected physical switches, the project, called BrickBoy, utilizes rare earth magnets. This revelation was not prominently featured in promotional materials, leading to surprise among many of the nearly 3,500 backers who anticipated a more traditional button experience.

Early prototypes have demonstrated significant playability issues, with the magnetic buttons struggling to register actions reliably, particularly for fast-paced games. The project's founder, Thomas Bertani, acknowledges that the team is actively 'figuring it out' and may revert to wired buttons if magnetic playability cannot be perfected. This uncertainty has fueled discussions about the nature of crowdfunding and product development.

Bertani also noted that a survey of early backers indicated a stronger interest in the building and display aspect of the Lego Game Boy rather than its playability. Many backers reportedly plan to use it as a display piece. The founder has pledged increased transparency to backers before the campaign concludes, aiming to clarify the product's functionality and development process.