This awesome device could turn your phone into a Game Boy

Sometimes, there are apps that just sound too good to be true, but the great thing about this one is that it’s in the works. Tentatively titled “SmartBoy”, it’s being developed by Hyperkin, an independent video game company from Los Angeles, California. In the aftermath of April Fools’ jokes around the Internet, it’s easy to understand why people might have been skeptical at first — and originally, it had been planned as nothing more than a joke. But in a press release yesterday, Hyperkin swears up and down that the reality of a SmartBoy is on the horizon.

What is a SmartBoy, you may ask? It’s actually an app that will physically attach to your existing iPhone 6, thus transforming the phone into an updated version of your Game Boy from once upon a time. The device will be compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges – and won’t require you to swap out your batteries every now and then.

Chris Gallizzi, Hyperkin’s product developer, said, “We wanted to create a retro device that can be easily adapted into any modern gamer’s arsenal of devices.”

Some early concept artwork has been released, which will give you an idea of what to expect.

As of right now, the SmartBoy is in the works for the iPhone, but the team confirmed it is also testing compatibility with Windows and Android phones, as well. It’s still in early development, but the first look will likely include the classic ’80s grey skin. Among the features will be an eight-way D-pad, two action buttons and an additional battery that can be charged through the phone itself. The game display will output through the iPhone screen.

Obviously, this is still mostly in the works, but this is an exciting throwback to retro gaming devices. Now, where did I put my Pokémon games?

[Image via Hyperkin/Imgur.]