A hands-on workshop where you take apart a vintage Game Boy DMG-01, fit a bright backlit IPS screen, choose your colors, and rebuild a one-of-a-kind console — yours to keep.
In the heart of Akihabara, you’ll do something most travelers never get to try — open up a real Game Boy with your own hands and bring it back to life as something uniquely yours.
Our English-speaking guides walk you through every step, from the story behind Nintendo’s legendary handheld to the satisfying click of the final screw. No technical experience needed. You leave with a fully working console you built with your own hands — the best souvenir Tokyo can offer.
A relaxed, near one-to-one pace — beginners finish with confidence every single time.
Start with the history of the Game Boy — how a monochrome screen and a focus on battery life beat flashier rivals, and why the original DMG-01 became a cultural icon. Real consoles on the table, not just slides.
With the right tools in hand, you’ll open the shell, free the motherboard, and disconnect the original screen. Careful, guided, and genuinely fun — this is the moment you realize you can do this.
Choose your shell, buttons, and screen surround, then fit a crisp backlit IPS display — a huge upgrade over the original. Mix and match until it’s unmistakably yours, and rebuild it piece by piece.
Drop in the batteries, watch the screen light up, and hear that startup chime. Then load a classic cartridge — Pokémon, Zelda, Tetris, Final Fantasy — and play your brand-new console on the spot.
Glow-in-the-dark, crystal clear, pearl, sparkle or solid — pick a shell, then match your buttons and screen surround for a build no one else has.
A fully working, personalized DMG-01 that you built yourself — yours to take home and keep for life.
A bright, crisp, modern display upgrade fitted during your build — a world apart from the original screen.
Screwdrivers, shells, buttons, parts and a clean work mat — everything is laid out and ready for you.
Patient, passionate guides at a near one-to-one pace. Ask anything — they love talking Game Boy.
Pokémon, Zelda, Tetris and more, ready on site — play your finished console before you head out.
Each Game Boy is fully checked before your session, so you can relax and focus on the fun of building.
A few words from people who built their Game Boy with us in Akihabara.
“Lots of fun, and educational. The guides were super helpful and really friendly!”
“Playing the console we made ourselves with the nostalgic games was an experience to behold! Would absolutely recommend people do this.”
“So much fun making our own Game Boy together with my 2 boys (8 & 11). Very easy for them to follow, and a great memory of Akihabara. Thank you!!!”
“The guys are super sweet, patient and knowledgeable. They have amazing options in colors too. Definitely a must-do if you love anything gaming.”
“Surprised the two teenagers and my husband with this on our last day. They had an absolute blast and proudly showed off their designs. 110% recommend!”
“Such a fun way to experience a bit of Japan’s game history while making your own customized Game Boy. I was smiling the whole way through.”
Real guests, real smiles — holding the one-of-a-kind Game Boy they just built by hand.
Mod Tokyo is run by a small, passionate team of English-speaking guides who could talk about rare cartridges and 90s hidden gems for hours. The pace is near one-to-one, the vibe is friendly, and there’s a repair-savvy host on hand the whole time.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or completely new to this, you’ll be in good hands from the first screw to the final power-on.
In front of Starbucks Coffee inside JR-East Hotel Mets Premier Akihabara, right outside the Electric Town Exit (電気街口) of JR Akihabara Station. Look for our staff holding a “Game Boy Workshop” sign.
Please come about 10 minutes before your start time. Exact details are confirmed when you book.
Not at all. Every step is clearly explained and fully guided, and each Game Boy is pre-tested before your session. Complete beginners finish successfully every time.
English and Japanese. Our guides are fluent, English-speaking gaming enthusiasts.
About two hours from welcome to power-on, including history, the build, and time to play your finished console.
The workshop is for ages 12 and up. Guests aged 12–17 are welcome with a participating, paying adult.
Yes — non-participating companions can watch for free. Space is limited, so please let us know in advance.
Absolutely. The fully working, customized console you build is yours to take home — the ultimate Tokyo souvenir.
Small groups of up to four, for a relaxed, near one-to-one experience. Private sessions are available too.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your start time for a full refund. Please arrive on time — late arrivals can’t always be accommodated.
Choose an available time below. Instant confirmation — no technical experience required.
Mod Tokyo