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Mobile BOY – a magsafe battery that combines charging and a retro gaming experience

The first portable charger that becomes a pocket-sized game console

Mobile BOY
Photo: Mobile BOY

Mobile BOY is a 5,000mAh magsafe battery or wireless charger developed by Oscar Japan as a tribute to classic handheld consoles. The back of the power supply features a functional gamepad with 300 retro games that don't require a Wi-Fi connection to work. The case is designed to be used with a phone and also serves as a gaming device - rounded edges ensure an ergonomic grip, the game buttons are arranged in the style of early handheld consoles, and it is available in black, silver and pink.

Mobile BOY is a hybrid between a power bank and a retro game console. With a 5,000 mAh battery, it can charge most modern smartphones once, while on the back it offers 300 pre-loaded games without the need for the Internet. It is aimed at users who want to diversify their time with a game while charging their phone.

In an era where smartphones are the central multimedia center of our everyday lives, Japanese company Oscar decided to bring back a bit of nostalgia. It created Mobile BOY – a portable charger with wireless MagSafe charging and an integrated game console. It is a device that combines two seemingly unrelated functions: charging a smartphone and playing retro video games. Below, we present in detail the technical characteristics, user experience and availability.

Photo: Mobile BOY

Main features and technical data

  • Battery capacity: 5,000 mAh, which is enough to charge most modern smartphones once. The device supports MagSafe-compatible wireless charging and has an additional USB-C port.

  • Built-in games: 300 pre-loaded retro titles that don't require a Wi-Fi connection. This means the device works as a standalone console, even when your phone isn't nearby.

  • Waterproof: declared to approximately 4.9 m (16 ft) depth, which provides basic protection against accidental contact with water.

  • Weight: around 103 g (3.63 oz), making the device lightweight and portable.

  • Colors and materials: Available in three color combinations – black, silver and pink. All versions have a black screen background that improves contrast and visibility.

  • Accessories: Comes with a USB-C charging cable and a handy wrist strap for easy carrying. There are small speakers on the bottom and a screen that shows the battery status.

  • Price and Availability: Available through crowdfunding with an early bird discount of around 8,400 yen (~$56), with an official price expected to be 8,960 yen (~$60). First deliveries are planned for December 2025 in the Japanese market, with international expansion to follow later.

When designing the Mobile BOY, Oscar Japan took inspiration from the first handheld consoles from the 1980s and 1990s, which is reflected in the button layout and minimalist aesthetic. On the left side we find the directional pad (D-pad), on the right are the action buttons; on the top are the buttons for starting and restarting the game. The screen is small but legible, and shows both games and the remaining battery.

The case is designed as a power bank and allows you to magnetically attach it to the back of your iPhone or other MagSafe-enabled device. The 5,000mAh capacity will allow most users to charge their phone at least once. Since the device also supports USB-C, it can be used as a classic wired charger for other devices, such as headphones or tablets.

Photo: Mobile BOY

The Mobile BOY's special feature is its built-in library of 300 games. These are mainly retro arcade and logic games that are not tied to internet services. This means that the user can charge the phone and enjoy the game at the same time, without straining the phone's battery. Two small speakers allow you to listen to the sound without headphones, but they will probably resonate louder in quieter rooms.

Safety is also key: the device is rated waterproof to a depth of almost 5 meters (16 ft), so it will survive any spills or drops in water. A wrist strap prevents the device from slipping out of your hands while playing or walking.

The pricing structure follows a crowdfunding model. Oscar Japan has launched the project via the Campfire platform with early bird discounts for backers, while regular sales will start at a higher price. Availability is currently limited to the Japanese market, but the company is announcing expansion abroad if funding is successful. There is no concrete information for the Slovenian market yet, but such a device could attract fans of retro technology and portable games.

Photo: Mobile BOY

Conclusion

Mobile BOY is positioned as a niche product that combines two popular activities – charging your phone and playing video games. With its modest dimensions, nostalgic design and a collection of 300 pre-loaded games, it offers a fun solution to pass the time when your smartphone is waiting for new energy. Although it is currently aimed primarily at the Japanese market, its originality and usability could also find its way to European customers. Its success will depend on the response of the community on the crowdfunding platform and on the company's ability to combine classic gaming with modern charging technologies.

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