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These Game Boy-inspired Mice Are The Retro Gadgets We Didn’t Know We Desperately Needed

Remembering the days when the only backlit screen was the one powered by a mountain of AA batteries, a time of pixelated glory and monochromatic dominance. We’ve come a long way since then, but the cultural icon that is the original Game Boy has lingered in our collective consciousness, influencing product designs even today, a solid 36 years after its original debut in 1989. It’s a device that demands reverence, and for a tech designer like TLTB, that reverence manifested itself in a magnificent, 3D printed keyboard earlier this year. But a keyboard, no matter how nostalgic, is an incomplete setup. The pixelated journey required a worthy companion. It needed a mouse.

And so, we get not one but two Game Boy-inspired mice from TLTB. This project is a beautiful marriage of retro aesthetics and modern functionality, a gizmo that looks like it belongs in the hands of a 90s kid but functions with the wireless precision of a contemporary peripheral. Both mice are built using the Bambu Lab wireless mouse kit, a fantastic foundation that provides the necessary electronics for a fully functional peripheral. But it’s TLTB’s unique designs that elevate this project from a simple kit-build into a true work of art. These aren’t just mice; they are tangible pieces of gaming history, lovingly crafted and ready to take their place on your desk. The sheer amount of design iterations and clever solutions that went into these mice are a testament to the passion behind the project.

Designer: The Lesser The Better

The first mouse originally started as a Game Boy-shaped slab, but with buttons instead of a screen (you can see it at the 2:50 mark on the video), but for obvious reasons, that wasn’t the most ergonomic. TLTB added a kink to the shape, giving it more volume while making it resemble the mice of the times (like the Apple and Atari mice), but the mouse had a very distinct ‘owl’ shape, with the 2 buttons and the scroll wheel looking like eyes and a beak. This led to TLTB experimenting with more unique shapes, resulting in the mouse we see here. The design follows more traditional shapes, but still retains the Game Boy aesthetic thanks to the use of simple geometry over wild organic curves, and that color scheme. Even the deliberate implementation of spilt lines gives the mouse a distinct retro Nintendo vibe, while allowing the buttons to bend without necessarily being separate parts.

Its ergonomic truncated-oval design matches the keyboard but also has enough ergonomics to really be a genuinely comfortable mouse in-hand. For the most part, it’s perfectly bilaterally symmetric, which means the mouse is, for all intents and purposes, ambidextrous. The build process for this particular mouse is a thoughtful balance of the provided Bambu Lab components and the user-printed shell. The kit includes the main PCB with non-clicky switches, a USB dongle for 2.4G wireless connectivity, and the necessary battery and screws. TLTB’s custom design required a clever solution for the button plate’s cuts, as a corner-based design would have been too stiff. The lines were moved to the top surface, mirroring the aesthetic of the companion keyboard. The designer also recommends using a Scotch pad to gently sand the glossy, printer-bed-textured surface of the button plate to better match the matte, fuzzy-skinned main body.

Then we have the second mouse, a bolder and more whimsical design that TLTB describes as resembling an “upside down Game Boy.” This version is less about replicating the console’s form factor and more about capturing its playful spirit. The design is blockier and more compact, a fun, almost caricature-like representation of the classic device. This design does not have the same split-line motif as the keyboard, but it fits the overall aesthetic perfectly. The build for this one is just as meticulous, with the button plate sliding into slots on the main body.

For the second mouse, the designer took a different approach to the printing process, using a “fuzzy skin” feature to give the main body a unique, textured finish. This is a brilliant move that not only adds a tactile quality to the mouse but also helps hide any minor imperfections from the 3D printing process. The design tolerances for this model were specifically adjusted to accommodate this feature, ensuring a snug fit for the button plate. The assembly follows a similar process to the first mouse, with the Bambu Lab components like the PCB, battery compartment, and mouse wheel encoder all slotting neatly into the 3D printed shell, secured with a single screw to complete the enclosure.

If you are itching to get your hands on these incredible peripherals, you’re in luck. The 3D print files for both mouse designs are available for download on Cults 3D. Do note, this is a paid download, given just the amount of time, modeling, reiterating, and engineering gone behind the scenes – but the files will be offered at a discount for a limited time. The necessary electronics, the Bambu Lab Wireless Mouse Components Kit, can be purchased directly from Bambu Lab or various other 3D printing retailers. It’s a fantastic setup that empowers you to bring this nostalgic, retro-gaming aesthetic to life with your own hands and your own 3D printer.

The post These Game Boy-inspired Mice Are The Retro Gadgets We Didn’t Know We Desperately Needed first appeared on Yanko Design.

Heatherwick’s Space Garden Reimagines Life in Orbit with Lush Greenery and Futuristic Design

At this year’s Venice Biennale, an unexpected vision of life in space captures imagination. Far from the cold, metallic interiors we usually associate with orbital habitats, Space Garden introduces a radically different idea: a lush, living greenhouse floating above Earth. Designed by renowned British firm Heatherwick Studio in collaboration with the space architecture nonprofit Aurelia Institute, this concept isn’t just about surviving in space; it’s about thriving.

Space Garden is a futuristic prototype for a space-based greenhouse that rethinks how humans might live beyond Earth. Rather than sterile walls and minimalist design, this habitat overflows with greenery. The structure consists of 30 pod-like modules, each housing a unique plant species, arranged around a central space dominated by a single, symbolic tree: a pomegranate. Revered across cultures as a symbol of life, fertility, and renewal, the pomegranate tree brings emotional resonance and historical depth to this bold design.

Designer: Heatherwick Studio and Aurelia Institute

Constructed as a 4-by-4-meter model, the installation is a feat of technical precision. It was built by Millimetre, a UK-based fabrication studio known for pushing the limits of architecture and design. Each pod is carefully engineered to open and close, regulating light exposure and shielding the plants from space debris. The outer skin of the structure is lined with photovoltaic cells, harvesting solar energy to sustain the ecosystem within.

But what makes Space Garden so compelling isn’t just its technical prowess; it’s the philosophical shift it represents. According to designer Thomas Heatherwick, the goal is to redefine what space habitats can be. “Space habitats have always been about survival,” Heatherwick explains. “Space Garden started as an experiment in humanizing space, by growing the kinds of plants that help with mental health in small environments.”

In a way, Space Garden is a critique of the utilitarian mindset that’s dominated space exploration since the mid-20th century. It asks: If humans are to spend extended periods in orbit, or even colonize other planets, shouldn’t we bring along the comforts and aesthetics of Earth? Shouldn’t we nurture our emotional and psychological needs, not just our physical ones?

And while the concept is deeply rooted in human-centered design, it also explores how space environments can benefit plant life and vice versa. In microgravity, certain biological processes behave differently, sometimes even more efficiently. The team hopes this could lead to breakthroughs not only in space-based agriculture but also in advanced manufacturing techniques using biological systems, innovations that could eventually have powerful applications back on Earth.

Beyond its scientific ambitions, Space Garden is also a form of speculative design, projecting a future where the natural and artificial co-exist harmoniously. It invites us to imagine a version of space life where architecture doesn’t abandon nature but embraces it, where mental health, beauty, and biodiversity are not afterthoughts but foundations.

The post Heatherwick’s Space Garden Reimagines Life in Orbit with Lush Greenery and Futuristic Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

2,247-brick LEGO CESSNA 185 Skywagon actually has functional flaps, doors, and landing gear

James Bond has crashed, piloted, and escaped in plenty of aircraft over the decades, but few have the rugged charm of the Cessna 185 Skywagon. Whether it’s the seaplane chase in License To Kill, the dramatic Norwegian fjord sequence in No Time To Die, or the cliff-top escape in For Your Eyes Only, the 185 keeps showing up because it represents something quintessentially adventurous about aviation. The aircraft embodies that perfect intersection of utility and romance that made it a favorite among bush pilots from Alaska to the Amazon. Built between 1961 and 1985, the 185 earned its reputation as the ultimate go-anywhere plane, with 4,400 units rolling off Cessna’s production line before the company moved on to other designs.

LEGO builder Bryan92609 clearly understands what makes the Skywagon special, because this Ideas submission captures every bit of that rugged versatility in brick form. The MOC sits at perfect minifigure scale, meaning it slots seamlessly into detailed city builds or diorama setups without looking like a toy next to your carefully constructed airport terminals. The yellow and red livery screams “bush pilot,” the kind of paint scheme you’d expect to see on a plane ferrying supplies to remote mining camps or conducting aerial surveys over untamed wilderness. Most importantly, this build treats the source material with the respect it deserves, translating the 185’s mechanical complexity into LEGO’s modular building system without losing the essence of what makes the real aircraft remarkable.

Designer: Bryan92609

Cessna designed the 185 around a Continental IO-520-D engine producing 300 horsepower, giving it the muscle to haul six people and their gear off short, rough airstrips that would make other planes think twice. The LEGO version acknowledges this power with functional flight controls that actually move when you manipulate them from outside the fuselage. Wing flaps drop and rise, ailerons deflect up and down, and the tail rudder swivels left and right through a mechanical linkage connected to the cockpit pedals. The tail elevators respond to the control stick, creating a level of interactivity that transforms this from static display piece into something genuinely engaging to handle and demonstrate.

Built to minifigure scale, this isn’t a static display model but rather a fully realized recreation with working control surfaces and convertible landing gear. The bright yellow and red livery pops against the white fuselage, mimicking the high-visibility paint schemes often found on bush planes operating in remote wilderness areas. This color choice serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, making the model a standout piece while paying homage to the aircraft’s real-world applications in search and rescue operations.

The attention to mechanical detail in this build borders on obsessive. Every primary flight control surface is functional, including wing flaps, ailerons, tail rudder, and elevators. The rudder connects to the cockpit pedals while the elevators link to the control stick, creating a miniature version of the actual control linkages found in real aircraft. This level of functionality is rarely seen outside of specialized Technic sets, yet the creator has managed to incorporate these features while maintaining the recognizable silhouette and proportions of the Cessna 185. The engine compartment opens to reveal a simplified but recognizable representation of the Continental IO-520-D powerplant that gives the real Skywagon its 300 horsepower punch.

The model can transition between land and water configurations, with deployable front wheels and orientable water rudders at the rear of the floats. This mirrors the versatility that made the Cessna 185 a favorite among bush pilots operating in Alaska, Canada, and other regions where landing strips are often optional and lakes serve as runways. The LEGO version honors this legacy by including a docking platform with minifigure-scale accessories like first aid kits, camping gear, and other wilderness essentials.

The cockpit opens to reveal proper flight controls and seating, while the nose panels hinge away to expose the detailed engine block underneath. Even the rear cargo area opens from both sides, accommodating the kind of gear that real bush pilots carry: first aid kits, camping equipment, maps, and survival supplies. The included dock section with scattered accessories creates immediate context, suggesting stories about remote outposts and wilderness adventures. You can practically smell the aviation fuel and hear the prop wash echoing off nearby mountains.

You can see why this MOC has already racked up over 4,000 supporters on LEGO Ideas. It’s the rare fan build that feels like it could have rolled out of Billund with a few tweaks. If you’re a city builder, the minifig scale makes it a perfect fit for a lakeside scene or a remote airstrip. If you’re a Technic devotee, the moving parts and sturdy construction are worth a closer look. The level of detail, from the registration numbers to the custom decals and accessories, is impressive and elevates the whole package. This is the kind of project that gets people excited about what’s possible with LEGO, and it sets a benchmark for anyone thinking of designing their own aviation MOC.

If you want to see this CESSNA 185 Skywagon hit official set status, now’s the time to make some noise. With over 4,000 votes on the Ideas platform, it’s well on its way, but it needs to clear that magical 10,000 mark to make it to the review stage. Once there, the LEGO team will put it through its paces for a shot at becoming a real set. If you love aviation, Technic, or just appreciate wild feats of LEGO creativity, give this one your vote on the LEGO Ideas website. I’ll be watching closely to see if it soars into the official lineup – or if it sparks a new wave of LEGO bush planes from inspired fans.

The post 2,247-brick LEGO CESSNA 185 Skywagon actually has functional flaps, doors, and landing gear first appeared on Yanko Design.

10 Essential Emergency Tools Every Home Must Have For Disaster Preparedness

Power goes out at 2 AM during a storm. Your phone’s dying, the tap water looks questionable, and you can’t find anything useful in that junk drawer. Sound familiar? Most of us think we’re prepared until reality hits, and suddenly that random flashlight with dead batteries isn’t cutting it. The best emergency tools aren’t just functional, they’re the kind of gear you want to own. These ten picks combine serious capability with smart design, so they earn their place in your home rather than gathering dust in some forgotten closet. Each one handles multiple emergency scenarios while looking good enough to leave out on the counter.

Recent events like the earthquake off Russia’s coast have reminded us just how quickly normal life can turn upside down, encouraging many to take emergency preparedness more seriously than ever before. This isn’t about paranoid prepping or military surplus gear. It’s about smart design that works when you need it most, whether that’s a neighborhood blackout or something more serious. The difference between panic and confidence often comes down to having the right tools within reach. These tools are essential, designed to keep you prepared for any emergency that may arise.

1. Olight Baton 4

Most flashlights are essentially expensive paperweights until the moment you desperately need them. The Olight Baton 4 completely flips that equation. Sure, it looks like your standard pocket flashlight—small, cylindrical, nothing fancy. But this thing pumps out 1,300 lumens, which is bright enough to light up your entire backyard from the deck. The 170-meter throw distance means you can spot problems before they become your problems.

The charging case changes everything. This isn’t just a place to store your flashlight; it’s a 5,000 mAh power station that keeps the light topped off and ready. The flip-top design lets you activate the light with one hand while it’s still in the case. No fumbling around trying to find the button in the dark, no dropping it because your hands are shaking. Just flip, press, and you’ve got instant illumination exactly when panic wants to set in. The case holds enough juice to recharge the flashlight multiple times, which matters when outages stretch longer than expected.

What we like

One-handed operation directly from the charging case.
5,000 mAh case provides multiple recharges.

What we dislike

Premium pricing compared to basic flashlights.
Larger footprint due to charging case.

2. Everlit Essential Survival First Aid Kit

First aid kits usually contain band-aids and hope. The Everlit kit acknowledges that emergency medical situations require more serious intervention than treating papercuts. Army veterans and survivalists designed this collection to address real trauma and medical emergencies rather than minor inconveniences. Two hundred fifty medical and survival supplies are packed into a remarkably compact package that weighs only two pounds.

The MOLLE-compatible heavy-duty bag integrates with other tactical gear while providing organized access to critical medical supplies. Modular organization enables rapid location of specific treatments when seconds determine injury outcomes. The kit also includes emergency items like glow sticks, a tactical flashlight, and a fire starter that expand utility beyond medical treatment.

What we like

250 supplies in a lightweight 2-pound package.
MOLLE-compatible for integration with other gear.

What we dislike

Requires medical knowledge for effective use.
Some supplies have expiration dates requiring replacement.

3. Portable Fire Pit Stand

Cooking over an open flame isn’t just camping nostalgia, it’s a crucial skill when the power grid fails and your electric stove becomes decoration. This portable fire pit transforms emergency cooking from a survival necessity into something you can manage effectively. The puzzle-piece assembly is satisfying to put together and creates a stable platform for controlled wood burning.

The special sheet metal construction resists warping under high heat, so this stand maintains its shape and stability even during extended cooking sessions. Those strategic holes and cutouts optimize airflow for efficient combustion that burns hotter and cleaner than makeshift fire rings. Removable trivets expand your cooking options beyond basic grilling. You can fry, boil, or even bake using different techniques that turn gathered wood into a complete cooking system.

Click Here to Buy Now: $119.00

What we like

Warp-resistant construction maintains integrity under heat.
Multiple cooking methods with removable trivets.

What we dislike

Requires wood or a fuel source for operation.
Assembly required before use.

4. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

Clean water is the most fundamental survival requirement, and the LifeStraw addresses this challenge through proven filtration technology that requires no power source or chemical treatments. This ultralight filter weighs less than two ounces while removing 99.999% of bacteria, parasites, and microplastics from questionable water sources. The long-lasting membrane processes up to 1,000 gallons of water, providing over five years of drinking water for one person.

The simple straw design enables direct drinking from contaminated sources, eliminating the need for collection containers that may not be available during emergencies. Independent lab testing validates performance against harsh global conditions, ensuring reliable operation when water quality becomes questionable during disaster scenarios. No shelf life limitations mean this filter remains ready for emergencies regardless of storage duration.

What we like

No shelf life or expiration date for long-term storage.
Filters 1,000 gallons of water in an ultralight package.

What we dislike

Direct drinking limits water collection for later use.
Does not remove chemical contaminants or viruses.

5. RetroWave 7-in-1 Radio

This radio successfully shows us that emergency gear doesn’t have to look like it belongs in a bunker. The RetroWave wraps serious functionality in vintage Japanese styling that improves your space rather than cluttering it. That tactile tuning dial isn’t just for show; it connects you to AM, FM, and shortwave stations when the internet goes dark and your streaming apps become useless.

During normal times, it streams music via Bluetooth or plays directly from USB and microSD cards. But when things go sideways, this radio becomes your lifeline. Hand-crank charging generates power when outlets disappear. The solar panel harnesses daylight for sustainable operation. Built-in flashlight illuminates your immediate area, while the SOS alarm broadcasts distress signals across serious distances. The power bank function keeps your phone and other devices charged, which transforms this radio from a simple communication tool into a comprehensive emergency hub.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89.00

What we like

Multiple power sources, including solar and hand-crank.
Seven functions in a single attractive device.

What we dislike

Retro design may not appeal to all users.
Hand-crank charging requires physical effort.

6. KU02

Most carabiners just hold things together. The KU02 reimagines that basic concept as a comprehensive emergency tool that happens to also clip onto your gear. The CNC-machined titanium construction with stone-washed finish creates something that looks purposeful rather than purely functional. That pointed tip transforms this carabiner into a defensive tool and emergency glass breaker.

Seven integrated functions provide bottle opening, prying, cutting, and leverage capabilities that address the kind of problems that pop up during emergencies. The spring-loaded action operates smoothly under stress, while the pointed tip functions as both a pry tool and a window-breaking implement. Slip it around your finger for defensive capability, or clip it to your belt for instant access to tools that could save your life.

What we like

CNC-machined titanium construction for extreme durability.
Seven functions integrated into a compact form factor.

What we dislike

Pointed design may snag on clothing or gear.
Premium materials result in a higher cost.

7. Leatherman Skeletool RX

Emergency responders swear by the Skeletool RX because it delivers essential capabilities without the complexity that slows response times during critical situations. This five-ounce tool strips away unnecessary features to provide pure emergency functionality when every second counts. The serrated 154CM blade features a hooked design specifically for cutting through seat belts, fabric, and tough materials with minimal effort.

The carbide glass breaker enables rapid window access during rescue scenarios, while the carabiner clip provides immediate attachment to gear or belt loops for instant availability. The emergency red colorway ensures visibility during high-stress situations when tool location becomes critical for effective response.

What we like

Purpose-built for emergency responder needs.
Carbide glass breaker for rescue access.

What we dislike

Limited tool selection compared to full-size multitools.
The serrated blade requires specific sharpening techniques.

8. Goal Zero Nomad 20

Dead devices become expensive paperweights when the power grid fails. The Goal Zero Nomad 20 harnesses renewable solar energy to maintain power independence regardless of electrical infrastructure status. The built-in kickstand positions panels at optimal angles for maximum solar collection, while integrated cables connect directly to phones, tablets, and power banks without requiring additional adapters that get lost or damaged.

The foldable design optimizes pack space while delivering substantial charging capacity for multiple devices simultaneously. Weatherproof construction ensures operation during challenging conditions where conventional charging methods fail. Daytime solar charging powers devices during active periods while storing energy in power banks for nighttime use.

What we like

The renewable energy source works indefinitely with sunlight.
Built-in kickstand optimizes charging angle.

What we dislike

Charging speed depends on weather conditions.
Requires daytime sunlight for power generation.

9. BlackOut Beam Tactical Flashlight

Some situations call for more light than your phone’s LED can manage. The BlackoutBeam delivers 2,300 lumens of raw illumination that reaches 300 meters into the darkness. The 0.2-second response time means light appears instantly when you need it, no waiting for bulbs to warm up or circuits to engage.

The aluminum construction feels substantial without being bulky, and IP68 waterproofing means this light works underwater if necessary. Five different modes adapt to whatever situation you’re facing: standard brightness levels for navigation and tasks, strobe mode to disorient threats or signal for help, and pinpoint mode for precision work that conserves battery life. This flashlight responds to mode changes without delay, giving you complete control over illumination intensity and pattern.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89.00

What we like

Instant 0.2-second response time.
IP68 waterproof rating for extreme conditions.

What we dislike

High brightness may temporarily affect night vision.
Premium pricing reflects tactical-grade construction.

10. Seventy2

Most survival kits are random collections of cheap gear thrown into generic bags. The Seventy2 is the exact opposite; it includes expert-curated tools organized logically for actual use during real emergencies. First responders, special forces operators, and survival specialists selected every item based on what works when people’s lives depend on it.

Thirty survival tools are organized within labeled pockets that eliminate confusion when stress peaks and clear thinking becomes difficult. Color-coded instructions print directly on the insert, providing guidance when memory fails under pressure. The airtight backpack doubles as a flotation device, expanding survival options during flood scenarios while protecting contents from water damage. Removable plastic pieces function as splints for medical emergencies or snowshoes for winter evacuation scenarios.

What we like

Expert-curated tools from survival professionals.
Backpack doubles as a flotation device for water emergencies.

What we dislike

Single-person capacity limits family preparedness.
Premium pricing reflects professional-grade content.

Building Your Emergency Foundation

These ten tools cover the major bases without turning your home into a tactical supply depot. They’re designed well enough that you won’t mind owning them, functional enough to help when things go wrong, and comprehensive enough to handle most emergency scenarios you’re likely to face.

The key is having gear that works reliably when normal conveniences disappear and improvisation becomes the difference between handling a situation and becoming a victim of it. Good emergency gear pays for itself the first time you need it. These designs balance serious capability with everyday usability, so they’re worth having whether or not you ever face a real emergency. Better to have them and not need them than to need them and be stuck with whatever’s in your junk drawer.

The post 10 Essential Emergency Tools Every Home Must Have For Disaster Preparedness first appeared on Yanko Design.