Imagine your car is parked on the street with the door unlocked and the keys in the ignition. Anyone could get in and drive away without raising any suspicion. This is exactly how game boy car theft works, and it is not easy to protect yourself against it. We explain how the thieves operate and what the infamous ‘Bulgarian gameboy’ is.
Bulgarian gameboy, a terror for car owners
The days of breaking into cars with a crowbar and a screwdriver are long gone. In recent years, technological progress has also not bypassed the criminal environment. Nowadays, thieves use increasingly unbelievable methods to steal a vehicle, maximising efficiency while minimising the chances of getting caught by the police.
In recent years, a device known as the ‘Bulgarian Gameboy’ has been making headlines. The name of this controversial device is no coincidence – it resembles an old handheld game console. It does not arouse any suspicion and does not reveal its purpose.
How does the Bulgarian gameboy work?
This game boy is nothing more than a device for stealing cars.
How does it work? It exploits vulnerabilities in keyless radio systems – and it is precisely these cars that are at risk of being stolen. The device intercepts the service codes and is therefore as functional as the original key.
So you could say that a criminal who decides to steal a car with a Game Boy becomes the owner of the car after just a few minutes. He can easily open the car door, get in, then start the engine in the blink of an eye and simply drive away. There is no trace at the crime scene.
The Game Boy used to steal the car exploits the following vulnerabilities:
- the DST80 encryption protocol (popular e.g. in Toyota cars),
- authorisation of service codes without a physical key (used e.g. by authorised service centres),
- systems for verification of signal sources.
Many people see similarities to the popular method of theft ‘by the suitcase’. This differs from the game boy in several key respects. Thieves must work in at least two, and one of them must be near the original key. In addition, this method is more time-consuming and less discreet.
How does stealing a car for a game boy work?
The method for the game boy from the thieves’ point of view is very simple. The biggest challenge is accessing the original service codes, which can only be obtained from a reliable source, such as a service station or workshop. Once the keys for the respective vehicle brand have been uploaded, the device is ready for use.
Now all the thief has to do is approach the car and use a Game Boy. After a while, the car will be his. The theft will not raise any suspicion, because why would it? After all, from the outside, it looks as if the owner is getting into his car and simply driving away.
What cars does a Gameboy open?
Statistics and expert opinions show that Gameboy car theft is by far the greatest threat to Japanese and Korean vehicles from 2015-2022.
Gameboy theft is dangerous for the following brands, among others:
- Kia,
- Hyundai,
- Toyota,
- Mitsubishi,
- Nissan,
- Infiniti.
Why these specific car brands? They are equipped with outdated encryption systems that are easy to hack. The list of models supported by the game boy is constantly updated – as the latest police data shows, it covers about 60% of new vehicles sold in Central Europe.
Is there any protection against a gameboy? Ways to protect yourself
Although it may seem that stealing a car with a gameboy is an impossible task, there are various ways to minimise the risk. It is worth implementing them, especially if you have a car that is vulnerable to attack.
Protection against Gameboy attacks – the best methods:
- GPS locators – their discreet installation will help find the car after it has been stolen;
- keyless protector – a system digitally blocking signals from the key, making it almost impossible to intercept the code;
- steering wheel and gearbox locks – traditional methods to prevent their use;
- hidden immobiliser – installation of a hidden button necessary to start the vehicle;
- car alarms – important to make it as difficult as possible for thieves to turn them off.
Many experts and forum users agree on this: GPS trackers such as the GPS GL300W are one of the simplest and most effective defence mechanisms. They make it possible to pinpoint the location of the vehicle after it has been stolen, making it easier to catch the criminals. In addition, information such as route history will allow you to accurately assess when the robbery took place.
What’s more, there are models that allow you to remotely immobilise the car, e.g. from the position of your phone.
In addition, if you have the option, it is worth parking your vehicle in a safe place, e.g. in a garage. Access to the machine will be difficult, which should discourage criminals from acting. If you don’t have a garage, consider parking your car in a well-lit area with CCTV cameras. Another way to protect yourself is to give up the keyless system – it’s less convenient, but much safer.
The game boy method – FAQ
Are you interested in the topic of car theft by game boy? Find out more details – here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions!
Bulgarian gameboy, what is the price?
As investigative journalists from Polsat News found out, the price of the Bulgarian Game Boy was 20,000 euros in 2022. However, it is difficult to assess the current situation (April 2025).
What is the Bulgarian Game Boy?
The device, commonly known as the ‘Bulgarian gameboy’, is a small device that resembles an old handheld game console. The device allows thieves to steal a car quickly and easily, without leaving any traces. It exploits vulnerabilities in keyless radio systems.
Which cars does the gameboy affect?
The gameboy car theft device only affects cars with keyless entry systems. It is most effective on Japanese and Korean cars, such as Toyota, Kia and Nissan.
Is it possible to protect against the gameboy?
There are ways to prevent car theft with the use of a Game Boy. The most popular methods include keyless protectors, GPS locators, steering wheel and gearbox locks, and hidden immobilisers. It is also a good idea to park vehicles in a safe place.
What is a suitcase theft?
Suitcase theft is a common method among thieves. At least two people are needed to carry it out. One of them must be close to the original car key, e.g. near the owner’s house. After intercepting the signal, the second thief can open the car without triggering the alarm.