Viral DOOM-Playing Retro Hardware Grafted into Labubu Plush

Japanese modder Hairo Satoh drew attention when he removed a Labubu plush's face, installed a small display inside the head, fitted game controls into the hands, and placed a USB-C port in the back to power and connect the unit. Satoh reused PlayStation-era components alongside a modern compact board that drives the screen and accepts input from the sewn-in controls. In a demonstration video he plays id Software's DOOM using only the controls embedded in the doll.

At its clearest, the build is a playful physical punchline to the long-running internet joke that "you can run DOOM on anything with a display." Satoh's version goes beyond novelty by showing how classic hardware and contemporary miniaturized systems can be combined inside a soft toy without losing the whimsical character that made Labubu popular.

For local makers, modders, and players the practical value is immediate: the project highlights accessible entry points to hardware tinkering. The use of a USB-C power and connection point simplifies charging and data passthrough, and the integration of small displays and repurposed PlayStation-era parts demonstrates workable trade-offs between authenticity and modern convenience. Verify power specifications and component compatibility before attempting any experiment inspired by this build, and prioritize safe casing and cable routing when working inside fabric toys.

Satoh's mod has prompted renewed curiosity about Labubu among retro-gaming communities and casual collectors alike, reframing the plush as more than a collector's item. Where Labubu had been primarily a lifestyle toy and shelf companion, this project makes it a candidate for small electronics experiments, collaborative showcases, and conversation pieces at meetups and maker fairs.

While the video provides an entertaining showcase, the report avoids step-by-step instructions; the value lies in inspiration, not replication. Expect more derivative projects to appear as makers adapt the core idea—small display, embedded controls, and a tidy power solution—to different toys and retro systems. For the Labubu community, Satoh's graft is both a reminder of how playful hardware can be and an invitation to explore modest, safe mods that connect nostalgia to hands-on creativity.