This wiki is intended to be a repository of information and resources for the various Nintendo Game Boy models. The primary focus is repair, restoration, and modification of these consoles. Sometimes you just want to dive in and figure out for yourself what you like and dislike without having to spend days or weeks researching.
While this wiki does not focus on collecting, there are valuable resources to find if your console is rare or special.
For those curious about the serial numbers, gekkio has compilied some approximate guidelines for each console, backed up by gbhwdb and partially by Nintendo AU.
In this current age, we no longer need a bulky and inconvenient light addon if there was not enough natural light available. All the non-backlit models have aftermarket screens and plenty of mods to modernize these aging consoles. Refer to the individual console pages for more information. Remember there is also additional information in common issues.
Regardless of the model you are looking for, the cost of these consoles is ever rising. Social media has reintroduced the Game Boy family of consoles back into the lexicon and many are chasing nostaliga.
Be vigilant for poorly refurbished consoles or consoles trying to pass as limited edition. Reproductions of limited edition designs are readily available and may take a keen eye to spot the telltale signs. Pre-modified consoles may also hide poor worksmanship or lack proper refurbishing work required to make these aging consoles work their best. Don't be fooled by extra features, don't be fooled by flashy lights or shell designs. Our Discord server members are always happy to vet any build.
The consoles can typically be divided into three generations, differentiated by the games they are backwards compatible with. Each generation is fully backwards compatible, with the exception of the Game Boy Micro. For example, a Game Boy Advance can also play Game Boy Color and original Game Boy game cartridges.
In general, Game Boy game cartridges can be broken down into 4 easily recognizable form factors. While there are certainly other cartridges shapes and designs, this serves as a general guideline. [Visual Reference]
Original Game Boy (DMG/MGB) compatible cartridges can be identified by their grey color. All have a notch in the top right corner with "Nintendo GAME BOY" embossed in the indent. These game cartridges will have game model numbers starting with DMG-####-###.
While the same physical shape as the original Game Boy cartridges, Color-enhanced or "DX" games were released in a unique black color shell. These games will play normally on DMG/MGB, but will have special colors for CGB consoles. International Pokemon are the exception to this rule as their shell colors match the version. These game cartridges retain the DMG-####-### model numbers.
Game Boy Color games are easily identified by their translucent black shell and a raised top shell with "GAME BOY COLOR" debossed. These cartridges are designed with no backwards compatibility to Game Boy and Game Boy Pocket/Light consoles. When inserted into those consoles various versions of a Game Pak error will appear. These can be additionally identified by the CGB-####-### model numbers.
Game Boy Advance games are recognizably much shorter and have a prominent ridge on the top edge. The "GAME BOY ADVANCE" logo is embossed under the ridge. These are only compatible with Advance consoles. These cartridges have model numbers AGB-####-###
Game Boy game cartridges have been faked and reproduced poorly since the launch of the console. Identifying fakes takes experience and skill. Aftermarket shells that are very close to the originals have made this even more difficult. Unscrupulous vendors will modify original carts with flashable memory to pass off as real carts as well. Refer to r/GameVerifying for resources.
All games and consoles are region free. Games cannot be reflashed for different regions or languages as the games are Read-Only Memory (ROM). Cross region multiplayer or linking may not work.
Consoles | Game Boy Games | Game Boy Color Games | Game Boy Advance Games |
---|---|---|---|
Game Boy | x | ||
Super Game Boy | x | ||
Game Boy Pocket | x | ||
Game Boy Light | x | ||
Game Boy Color | x | x | |
Game Boy Advance | x | x | x |
Game Boy Player | x | x | x |
Game Boy Advance SP (AGS-001) | x | x | x |
Game Boy Advance SP (AGS-101) | x | x | x |
Game Boy Micro | x |
A majority of the Game Boy collection used coin cell batteries to maintain saves on the SRAM memory. Check our common problems page for replacement information.
For carts that have working batteries and precious saves, backups are highly recommended with a quality reader/flasher.
You may want to download save files from the Internet to unlock things like characters or levels, or you may want to transfer save files to or from other devices like the MiSTer, flash carts, emulators, or the Retron 5.
There are thousands of games in the Game Boy catalog and it's what many of us enthusiasts love about the systems. If you have no idea what to look for, there are plenty of guides and long-play videos on Youtube. For those that want to play or try a multitude of games, a SD-card based flash cart will hold your library safely. There are plenty of rare or desirable games out there that make a good argument for flash carts.
You made it to the end of the introduction page. Thank you for reading or scrolling this far. This wiki is maintained by a handful of dedicated members and enthusiasts. This is a wiki, please contribute if you have valuable information to add. Feel join our Discord server for active discussions and suggestions for the wiki.