JJ says
What is the Game Boy?
The Game Boy is a handheld console by Nintendo, released in April 1989 in Japan and later that year in Europe and North America. With its grey shell, four AA batteries and greenish LCD screen, it’s one of the most recognisable toy icons of the twentieth century. Together with the Game Boy Pocket and Game Boy Light, over 118 million units were sold worldwide.
What makes the Game Boy special today: it’s practically indestructible. The hardware is simple and robust, parts are cheap, and the game library is enormous. Battery leaks are the most common issue, but even those are easy to fix.
Game Boy editions
| Edition | Year | Size | Screen | Power | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game Boy (Phat) | 1989 | Large | Green LCD, no backlight | 4× AA batteries | The authentic experience ✅ |
| Game Boy Pocket | 1996 | Compact | Grey-tone LCD, brighter | 2× AAA batteries | Portability ✅ |
| Game Boy Light | 1998 | Compact | LCD with built-in backlight | 2× AA batteries | Rare collectors (Japan only) |
Recommendation: For most people, the Game Boy Pocket is the best choice — lighter, sharper screen and easy to find cheaply. Want the authentic big brick? Go for the original Game Boy. The Game Boy Light was only released in Japan and is rarer and more expensive.
Getting started {#getting-started}
Here’s what you need to play today:
- Batteries — Original Game Boy: 4× AA. Game Boy Pocket: 2× AAA. Rechargeable batteries work fine.
- Games — Original Game Boy cartridges work on all models. GBC games also work, but in black and white.
- Flashcart — The EZ-Flash Junior is the most popular option for playing multiple games from one card.
Watch out: battery leaks
Many second-hand Game Boys have leaked batteries in the compartment. Always check this before buying. The corrosion on the contacts is cleanable with a cotton swab and vinegar — but wait too long and the circuit board may be damaged. See our repair guide for the step-by-step approach.
What you need
Batteries:
🔗 [Affiliate link — Amazon: search term “Panasonic Eneloop AA rechargeable batteries”]
Flashcart:
🔗 [Affiliate link — Amazon: search term “EZ-Flash Junior Game Boy flashcart”] 🔗 [Affiliate link — AliExpress: search term “EZ Flash Junior Game Boy flash cart”]
IPS screen kit (optional but a massive upgrade):
🔗 [Affiliate link — Amazon: search term “Game Boy DMG IPS screen kit”] 🔗 [Affiliate link — AliExpress: search term “Game Boy DMG IPS LCD mod kit”]
Most popular games
Tetris
Bundled with the Game Boy and still addictive. Timeless.
Pokémon Red / Blue
The game that conquered the world. Watch out for counterfeit cartridges.
Super Mario Land
A full Mario game in your pocket — a marvel for 1989.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
One of the best Zelda games ever, on an 8-bit screen.
Kirby's Dream Land
Cute, challenging and the birth of a Nintendo icon.
Metroid II: Return of Samus
Dark, solitary and surprisingly immersive for such a small screen.
Donkey Kong
More than a port — a full puzzle-platformer. Surprisingly good.
Where to find games
Physical
- Thrift stores / second-hand markets — Cheapest option, but watch for counterfeits
- A trusted retailer like Amazon — Reliable, slightly more expensive
- A specialist retro game shop — Best selection for rarer titles
Watch out: fake cartridges
Pokémon cartridges are the most commonly faked. A suspiciously low price is a red flag. Authentic cartridges are identifiable by the label quality, weight and colour of the PCB inside. Buy from a specialist shop when in doubt.
Digital: flashcart
With an EZ-Flash Junior you can play hundreds of Game Boy and Game Boy Color games from a single micro-SD card. Ideal for exploring the library without buying every game individually.
Common problems & fixes
- No picture → Check whether the LCD ribbon is properly seated; older LCD screens can develop issues
- Battery leaks in the compartment → Clean with vinegar or IPA; see our battery leak repair guide
- Buttons not responding → Rubber membranes are worn out; a cheap and easy fix
- Very dark screen → The original LCD has no backlight; consider an IPS screen mod
- Distorted sound → Volume potentiometer is dirty; clean with contact cleaner
Mods & improvements
- Install an IPS screen — From a dark green LCD to a bright, sharp colour screen. A transformation. See the IPS screen mod guide
- Shell swap — Replace yellowed or damaged housing with a new one in any colour you like
- Backlight mod — For the original LCD, as an alternative to a full IPS replacement
Homebrew
The Game Boy has an active homebrew community. From small indie games to full demoscene productions — new software is still being created more than 35 years later. A flashcart like the EZ-Flash Junior is all you need to run homebrew.
Questions or doubts? You’re not the first. We’re happy to help you through it.