Nintendo released six main Game Boy models between 1989 and 2005, and they don't all play the same games. Some have backlit screens, some run on AA batteries, and one can't play original Game Boy games at all. Here's how every model compares and which one makes sense for you.
The quick answer
For the most games in one system, get a Game Boy Advance SP. It plays Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance cartridges, has a lit screen and a rechargeable battery. For the authentic 1989 experience, the original Game Boy is still a joy. For Game Boy Advance games only, the tiny Game Boy Micro has the best screen of the bunch.
Every Game Boy at a glance
| Model | Released (US) | Screen | Power | Plays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game Boy (DMG-01) | 1989 | Green, no backlight | 4 AA batteries | Game Boy, plus black dual-mode Color carts |
| Game Boy Pocket | 1996 | Black and white, no backlight | 2 AAA batteries | Game Boy, plus black dual-mode Color carts |
| Game Boy Color | 1998 | Color, no backlight | 2 AA batteries | Game Boy and Game Boy Color |
| Game Boy Advance | 2001 | Color, no backlight | 2 AA batteries | Game Boy, Color and Advance |
| Game Boy Advance SP | 2003 | Color, front-lit (AGS-001) or backlit (AGS-101) | Rechargeable | Game Boy, Color and Advance |
| Game Boy Micro | 2005 | Color, backlit | Rechargeable | Game Boy Advance only |
Original Game Boy and Game Boy Pocket
The original Game Boy is the chunky gray brick that launched with Tetris, with its famous green-tinted screen. It runs a long time on four AA batteries but has no backlight, so you need good light to play. The Game Boy Pocket shrank it down in 1996 with a sharper black-and-white screen. Both play original Game Boy games and the black dual-mode Game Boy Color carts (like Pokémon Gold and Silver), but not the clear Color-only carts.
Original Nintendo Game Boy Console (DMG-01) · $129.97
The 1989 original, for the authentic Tetris and Pokémon Red experience.
Game Boy Color
The Game Boy Color added a color screen in 1998 and plays both Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. Many original Game Boy games get a simple color palette on it. Like the original, the screen isn't lit, so it plays best in daylight or under a lamp.
Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP
The Game Boy Advance moved to a wide screen and 32-bit games in 2001, and it plays the entire Game Boy and Game Boy Color library too. The original GBA has no light, which was its biggest complaint. The Game Boy Advance SP fixed that with a folding clamshell design, a lit screen and a built-in rechargeable battery. Two SP models matter: the AGS-001 is front-lit, and the later AGS-101 is backlit and noticeably brighter. One quirk: the SP has no headphone jack, so you need an adapter for headphones.
Nintendo Game Boy Advance (GBA) Console · $119.97
The original widescreen GBA. Plays Game Boy, Color and Advance games.
Game Boy Advance SP Console (AGS-001) · $179.97
Lit screen, rechargeable battery and the full Game Boy library.
Game Boy Micro
The Game Boy Micro from 2005 is tiny, with a bright backlit screen and swappable faceplates. It's a great way to play Game Boy Advance games, but it can't play original Game Boy or Game Boy Color cartridges, so check your collection before you buy one.
Nintendo Game Boy Micro Console · $294.97
The smallest Game Boy, with a bright backlit screen. GBA games only.
What about the Nintendo DS?
The original Nintendo DS and the DS Lite have a second cartridge slot that plays Game Boy Advance games, but neither plays Game Boy or Game Boy Color carts. Later models, starting with the DSi, removed the Game Boy Advance slot completely.
Frequently asked questions
Which Game Boy plays the most games?
The Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP play Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance cartridges, the largest library of any Game Boy.
Can a Game Boy Color play Game Boy Advance games?
No. Game Boy Advance games need a Game Boy Advance, SP, Micro, or an original DS or DS Lite.
Can the original Game Boy play Game Boy Color games?
Only the black dual-mode carts, such as Pokémon Gold and Silver. Clear Color-only carts, like Pokémon Crystal, need a Game Boy Color or a Game Boy Advance.
Does the Game Boy Micro play Game Boy Color games?
No. The Game Boy Micro only plays Game Boy Advance games.
What's the difference between the GBA SP AGS-001 and AGS-101?
The AGS-001 has a front-lit screen. The AGS-101, released in 2005, has a brighter backlit screen and is the model most players prefer.
Does the Game Boy Advance SP have a headphone jack?
No. The SP doesn't have a standard headphone jack, so you need an adapter that plugs into the charging port.
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