Game Boy Color - Grape

Nintendo's Game Boy debuted in the late '80s and has since sold more than 60 million units worldwide, far outpacing other hand-held game systems. With a catalog of more than 1,000 games and dozens of add-on peripherals, Game Boy is a monster of a hand-held game system, and a remarkably affordable one at that.

Early March 1998 brought the release of the Game Boy Color system, an upgraded version of the original black-and-white system. It is equipped with an 8-bit CPU, doubling the original Game Boy's computing power. The small LCD screen can display up to 56 colors simultaneously (out of a 32,000-color palette), delivered via boosted video-processing memory that provides remarkably sharp and vibrant graphics.

The hundreds of available games vary from tremendously compelling to instantly forgettable. Quality or not, the entire library of games designed for the original system is playable on Game Boy Color, but buyers should note that not all Game Boy Color games will work on the original Game Boy system.

The Game Boy Color system is available in an exotic array of colors and special editions. Accessories and add-on peripherals abound, enhancing the playing experience with vibrating feedback to in-game bumps and crashes, extra battery power, and even a clever camera package that allows players to capture, tweak, and print images. --Eric Twelker

I have never regretted staying with Game Boy. Even with challenges from Sega Game Gear, NEC TurboExpress, Tiger game.com, and the new SDK NEOGEO Pocket, Game Boy will be able to thrive and to grow. As Game Boy Pocket, Game Boy Color, and the upcoming Game Boy, which is supposed to be even more powerful but still with legacy compatibility (a Game Boy guarantee), why wouldn't you?


Best Handheld Video Game Ever Created   April 11, 2000
35 out of 35 found this review helpful

As of right now this is probably the best handheld video game unit ever created. I used to own a Sega Game Gear and I've played the Neo Geo, and this is still a superior unit for several reasons. First of all and most importantly is the games that are available. The GBC simply has one of the greatest selection of games out there. From Super Mario DX to Zelda DX to Pokemon you can't go wrong with the wide variety and quality of titles. Second the battery power, the GBC runs on two double A batteries and seems to last forever at least ten hours at a stretch. Next is the size the size of the GBC is perfect, it fits in just about any pants pocket yet the screen is big enough that it is easily legible. I often use mine on the bus, while walking to class, or even while working out. Other systems may have better graphics and sound, but the GBC seems to make the best use out of what it's got. Oh the worm light is also one of the best light sources I've ever seen for a hand held system and it's tempting to buy the GBC for that reason alone. All in all if you are looking for a handheld system, don't look any further this is the system to get.


ideal!   November 4, 2000
Tom Douglas (Mid-Atlantic)
73 out of 79 found this review helpful

I travel, I need a gameboy! its that simple.

this is no kids toy (im a 30something) and the range of games means there really is something for everyone. the controls are easy and the size and weight are just right.

battery life is excellent.

my only gripe is that the gameboy is very intolerant of different levels and angles of light. it needs a good strong light shining from above. in low light it is unplayable. therefore the clip-on light is probably a worthwhile purchase, though it adds to the overall cost.

im no gameboy addict - i just use mine on long haul flights and while sitting around waiting for someone - but id be lost without it!