What is the Game Boy Color?
The Game Boy Color (GBC) is a handheld gaming console by Nintendo, released in 1998. It’s the direct successor to the original Game Boy (and the Pocket) and introduces — as the name suggests — a colour screen. With more than 49 million units sold (including the Game Boy Pocket) it was a major commercial success.
The GBC is backwards compatible with all original Game Boy cartridges, and also has its own library of colour titles. That makes it doubly appealing: you get two generations of games for the price of one device. The hardware is compact, robust and reliable — and the screen is an excellent candidate for an IPS upgrade.
One thing to note: like the GBA, the GBC has no backlit screen. In dark environments it’s hard to see. An IPS mod fixes that completely.
Editions of the Game Boy Color
| Edition | Year | Colour | Notes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game Boy Color (various colours) | 1998–2003 | Purple, red, green, etc. | Standard version | Everyone ✅ |
| Game Boy Color (limited editions) | 1999–2002 | Transparent, special prints | Rarer | Collectors |
Advice: The colour makes little difference to the hardware. Choose what you like — or go for a transparent model if you want to see the internals after a mod.
Getting started {#getting-started}
Here’s what you need to play today:
- Batteries — The GBC uses two AA batteries, just like the original GBA
- Games — Original GBC cartridges (with coloured housing) and original GB cartridges (grey) both work
Invest in rechargeable AA batteries. After one set you'll realise how quickly you go through alkalines. A USB-C charging mod (see below) is also an option if you fancy a bit of tinkering.
Most popular games
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages
Two linked Zelda adventures.
Pokémon Gold & Silver
Widely considered the best Pokémon games.
Pokémon Crystal
The completed version of Gold/Silver, now with animations.
Tetris DX
The perfect puzzle game, now in colour.
Metal Gear Solid (GBC)
A surprisingly fully-featured stealth action game.
Dragon Warrior Monsters
Pokémon-style RPG from Square.
Shantae
Rare action platformer — now a cult classic.
Where to find games?
Physical
- Thrift stores / second-hand marketplaces — Cheapest option; keep in mind the cartridge type (GB vs GBC)
- Amazon — Limited selection, but reliable
- A specialist retro game shop — Specialised stock with retro selection
Pokémon Gold, Silver and Crystal are popular targets for counterfeiters. Suspiciously cheap? There's a good chance you're buying a fake cartridge. These don't save properly or lose save data. Check with an online counterfeit guide or use a flashcart.
Digital: Everdrive GB
An Everdrive GB or EZ-Flash Jr. loads Game Boy and Game Boy Color ROMs via a MicroSD card. Handy for exploring the library.
GBC games on AmazonCommon problems & fixes
- GBC won’t turn on → Battery contacts are corroded. Clean with vinegar and a cotton swab. → Clean contacts
- Screen dark or unreadable → No backlight — this is normal. An IPS mod fixes it
- Buttons not responding properly → Rubber membranes worn out. → Replace membranes
- No sound → Headphone jack or speaker dirty or broken
- Screen has dead pixels or lines → LCD panel damaged; an IPS upgrade makes sense at that point
Mods & upgrades
- Install IPS screen — Just like the GBA, this is the most popular and impactful mod. → IPS screen mod
- USB-C charging port — Internal battery + USB-C; never buy AA batteries again. → USB-C mod
- Shell swap — New housing in hundreds of variants
- Speaker upgrade — Louder and clearer sound
Homebrew
The Game Boy Color has an active homebrew scene. Via an Everdrive GB or EZ-Flash Jr. you can launch homebrew games directly. New GBC games are still being released by independent developers — a unique combination of old hardware and fresh creativity.
Small, colourful, and surprisingly versatile. The GBC is one of the most underrated handhelds in any retro collection.