1989
Game Boy
History
Released in 1989, the Game Boy brought portable gaming to a very wide audience. Its simple screen and robust design accompanied millions of players.
Documented feature
Design, launch and legacy
Simple and robust hardware
Game Boy combines an 8-bit processor, 160 × 144 monochrome LCD, four AA batteries and cartridges. It was compact, durable and usable for long sessions despite more screen blur than some rivals.
1989: Tetris, Mario and the Link Cable
The system launched in Japan on 21 April 1989 with Super Mario Land among its games. In many western markets bundled Tetris reached beyond console players. The Game Link Cable connected two systems and competitive Tetris made its value obvious. Battery life and simplicity outweighed the raw power of color rivals.
A compatible library across revisions
Tetris, Pokémon, Link’s Awakening, Kirby’s Dream Land and arcade conversions built a varied library. Game Boy Pocket reduced the size and Game Boy Light added illumination in Japan. Game Boy Color retained broad compatibility with earlier cartridges. This continuity established handheld gaming as a major market.
Galerie
The system and its library
Related library
Games catalogued for this system
Game & Watch Gallery
Game & Watch Gallery, first released in 1997, is catalogued with its platforms, credits and gameplay characteristics.
Game Boy
Monster Maker
Game Boy
Final Fantasy Legend III
Game Boy
Kid Dracula
Game Boy
Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja
Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja, first released in 1991, is catalogued with its platforms, credits and gameplay characteristics.
Game Boy
Dig Dug
Dig Dug, first released in 1982, is catalogued with its platforms, credits and gameplay characteristics.
Game Boy