Game Boy Color (GBC)

Nintendo’s color-screen handheld has dedicated Game Boy Color games and compatibility with earlier GB cartridges, while remaining separate from Game Boy Advance.

Type: Handheld
Platform company: Nintendo
Launch date: Oct 21, 1998
Official website: www.nintendo.co.jp

Collected games: 379

www.nintendo.co.jp

Overview

What is this platform?

Game Boy Color, or GBC, is Nintendo’s color-screen handheld first released in Japan on October 21, 1998. It keeps the compact upright design and physical controls of the Game Boy family. It has its own games as well as compatibility with earlier GB cartridges; it is a separate platform from Game Boy Advance.

Main features

The system combines a directional pad, A and B buttons, Start and Select with power from two AA batteries. Color helps distinguish characters and scenery, and some older GB games can use limited color palettes. Link-cable and infrared interactions depend on support in each game.

What to know before playing

The original screen is not backlit and relies on ambient light. Some cartridges work on both GB and GBC, while Color-only games require a compatible color-capable system. GBC cannot run GBA cartridges. Check platform markings, language, required accessories and how a particular title saves progress before assuming two editions are interchangeable.