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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe Game Boy Color launched in 1998, but the exact day depends on the region. Japan came first on October 21, 1998, followed by North America on November 18, 1998, and Europe on November 23, 1998.
Release dates by region
The console did not launch worldwide on a single day. Each market received it on its own schedule, and the table below lists the three main launch regions.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Game Boy Color - Teal (Renewed) | $129.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Game Boy Color - Grape (Renewed) | $114.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Game Boy Color - Atomic Purple (Renewed) | $119.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Game Boy Color - Limited Pokemon Edition - Yellow (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41tPHr+DwXL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Game Boy Color - Limited Pokemon Edition - Yellow (Renewed) [video game] | $149.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| Region | Release date | How the date is sourced |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | October 21, 1998 | Day-level date from Bulbapedia, a community-maintained reference wiki |
| North America | November 18, 1998 | Day-level date from Bulbapedia, a community-maintained reference wiki |
| Europe | November 23, 1998 | Day-level date from Bulbapedia, a community-maintained reference wiki |
If you see a single “release date” cited for the Game Boy Color with no region attached, treat it as ambiguous. The Japanese launch is the earliest of the three.
How certain these dates are
Nintendo’s official UK history page confirms that the Game Boy Color was introduced in 1998. It does not give the day or the regional rollout schedule. Nintendo’s annual-report history also confirms only the year.
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#1 Best Overall
- Unlike Modern Handheld Consoles, The Gb Color Does Not Have A Back Light And Is Best Used In A Well Lit Room Or Under A Lamp.
- Product Type-Video Game Hardware
- Package Quantity-1
- Package Weight-0.440924524 Lbs
The three exact days above therefore come from a secondary reference rather than from Nintendo itself. They are consistent with the 1998 year Nintendo gives, but if you are citing them in print or in a formal document, attribute them to that reference and not to Nintendo.
Related hardware released alongside it
Nintendo’s history lists the Game Boy Camera and Game Boy Printer as products associated with the Game Boy Color era. They are useful context for the period, but you do not need either accessory to understand the launch date. This article does not verify their present-day compatibility or availability.
Rank #2
- Unlike modern handheld consoles, the GB Color does not have a back light and is best used in a well lit room or under a lamp.
Buying a used Game Boy Color today
The Game Boy Color is a Nintendo handheld, and its launch details above are the reliable part of the picture. Current condition, prices, and listing availability change constantly and were not checked for this article, so compare sellers and inspect the unit (screen, battery compartment, and button response) before buying.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Requires 2 AA Batteries
Rank #3
- Unlike Modern Handheld Consoles, The Gb Color Does Not Have A Back Light And Is Best Used In A Well Lit Room Or Under A Lamp.
- Product Type-Video Game Hardware
- Package Quantity-1
- Package Weight-0.440924524 Lbs
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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