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The Game Boy family’s documented milestones run from the original system’s 1989 launch in Japan to the Game Boy Micro’s 2005 release. Across that span, Nintendo introduced smaller revisions, a color system and the Game Boy Advance generation, alongside accessories that brought photography, printing and TV play to the handheld line. This is a selected timeline, not a complete release history, and the title’s “25 years” does not specify a particular start and end year.
Game Boy timeline: systems, accessories and games
| Date | Milestone | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| 1989, Japan | Original Game Boy | Nintendo’s first portable handheld game system launched in Japan, originally bundled with Tetris. Nintendo UK lists a 160 × 144-pixel, four-shade grayscale display and four AA batteries. Nintendo’s corporate history also records its introduction in the United States in 1989; that is not a single worldwide release date. Nintendo UK; Nintendo corporate history |
| 1990, Europe | European Game Boy release | Nintendo’s regional history dates the European release to 1990. Nintendo regional history |
| 1997 | Game Boy Pocket | A smaller revision of the original system, powered by two AAA batteries according to Nintendo. It was a more compact model rather than a new game-library generation. Nintendo UK |
| 1998 | Game Boy Color; Camera and Printer era | Game Boy Color brought a color display, with a 160 × 140 resolution and 32,768 possible colors listed by Nintendo. Nintendo says original Game Boy cartridges work on it. Nintendo’s German and South African histories place the Game Boy Camera and Printer alongside this generation. Nintendo UK; Nintendo Germany; Nintendo South Africa |
| 2001 | Game Boy Advance | The Advance began a new handheld generation. Nintendo Germany reports that worldwide sales exceeded 25 million units by the end of 2002. Nintendo corporate history; Nintendo Germany |
| March 2003 | Game Boy Advance SP | The SP recast the Advance as a clamshell system. Nintendo’s Spanish history describes a front-lit screen and rechargeable battery. Nintendo Australia; Nintendo Spain |
| June 2003 | Game Boy Player | This GameCube accessory let players use Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games on a television. Nintendo regional history |
| July 2003 | Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire | Nintendo’s regional history marks these as Pokémon’s arrival on the Game Boy Advance. Nintendo regional history |
| Autumn 2004 | Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen | Nintendo’s regional history dates the Advance releases to autumn 2004. Nintendo regional history |
| November 2005 | Game Boy Micro | Nintendo Australia dates its launch to November. Nintendo UK lists a 2-inch backlit screen and dimensions of 101 × 50 × 17.2 mm. The Micro plays Game Boy Advance games, but Nintendo support says it does not play original Game Boy or Game Boy Color cartridges. Nintendo Australia; Nintendo UK; Nintendo support |
How the systems differ
The family’s evolution was not simply a sequence of more powerful screens. The Pocket made the original design smaller, Color added color while retaining original-cartridge compatibility, and Advance established a distinct generation. The SP changed the Advance’s shape and offered a front-lit display and rechargeable battery; the Micro later prioritized a very compact, backlit Advance-only system.
Compatibility is model-specific, not a blanket property of every Game Boy. Nintendo explicitly says Game Boy Color plays original Game Boy cartridges, while the Micro plays Game Boy Advance games only. The available specifications here do not establish a complete compatibility matrix for every model and cartridge type.
Accessories expanded how people used the Game Boy
- Game Boy Camera and Printer: Nintendo histories associate the imaging and printing accessories with the Game Boy Color era.
- Game Boy Player: Released in June 2003 as a GameCube accessory, it enabled television play for Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games.
What Nintendo’s figures establish
- Nintendo’s current Game Boy history page says the Game Boy system or family had sold over 100 million units; it does not specify a reporting year or attribute that figure to one particular model.
- The same page attributes a library of over 450 games to the original Game Boy, but does not give a date for the count.
- Nintendo lists over 32,000 possible colors for Game Boy Color, without dating that product-page figure.
- Nintendo Germany reported more than 25 million Game Boy Advance units sold worldwide by the end of 2002.
These figures have different scopes and reporting dates, so they should not be treated as a directly comparable sales or library table. The dates above likewise identify regional launches where Nintendo’s histories specify a region; they do not imply that every system launched everywhere in the same year. The timeline covers supported milestones, not every game, accessory, special edition or discontinuation.
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Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
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