Yes. The original Pokémon Red Version Game Boy cartridge works on a Game Boy Color because the Game Boy Color plays original Game Boy Game Paks.
Why Pokémon Red works on Game Boy Color
Pokémon Red Version was released as a Game Boy title, not as a Game Boy Color-only game. Nintendo’s official game listing identifies it as a Game Boy game, and Nintendo’s compatibility guide says original Game Boy Game Paks work on Game Boy Color. Nintendo also states that the Game Boy Color is compatible with earlier Game Boy games on its Game Boy Color support page.
What to expect on the screen
The Game Boy Color can display color combinations for games originally designed for the black-and-white Game Boy screen. Nintendo’s general guidance does not specify the exact palette used by Pokémon Red, so the precise colors shown should not be assumed from compatibility alone.
Other listed systems that play original Game Boy cartridges
Nintendo’s compatibility guide also lists these systems as compatible with original Game Boy Game Paks:
#1 Best Overall
- Join up to 39 other wireless Trainers in the Union Room for a free-for-all, or connect with just two or three in the Direct Corner
- Prove yourself in the region's Pokémon League while single-handedly bringing down Team Rocket - then open up all-new storylines with unexpected twists
- Bring the Pokemon you capture in Fire Red to the worlds of Leaf Green, Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, or Pokemon Colosseum for more challenge
- Original Game Boy
- Game Boy Pocket
- Game Boy Advance
- Game Boy Advance SP
- Super Game Boy
This is limited to the models named in Nintendo’s guide; it does not establish compatibility for unlisted systems.
If you are buying a cartridge
Compatibility information does not confirm that a particular second-hand cartridge is authentic or functional. Check the listing details, seller, cartridge condition, and return policy before buying. Nintendo’s UK listing gives 5 October 1999 as the release date for Pokémon Red Version in that market; release dates differ by territory.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Powerful Performance: Unlock the full potential of your for Gameboy with our game cartridge. This multifunctional burning card allows you to store and play multiple games on a single cassettes, ideal for retro game lovers. Enjoy your favorite classic games easily and conveniently.
- High Compatibility: Supports for Gameboy and for Color games up to 64Mbit, with support for various for MAPPER including for MBC1, for MBC2, for MBC3, for MBC5, and more.
- Automatic Backup: Simply drag and drop file management, easily transfer files via USB connection to your computer. Automatically backup game files to memory card, no manual working needed. Game files will be saved to the storage card when changing games.
- Custom Function: Customize A B functions. Supports a return to menu, easily return to the main menu with a single press, enhancing user convenience. The burning card adopts the energy saving technology to extend battery life for longer gaming experience.
- Superior Stability: Provides stable and secure storage of your valuable game data, no need to worry about data loss, giving you a professional and user experience.
Rank #4
- For the first time ever, the player is a Pokemon and speaks & interacts with other characters in a world populated only by Pokemon
- A deep, involving and dramatic story brings the player into a world of Pokemon not seen or experienced before
- Strategic battles enhance the adventure
- Randomly generated dungeons make every mission unique
Rank #2
- Battery characteristics: The battery is a non rechargeable battery with a capacity of 170mah and a working temperature range of -20~60 degrees. This product is environmentally friendly, mercury free, high energy density, durable, and has good continuous discharge stability.
- Gameboy cartridge battery replacement:Suitable for most Gameboy and Gameboy Color (GBC) GameBoy Advance (GBA) games.
- Compatible with Gameboy&Gameboy color cart attery replacement:Compatible with Gameboy Pokemon Gold Yellow Silver Red Wario land 2, Compatible with Gameboy Color Pokemon Blue Crystal, Compatible with ET Digital Companion Mary-Kate and Ashley - Pocket Planner, etc.
- Welding tab button battery: Very suitable for battery replacement. When packaging, we wrap the positive and negative poles of the product in red and black sleeves, so that you can clearly know the positive and negative poles when welding.
- Battery packaging: Each battery product is individually packaged, these batteries cannot be charged, otherwise the battery and product will be damaged.
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