The Game Boy is undoubtedly the most iconic handheld console of all time. We’ve all got one in some shape or form, but how much is a Game Boy worth these days?
The original Game Boy DMG was one of the 90s toys that everyone wanted. I still remember getting my first yellow DMG and loading up Super Mario Bros for the first time.
That little unit took me through some of the best portable adventures; I guess you could say that it started my training for being a Retro Dodo writer!
We’ve seen some amazing Game Boy variations over the years, eventually moving from the classic green screen of the DMG through black and white to colour, and finally back-lit models.
But the question still remains; what is a Game Boy worth in today’s market? How much is a GBA SP worth, and what’s the price of a Game Boy Pocket.
The answers to all of these questions, and a heck of a lot more rambling besides, can be found below!
(Please note: All of our market research and data is taken fromeBay, as this is the most common way to sell a Game Boy. Information is accurate as of November 2020, and we will update this article on a monthly basis to keep you updated and to reflect on the fluctuation of prices. All prices are based in USD. Refurbished console listings may contain seller modified goods with updated hardware. Please check both listings and selling information thoroughly before purchase.)
Table of Contents
How Much Is A Game Boy Worth?
The original Gameboy as of today sells for $30 – $150 depending on the condition of the handheld and if you have the original box. Nintendo released the Gameboy, the Gameboy Pocket, the Gameboy Color, the Gameboy Advance, the Gameboy Advance SP and finally the Gameboy Micro.
The very first Game Boy, the DMG, is still considered as the golden grandaddy of portable gaming. The DMG, or ‘Dot Matrix Game’ console is the handheld that started it all and is still used as a base design for many of the best retro handhelds that arrive at Retro Dodo towers.
As is the case with the other articles in our ‘what’s it worth’ console series, the original Game Boy is still worth a lot of money if it’s in a sealed box. You’re looking at thousands of dollars in some instances!
If you’re just after a replacement unit, then you can pick one up for around $29 without any games. Bundles, or a used console with a box, can go for anything up to $152.
Sealed copies are currently selling for upwards of $600, so you better have a nice little nest egg tucked away if you want to bag one of those.
How Much Is A Game Boy Pocket Worth?
Next up is the Game Boy Pocket, a smaller, lighter version of the DMG with a black and white screen as opposed to the green used by it’s predeccessor.
The Game Boy Pocket still remains one of my favourite Game Boy styles, and you can pick one up for around $30 if you missed out the first time around in 1996.
With the same battery life as the original Game Boy, the Pocket is perfect for gamers on the go and uses fewer batteries too!
One sold for $800 recently complete with sealed box, but you can pick up a slice of untouched gaming history for around the $355 mark,
How Much Is A Game Boy Color Worth?
1998 saw the arrival of the Game Boy Color, and with it, a whole new style of play.
No longer were games black and white or shades of sepia; we could see Pokemon in glorious colour, explore immersive worlds with rich textures, and see our favourite characters in their true glory.
If you’re looking to get a console with some of the best Gameboy Color games included or a boxed version, then expect to pay around $219.
A used Game Boy Color will set you back around $30 dollars, with prices sky rocketing if you are trying to obtain a refurbished or modded console.
If, however, a sealed edition is just what the collection requires, then be prepared to spend upwards of $599!
How Much Is A Game Boy Advance Worth?
Everything changed in 2001 when we held the Game Boy Advance in our palms for the first time.
Paying horizontal homage to the Game & Watch consoles of old, the GBA looked cool and played incredibly. Modded Gameboy fans all over the world favour this iconic purple powerhouse, and I can still remember the first time I played Tony Hawks on this thing.
But how much is the Game Boy Advance Worth? Well, you can expect to pay around $39 for the console on it’s own, with prices heading up to the $155 mark for a boxed copy or a games bundle.
The refurbished category has a wide price margin in it due to the number of modded consoles in the sales listings, so be sure to check whether the unit your buying is an original if you’re after the real deal.
Sealed Game Boy Advance consoles are selling for upwards of $345.
How Much Is A Game Boy Advance SP Worth?
The Game Boy Advance SP changed portable gaming for the better. With its back-lit screen, we no longer had to worry about packing that annoying worm light or finding a light source to play the best Game Boy Advance games by.
This console still sells well even in 2020. A used limited edition Pikachu SP complete with box and manual recently sold for $599, but you can pick up a unit on its own for around $35
Looking for an original sealed console? That’s going to set you back around $455, although some of the rarer models have gone for a whopping $2,499!
A sealed Charizard SP Limited recently sold for $1,200, while a mint graded Pikachu console went for $1,500.
If you have one of those, then I suggest you hold on to it tightly!
How Much Is A Game Boy Micro Worth?
The Game Boy Micro fell somewhat by the wayside due to the marketing campaign surrounding the Nintendo DS. It’s a super small Game Boy that doesn’t have backwards compatibility, so it’s no good if you want to crack out the original Tetris game on the bus.
It does, however, play GBA games perfectly and, as the last Game Boy ever produced, is a nice slice of history to have in your collection.
But what is this Game Boy worth?
Well, you can pick up a used Game Boy Micro for around $50, making it the most expensive used console in this list so far. Boxed editions are selling for around $500, although refurbished units with boxes can be bought for £300.
What about sealed copies? Well, $200 will get you a Game boy Micro in a plastic case, but you could pay $699+ for a boxed Mario 20th Anniversary edition.
A Pokemon Center limited edition console recently sold for over $1,500.
How Much Is A Limited Edition Game Boy Worth?
I’ve mention limited edition Game Boy consoles a couple of times throughout this article. The fact is that there are so many to be found across the various evolutions of this mighty console that it would take forever to write them all down.
One that tends to be highly sought after is the GBA SP NES edition, a handheld that pays homage to Nintendo’s first-ever home console.
One of these used consoles will set you back around $74, knocking the Game Boy Micro off the top spot as the most expensive second-hand used Game Boy.
Sealed copies tend to cost anywhere upwards of $650.
Wondering how much is a NES worth after reading that section? We’ve found that out for you too!
How Much Is A Game Boy Camera Worth?
As with the other articles in this series, we had to include a couple of the best Gameboy accessories for you to peruse over
The Game Boy Camera was, at one time, considered the best portable digital camera in the world. It even made the Guinness Book of Records!
If you want to capture stills of games or pics of your friends like it’s 1998, then you can expect to pay between $19 and $36 for one depending on the item’s condition.
Sealed copies are selling for around $55, which is a fair price to pay for that new gadget smell!
How Much Is A Game Boy Printer Worth?
The Game Boy Printer is a neat bit of kit that goes hand-in-hand with the Game Boy Camera. The original rolls of paper for the printer aren’t in production any more, but you can buy a roll for $15 if you want the full nostalgic feel.
Used printers are selling for around $26 without a box, but you can expect to pay up to $119 if you want the full kit.
Brand new, never been used units are selling for upwards of $122, sometimes more if they come with the original paper rolls.
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Seb Santabarbara
Seb Santabarbara has bought every Nintendo console that has ever been released in his 31 years on Planet Earth. His favourite game franchise is Zelda, and he’s patiently waiting for Banjo-Kazooie to come back to the fold. When he’s not playing games, he’s travelling the world in his self-converted camper van.
FAQs
Is my old Gameboy worth anything? ›
An original Game Boy can be worth up to $1,500 today.
How much do old Gameboys sell for? ›The original Gameboy as of today sells for $30 – $150 depending on the condition of the handheld and if you have the original box.
What is the most valuable Game Boy? ›The golden Gameboy Advance SP is probably the most valuable Gameboy of the lot, and that's not only because it's golden but also because of the mysterious nature of how you go about getting hold of one.
How much did a Gameboy cost in 1989? ›The original Game Boy, launched in 1989 for a mere $89.99, would only cost $169.73 today (at a 88.6 percent inflation rate). Game Boy Color, released in the summer of 1998 for the low sum of $69.99, would cost only $100 today, with a 40.4 percent inflation rate.
What is the best selling Game Boy? ›| Title | Platform | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tetris | GB |
| 2 | Pokémon Red, Green and Blue | GB |
| 3 | Pokémon Gold and Silver | GBC |
| 4 | Super Mario Land | GB |
Conclusion. It is absolutely worth buying a Game Boy years after it was released. With so many classic titles you can choose from, it'll keep you going for years to come. With so many revisions and color variations to choose from, you might someday end up with a collection of Game Boy Colors.
How old is the original Game Boy? ›The Nintendo Game Boy was released in 1989.
How much is a first gen Gameboy? ›| An original Game Boy | |
|---|---|
| Release date | JP: April 21, 1989 NA: July 31, 1989 EU: September 28, 1990 KR: November 16, 1990 ZA: 1992 |
| Lifespan | 1989–2003 |
| Introductory price | JP¥12,500 US$89.99 £69.99 DM169 |
| Discontinued | March 23, 2003 |
By far, the rarest and most expensive game in the Game Boy Color's library is actually a limited edition release of a game. The limited-edition version of The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages was released in 2001 and is a dual release of both the games that were released at this time.
What game has sold for the most money? ›| Title | Sales | Series |
|---|---|---|
| Minecraft | 238,000,000 | Minecraft |
| Grand Theft Auto V | 175,000,000 | Grand Theft Auto |
| Tetris (EA) | 100,000,000 | Tetris |
| Wii Sports | 82,900,000 | Wii |
What are the rarest Game Boy Color Colours? ›
This is by far the rarest Game Boy edition. It's known as the pink Kirby Pinball edition. It comes with a deep pink shell and features lineart of Kirby on the front.
Does Game Boy still exist? ›The Game Boy was the dominant handheld console on the market for almost two decades, selling millions of examples. But the console died a quiet death in 2008 after the company had shifted its focus to the Nintendo DS.
What was the last Game Boy? ›Released globally in 2005, the Nintendo Game Boy Micro was the last Game Boy console released by Nintendo. It was also the first console to feature interchangeable face plates.
What was the last Game Boy made? ›September 19, 2005: The Game Boy Micro
Released a year after the Nintendo DS, the successful portable system that replaced the Game Boy brand, this was the last iteration of the Game Boy Nintendo would release.
Unfortunately, the answer seems to be "It varies": Old MCB1 games with the CR1616 are expected to retain data for 15 years +/- 5 years. About now, in other words. Old games with the CR2024 are expected to retain data for 40 years, so still no worries there.
How do I get rid of old game consoles? ›- Best Buy's Buy Back Program. Best Buy will take back video game consoles and many other home electronics for free through their recycling program. ...
- Nintendo Product Recycling. ...
- Microsoft Trade-In and Recycling Program. ...
- Electronics Recovery and Recycling Program.
1. Tetris – 520 million. Arguably the most timeless video game ever created, Tetris sits comfortably atop the list of all-time bestsellers with 520 million copies sold, according to The Tetris Company.
Why is Game Boy popular? ›Firstly, the design of the console itself is basic yet effective. Its simple, single-color interface is a small drawback in comparison with its competitors, yet it enabled the Game Boy to have an amazingly long 30-hour battery life that was essential and helpful for extensive multiplayer sessions.
What is the Top 5 selling games of all time? ›- Tetris (1984), 520 million.
- Minecraft (2009), 238 million.
- GTA V (2013), 170 million.
- Wii Sports (2006), 82.9 million.
- PUBG (2017), 75 million.
- Mario Kart 8/Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2014), 56.87 million.
Nowadays more so than ever, old video games are worth money, with some dedicated fans paying unbelievable sums of money for sealed copies of retro titles. In 2021, it's entirely possible to find video games worth more money than a Rolex watch, a new car, or even a house.
How much was a Game Boy in the 80s? ›
In the U.S., it retailed for just $89.99, making it a big hit there too. In its fourteen-year lifespan, 118,69 million Game Boys (including all iterations) were sold worldwide.
Why is it called Game Boy? ›The “Game Boy” name is a derivitive of “Walk Man”. In the 1980's the Walk Man did what no other piece of electronics had ever done. It freed a media (in this case music) from the shackles of the home or car. Combined with the burgeoning exercise culture of the 80s, you ended up with a surefire hit product.
What was the first Game Boy Color? ›| The Atomic Purple version | |
|---|---|
| Generation | Fifth |
| Release date | JP: October 21, 1998 NA: November 18, 1998 EU: November 23, 1998 AU: November 27, 1998 |
| Lifespan | 1998–2003 |
| Introductory price | US$79.95 |
The very first Game Boy was released on the 21st of April 1989 in Japan, with a European release following the next year. Internally, Nintendo had referred to the machine as “Dot Matrix Game” and so the initial model carried that internal name over with its serial number.
What is Pokemon Red worth? ›| Sale Date | Title | ▲ ▼ Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-02-27 | Pokémon: Red Version (Nintendo Game Boy, 1999) [eBay] | $40.00 |
| 2023-02-27 | NINTENDO GAMEBOY POKEMON RED VERSION AUTHENTIC ORIGINAL TESTED working and saves [eBay] | $82.00 |
| 2023-02-27 | Pokemon Red Version Game Boy, 1998 (AUTHENTIC, Working battery & saves) [eBay] | $70.00 |
Game Boy Micro (2005) — $100
The console was less than five inches wide and lacked the ability to play Game Boy and Game Boy color games.
List of games. This is a sortable list of 1046 games released for the Game Boy handheld video game system, excluding any cancelled and unlicensed games.
What came first Game Boy Color or advance? ›The Game Boy Advance (GBA) is a 32-bit handheld game console developed, manufactured and marketed by Nintendo as the successor to the Game Boy Color.
What is the richest video game ever? ›Minecraft has sold over 176 million copies across multiple platforms. It is the best-selling and most popular video game of all time!
What game cost the most to make ever? ›
- Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. KONAMI公式 399K subscribers. ...
- The Witcher 3. GameSpot. ...
- Halo 2. charlievda. ...
- Battlefield 4. Official EA UK. ...
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider. GameSpot. ...
- Red Dead Redemption 2. Rockstar Games. ...
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. IGN. ...
- Grand Theft Auto V. IGN.
What is the most popular color for boys? Blue is the most popular color for both men and women. The most unpopular color for men is brown.
How many original Game Boy Color games are there? ›The list of Nintendo Game Boy Color games includes 918 licensed releases from the platform's launch in 1998 to the final release in 2003.
Are any old games worth money? ›The Elvis Presley Game (1957, Teen-Age Games) rakes in an average of $799. Settlers of Catan 3D Collector's Edition (2005, Mayfair Games) can bring in up to $775. The 1933 edition of Monopoly (1933, Parker Brothers) is worth about $760. Lost in Space 3D Action Fun Game (1966, REMCO) can sell for roughly $750.
How much was a Gameboy in 1996? ›On July 21, 1996, Nintendo released the Game Boy Pocket for US$69.99 in Japan and September 3, 1996, in North America: a smaller, lighter unit that required fewer batteries. It has space for two AAA batteries, which provide approximately 10 hours of gameplay.
Are gameboys still worth it? ›The Gameboy is a great gaming machine if you're looking for something on the go and also kid friendly while still being able to play some great games as the years have passed by. The Gameboy has been used for some really cool things, a camera, printer, even a full blown music machine.
How do I sell my old games? ›- Craigslist.
- Decluttr.
- GameStop.
- SecondSpin.
- The Old School Game Vault.
- DK Oldies.
- Gameflip.
- eBay.
The only non-Mario game on this list, and for a brief moment in 2021, the most valuable game in existence, comes in the form of a copy of the original The Legend of Zelda game, which kicked off the legendary fantasy franchise with its release on the NES in 1987.
What old stuff is worth money? ›- How Many of These 31 Vintage Items Do You Have Tucked Away?
- Typewriters.
- Silverware.
- Rotary Phones.
- Beanie Babies.
- Vinyl Records.
- Vintage Wedding Dress.
- Record Player.
July 31, 1989: The Game Boy releases in the U.S. with Tetris
With 35 million copies sold, it was the best-selling Game Boy game.
What is the original Game Boy called? ›
The very first Game Boy was released on the 21st of April 1989 in Japan, with a European release following the next year. Internally, Nintendo had referred to the machine as “Dot Matrix Game” and so the initial model carried that internal name over with its serial number.
When did they stop making Gameboys? ›We wouldn't have the Switch or the Steam Deck had it not been for the original Game Boy. The Game Boy was the dominant handheld console on the market for almost two decades, selling millions of examples. But the console died a quiet death in 2008 after the company had shifted its focus to the Nintendo DS.
When did gameboys stop selling? ›Within three years of releasing to the world, Nintendo had already sold 32 million units. By 1997, that number was now over 60 million. When Nintendo finally discontinued its original Game Boy model in 2003, it would eclipse more than 118 million units sold when combined with its successor, the Game Boy Color.
How long does the original Gameboy last? ›Depends on the batteries, anywhere from 5 to 30 hours. If you're using a flashcart it will go down, if you've got a backlight it will go down. With good quality rechargeables, you may not notice a drop.