Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow sold more than 10 million more copies than Tetris.
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| image = Game-Boy-FL.jpg |
| image = Game-Boy-FL.jpg |
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| caption = An original Game Boy |
| caption = An original Game Boy |
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| aka = DMG-01<br>{{Video game release|KR|Mini Comboy}} |
| aka = DMG-01<br />{{Video game release|KR|Mini Comboy}} |
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| developer = [[Nintendo Research & Development 1|Nintendo R&D1]] |
| developer = [[Nintendo Research & Development 1|Nintendo R&D1]] |
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| manufacturer = [[Nintendo]] |
| manufacturer = [[Nintendo]] |
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| family = [[Game Boy family|Game Boy]] |
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| family = [[Game Boy family|Game Boy]]<ref name="HG asks">{{Cite interview |last=Ishihara |interviewer=Satoru Iwata |title=Pokémon HeartGold Version & Pokémon SoulSilver Version |type=Interview: Transcript |last2=Morimoto |url=https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/ds/pokemon/0/0/ |access-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124004538/https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/ds/pokemon/0/0/ |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |url-status=live |work=Iwata Asks |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> |
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| type = [[Handheld game console]] |
| type = [[Handheld game console]] |
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| generation = [[Fourth generation of video game consoles|Fourth]] |
| generation = [[Fourth generation of video game consoles|Fourth]] |
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| release date = {{Video game release |
| release date = {{Video game release |
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| JP | April 21, 1989<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=April 2011 |title=retrodiary: 1 April – 28 April |magazine=[[Retro Gamer]] |publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]] |location=[[Bournemouth]] |page=17 |issue=88 |issn=1742-3155 |oclc=489477015}}</ref> |
| JP | April 21, 1989<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=April 2011 |title=retrodiary: 1 April – 28 April |magazine=[[Retro Gamer]] |publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]] |location=[[Bournemouth]] |page=17 |issue=88 |issn=1742-3155 |oclc=489477015}}</ref> |
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| NA | July 31, 1989<ref |
| NA | July 31, 1989<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=White |first=Dave |date=July 1989 |title=Gameboy Club |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |page=84 |issue=7}}</ref> |
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| EU | September 28, 1990 |
| EU | September 28, 1990 |
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| KR | May 2, 1991 |
| KR | May 2, 1991 |
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}} |
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| ZA | 1992<ref>{{Cite web |title=Video Games Around the World: South Africa |url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/video-games-around-world-south-africa-joshua-rogers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925153658/https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/video-games-around-world-south-africa-joshua-rogers/ |archive-date=September 25, 2022 |access-date=November 10, 2022}}</ref>}} |
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| lifespan = 14 years |
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| price = {{Unbulleted list |
| price = {{Unbulleted list |
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| {{JPY|12,500|1989}}<ref |
| {{JPY|12,500|1989|round=0}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Edwards |first=Benj |date=April 21, 2019 |title=Happy 30th B-Day, Game Boy: Here are six reasons why you’re #1 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/04/game-boy-20th-anniversary/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504014255/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/04/game-boy-20th-anniversary/ |archive-date=May 4, 2024 |access-date=May 26, 2024 |work=[[Ars Technica]]}}</ref> |
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| {{USD|89.99|1989}} |
| {{USD|89.99|1989|round=0}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moriarty |first=Colin |date=October 15, 2013 |title=The Real Cost of Gaming: Inflation, Time, and Purchasing Power |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/15/the-real-cost-of-gaming-inflation-time-and-purchasing-power |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915010832/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/15/the-real-cost-of-gaming-inflation-time-and-purchasing-power |archive-date=September 15, 2020 |access-date=August 28, 2020 |work=[[IGN]]}}</ref> |
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| {{GBP|99|1990}}<ref |
| {{GBP|99|1990|round=0}}<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Console Crazy! |url=https://segaretro.org/index.php?title=File:ACE_UK_37.pdf&page=142 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401160903/https://segaretro.org/index.php?title=File:ACE_UK_37.pdf&page=142 |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |access-date=April 1, 2024 |magazine=[[ACE (magazine)|ACE]] |page=142 |publication-date=September 1990 |issue=37}}</ref> |
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}} |
}} |
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| discontinued = March 31, 2003 |
| discontinued = March 31, 2003 |
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| units sold = 118.69 million (including all variants and [[Game Boy Color]])<ref name=" |
| units sold = 118.69 million (including all variants and [[Game Boy Color]])<ref name="Nintendo 2016">{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2016 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1603.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427084600/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1603.pdf |archive-date=April 27, 2016 |access-date=October 23, 2016 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> |
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| media = [[Game Boy Game Pak]] |
| media = [[Game Boy Game Pak]] |
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| soc = {{Unbulleted list |
| soc = {{Unbulleted list |
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| CPUspeed = 4 MHz |
| CPUspeed = 4 MHz |
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| memory = 8 KB [[Random-access memory|RAM]], 8 KB [[Video RAM (dual-ported DRAM)|VRAM]] |
| memory = 8 KB [[Random-access memory|RAM]], 8 KB [[Video RAM (dual-ported DRAM)|VRAM]] |
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| display = |
| display = {{Unbulleted list |
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| '''Original''': [[STN display|STN]] LCD |
| '''Original''': [[STN display|STN]] LCD |
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| '''Pocket/Light''': [[FSTN]] LCD |
| '''Pocket/Light''': [[FSTN]] LCD |
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| topgame = [[Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow|''Pokémon Red'', ''Blue'', and ''Yellow'']] (46 million units) |
| topgame = [[Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow|''Pokémon Red'', ''Blue'', and ''Yellow'']] (46 million units) |
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| predecessor = [[Game & Watch]] |
| predecessor = [[Game & Watch]] |
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| successor = [[Game Boy Color]] |
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| successor = [[Game Boy Color]]<ref name="asks">{{Cite interview |last=Umezu |interviewer=Satoru Iwata |title=Nintendo 3DS (Volume 3 – Nintendo 3DS Hardware Concept) |type=Interview: Transcript |last2=Sugino |url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/how-nintendo-3ds-made/1/0 |access-date=March 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725233103/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/how-nintendo-3ds-made/1/0 |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |url-status=live |work=Iwata Asks |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> |
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}} |
}} |
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The '''Game Boy''' is |
The '''Game Boy''' is a [[handheld game console]] developed by [[Nintendo]], launched in the Japanese home market on April 21, 1989, followed by North America and Europe later that year. Following the success of the [[Game & Watch]] single-game handhelds, Nintendo developed the Game Boy to be more like a portable [[Video game console|console]], with interchangeable cartridges. The concept proved highly successful and the Game Boy became a [[cultural icon]] of the 1990s. |
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The Game Boy features a [[ |
The Game Boy was designed by the [[Nintendo Research & Development 1]] team, led by [[Gunpei Yokoi]] and [[Satoru Okada]]. The device features a [[dot-matrix display]], a [[directional pad]], four game buttons, a single speaker, and uses [[Game Boy Game Pak|Game Pak]] cartridges. The two-toned gray design with black, blue, and dark magenta accents sported softly rounded corners, except for the bottom right, which was curved. At launch, it was sold either as a standalone unit or [[Pack-in game|bundled]] with games like ''[[Super Mario Land]]'' and ''[[Tetris (Game Boy video game)|Tetris]]''. |
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Despite mixed reviews criticizing its monochrome graphics and larger size compared to competitors like the [[Sega Game Gear]], [[Atari Lynx]], and [[NEC TurboExpress]], the Game Boy rapidly outsold them all. An estimated 118.69 million units of the Game Boy and its successor, the [[Game Boy Color]] (1998), have been sold worldwide, making it the fourth [[List of best-selling game consoles|best-selling console]] ever. |
Despite mixed reviews criticizing its monochrome graphics and larger size compared to competitors like the [[Sega Game Gear]], [[Atari Lynx]], and [[NEC TurboExpress]], the Game Boy rapidly outsold them all. An estimated 118.69 million units of the Game Boy and its successor, the [[Game Boy Color]] (1998), have been sold worldwide, making it the fourth [[List of best-selling game consoles|best-selling console]] ever. The Game Boy received several redesigns during its lifespan, including the smaller Game Boy Pocket (1996) and the [[Backlight|backlit]] Game Boy Light (1998). Sales of Game Boy variants continued until 2003. |
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== Development == |
== Development == |
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The Game Boy was designed by the team at [[Nintendo Research & Development 1]] (R&D1), which had previously developed the [[Game & Watch]] handhelds and [[ |
The Game Boy was designed by the team at [[Nintendo Research & Development 1]] (R&D1), which had previously developed the [[Game & Watch]] handhelds and video games including ''[[Mario Bros.]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong]]''.<ref name="McFarren 2016">{{Cite book |last=McFarren |first=Damien |title=Videogames Hardware Handbook |publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]] |year=2016 |isbn=978-1-78546-239-9 |edition=2nd |volume=1 |location=Bournemouth |pages=157–163}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |year=2016 |title=Satoru Okada talks Game & Watch, Game Boy and Nintendo DS development |url=http://www.japanesenintendo.com/post/155107688449 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101232208/http://www.japanesenintendo.com/post/155107688449 |archive-date=January 1, 2017 |access-date=January 1, 2017 |website=Issue 163 |publisher=[[Retro Gamer]] Magazine}}</ref> However, early in the process, deep disagreements arose between [[Gunpei Yokoi]], the R&D1 division director, and [[Satoru Okada]], the assistant director. Yokoi's original vision was for a simpler device, akin to an advanced Game & Watch, while Okada strongly advocated for a more powerful device with interchangeable cartridges, like a portable version of the successful [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] (NES). Their differing visions for the project led to frequent clashes, heated meetings and high tensions, with Okada ultimately convincing Yokoi of his vision.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gorges |first=Florent |title=L'Histoire de Nintendo Vol. 4: L'incroyable Histoire de la Game Boy |publisher=Omaké books |year=2019 |isbn=978-2-919603-66-4 |location=Châtillon |language=fr |trans-title=The History of Nintendo Vol.4: The Incredible History of the Game Boy}}</ref> |
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The team was encouraged to pursue the project by Nintendo president [[Hiroshi Yamauchi]] |
The team was encouraged to pursue the project by Nintendo president [[Hiroshi Yamauchi]]. However within Nintendo, many were skeptical that such a device would be feasible. Some employees even gave the project the derogatory nickname "''Dame''Game" (''dame'' (だめ) meaning "hopeless" in Japanese).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Audureau |first=William |date=March 18, 2015 |title=NX, Ultra 64, Revolution… Petite histoire de Nintendo à travers ses noms de code |url=http://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2015/03/18/nx-ultra-64-revolution-petite-histoire-de-nintendo-a-travers-ses-noms-de-code_4595183_4408996.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817105050/http://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2015/03/18/nx-ultra-64-revolution-petite-histoire-de-nintendo-a-travers-ses-noms-de-code_4595183_4408996.html |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |access-date=June 19, 2016 |work=Le Monde.fr |language=fr |issn=1950-6244}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=駄目 |url=https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E9%A7%84%E7%9B%AE |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515182011/https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E9%A7%84%E7%9B%AE |archive-date=May 15, 2021 |access-date=February 13, 2021 |website=Wiktionary}}</ref> |
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The codename for this nascent project was "Dot Matrix Game," (DMG) reflecting its [[Dot-matrix display|intended display technology]], a stark contrast to the |
The codename for this nascent project was "Dot Matrix Game," (DMG) reflecting its [[Dot-matrix display|intended display technology]], a stark contrast to the Game & Watch series, which had [[segment display|segmented]] LCDs pre-printed with an overlay, limiting each model to only [[dedicated console|play one game]]. The initials DMG came to be featured on the final product's model number: "DMG-01."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lane |first=Gavin |date=May 6, 2020 |title=Nintendo Console Codenames and Product Codes |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/05/feature_nintendo_console_codenames_and_product_codes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917061039/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/05/feature_nintendo_console_codenames_and_product_codes |archive-date=September 17, 2020 |access-date=May 25, 2024 |work=[[Nintendo Life]]}}</ref> |
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Initially, a [[Ricoh]]-manufactured CPU, similar to the one used in the NES, was considered for compatibility.<ref name="Kurokawa 2022">{{Cite web |last=Kurokawa |first=Fumio |date=2022 |title=Satoru Okada – 2022 Retrospective Interview |url=https://shmuplations.com/okada2022/ |access-date=April 8, 2024 |publisher=[[4gamer.net]]}}</ref> However, due to resource constraints amid the ongoing development of the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], the Game Boy team chose a less powerful CPU from the [[Sharp Corporation]].<ref name="Aetas 2022" /> |
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Satoru Okada developed the Game Boy as a more portable version of the Famicom, inspired by the concept of interchangeable game cartridges. Despite initial resistance and technical challenges, Okada aimed to address the Famicom's shortcomings, such as the lack of [[Programming tool|development tools]] for [[Video game developer|third-party developers]]. Initially, a [[Ricoh]]-manufactured CPU, similar to the one used in the Famicom, was considered for compatibility. Due to resource constraints and the ongoing development of the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]], a less powerful [[Sharp Corporation|Sharp]] CPU was chosen instead. Sharp initially showed reluctance to engage in the project, particularly for the [[Liquid-crystal display|LCD]] technology, which was a critical component.<ref name="Aetas 2022">{{Cite web |last=Aetas |date=July 15, 2022 |title=ゲームボーイの生みの親・岡田 智氏が任天堂での開発者時代を語った「黒川塾 八十八(88)」聴講レポート |trans-title=Attendance report on "Kurokawa Juku 88" where Game Boy creator Satoshi Okada talks about his time as a developer at Nintendo |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20220720007/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331032353/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20220720007/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The team |
Sharp initially showed reluctance to engage in the project, particularly for the [[Liquid-crystal display|LCD]] technology, which was a critical component.<ref name="Aetas 2022">{{Cite news |last=Aetas |date=July 15, 2022 |title=ゲームボーイの生みの親・岡田 智氏が任天堂での開発者時代を語った「黒川塾 八十八(88)」聴講レポート |trans-title=Attendance report on "Kurokawa Juku 88" where Game Boy creator Satoshi Okada talks about his time as a developer at Nintendo |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20220720007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331032353/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20220720007/ |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |access-date=March 1, 2024 |work=[[4Gamer.net]] |language=ja}}</ref> The team considered buying displays from the [[Citizen Watch]] Company which was already using LCD screens to build portable TVs. However, talks continued with Sharp, with Yokoi and Okada showing the company a Game Boy mockup. After seeing the device and wanting to keep Nintendo as a client, Sharp offered competitive pricing and secured the contract.<ref name="Kurokawa 2022" /> Sharp originally proposed a [[Twisted nematic field effect|twisted nematic]] (TN) display, but after seeing a prototype Game Boy, Yamauchi rejected the TN technology as too hard to see. Sharp then suggested [[STN display|super-twisted nematic]] (STN) technology, which had better viewing angles and contrast but was more expensive. To reduce cost, the team reduced the screen size, however, it was too late in the development process to shrink the console's overall size.<ref name="Aetas 2022" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kurokawa |first=Fumio |date=March 29, 2022 |title=元任天堂・岡田 智氏の独立独歩 後編 ひたすらに意志を貫いたゲームボーイ&ゲームボーイアドバンス開発 「ビデオゲームの語り部たち」:第28部 |trans-title=Former Nintendo employee Satoshi Okada's independent career, Part 2: The development of the Game Boy and Game Boy Advance with single-minded determination |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20220316093/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521131129/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20220316093/ |archive-date=May 21, 2023 |access-date=March 2, 2024 |work=[[4Gamer.net]] |language=ja}}</ref> |
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Within R&D1, Yokoi had long promoted {{Nihongo foot|"[[lateral thinking]] with withered technology"|枯れた技術の水平思考|Kareta Gijutsu no Suihei Shikō|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}, a design philosophy which eschewed cutting-edge technology in favorofusing mature technologies, which tendedtobe more affordable and reliable, in innovative ways.<ref name="McFarren 2016" /> As a result of this philosophy, to keep costs low and extend battery life, the Game Boy was designed without a [[backlight]] and used a simple grayscale screen, despite potential concerns about visibility and the lack of color.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ryan |first=Jeff |title=Super Mario: How Nintendo Conquered America |date=2011 |publisher=Portfolio Penguin |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-59184-405-1 |location=New York |pages=102–105 |language=en}}</ref> The approach was ultimately vindicated as rival units with full-color, backlit screens were panned for their dismal battery life, making the Game Boy more appealingtoconsumers.<ref name="McFarren 2016" /> |
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In the early 1980s, Okada had worked on an electronic game from Nintendo called ''[[Computer Mah-jong Yakuman]]'' that allowed cable communication between two devices, he thought it would be possible to implement a similar feature in the Game Boy.<ref name="Aetas 2022" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Voskuil |first=Erik |url=http://blog.beforemario.com/2011/03/nintendo-computer-mah-jong-yakuman-1983.html |title=Before Mario: the fantastic toys from the video game giant's early days |date=March 19, 2011 |publisher=Omaké books |isbn=978-2-919603-10-7 |publication-date=November 20, 2014 |chapter=Mah-jong Yakuman |access-date=May 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509192145/http://blog.beforemario.com/2011/03/nintendo-computer-mah-jong-yakuman-1983.html |archive-date=May 9, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Despite concerns within the team that the feature would be too difficult to use and thus a waste of resources, Okada pushed forward and developed the [[Game Link Cable]] technology himself.<ref name="Kurokawa 2022" /> This effort led to the creation of the "battle" and "trade" gameplay features in [[Pokémon (video game series)|the ''Pokémon'' series]], first released in 1996.<ref name="Aetas 2022" /> |
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⚫ |
Game Boy was unveiled |
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⚫ | A prototype Game Boy was unveiled in 1987 and later exhibited at multiple industry trade shows. The device incorporated a key design element developed by Yokoi and his team at R&D1 for its [[Game & Watch]] predecessor: the directional control pad, often referred to as the "[[D-pad]]." Yokoi had recognized that traditional [[joystick]]s might hinder the portability of handheld devices. As a result, he designed the D-pad – a flat controller that extends just slightly beyond the device's casing. A similar layout had been used on the NES, making it easier for owners to transition to the handheld. Yamauchi estimated that the console would achieve sales exceeding 25 million units in its initial three years, a claim that was regarded as bold at the time.<ref name="McFarren 2016" /> |
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⚫ |
Nintendo's philosophy centered on the belief that the appeal of a gaming system was primarily determined by the quality of its games. With this in mind, |
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⚫ | Nintendo's philosophy centered on the belief that the appeal of a gaming system was primarily determined by the quality of its games. With this in mind, Okada pushed to make [[Programming tool|development tools]] available for [[Video game developer|third-party developers]], a shortcoming of the launch of the NES.<ref name="Kurokawa 2022" /> R&D1 also developed ''[[Super Mario Land]]'', a portable adaptation of the ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' game, intending it to be the flagship title for the Game Boy.<ref name="Fahs 2009">{{Cite news |last=Fahs |first=Travis |date=July 27, 2009 |title=IGN Presents the History of Game Boy |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/07/27/ign-presents-the-history-of-game-boy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219134710/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/07/27/ign-presents-the-history-of-game-boy |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |access-date=October 2, 2013 |work=[[IGN]] |page=2}}</ref> However, [[Henk Rogers]] brought the Soviet Union-made game, ''[[Tetris (Game Boy video game)|Tetris]]'', to the attention of [[Nintendo of America]]. Despite its simple graphics and lack of a well-known brand, ''Tetris'''s suitability for a handheld platform convinced Nintendo president [[Minoru Arakawa]] to port and bundle it with the Game Boy. As a result, ''Tetris'' was bundled with the Game Boy in every region except Japan on its release.<ref name="McFarren 2016" /> |
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⚫ |
The Game Boy launched in the Japanese market in April 1989 followed by North America in July, and Europe in September of the following year,<ref name="Fahs" /> backed by a $10 million marketing effort.<ref>{{Cite |
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⚫ | The Game Boy launched in the Japanese market in April 1989, followed by North America in July, and Europe in September of the following year,<ref name="Fahs 2009" /> backed by a $10 million marketing effort.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shiver Jr. |first=Jube |date=November 29, 1989 |title=Toys: It's serious business as Nintendo's Game Boy goes head to head with Atari's Lynx |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-11-20-fi-193-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214142448/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-11-20-fi-193-story.html |archive-date=December 14, 2021 |access-date=December 14, 2021 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> Sales of the Game Boy and its successor variants (including the [[Game Boy Color]]) continued until March 2003.<ref name="Nintendo 2016" /> |
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== Hardware == |
== Hardware == |
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[[File:Nintendo Game Boy DMG-01 - board with card slot-9880.jpg|thumb|The original Game Boy motherboard<br />([[commons:File:Nintendo Game Boy DMG-01 - board with card slot-9880.jpg|Annotated version]])]] |
[[File:Nintendo Game Boy DMG-01 - board with card slot-9880.jpg|thumb|The original Game Boy motherboard<br />([[commons:File:Nintendo Game Boy DMG-01 - board with card slot-9880.jpg|Annotated version]])]] |
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⚫ |
The Game Boy uses a custom [[system on a chip]] (SoC), to house most of the components, named the DMG-CPU by Nintendo and the LR35902 by its manufacturer, the [[Sharp Corporation]]<ref name="Copetti 2019">{{Cite web |last=Copetti |first=Rodrigo |date=February 21, 2019 |title=Game Boy / Color Architecture |
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Within the DMG-CPU, the main processor is a ''Sharp SM83'',<ref name="gekkio 2024">{{Cite web |last=Javanainen |first=Joonas |date=April 23, 2024 |title=Game Boy: Complete Technical Reference |url=https://gekkio.fi/files/gb-docs/gbctr.pdf |website=gekkio.fi |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429214715/https://gekkio.fi/files/gb-docs/gbctr.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> a hybrid between two other [[8-bit computing|8-bit]] processors: the [[Intel 8080]] and the [[Zilog Z80]]. The SM83 has the seven 8-bit [[Processor register|registers]] of the 8080 (compared to 14 on the Z80), but uses the Z80's programming syntax and extra [[bit manipulation]] instructions, it also adds a few new instructions to optimize the processor for certain operations related to the way the hardware was arranged.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2013 |title=The Nintendo Game Boy, Part 1: The Intel 8080 and the Zilog Z80. |url=https://realboyemulator.wordpress.com/2013/01/01/the-nintendo-game-boy-1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510190547/https://realboyemulator.wordpress.com/2013/01/01/the-nintendo-game-boy-1/ |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |access-date=August 29, 2017 |publisher=RealBoy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CPU Comparison with Z80 |url=https://gbdev.io/pandocs/CPU_Comparison_with_Z80 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Pan Docs |language=en |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429215020/https://gbdev.io/pandocs/CPU_Comparison_with_Z80 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Sharp SM83 operates at a [[clock rate]] of 4.194304 MHz.<ref name="Copetti 2019" /> |
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⚫ | The Game Boy uses a custom [[system on a chip]] (SoC), to house most of the components, named the ''DMG-CPU'' by Nintendo and the ''LR35902'' by its manufacturer, the [[Sharp Corporation]].<ref name="Copetti 2019">{{Cite web |last=Copetti |first=Rodrigo |date=February 21, 2019 |title=Game Boy / Color Architecture – A Practical Analysis |url=https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413195021/https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/game-boy/ |archive-date=April 13, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> |
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The DMG-CPU also incorporates the ''Picture Processing Unit'', essentially a basic [[GPU]], that renders visuals using an 8 KB bank of [[Video RAM (dual-ported DRAM)|Video RAM]] located on the motherboard.<ref name="Copetti 2019" /> The display itself is a 2.5-inch (diagonal) reflective [[super-twisted nematic display|super-twisted nematic]] (STN) monochrome [[liquid-crystal display]] (LCD), measuring {{Convert|47|mm|sp=us}} wide by {{Convert|43|mm|sp=us}} high. The screen can render four shades with a resolution of 160 [[pixel]]s wide by 144 pixels high in a 10:9 [[aspect ratio (image)|aspect ratio]].<ref name=" |
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Within the DMG-CPU, the main processor isa''Sharp SM83'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Javanainen |first=Joonas |date=April 23, 2024 |title=Game Boy: Complete Technical Reference |url=https://gekkio.fi/files/gb-docs/gbctr.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429214715/https://gekkio.fi/files/gb-docs/gbctr.pdf |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=gekkio.fi}}</ref> a hybrid between two other [[8-bit computing|8-bit]] processors: the [[Intel 8080]] and the [[Zilog Z80]]. The SM83 has the seven 8-bit [[Processor register|registers]] of the 8080 (compared to 14 on the Z80), but uses the Z80's programming syntax and extra [[bit manipulation]] instructions, it also addsafew new instructions to optimize the processor for certain operations relatedtothe way the hardware was arranged.<ref name="McFarren 2016" /><ref name="Copetti 2019" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2013 |title=The Nintendo Game Boy, Part 1: The Intel 8080 and the Zilog Z80 |url=https://realboyemulator.wordpress.com/2013/01/01/the-nintendo-game-boy-1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510190547/https://realboyemulator.wordpress.com/2013/01/01/the-nintendo-game-boy-1/ |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |access-date=August 29, 2017 |publisher=RealBoy Emulator Blog}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CPU Comparison with Z80 |url=https://gbdev.io/pandocs/CPU_Comparison_with_Z80 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429215020/https://gbdev.io/pandocs/CPU_Comparison_with_Z80 |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Pan Docs |language=en}}</ref> The Sharp SM83 operates at a [[clock rate]] of 4.194304 MHz.<ref name="Copetti 2019" /> |
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⚫ | The DMG-CPU also incorporates the ''Picture Processing Unit'', essentially a basic [[GPU]], that renders visuals using an 8 KB bank of [[Video RAM (dual-ported DRAM)|Video RAM]] located on the motherboard.<ref name="Copetti 2019" /> The display itself is a 2.5-inch (diagonal) reflective [[super-twisted nematic display|super-twisted nematic]] (STN) monochrome [[liquid-crystal display]] (LCD), measuring {{Convert|47|mm|sp=us}} wide by {{Convert|43|mm|sp=us}} high. The screen can render four shades with a resolution of 160 [[pixel]]s wide by 144 pixels high in a 10:9 [[aspect ratio (image)|aspect ratio]].<ref name="User Manual Page 12" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Verhoeven |first=Jan |date=August 22, 2009 |title=Interrupt Descriptions |url=http://verhoeven272.nl/cgi-bin/FSgz?fruttenboel%2FGameboy&Fruttenboel+Gameboy+section&GBtop&GBspec&GBcontent |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921002517/http://verhoeven272.nl/cgi-bin/FSgz?fruttenboel%2FGameboy&Fruttenboel+Gameboy+section&GBtop&GBspec&GBcontent |archive-date=September 21, 2014 |access-date=March 25, 2010 |website=Using the GameBoy skeleton for serious business}}</ref> |
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The Game Boy features a [[D-pad]] (directional pad), four buttons labeled 'A,' 'B,' 'SELECT,' and 'START,' and a sliding on-off switch with a cartridge lock to prevent accidental removal. The volume and [[contrast (vision)|contrast]] are adjusted by dials on either side.<ref>Owner's Manual, pp. 3–4. "(3) Game Pak slot — Insert the Nintendo GAME BOY Game Pak here. (See page 7 for instructions on inserting Game Pak)"</ref><ref>Owner's Manual, pp. 4–5. "(5) Volume dial (VOL) — Adjusts the sound volume…(7)Contrast adjustment (CONTRAST) — Adjusts the contrast of the display."</ref> |
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The SoC also contains a 256 B "bootstrap" ROM which is used to start up the device, 127 B of High RAM that can be accessed faster (similar to a [[CPU cache]]), and the ''Audio Processing Unit'', a [[programmable sound generator]] with four channels: a [[pulse wave]] generation channel with frequency and volume variation, a second pulse wave generation channel with only volume variation, a wave channel than can reproduce any [[waveform]] recorded in RAM, and a [[white noise]] channel with volume variation.<ref name="Copetti 2019" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 5, 2008 |title=Game Boy |url=http://www.8bitcollective.com/wiki/index.php?title=Game_Boy#Sound |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080221140919/http://8bitcollective.com/wiki/index.php?title=Game_Boy#Sound |archive-date=February 21, 2008 |access-date=March 26, 2009 |website=8bitcollective}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=GameBoy Development Wiki |date=November 12, 2009 |title=Gameboy Bootstrap ROM |url=http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/index.php?title=Gameboy_Bootstrap_ROM&oldid=192 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818180456/http://gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/index.php?title=Gameboy_Bootstrap_ROM&oldid=192 |archive-date=August 18, 2010 |access-date=October 24, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Game Boy Advance Service Manual |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IpKe2BRdcZLUURvhrvxnleMZf3MEI6tc/view?usp=embed_facebook |access-date=2024-05-27 |website= |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |page=3 |language=en |edition=2nd}}</ref><!-- The Game Boy Advance manual explains the operation of Game Boy-compatible audio. --> The motherboard also contains a 8 KB "working [[random access memory|RAM]]" chip.<ref name="Copetti 2019" /> |
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The original Game Boy was powered internally by four [[AA battery|AA]] [[battery (electricity)|batteries]].<ref>Owner's Manual, p. 4. "(2) External power supply jack — You can connect a Rechargeable Battery Pack (sold separately) for longer play."</ref> For extended use, an optional AC adapter or rechargeable battery pack can be connected via a [[coaxial power connector]] on the left side.<ref name="Nintendo Game Boy (DMG-001)">{{Cite web |year=2006 |title=Nintendo Game Boy (DMG-001) |url=http://www.vidgame.net/NINTENDO/GB.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080211181421/http://www.vidgame.net/NINTENDO/GB.html |archive-date=February 11, 2008 |access-date=August 22, 2006 |website=Vidgame.net}}</ref> The Game Boy has a single [[monaural]] speaker and a [[Phone connector (audio)|3.5 mm stereo headphone jack]] on the bottom allows for private listening.<ref>Owner's Manual, p. 5. "(10) Headphone jack (PHONES) — Connect the stereo headphones that come with the GAME BOY to enjoy the impressive sounds of games without disturbing others around you...."</ref> |
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The right side offers a [[Game Link Cable]] port for connecting to another Game Boy for two-player games or, notably in [[Pokémon (video game series)|''Pokémon'']], sharing files.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Masuyama |first=Meguro |title=''Game On'' |title-link=Game On (exhibition) |publisher=Universe Publishing |year=2002 |isbn=0-7893-0778-2 |editor-last=Lucien King |location=[[New York City|New York, NY]] |page=39 |chapter=Pokémon as Japanese Culture? |quote=''Pokémon'' allowed more than metaphorical communication; it made use of a system that created actual communication — a network game.}} |
The Game Boy features a [[D-pad]] (directional pad), four buttons labeled 'A,' 'B,' 'SELECT,' and 'START,' and a sliding power switch with a cartridge lock to prevent removal. The volume and [[contrast (vision)|contrast]] are adjusted by dials on either side.<ref>{{Cite web |year=1989 |title=Game Boy Owner's Manual |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/30348074@N00/5439387075/in/album-72157626034398554/ |access-date=May 26, 2024 |publisher=Nintendo of America |page=3}}</ref> The original Game Boy was powered internally by four [[AA battery|AA]] [[battery (electricity)|batteries]].<ref>{{Cite web |year=1989 |title=Game Boy Owner's Manual |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/30348074@N00/5439992276/in/album-72157626034398554/ |access-date=May 26, 2024 |publisher=Nintendo of America |page=6 |quote=Remove the cover on the back of the GAME BOY and insert the four AA batteries (supplied) as shown in the illustration.}}</ref> For extended use, an optional AC adapter or rechargeable battery pack can be connected via a [[coaxial power connector]] on the left side.<ref>{{Cite web |year=2006 |title=Nintendo Game Boy (DMG-001) |url=http://www.vidgame.net/NINTENDO/GB.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080211181421/http://www.vidgame.net/NINTENDO/GB.html |archive-date=February 11, 2008 |access-date=August 22, 2006 |website=Vidgame.net}}</ref> The Game Boy has a single [[monaural]] speaker and a [[Phone connector (audio)|3.5 mm stereo headphone jack]].<ref>{{Cite web |year=1989 |title=Game Boy Owner's Manual |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/30348074@N00/5439387125/in/album-72157626034398554/ |access-date=May 26, 2024 |publisher=Nintendo of America |page=5 |quote=(10) Headphone jack (PHONES) — Connect the stereo headphones that come with the GAME BOY to enjoy the impressive sounds of games without disturbing others around you. (11) Speaker — A small built-in external speaker. It will turn on automatically if the headphones are not plugged into the headphones jack.}}</ref> The right side offers a [[Game Link Cable]] port{{efn|The Game Link Cable port was also called the Video Link cable and extension connector in early Owner's Manuals.<ref>{{Cite web |year=1989 |title=Game Boy Owner's Manual |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/30348074@N00/5439992312/in/album-72157626034398554/ |access-date=May 26, 2024 |publisher=Nintendo of America |page=8}}</ref>}} for connecting to another Game Boy for two-player games or, notably in [[Pokémon (video game series)|''Pokémon'']], sharing files.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Masuyama |first=Meguro |title=''Game On'' |title-link=Game On (exhibition) |publisher=Universe Publishing |year=2002 |isbn=0-7893-0778-2 |editor-last=Lucien King |location=[[New York City|New York, NY]] |page=39 |chapter=Pokémon as Japanese Culture? |quote=''Pokémon'' allowed more than metaphorical communication; it made use of a system that created actual communication — a network game.}}</ref> This port can also be used with a [[Game Boy Printer]]. |
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=== Technical specifications === |
=== Technical specifications === |
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{| class="wikitable sticky-header" |
{| class="wikitable sticky-header" |
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! |
! |
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!Game Boy<ref name=" |
!Game Boy<ref name="User Manual Page 12">{{Cite web |year=1989 |title=GameBoy User Manual |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/30348074@N00/5439992398/in/set-72157626034398554/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629131839/http://www.flickr.com/photos/30348074@N00/5439992398/in/set-72157626034398554/ |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=February 12, 2011 |publisher=Nintendo of America |page=12}}</ref><ref name="Technical data">{{Cite web |title=Technical data |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Support/Game-Boy-Pocket-Color/Product-information/Technical-data/Technical-data-619585.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207100304/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Support/Game-Boy-Pocket-Color/Product-information/Technical-data/Technical-data-619585.html |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |access-date=February 4, 2018 |website=Nintendo of Europe GmbH |language=en-GB}}</ref> |
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!Game Boy Pocket<ref name="Technical data" /> |
!Game Boy Pocket<ref name="Technical data" /> |
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!Game Boy Light |
!Game Boy Light |
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|2.5-inch FSTN LCD with [[Electroluminescence|electroluminescent]] backlight |
|2.5-inch FSTN LCD with [[Electroluminescence|electroluminescent]] backlight |
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|- |
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!Screen size (playable)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Game Boy Versions |url=https://www.retrorgb.com/gbversions.html | |
!Screen size (playable)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Game Boy Versions |url=https://www.retrorgb.com/gbversions.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506190310/https://www.retrorgb.com/gbversions.html |archive-date=May 6, 2024 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |website=RetroRGB |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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|{{cvt|45.5|x|41.5|mm}} |
|{{cvt|45.5|x|41.5|mm}} |
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|{{cvt|47.5|x|42.5|mm}} |
|{{cvt|47.5|x|42.5|mm}} |
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![[Display resolution|Resolution]] |
![[Display resolution|Resolution]] |
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|colspan=3|160 (w) × 144 (h) [[ |
|colspan=3|160 (w) × 144 (h) [[pixel]]s (10:9 [[Aspect ratio (image)|aspect ratio]]) |
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![[Frame rate]] |
![[Frame rate]] |
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|{{Unbulleted list |
|{{Unbulleted list |
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| '''On SoC:''' 256 B "bootstrap" ROM, 127 B High RAM |
| '''On SoC:''' 256 B "bootstrap" ROM, 127 B High RAM |
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| '''Internal:''' 8 KB [[Random-access memory|RAM]], 8 KB [[Video Random Access Memory|Video RAM]] |
| '''Internal:''' 8 KB [[Random-access memory|RAM]], 8 KB [[Video Random Access Memory|Video RAM]] |
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| '''External:''' (in the game cartridge) up to 1 MB ROM, up to 128 KB RAM |
| '''External:''' (in the game cartridge) up to 1 MB ROM, up to 128 KB RAM |
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}} |
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!Controls |
!Controls |
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|colspan=3|{{Unbulleted list |
|colspan=3|{{Unbulleted list |
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| 4-way [[ |
| 4-way [[D-pad]] |
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| Four action buttons (A, B, Start, Select) |
| Four action buttons (A, B, Start, Select) |
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| Volume [[potentiometer]] |
| Volume [[potentiometer]] |
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}} |
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[[File:Game Boy Play It Loud! Transparent American Edition.png|thumb|120px|Clear "Play It Loud!" edition]] |
[[File:Game Boy Play It Loud! Transparent American Edition.png|thumb|120px|Clear "Play It Loud!" edition]] |
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The Game Boy continued to experience strong sales well into the 1990s, as popular games continued to increase interest in the handheld. This commercial success was something of a double-edged sword for Nintendo; the device was seen as aged, but the company was unwilling to abandon it. Instead, the company embarked on a series of improvements to the Game Boy in an effort to keep the console relevant.<ref name="McFarren 2016" /> |
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⚫ |
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⚫ | The first revision to the Game Boy came on March 20, 1995, when Nintendo released several special edition Game Boy models with colored cases, advertising them in the "Play It Loud!" campaign,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Color it loud with hot new Game Boys; Game Boy reflects players own style with five exciting new colors |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Color+it+loud+with+hot+new+Game+Boys%3B+Game+Boy+reflects+players+own...-a016001521 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102052451/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Color+it+loud+with+hot+new+Game+Boys%3B+Game+Boy+reflects+players+own...-a016001521 |archive-date=November 2, 2013 |access-date=November 3, 2009}}</ref> known in Japan as {{nihongo foot|'''Game Boy Bros.'''|ゲームボーイブラザーズ||lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} Play It Loud! units were manufactured in red, yellow, green, blue black, white, and clear (transparent). The Play It Loud's screens also have a darker border than the normal Game Boy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oxford |first=David |date=February 14, 2019 |title=Boy, Oh Game Boy: Play It Loud! |url=https://www.oldschoolgamermagazine.com/boy-oh-game-boy-play-it-loud/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028231030/https://www.oldschoolgamermagazine.com/boy-oh-game-boy-play-it-loud/ |archive-date=October 28, 2023 |access-date=October 28, 2023 |website=Old School Gamer Magazine}}</ref> |
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==== Game Boy Pocket ==== |
==== Game Boy Pocket ==== |
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{{Multiple image |
{{Multiple image |
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On July 21, 1996, Nintendo released the Game Boy Pocket in Japan and on September 3, 1996, in North America for {{USD|69.99|1996}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 Sears Christmas Book, Page 161 – Christmas Catalogs & Holiday Wishbooks |url=https://christmas.musetechnical.com/ShowCatalogPage/1998-Sears-Christmas-Book/161 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731214935/https://christmas.musetechnical.com/ShowCatalogPage/1998-Sears-Christmas-Book/161 |archive-date=July 31, 2020 |access-date=December 1, 2019 |website=christmas.musetechnical.com}}</ref> The Game Boy Pocket was a smaller, lighter unit that required just two smaller [[AAA batteries]], which provide approximately 10 hours of gameplay.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=July 1996 |title=The Incredible Shrinking Game Boy Pocket |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |page=16 |issue=84}}</ref> The Pocket has a smaller [[Game Link Cable]] port, which requires an adapter to link with the original Game Boy. This smaller port design would be used on all subsequent Game Boy models.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Link Cable Adapter |url=https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Support/Game-Boy-Pocket-Color/Accessories/Link-cable-adapter/Link-cable-adapter-619614.html |access-date=2024-05-11 |website=Nintendo of Europe |language=en-GB |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511035518/https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Support/Game-Boy-Pocket-Color/Accessories/Link-cable-adapter/Link-cable-adapter-619614.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The screen was changed to an [[FSTN|film compensated super-twisted nematic]] (FSTN) LCD. This film compensation layer produced a true black-and-white display, rather than the green hues of the original Game Boy.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=August 1996 |title=Game Boy Relaunched |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |page=26 |issue=20}}</ref> |
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A major revision to the Game Boy came in 1996 with the introduction of the Game Boy Pocket, a slimmed-down unit that required just two smaller [[AAA batteries]], albeit at the expense of providing just 10 hours of gameplay.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=July 1996 |title=The Incredible Shrinking Game Boy Pocket |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |page=16 |issue=84}}</ref> The other major change was that the screen was changed to an [[FSTN|film compensated super-twisted nematic]] (FSTN) LCD. This film compensation layer produced a true black-and-white display, rather than the green hues of the original Game Boy.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=August 1996 |title=Game Boy Relaunched |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |page=26 |issue=20}}</ref> The Pocket also has a smaller [[Game Link Cable]] port, which requires an adapter to link with the original Game Boy. This smaller port design would be used on all subsequent Game Boy models.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Link Cable Adapter |url=https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Support/Game-Boy-Pocket-Color/Accessories/Link-cable-adapter/Link-cable-adapter-619614.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511035518/https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Support/Game-Boy-Pocket-Color/Accessories/Link-cable-adapter/Link-cable-adapter-619614.html |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |access-date=May 11, 2024 |website=Nintendo of Europe |language=en-GB}}</ref> Internally, the Game Boy Pocket had a new SoC, the Nintendo CPU MGB, an improved version of the DMG-CPU. A major change was that the device’s 8 KB of Video RAM was moved from the motherboard to the SoC for faster access.<ref name="Copetti 2019" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Javanainen |first=Joonas |date=July 18, 2023 |title=MGB-xCPU schematic |url=https://github.com/Gekkio/gb-schematics/blob/main/MGB-xCPU/schematic/MGB-xCPU.pdf |access-date=May 22, 2024}}</ref> |
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Internally, the Game Boy Pocket had a new SoC, the Nintendo CPU MGB, an improved version of the DMG-CPU. A major change was that the device’s 8 KB of Video RAM was moved from the motherboard to the SoC for faster access. |
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The Game Boy Pocket was released in Japan on July 21, 1996, and in North America on September 3, 1996, for {{USD|69.99|1996|round=0}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 Sears Christmas Book, Page 161 – Christmas Catalogs & Holiday Wishbooks |url=https://christmas.musetechnical.com/ShowCatalogPage/1998-Sears-Christmas-Book/161 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731214935/https://christmas.musetechnical.com/ShowCatalogPage/1998-Sears-Christmas-Book/161 |archive-date=July 31, 2020 |access-date=December 1, 2019 |website=christmas.musetechnical.com}}</ref> The Game Boy Pocket revitalized hardware sales and its release was ultimately well-timed as it coincided with the release of the first Pokémon game, which catapulted the Game Boy into uncharted realms of commercial triumph.<ref name="McFarren 2016" /> Reviewers praised the device's small size,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cameron |first=Mike |date=September 19, 1996 |title=A game that's small enough to score where it counts |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/10B30EFFA5830318 |url-access=subscription |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=[[Hamilton Spectator]] |page=11 |via=[[NewsBank]]}}</ref> and said that the screen’s visibility and pixel response-time had been improved, mostly eliminating [[Motion blur|ghosting]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=December 1996 |title=Pocket Cool |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |page=204 |issue=89}}</ref> However, other reviewers were dismissive of the device, with the ''Los Angeles Times'' saying Nintendo was "repacking the same old black-and-white stuff and selling it as new."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Curtiss |first=Aaron |date=May 30, 1996 |title=The Expo Challenge: Dodging the Pretenders |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-05-30-ca-10272-story.html |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> |
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The first version came only in silver and did not have a power LED. A revision in early 1997 added a power LED, different case colors (black, green, red, yellow, gold metal, and clear) and dropped the price to {{USD|54.95|1997|round=0}}.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=May 1997 |title=Tidbits... |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |page=19 |issue=94}}</ref> By mid-1998, just months before the Game Boy Color went on sale, prices had fallen to {{USD|49.95|1998|round=0}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 29, 1998 |title=Nintendo unchallenged as big Boy in town |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB77359B6744FE3 |url-access=subscription |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=[[USA Today]] |page=4D |via=[[NewsBank]]}}</ref> |
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==== Game Boy Light ==== |
==== Game Boy Light ==== |
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}} |
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The Game Boy Light was released on April 14, 1998, and was only available in Japan. Like the Game Boy Pocket, the system was priced at {{JPY|6800|1998}}.<ref name=" |
The Game Boy Light was released on April 14, 1998, and was only available in Japan. Like the Game Boy Pocket, the system was priced at {{JPY|6800|1998}}.<ref name="Electronic Gaming Monthly 1998">{{Cite magazine |date=April 1998 |title=Game Boy Lights Up |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |page=26 |issue=105}}</ref> The Game Boy Light is slightly bigger than the Game Boy Pocket and features an [[Electroluminescence|electroluminescent]] backlight allowing it to be played in low-light conditions. It uses two AA batteries, which give it approximately 12 gameplay hours with the [[backlight]] on and 20 with it off.<ref name="Electronic Gaming Monthly 1998" /> It was available in two standard colors: gold and silver.<ref name="Electronic Gaming Monthly 1998" /><ref>{{Cite web |script-title=ja:ゲームボーイライト |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/hardware/light/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980530125425/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/hardware/light/index.html |archive-date=May 30, 1998 |access-date=November 3, 2009 |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |language=ja}}</ref> |
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== Games == |
== Games == |
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{{See also|List of Game Boy games|List of best-selling Game Boy video games|List of cancelled Game Boy games}} |
{{See also|List of Game Boy games|List of Game Boy Color games|List of best-selling Game Boy video games|List of cancelled Game Boy games}} |
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[[File:Nintendo-Game-Boy-Cartridge.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|The standard gray [[Game Boy Game Pak|cartridge]] for the original Game Boy games]] |
[[File:Nintendo-Game-Boy-Cartridge.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|The standard gray [[Game Boy Game Pak|cartridge]] for the original Game Boy games]] |
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More than 1,000 games were released for the Game Boy, excluding cancelled and unlicensed games.<ref |
More than 1,000 games were released for the Game Boy, excluding cancelled and unlicensed games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Game Boy (original) Games |url=http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/dmg_games.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402190758/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/dmg_games.pdf |archive-date=April 2, 2016 |access-date=April 13, 2023 |publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref> Additionally, more than 300 games developed for the Game Boy Color were [[Backward compatibility|backward compatible]] with the monochrome Game Boy models.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Game Boy Color Games |url=http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/cgb_games.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040610021821/http://www.nintendo.com:80/consumer/downloads/cgb_games.pdf |archive-date=June 10, 2004 |access-date=April 13, 2023 |publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2001 |title=Game List – Released Titles |url=http://www.gameboy.com:80/gamelist.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010119180900/http://www.gameboy.com/gamelist.html |archive-date=January 19, 2001 |access-date=August 20, 2018 |website=GameBoy.com |publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref> |
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Games are stored on cartridges called the [[Game Boy Game Pak]], using [[read-only memory]] (ROM) chips. Initially, due to the limitations of the 8-bit architecture of the device, ROM size was limited to 32 KB. However, Nintendo overcame this limitation with a Memory Bank Controller |
Games are stored on cartridges called the [[Game Boy Game Pak]], using [[read-only memory]] (ROM) chips. Initially, due to the limitations of the 8-bit architecture of the device, ROM size was limited to 32 KB. However, Nintendo overcame this limitation with a Memory Bank Controller (MBC) inside the cartridge. This chip sits between the processor and the ROM chips. The CPU can only access 32 KB at a time, but the MBC can switch between several banks of 32 KB ROM. Using this technology, Nintendo created Game Boy games that used up to 1 [[megabyte]] of ROM. Game Paks could also provide additional functionality to the Game Boy system. Some cartridges included up to 128 KB of RAM to increase performance, which could also be battery-backed to save progress when the handheld was off, [[real-time clock]] chips could keep track of time even when the device was off and [[Rumble Pak]] cartridges added vibration feedback to enhance gameplay.<ref name="Copetti 2019" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Byers |first=Brendan |title=Exploring the Gameboy Memory Bank Controller |url=https://b13rg.github.io/Gameboy-MBC-Analysis/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429225226/https://b13rg.github.io/Gameboy-MBC-Analysis/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Brendan's Website |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 1999 |title=Game Boy Programming Manual |url=https://ia803208.us.archive.org/9/items/GameBoyProgManVer1.1/GameBoyProgManVer1.1.pdf |access-date=April 30, 2024 |page=299}}</ref> |
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The top-selling franchise for the Game Boy were [[Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow|''Pokémon Red'', ''Blue'', and ''Yellow'']], the first installments of the [[Pokémon (video game series)|''Pokémon'' video game series]], which sold more than 46 million copies.<ref |
The top-selling franchise for the Game Boy were [[Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow|''Pokémon Red'', ''Blue'', and ''Yellow'']], the first installments of the [[Pokémon (video game series)|''Pokémon'' video game series]], which sold more than 46 million copies.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 19, 2017 |title='Pokken Tournament' and Pokemon's $1.5 Billion Brand |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gobankingratebuls/pokken-tournament-and-pok_b_9501260.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218180223/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pokken-tournament-and-pok_b_9501260 |archive-date=February 18, 2020 |access-date=April 25, 2017 |work=[[The Huffington Post]] |publisher=[[AOL]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clement |first=Jessica |date=May 2024 |title=All-time best-selling Pokémon games 2024 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1072224/pokemon-unit-sales-worldwide/ |access-date=May 21, 2024 |website=Statista |language=en}}</ref> The best-selling single game was ''[[Tetris (Game Boy video game)|Tetris]]'', with more than 35 million copies shipped, it was a [[pack-in game]] included with the purchase of many original Game Boy devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saltzman |first=Marc |date=June 12, 2009 |title='Tetris' by the numbers |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2009/06/68024593/1 |access-date=May 21, 2024 |website=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=June 1, 2009 |title=After 25 years, Tetris has sold 125 million copies |url=https://venturebeat.com/entrepreneur/after-25-years-tetris-has-sold-125-million-copies/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621144138/https://venturebeat.com/entrepreneur/after-25-years-tetris-has-sold-125-million-copies/ |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |access-date=June 21, 2023 |website=[[VentureBeat]]}}</ref> |
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=== Launch titles === |
=== Launch titles === |
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When the Game Boy was released in Japan in April 1989 alongside four [[launch titles]]: ''[[Alleyway (video game)|Alleyway]]'' (a [[Breakout clone|''Breakout'' clone]]), ''[[Baseball (1983 video game)|Baseball]]'' (a [[Porting|port]] of the NES game), ''[[Super Mario Land]]'' (an adaptation of the [[Mario (franchise)|Mario franchise]] for the handheld format) and [[Yakuman (video game)|''Yakuman'']] (a Mahjong game).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Swanson |first=Drew |date=2023 |
When the Game Boy was released in Japan in April 1989 alongside four [[launch titles]]: ''[[Alleyway (video game)|Alleyway]]'' (a [[Breakout clone|''Breakout'' clone]]), ''[[Baseball (1983 video game)|Baseball]]'' (a [[Porting|port]] of the NES game), ''[[Super Mario Land]]'' (an adaptation of the [[Mario (franchise)|Mario franchise]] for the handheld format) and [[Yakuman (video game)|''Yakuman'']] (a Mahjong game).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Swanson |first=Drew |date=January 5, 2023 |title=Remembering the Game Boy's Launch Titles |url=https://gamerant.com/game-boy-launch-title-retrospective-tetris-super-mario-land/ |access-date=May 21, 2024 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref> When the console was introduced in North America, two more launch titles were added: ''Tetris'' and ''[[Tennis (1984 video game)|Tennis]]'' (another NES game port), while ''Yakuman'' was never released outside of Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duncan |first=Andrew |date=April 21, 2019 |title=Game Boy Launch Titles |url=https://www.gamegrin.com/articles/game-boy-launch-titles/ |access-date=May 21, 2024 |website=GameGrin |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Yakuman for Game Boy (1989) – MobyGames |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/gameboy/yakuman |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630040755/http://www.mobygames.com/game/gameboy/yakuman |archive-date=June 30, 2016 |access-date=December 30, 2016}}</ref> |
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== Reception == |
== Reception == |
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=== Critical reception === |
=== Critical reception === |
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Though it was less technically advanced than the [[Sega Game Gear]], [[Atari Lynx]], [[NEC TurboExpress]] and other competitors, notably by not supporting color, the Game Boy's lower price along with longer battery life made it much more such.<ref |
Though it was less technically advanced than the [[Sega Game Gear]], [[Atari Lynx]], [[NEC TurboExpress]] and other competitors, notably by not supporting color, the Game Boy's lower price along with longer battery life made it much more such.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AtariAge – Lynx History |url=http://www.atariage.com/Lynx/history.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201065331/http://www.atariage.com/Lynx/history.html |archive-date=December 1, 2016 |access-date=November 22, 2016 |publisher=[[Atari Age#AtariAge (website)|AtariAge]] |quote=Eventually the Lynx was squeezed out of the picture and the handheld market was dominated by the Nintendo GameBoy with the Sega Game Gear a distant second.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Maher |first=Jimmy |date=December 22, 2016 |title=A Time of Endings, Part 2: Epyx |url=http://www.filfre.net/2016/12/a-time-of-endings-part-2-epyx/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223132701/http://www.filfre.net/2016/12/a-time-of-endings-part-2-epyx/ |archive-date=December 23, 2016 |access-date=December 23, 2016 |website=The Digital Antiquarian}}</ref> In its first two weeks in Japan, from its release on April 21, 1989, the entire stock of 300,000 units was sold; a few months later on July 31, 1989, 40,000 units were sold on its first release day.<ref name="Fahs 2009" /> It sold one million units in the United States within weeks.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kent |first=Steve L. |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games |date=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |isbn=978-0-7615-3643-7 |edition=1 |location=Roseville, Calif. |pages=416 |quote=According to an article in ''Time'' magazine, the one million Game Boys sent to the United States in 1989 met only half the demand for the product. That allotment sold out in a matter of weeks and its black and white (except for Konami/Factor 5 games and ''[[SeaQuest DSV (video game)|SeaQuest DSV]]''), was shown in color like the Game Gear version.}}</ref> More than 118.69 million units of the Game Boy and Game Boy Color combined have been sold worldwide, with 32.47 million units in [[Japan]], 44.06 million in the [[Americas]], and 42.16 million in other regions.<ref name="Nintendo 2016" /> By Japanese [[fiscal year]] 1997, before Game Boy Color's release in late 1998, 64.42 million units of the Game Boy had been sold worldwide.<ref name="Nintendo 2016" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=A Brief History of Game Console Warfare: Game Boy |url=http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/10/game_consoles/source/7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070509094404/http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/10/game_consoles/source/7.htm |archive-date=May 9, 2007 |access-date=July 30, 2008 |website=[[Bloomberg Businessweek|BusinessWeek]] |publisher=[[McGraw-Hill]] |quote=Game Boy and Game Boy Color's combined lifetime sales reached 118.7 million worldwide, according to Nintendo's latest annual report.}}</ref> At a March 14, 1994, press conference in [[San Francisco]], Nintendo vice president of marketing Peter Main answered queries about when Nintendo was coming out with a color handheld system by stating that sales of the Game Boy were strong enough that it had decided to hold off on developing a successor handheld for the near future.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=August 1994 |title=Cart Queries |magazine=[[GamePro]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |page=14 |issue=71}}</ref> |
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In 1995, Nintendo of America announced that 46% of Game Boy players were female, which was higher than the percentage of [[Women and video games|female players]] for both the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] (29%) and [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] (14%).<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 15, 1995 |title=Makers Of Games Focus On Girls |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AUNWAAAAIBAJ&pg=1966,3565771 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325000543/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AUNWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=kuoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1966,3565771 |archive-date=March 25, 2017 |access-date=March 18, 2012 |work=[[The Gainesville Sun]] |page=15}}</ref> In 2009, the Game Boy was inducted into the [[National Toy Hall of Fame]], 20 years after its introduction.<ref>{{Cite |
In 1995, Nintendo of America announced that 46% of Game Boy players were female, which was higher than the percentage of [[Women and video games|female players]] for both the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] (29%) and [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] (14%).<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 15, 1995 |title=Makers Of Games Focus On Girls |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AUNWAAAAIBAJ&pg=1966,3565771 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325000543/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AUNWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=kuoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1966,3565771 |archive-date=March 25, 2017 |access-date=March 18, 2012 |work=[[The Gainesville Sun]] |page=15}}</ref> In 2009, the Game Boy was inducted into the [[National Toy Hall of Fame]], 20 years after its introduction.<ref>{{Cite news |title=''Ball, Game Boy, Big Wheel enter toy hall of fame'' |url=http://www.rbj.net/article.asp?aID=181826 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717232724/http://www.rbj.net/article.asp?aID=181826 |archive-date=July 17, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2009 |work=Rochester Business Journal}}</ref> |
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The console received mixed reviews from critics. In a 1997 year-end review, a team of four ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' editors gave the Game Boy scores of 7.5, 7.0, 8.0, and 2.0. |
The console received mixed reviews from critics. In a 1997 year-end review, a team of four ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' editors gave the Game Boy scores of 7.5, 7.0, 8.0, and 2.0. The reviewer who contributed the 2.0 panned the system due to its black-and-white display and [[motion blur]], while his three co-reviewers praised its long battery life and strong games library, as well as the sleek, conveniently-sized design of the new Game Boy Pocket model.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=March 1998 |title=EGM's Special Report: Which System Is Best? |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] 1998 Video Game Buyer's Guide |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |page=58}}</ref> |
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=== Sales === |
=== Sales === |
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The Game Boy and Game Boy Color were |
The Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket and Game Boy Color were commercially successful, selling a combined 118.69 million units worldwide: 32.47 million in Japan, 44.06 million in the Americas, and 42.16 million in all other regions.<ref name="Nintendo 2016" /><ref>{{Cite news |title=A Brief History of Game Console Warfare: Game Boy |url=http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/10/game_consoles/source/7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070509094404/http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/10/game_consoles/source/7.htm |archive-date=May 9, 2007 |access-date=March 28, 2008 |work=[[BusinessWeek]] |publisher=[[McGraw-Hill]]}}</ref> At the time of its discontinuation in 2003, the combined sales of the Game Boy made it the [[List of best-selling game consoles|best-selling game console of all time]]. In later years, its sales were surpassed by the [[Nintendo DS]], [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Nintendo Switch]], making it the fourth-best-selling console of all time, {{As of|2024|lc=y}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lifetime sales of video game consoles worldwide as of February 2024 |website=Statista |date=March 2024 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1101872/unit-sales-video-game-consoles/}}</ref> |
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== Notes == |
== Notes == |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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=== Bibliography === |
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* {{Cite book |title=Game Boy Compact Video Game System Owner's Manual |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |year=1989 |id=DMG-GB-UKV}} |
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* {{Cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |title=[[The Ultimate History of Video Games]] |publisher=Prima Publishing |year=2001 |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |edition=1st |location=Roseville, CA |authorlink=Steven L. Kent}} |
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* {{us patent|D318884|Hand-held electronic game – Design patent for the case}} |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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{{Commons category}} |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/ |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110128120244/http://www.gameboy.com/ Official website] archived at the [[Wayback Machine]] |
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*[https://www.nintendo.com/doc/dmg_games.pdf Game Boy (original) games list] at Nintendo.com (archived from [https://web.archive.org/web/20070930050614/http://www.nintendo.com/doc/dmg_games.pdf the original] at the [[Internet Archive#Wayback Machine|Internet Archive Wayback Machine]]) |
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*{{curlie|Games/Video_Games/Console_Platforms/Nintendo/Game_Boy}} |
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*[https://archive.org/download/GameBoyProgManVer1.1/GameBoyProgManVer1.1.pdf Game Boy Development Manual] |
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*{{Cite web |last=Shirriff |first=Ken |date=June 2020 |title=Reverse-engineering and comparing two Game Boy audio amplifier chips |url=http://www.righto.com/2020/06/reverse-engineering-and-comparing-two.html}} |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110128120244/http://www.gameboy.com/ Archived Former Official website] |
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{{Game Boy line}} |
{{Game Boy line}} |
![]() | |
![]()
An original Game Boy
| |
Also known as | DMG-01
|
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Developer | Nintendo R&D1 |
Manufacturer | Nintendo |
Product family | Game Boy |
Type | Handheld game console |
Generation | Fourth |
Release date |
|
Introductory price |
|
Discontinued | March 31, 2003 |
Units sold | 118.69 million (including all variants and Game Boy Color)[6] |
Media | Game Boy Game Pak |
System on a chip |
|
CPU | Sharp SM83 @ 4 MHz |
Memory | 8 KBRAM, 8 KBVRAM |
Display |
|
Best-selling game | Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow (46 million units) |
Predecessor | Game & Watch |
Successor | Game Boy Color |
The Game Boy is a handheld game console developed by Nintendo, launched in the Japanese home market on April 21, 1989, followed by North America and Europe later that year. Following the success of the Game & Watch single-game handhelds, Nintendo developed the Game Boy to be more like a portable console, with interchangeable cartridges. The concept proved highly successful and the Game Boy became a cultural icon of the 1990s.
The Game Boy was designed by the Nintendo Research & Development 1 team, led by Gunpei Yokoi and Satoru Okada. The device features a dot-matrix display, a directional pad, four game buttons, a single speaker, and uses Game Pak cartridges. The two-toned gray design with black, blue, and dark magenta accents sported softly rounded corners, except for the bottom right, which was curved. At launch, it was sold either as a standalone unit or bundled with games like Super Mario Land and Tetris.
Despite mixed reviews criticizing its monochrome graphics and larger size compared to competitors like the Sega Game Gear, Atari Lynx, and NEC TurboExpress, the Game Boy rapidly outsold them all. An estimated 118.69 million units of the Game Boy and its successor, the Game Boy Color (1998), have been sold worldwide, making it the fourth best-selling console ever. The Game Boy received several redesigns during its lifespan, including the smaller Game Boy Pocket (1996) and the backlit Game Boy Light (1998). Sales of Game Boy variants continued until 2003.
The Game Boy was designed by the team at Nintendo Research & Development 1 (R&D1), which had previously developed the Game & Watch handhelds and video games including Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong.[7][8] However, early in the process, deep disagreements arose between Gunpei Yokoi, the R&D1 division director, and Satoru Okada, the assistant director. Yokoi's original vision was for a simpler device, akin to an advanced Game & Watch, while Okada strongly advocated for a more powerful device with interchangeable cartridges, like a portable version of the successful Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Their differing visions for the project led to frequent clashes, heated meetings and high tensions, with Okada ultimately convincing Yokoi of his vision.[9]
The team was encouraged to pursue the project by Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi. However within Nintendo, many were skeptical that such a device would be feasible. Some employees even gave the project the derogatory nickname "DameGame" (dame (だめ) meaning "hopeless" in Japanese).[10][11]
The codename for this nascent project was "Dot Matrix Game," (DMG) reflecting its intended display technology, a stark contrast to the Game & Watch series, which had segmented LCDs pre-printed with an overlay, limiting each model to only play one game. The initials DMG came to be featured on the final product's model number: "DMG-01."[12]
Initially, a Ricoh-manufactured CPU, similar to the one used in the NES, was considered for compatibility.[13] However, due to resource constraints amid the ongoing development of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the Game Boy team chose a less powerful CPU from the Sharp Corporation.[14]
Sharp initially showed reluctance to engage in the project, particularly for the LCD technology, which was a critical component.[14] The team considered buying displays from the Citizen Watch Company which was already using LCD screens to build portable TVs. However, talks continued with Sharp, with Yokoi and Okada showing the company a Game Boy mockup. After seeing the device and wanting to keep Nintendo as a client, Sharp offered competitive pricing and secured the contract.[13] Sharp originally proposed a twisted nematic (TN) display, but after seeing a prototype Game Boy, Yamauchi rejected the TN technology as too hard to see. Sharp then suggested super-twisted nematic (STN) technology, which had better viewing angles and contrast but was more expensive. To reduce cost, the team reduced the screen size, however, it was too late in the development process to shrink the console's overall size.[14][15]
Within R&D1, Yokoi had long promoted "lateral thinking with withered technology"[a], a design philosophy which eschewed cutting-edge technology in favor of using mature technologies, which tended to be more affordable and reliable, in innovative ways.[7] As a result of this philosophy, to keep costs low and extend battery life, the Game Boy was designed without a backlight and used a simple grayscale screen, despite potential concerns about visibility and the lack of color.[16] The approach was ultimately vindicated as rival units with full-color, backlit screens were panned for their dismal battery life, making the Game Boy more appealing to consumers.[7]
In the early 1980s, Okada had worked on an electronic game from Nintendo called Computer Mah-jong Yakuman that allowed cable communication between two devices, he thought it would be possible to implement a similar feature in the Game Boy.[14][17] Despite concerns within the team that the feature would be too difficult to use and thus a waste of resources, Okada pushed forward and developed the Game Link Cable technology himself.[13] This effort led to the creation of the "battle" and "trade" gameplay features in the Pokémon series, first released in 1996.[14]
A prototype Game Boy was unveiled in 1987 and later exhibited at multiple industry trade shows. The device incorporated a key design element developed by Yokoi and his team at R&D1 for its Game & Watch predecessor: the directional control pad, often referred to as the "D-pad." Yokoi had recognized that traditional joysticks might hinder the portability of handheld devices. As a result, he designed the D-pad – a flat controller that extends just slightly beyond the device's casing. A similar layout had been used on the NES, making it easier for owners to transition to the handheld. Yamauchi estimated that the console would achieve sales exceeding 25 million units in its initial three years, a claim that was regarded as bold at the time.[7]
Nintendo's philosophy centered on the belief that the appeal of a gaming system was primarily determined by the quality of its games. With this in mind, Okada pushed to make development tools available for third-party developers, a shortcoming of the launch of the NES.[13] R&D1 also developed Super Mario Land, a portable adaptation of the Super Mario Bros. game, intending it to be the flagship title for the Game Boy.[18] However, Henk Rogers brought the Soviet Union-made game, Tetris, to the attention of Nintendo of America. Despite its simple graphics and lack of a well-known brand, Tetris's suitability for a handheld platform convinced Nintendo president Minoru Arakawa to port and bundle it with the Game Boy. As a result, Tetris was bundled with the Game Boy in every region except Japan on its release.[7]
The Game Boy launched in the Japanese market in April 1989, followed by North America in July, and Europe in September of the following year,[18] backed by a $10 million marketing effort.[19] Sales of the Game Boy and its successor variants (including the Game Boy Color) continued until March 2003.[6]
The Game Boy uses a custom system on a chip (SoC), to house most of the components, named the DMG-CPU by Nintendo and the LR35902 by its manufacturer, the Sharp Corporation.[20]
Within the DMG-CPU, the main processor is a Sharp SM83,[21] a hybrid between two other 8-bit processors: the Intel 8080 and the Zilog Z80. The SM83 has the seven 8-bit registers of the 8080 (compared to 14 on the Z80), but uses the Z80's programming syntax and extra bit manipulation instructions, it also adds a few new instructions to optimize the processor for certain operations related to the way the hardware was arranged.[7][20][22][23] The Sharp SM83 operates at a clock rate of 4.194304 MHz.[20]
The DMG-CPU also incorporates the Picture Processing Unit, essentially a basic GPU, that renders visuals using an 8 KB bank of Video RAM located on the motherboard.[20] The display itself is a 2.5-inch (diagonal) reflective super-twisted nematic (STN) monochrome liquid-crystal display (LCD), measuring 47 millimeters (1.9 in) wide by 43 millimeters (1.7 in) high. The screen can render four shades with a resolution of 160 pixels wide by 144 pixels high in a 10:9 aspect ratio.[24][25]
The SoC also contains a 256 B "bootstrap" ROM which is used to start up the device, 127 B of High RAM that can be accessed faster (similar to a CPU cache), and the Audio Processing Unit, a programmable sound generator with four channels: a pulse wave generation channel with frequency and volume variation, a second pulse wave generation channel with only volume variation, a wave channel than can reproduce any waveform recorded in RAM, and a white noise channel with volume variation.[20][26][27][28] The motherboard also contains a 8 KB "working RAM" chip.[20]
The Game Boy features a D-pad (directional pad), four buttons labeled 'A,' 'B,' 'SELECT,' and 'START,' and a sliding power switch with a cartridge lock to prevent removal. The volume and contrast are adjusted by dials on either side.[29] The original Game Boy was powered internally by four AA batteries.[30] For extended use, an optional AC adapter or rechargeable battery pack can be connected via a coaxial power connector on the left side.[31] The Game Boy has a single monaural speaker and a 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack.[32] The right side offers a Game Link Cable port[b] for connecting to another Game Boy for two-player games or, notably in Pokémon, sharing files.[34] This port can also be used with a Game Boy Printer.
Game Boy[24][35] | Game Boy Pocket[35] | Game Boy Light | |
---|---|---|---|
Height | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 127.6 mm (5.02 in) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
Width | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 77.6 mm (3.06 in) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Depth | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 25.3 mm (1.00 in) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
Weight | 220 g (7.8 oz) | 125 g (4.4 oz) | 138 g (4.9 oz) |
Display | 2.5-inch reflective super-twisted nematic (STN) liquid-crystal display (LCD) | 2.5-inch film compensated STN (FSTN) LCD | 2.5-inch FSTN LCD with electroluminescent backlight |
Screen size (playable)[36] | 45.5 mm × 41.5 mm (1.79 in × 1.63 in) | 47.5 mm × 42.5 mm (1.87 in × 1.67 in) | 47 mm × 42 mm (1.9 in × 1.7 in) |
Resolution | 160 (w) × 144 (h) pixels (10:9 aspect ratio) | ||
Frame rate | 59.727500569606 Hz[37] | ||
Color support | 2-bit, four shades of green: 0x0 0x1 0x2 0x3 | 2-bit, four shades of grey: 0x0 0x1 0x2 0x3 | |
System on a chip (SoC) | Nintendo DMG-CPU (Sharp LR35902) | Nintendo CPU MGB | |
Processor | 4.194304 MHz Sharp SM83 (custom Intel 8080/Zilog Z80 hybrid, 8-bit) | ||
Memory |
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Power |
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Battery life | Up to 30 hours | Up to 10 hours |
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The Game Boy continued to experience strong sales well into the 1990s, as popular games continued to increase interest in the handheld. This commercial success was something of a double-edged sword for Nintendo; the device was seen as aged, but the company was unwilling to abandon it. Instead, the company embarked on a series of improvements to the Game Boy in an effort to keep the console relevant.[7]
The first revision to the Game Boy came on March 20, 1995, when Nintendo released several special edition Game Boy models with colored cases, advertising them in the "Play It Loud!" campaign,[38] known in Japan as Game Boy Bros.[c] Play It Loud! units were manufactured in red, yellow, green, blue black, white, and clear (transparent). The Play It Loud's screens also have a darker border than the normal Game Boy.[39]
A major revision to the Game Boy came in 1996 with the introduction of the Game Boy Pocket, a slimmed-down unit that required just two smaller AAA batteries, albeit at the expense of providing just 10 hours of gameplay.[40] The other major change was that the screen was changed to an film compensated super-twisted nematic (FSTN) LCD. This film compensation layer produced a true black-and-white display, rather than the green hues of the original Game Boy.[41] The Pocket also has a smaller Game Link Cable port, which requires an adapter to link with the original Game Boy. This smaller port design would be used on all subsequent Game Boy models.[42] Internally, the Game Boy Pocket had a new SoC, the Nintendo CPU MGB, an improved version of the DMG-CPU. A major change was that the device’s 8 KB of Video RAM was moved from the motherboard to the SoC for faster access.[20][43]
The Game Boy Pocket was released in Japan on July 21, 1996, and in North America on September 3, 1996, for US$69.99 (equivalent to $136 in 2023).[44] The Game Boy Pocket revitalized hardware sales and its release was ultimately well-timed as it coincided with the release of the first Pokémon game, which catapulted the Game Boy into uncharted realms of commercial triumph.[7] Reviewers praised the device's small size,[45] and said that the screen’s visibility and pixel response-time had been improved, mostly eliminating ghosting.[46] However, other reviewers were dismissive of the device, with the Los Angeles Times saying Nintendo was "repacking the same old black-and-white stuff and selling it as new."[47]
The first version came only in silver and did not have a power LED. A revision in early 1997 added a power LED, different case colors (black, green, red, yellow, gold metal, and clear) and dropped the price to US$54.95 (equivalent to $104 in 2023).[48] By mid-1998, just months before the Game Boy Color went on sale, prices had fallen to US$49.95 (equivalent to $93 in 2023).[49]
The Game Boy Light was released on April 14, 1998, and was only available in Japan. Like the Game Boy Pocket, the system was priced at ¥6,800 (equivalent to ¥6,892 in 2019).[50] The Game Boy Light is slightly bigger than the Game Boy Pocket and features an electroluminescent backlight allowing it to be played in low-light conditions. It uses two AA batteries, which give it approximately 12 gameplay hours with the backlight on and 20 with it off.[50] It was available in two standard colors: gold and silver.[50][51]
More than 1,000 games were released for the Game Boy, excluding cancelled and unlicensed games.[52] Additionally, more than 300 games developed for the Game Boy Color were backward compatible with the monochrome Game Boy models.[53][54]
Games are stored on cartridges called the Game Boy Game Pak, using read-only memory (ROM) chips. Initially, due to the limitations of the 8-bit architecture of the device, ROM size was limited to 32 KB. However, Nintendo overcame this limitation with a Memory Bank Controller (MBC) inside the cartridge. This chip sits between the processor and the ROM chips. The CPU can only access 32 KB at a time, but the MBC can switch between several banks of 32 KB ROM. Using this technology, Nintendo created Game Boy games that used up to 1 megabyte of ROM. Game Paks could also provide additional functionality to the Game Boy system. Some cartridges included up to 128 KB of RAM to increase performance, which could also be battery-backed to save progress when the handheld was off, real-time clock chips could keep track of time even when the device was off and Rumble Pak cartridges added vibration feedback to enhance gameplay.[20][55][56]
The top-selling franchise for the Game Boy were Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, the first installments of the Pokémon video game series, which sold more than 46 million copies.[57][58] The best-selling single game was Tetris, with more than 35 million copies shipped, it was a pack-in game included with the purchase of many original Game Boy devices.[59][60]
When the Game Boy was released in Japan in April 1989 alongside four launch titles: Alleyway (aBreakout clone), Baseball (aport of the NES game), Super Mario Land (an adaptation of the Mario franchise for the handheld format) and Yakuman (a Mahjong game).[61] When the console was introduced in North America, two more launch titles were added: Tetris and Tennis (another NES game port), while Yakuman was never released outside of Japan.[62][63]
Though it was less technically advanced than the Sega Game Gear, Atari Lynx, NEC TurboExpress and other competitors, notably by not supporting color, the Game Boy's lower price along with longer battery life made it much more such.[64][65] In its first two weeks in Japan, from its release on April 21, 1989, the entire stock of 300,000 units was sold; a few months later on July 31, 1989, 40,000 units were sold on its first release day.[18] It sold one million units in the United States within weeks.[66] More than 118.69 million units of the Game Boy and Game Boy Color combined have been sold worldwide, with 32.47 million units in Japan, 44.06 million in the Americas, and 42.16 million in other regions.[6] By Japanese fiscal year 1997, before Game Boy Color's release in late 1998, 64.42 million units of the Game Boy had been sold worldwide.[6][67] At a March 14, 1994, press conference in San Francisco, Nintendo vice president of marketing Peter Main answered queries about when Nintendo was coming out with a color handheld system by stating that sales of the Game Boy were strong enough that it had decided to hold off on developing a successor handheld for the near future.[68]
In 1995, Nintendo of America announced that 46% of Game Boy players were female, which was higher than the percentage of female players for both the Nintendo Entertainment System (29%) and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (14%).[69] In 2009, the Game Boy was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame, 20 years after its introduction.[70]
The console received mixed reviews from critics. In a 1997 year-end review, a team of four Electronic Gaming Monthly editors gave the Game Boy scores of 7.5, 7.0, 8.0, and 2.0. The reviewer who contributed the 2.0 panned the system due to its black-and-white display and motion blur, while his three co-reviewers praised its long battery life and strong games library, as well as the sleek, conveniently-sized design of the new Game Boy Pocket model.[71]
The Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket and Game Boy Color were commercially successful, selling a combined 118.69 million units worldwide: 32.47 million in Japan, 44.06 million in the Americas, and 42.16 million in all other regions.[6][72] At the time of its discontinuation in 2003, the combined sales of the Game Boy made it the best-selling game console of all time. In later years, its sales were surpassed by the Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Switch, making it the fourth-best-selling console of all time, as of 2024[update].[73]
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: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
Remove the cover on the back of the GAME BOY and insert the four AA batteries (supplied) as shown in the illustration.
(10) Headphone jack (PHONES) — Connect the stereo headphones that come with the GAME BOY to enjoy the impressive sounds of games without disturbing others around you. (11) Speaker — A small built-in external speaker. It will turn on automatically if the headphones are not plugged into the headphones jack.
Pokémon allowed more than metaphorical communication; it made use of a system that created actual communication — a network game.
Eventually the Lynx was squeezed out of the picture and the handheld market was dominated by the Nintendo GameBoy with the Sega Game Gear a distant second.
According to an article in Time magazine, the one million Game Boys sent to the United States in 1989 met only half the demand for the product. That allotment sold out in a matter of weeks and its black and white (except for Konami/Factor 5 games and SeaQuest DSV), was shown in color like the Game Gear version.
Game Boy and Game Boy Color's combined lifetime sales reached 118.7 million worldwide, according to Nintendo's latest annual report.
Game Boy
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