Introduction to the GameBoy Color
The GameBoy Color: My faithful companion since its release in 1998. Even today, many years after it was discontinued in 2003, it remains one of my most-loved handheld gaming consoles. The GameBoy Color was the fourth iteration of the GameBoy in the GameBoy family manufactured by Nintendo. Predecessors include the GameBoy, GameBoy Pocket and the GameBoy Light (Japan only). The GameBoy Color was the first GameBoy to feature a colour screen.
Specifications
- Product name: GameBoy Color
- Model number: CGB-001
- Manufacturer: Nintendo
- Product line: GameBoy line
- Release date: October 21, 1998 (Japan)
- Console Generation: Fifth generation
- Game format: GameBoy/GameBoy Color catridges
- Region lock: no
- CPU: 8-bit
- Screen size: 2.6 inches (6.6 cm) diagonal length
- Screen resolution: 160×144
The Box
Despite the word “color” being spelt “colour” in many countries, Nintendo did not re-release the box with updated spelling. Instead they used the word “color” across all releases world-wide.
The colours used in the word “color” are the same as the colours in which the handheld gaming console was first released in:
- Strawberry
- Grape
- Kiwi
- Dandelion
- Teal
Inside the Box
A new GameBoy color comes with the following contents:
- 1x GameBoy Color device
- 1x manual
- 1x warranty card
- 1x health warning leaflet
The Device
Front
The front of the GameBoy Color is where the screen and the device controls are located. The device controls include a directional pad with four directions, an A-button, a B-button, a select button and a start button. Furthermore, an LED light is located next to the screen to indicate whether power is turned on. Based on the strength of the light the remaining battery charge can be approximated. Finally, on the bottom right of the face of the device is the speaker grill under which a speaker is housed which outputs audio from the device.
Back
At the back of the console is where the battery compartment lies. It is powered by two standard AA batteries. The back of the device is also where the cartridge slot is located, where games cartridges are inserted. Apart from supporting GameBoy Color cartridges, the device is backwards compatible with classic GameBoy cartridges.
Right Side
The power switch is located on the right side of the device and is the only component on the right side. The device has two power states: power on and power off.
Left Side
The left side of the device features a volume wheel for volume control and an EXT. port. The EXT. port allows communication between the GameBoy Color and external devices, such as other GameBoy devices, or the GameBoy Pocket Printer.
Top
The top of the device features an infrared communications port for wireless communication between devices, yet the feature was rarely used.
Bottom
The bottom of the device is where a 3.5mm headphone jack is located and a 3V DC input. The 3V DC input can be used with the appropriate rechargeable battery accessories.
Images by PlayEnthusiast.com, trivia and facts from the Official GameBoy Color manual (as provided with the device), the Game Boy CPU Manual v.1.01 by DP, Nintendo Wikia and Bulbapedia
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