1996
NINTENDO

GAME BOY POCKET

PORTABLE
GAME BOY POCKET

📜 History & Legacy

The Game Boy Pocket, released by Nintendo in 1996, was a significant revision of the original Game Boy, offering a smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient handheld gaming experience. Responding to criticisms of the original's bulky size and battery consumption, the Game Boy Pocket retained the core functionality and game library while improving portability and aesthetics. Its sleeker design, smaller size, and requirement of only two AAA batteries made it an instant hit, revitalizing interest in the Game Boy line and paving the way for future handheld iterations.

Beyond its physical improvements, the Game Boy Pocket also featured a sharper, higher-contrast screen compared to its predecessor. This enhanced visibility made gameplay more enjoyable, particularly in varying lighting conditions. While it didn't introduce any new processing power or gameplay mechanics, the Game Boy Pocket successfully addressed key shortcomings of the original, solidifying the Game Boy's dominance in the handheld gaming market and ensuring its continued success against emerging competitors. Its impact on handheld gaming is undeniable, proving that iterative design and addressing consumer feedback can be as impactful as groundbreaking innovation. The Game Boy Pocket's design also influenced later handheld consoles.

⚙️ Specifications

  • ❖ CPU: 8-bit Sharp LR35902 at 4.19 MHz
  • ❖ RAM: 8 KB internal S-RAM
  • ❖ VRAM: 8 KB internal
  • ❖ Resolution: 160 x 144 pixels
  • ❖ Display: Reflective LCD
  • ❖ Colors: 4 shades of gray
  • ❖ Sound: 4-channel stereo sound (via headphones)
  • ❖ Media: Game Boy cartridges
  • ❖ Battery: 2 AAA batteries
  • ❖ Dimensions: 127.6 mm x 77.6 mm x 25.3 mm

🎮 Top 10 Games

  • ★ Pokemon Red/Blue
  • ★ Tetris
  • ★ Super Mario Land
  • ★ The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
  • ★ Metroid II: Return of Samus
  • ★ Kirby's Dream Land
  • ★ Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
  • ★ Dr. Mario
  • ★ Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge
  • ★ Final Fantasy Adventure

💡 Curiosities

  • ? The Game Boy Pocket was available in multiple colors, including red, yellow, green, black, and clear.
  • ? It used two AAA batteries instead of the original Game Boy's four AA batteries.
  • ? The screen was sharper and had better contrast than the original Game Boy screen.
  • ? The Game Boy Pocket was slightly smaller and lighter than the original Game Boy.
  • ? A limited edition Hello Kitty Game Boy Pocket was released in Japan.
  • ? The Game Boy Pocket did not have an external power supply port, unlike the original Game Boy.
  • ? The internal speaker was slightly weaker compared to the original Game Boy.
  • ? The Game Boy Pocket was compatible with all original Game Boy games.
  • ? Nintendo released a series of accessories for the Game Boy Pocket, including a magnifying glass and a light.
  • ? The Game Boy Pocket helped revitalize Game Boy sales in the mid-1990s.