The Game Boy line of handhelds by Nintendo – including the original Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance – have become beloved classics for gamers and collectors. But finding certain editions and limited models in pristine condition can demand premium prices. This guide will examine how much these retro handhelds are worth based on factors like rarity, condition, included games or accessories, special editions, and region.
Table of Contents
What Impacts an Old Game Boy’s Value?
Several key factors influence how much collectors are willing to pay for Game Boys today:
- Rarity – Limited special editions command higher prices
- Condition – New or mint games in original packaging fetch premium value
- Included Games – Having boxed rare games can greatly boost system value
- Modifications – Unmodified original systems tend to be worth more
- Accessories – Having things like carry bags and printer addons increase value
- Region – Certain Japanese exclusive models and colors are highly sought after
Rarity, completeness, and condition play the biggest roles in evaluating a Game Boy system’s worth to collectors.
Original Game Boy Value
As the retro pioneer of handheld gaming, the original Game Boy is in demand:
Used System Value:
- Loose Console: $40-$60
- With Box: $100-$150
- Sealed in Box: $300+
New/Sealed System Value:
- $1000+ (extremely rare)
Notable Rare Editions:
- Game Boy Light (Japanese exclusive with backlit screen)
- Play it Loud series (vibrant colored transparent cases)
Given its age and fragility, finding an original Game Boy still sealed or in mint condition is very uncommon, driving prices above $1000 in some cases. Even used loose units can still command decent value.
Game Boy Pocket Value
Released in 1996, the Game Boy Pocket included a smaller form factor and improved screen:
Used System Value:
- Loose Console: $20-$40
- With Box: $60-$100
- Sealed in Box: $250+
New/Sealed System Value:
- $500+ (rare)
The Game Boy Pocket lacks some of the prestige and nostalgia of the original, keeping used prices lower. But factory sealed units still fetch premium collector pricing.
Game Boy Color Value
Introducing color graphics, the Game Boy Color dramatically expanded gameplay possibilities:
Used System Value:
- Loose Console: $40-$60
- With Box: $100-$150
- Sealed in Box: $300+
New/Sealed System Value:
- $1000+ (rare)
Notable Rare Editions:
- Pokemon Edition (yellow/blue themed shells)
- Clearcase Transparent Console
The Game Boy Color in exclusive Pokemon designs or see-through casing tends to command higher loose prices around $80-$100. Sealed Pokemon editions can exceed $1000.
Game Boy Advance Value
The Game Boy Advance represented a major technical leap forward for handheld gaming:
Used System Value:
- Loose Console: $40-$60
- With Box: $100-$150
- Sealed in Box: $300+
New/Sealed System Value:
- $1000+ (rare)
Notable Rare Editions:
- Pokemon Center GBA (gold limited edition prize)
- Toy R Us Gold Edition
Given the GBA sold over 80 million units, unused prices stay lower relative to earlier models. But special editions easily break $1000 sealed.
Game Boy Micro Value
The Game Boy Micro was a tiny GBA variation released in 2005:
Used System Value:
- Loose Console: $80-$100
- With Box: $150-$200
- Sealed in Box: $400+
New/Sealed System Value:
- $1000+ (extremely rare)
This hard-to-find final GBA remodel brings a premium both loose and new due to relatively limited production numbers before Nintendo moved on to the DS line.
Loose Game Boy Game Values
Popular games can greatly increase a system’s worth. Here are typical loose cart prices:
| Game Title | Used Loose Value |
|---|---|
| Pokemon Red/Blue | $15-$25 |
| The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening | $25-$35 |
| Super Mario Land 2 | $15-$20 |
| Metroid II | $20-$30 |
| Wario Land | $15-$25 |
| Tetris | $5-$10 |
| Pokemon Gold/Silver | $20-$30 |
Rarer Japanese exclusives like Trip World, Alien vs Predator, and Revelations: The Demon Slayer can reach $200+ loose. Box and instructions add more value for collectors.
Factory Sealed Game Boy Game Values
Complete sealed Game Boy games attract big premiums:
| Game Title | Sealed Value |
|---|---|
| Pokemon Red/Blue | $1000+ |
| The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons | $300-$500 |
| Super Mario Land | $200-$300 |
| Metroid II | $250-$400 |
| Tetris | $600-$1000 |
Especially heavyweight franchise launch titles like Pokemon Red/Blue and Tetris command staggering prices still factory sealed after decades.
Game Boy Accessory Values
Certain accessories can be quite rare and valuable:
- Game Boy Camera: $80-$100 Loose, $300+ Sealed
- Game Boy Printer: $100-$150 Loose, $400+ Sealed
- Carry Cases: $20-$40 Depending on Quality
- Link Cables: $10-$20 Loose
- Game Genie/Shark Cheat Devices: $20-$30 Loose
Full bundles with boxed accessories add to the package value significantly.
How Condition Impacts Value
Condition is crucial – prices jump sharply for truly mint and complete-in-box examples:
- Loose Good Condition: drops 25-50% of loose price
- Loose Fair Condition: drops 50-75% of loose price
- With Box Good Condition: drops 0-25% of CIB price
- With Box Fair Condition: drops 25-50% of CIB price
Even sealed boxes with damage or wear decrease value for collectors seeking pristine specimens. Evaluate condition carefully when appraising old Game Boys and keep all packaging if possible.
Conclusion
The Game Boy line of handhelds spans many models over decades, making certain editions like sealed early models or special editions highly coveted by today’s collectors. When valuing an original Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket, Game Boy Color, or Game Boy Advance, factors like production runs, region, included games and accessories, condition, and packaging completeness need to be weighed. This results in a broad range, from sub-$50 loose units all the way up to mint sealed examples over $1000. With nostalgia for these retro portables continuing to grow, prices on rarer pieces of Game Boy history will likely keep increasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of a resealed Game Boy game or system?
Reseals may show fresh, loose shrink wrap. Boxes lack original crisp folds and may show glue residue. Inspection for authenticity labels and numbers is key.
Are Japanese Game Boy releases worth more?
Sometimes yes – Japan exclusives like Game Boy Light are highly prized. But region popularity matters too – a US release may outprice a Japan version.
Do limited edition consoles include special packaging?
Typically yes – colored or graphically unique boxes were used for many special editions and marked as limited quantity releases.
Do repro or bootleg games carry any value?
No – only authentic licensed Nintendo releases have collector value. Unlicensed reproductions are not sought after.
How can I research the rarity of a specific edition?
Resources like Console Variations are invaluable for checking production numbers. Regional popularity also provides clues to relative rarity worldwide.
Are modified or repaired Game Boys worth less?
Yes, collectors want completely original hardware. Backlit, re-shelled, or repaired units are considered less desirable.
What’s the most expensive Game Boy sold?
A factory sealed 1991 launch edition Game Boy sold for over $25,000 at auction in 2021, likely the record holder. Sealed test market editions also fetch insane prices.
Which box style or logo is preferred?
Early box variants with “Game Boy” in a prolonged font and stark black design are generally most sought after by collectors and preserve the most value.
