Game Boy Color

CGB-001 · 1998–2003 · handheld console

Specifications

Cpu: Sharp LR35902 (CGB CPU variant), 4.19 MHz, switchable to 8.4 MHz double-speed mode for Game Boy Color software
Ram: max: 32 KB work RAM (fixed) · base: 32 KB work RAM (banked, up from 8 KB on the original Game Boy)
Media: Game Pak cartridge (ROM up to 8 Mbit typical); backward compatible with original Game Boy Game Paks
Output: Link cable port (2-player, faster than original Game Boy), infrared port, mono speaker, stereo headphone jack
Battery: 2x AA, approx. 10 hours
Display: 2.6-inch reflective color STN LCD, 160x144, up to 56 simultaneous colors from a 32,768-color palette, no backlight
Release Price: $79.99

Variants

Revisions

CGB-001CGB-001Game Boy Color model

Colors

BerryA raspberry red, not purple (community correction)

DandelionLaunch lineup, 1998

KiwiLaunch lineup, 1998

TealLaunch lineup, 1998

GrapeLaunch lineup, 1998

Atomic PurpleTranslucent, 1999

Upgrade paths

other

Drop-in IPS backlit LCD panel and USB-C rechargeable battery conversion · Shares much of the same mod ecosystem as the original Game Boy; kits require shell trimming and soldering.

~$40-$90 for a kit

MODERATE

Page contributors

Thanks to @jobot for notes, guides and corrections on this page.