Nintendo Game Boy Pocket (Pre-Owned)
The Game Boy Pocket shrinks the original Game Boy into a slim handheld that runs on two AAA batteries and has a clearer black-and-white screen. It plays the whole original Game Boy library, from Tetris and Pokemon Red and Blue to The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening.
- Condition: Pre-Owned
- Platform: Game Boy
- Free U.S. shipping on every order
- 30-day returns
- Local store in Perris, CA
Images are representative. Cosmetic wear and included accessories vary on pre-owned items.
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- Local StorePerris, CA
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A smaller Game Boy with a clearer screen
Nintendo released the Game Boy Pocket in North America in 1996. It is noticeably smaller and lighter than the original Game Boy, runs on two AAA batteries instead of four AA, and replaced the green-tinted display with a true black-and-white screen that blurs less in motion. The screen is not backlit, so it needs good room light, just like the original. It uses the same cartridges, the same D-pad and A and B buttons, and has a headphone jack for stereo sound.
Which cartridges fit the Pocket
Every original gray Game Boy cartridge works, including Super Mario Land, Metroid II: Return of Samus, Kirby's Dream Land and Pokemon Red, Blue and Yellow. Black Game Boy Color cartridges, which were made to run on both systems, also play in black and white. Clear Game Boy Color-only cartridges and Game Boy Advance games do not work. The link port is the smaller style also used by the Game Boy Color, so trading Pokemon with an original Game Boy needs a link cable made for both connector sizes.
Buying a pre-owned Game Boy Pocket
The Game Boy Pocket is now about three decades old. On any used unit, the screen lens, the battery compartment contacts and the cartridge slot are the areas worth a look, and well-used screens can show faded or missing pixel lines. This listing covers the handheld itself, so batteries, an AC adapter, a link cable and games come only if the title names them. The photo shows a representative Game Boy Pocket, and colors vary by unit.
Questions about this item
Does the Game Boy Pocket play Game Boy Color games?
Only the black dual-mode cartridges, which run in black and white. Clear Game Boy Color-only cartridges will not start, and Game Boy Advance games do not work. Original Game Boy cartridges from any region play, because Game Boy games are not region-locked.
What comes with the Game Boy Pocket?
The listing is for the Game Boy Pocket handheld itself. Batteries, an AC adapter, a link cable, games and the box vary by unit and are included only if the listing title says so. It runs on two standard AAA batteries.
Is the screen backlit?
No. Like the original Game Boy, the Pocket has a reflective screen with no backlight, so it is best played in good light. Its black-and-white display is easier to read than the green screen of the original model and handles motion better.
You get the pre-owned item described in the product facts. Images are representative, so cosmetic wear can vary.
Condition:Pre-Owned
Pre-owned items show normal signs of use. Images are representative, so cosmetic wear can vary. If an item arrives not as described, faulty or damaged, contact us within 30 days of delivery and we will make it right.
Shipping is free on every U.S. order, with no minimum spend. Orders ship within 3 business days, and estimated delivery is 7 to 10 business days from order confirmation.
You can return items within 30 days of delivery. For change of mind returns you pay return shipping; if we sent the wrong item or it arrived faulty or damaged, we cover it. We do not charge restocking fees.
See our shipping policy and return policy for full details.
Key Features
- A smaller Game Boy with a clearer screen
- Which cartridges fit the Pocket
- Buying a pre-owned Game Boy Pocket
Product facts
- Hardware
- Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
- Platform
- Game Boy
- Type
- Handheld console
- Plays
- Game Boy cartridges and black Game Boy Color dual-mode cartridges
- Connections
- Runs on two AAA batteries or an optional AC adapter
- US launch
- 1996
- Condition
- Pre-Owned
- Brand
- Nintendo
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