How much was the Game Boy Pocket?

How Much Was the Game Boy Pocket?

The Game Boy Pocket, a smaller and lighter version of the original Game Boy, was released in 1996. This iconic handheld console was a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering longer battery life and a more portable design. But how much did it cost when it was first released?

Original Price

The Game Boy Pocket was launched in Japan on July 21, 1996, for US$69.99. Two months later, it was released in North America on September 3, 1996, for the same price.

Comparison to Other Consoles

The Game Boy Pocket was significantly cheaper than its competitors. The Atari Lynx, released in 1989, launched at $100, while the Sega Game Gear, released in 1990, started at $149.99. The NEC TurboExpress, released in 1990, was the most expensive, priced at $249.99.

Additional Features

The Game Boy Pocket offered several improvements over the original Game Boy, including:

• Longer battery life: Up to 10 hours of gameplay on two AAA batteries
• Smaller and lighter design: 10% smaller and 30% lighter than the original Game Boy
• Space for two AAA batteries: No need to carry separate batteries or adapters
• Improved ergonomics: A more comfortable design for extended gameplay sessions

Games

The Game Boy Pocket was compatible with all Game Boy games, including popular titles like Pokémon, Super Mario Land, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. The console also supported the Game Boy Printer, allowing players to print out their high scores and game progress.

Worth the Investment?

The Game Boy Pocket was a great value for its price, offering a significant improvement over the original Game Boy in terms of design and battery life. The console’s affordability and wide range of games made it a popular choice for gamers on the go.

Conclusion

The Game Boy Pocket was released in 1996 for US$69.99, a price that was significantly lower than its competitors. With its improved design, longer battery life, and compatibility with all Game Boy games, the Game Boy Pocket was a great value for its price. Today, the Game Boy Pocket is a nostalgic reminder of the early days of handheld gaming, and its affordability makes it a great option for collectors and gamers alike.

Specifications

Interesting Facts

• The Game Boy Pocket was the best-selling handheld console of all time, with over 118 million units sold worldwide.
• The Game Boy Pocket was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2009.
• The Game Boy Pocket was released in several colors, including red, blue, yellow, and purple.

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