The best Game Boy isn’t just a nostalgia trip, it’s still one of the most enjoyable ways to play classic handheld games. Nintendo released several Game Boy models between 1989 and 2003, and each offers something different. Some collectors want the original experience. Others prefer modern conveniences like backlit screens and rechargeable batteries.

This guide breaks down every major Game Boy model still worth owning today. Whether someone wants to relive childhood memories or discover retro gaming for the first time, there’s a perfect Game Boy waiting for them.

Original Game Boy: The Classic That Started It All

The original Game Boy launched in 1989 and changed portable gaming forever. Its green-tinted screen and chunky design look dated now, but this console sold over 118 million units worldwide. That success wasn’t an accident.

Nintendo built the original Game Boy to last. The device runs on four AA batteries and can play for up to 30 hours on a single set. Many units from the late ’80s still work perfectly today. The build quality was exceptional for its time, and honestly, it still holds up.

The game library is the real draw here. Titles like Tetris, Super Mario Land, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening defined an entire generation of gaming. These games remain fun to play in 2025, even without color graphics.

But, the original Game Boy has some clear drawbacks. The screen lacks any backlight, making it nearly impossible to play in dim conditions. Players need direct light to see anything. The display also has noticeable motion blur during fast-paced games.

Who should buy one? The original Game Boy suits collectors and purists who want the authentic 1989 experience. It’s affordable, durable, and has that unmistakable retro charm. But casual players might find the screen limitations frustrating.

Game Boy Color: Bringing Handheld Gaming to Life

Nintendo released the Game Boy Color in 1998, and the upgrade was immediately obvious. This wasn’t just a cosmetic refresh, it was the best Game Boy option for players who wanted color without sacrificing the classic form factor.

The Game Boy Color features a 32,000-color palette, though most games display around 56 colors at once. That sounds limited by modern standards, but the visual improvement over the original was dramatic. Games like Pokémon Gold and Silver, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages, and Dragon Warrior III used color brilliantly.

Backward compatibility is a major advantage. The Game Boy Color plays the entire original Game Boy library while adding enhanced color to many older titles. Players get access to hundreds of games spanning nearly a decade of releases.

Battery life remains excellent at roughly 10-20 hours depending on usage. The console is also noticeably smaller and lighter than the original, making it more portable.

The screen still lacks a backlight, though. This remains the biggest complaint about the Game Boy Color. Playing at night requires an external light accessory or a well-lit room. Modern modders have addressed this with aftermarket backlit screens, but stock units share the same visibility issues as the original.

The Game Boy Color represents a solid middle ground between classic aesthetics and improved visuals. It’s one of the best Game Boy models for someone who wants color games but doesn’t need the advanced features of later hardware.

Game Boy Advance: The Most Powerful Option

The Game Boy Advance (GBA) arrived in 2001 and delivered a massive hardware leap. This console packed processing power comparable to the Super Nintendo into a handheld device. The results speak for themselves.

The GBA’s library is arguably the strongest of any Game Boy generation. Metroid Fusion, Advance Wars, Fire Emblem, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, and dozens of other classics call this system home. Many consider these games among the best handheld titles ever made.

The wider screen format changed game design possibilities. Developers could create more detailed worlds and complex gameplay systems. Ports of SNES games like Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past played beautifully on the hardware.

Full backward compatibility means the GBA plays every Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridge. One console covers three generations of games. That’s incredible value for collectors building a library.

Yet the original GBA model has a familiar problem: no backlight. Nintendo inexplicably shipped this powerful hardware with an unlit screen. The visibility issues are even more frustrating here because the games look so good otherwise.

The horizontal design also divided players. Some found it comfortable for extended sessions. Others missed the vertical orientation of earlier Game Boy models.

The Game Boy Advance offers the best game library and most powerful hardware. But the screen limitations mean most players should consider the upgraded SP model instead.

Game Boy Advance SP: Best Overall for Modern Players

The Game Boy Advance SP fixed everything wrong with earlier models. Released in 2003, this redesign is widely considered the best Game Boy for modern players, and for good reason.

The backlit screen changed everything. For the first time, Game Boy owners could play comfortably in any lighting condition. Late-night gaming sessions became possible without external accessories. The AGS-101 revision (released in 2005) features an even brighter backlit display that looks stunning today.

Nintendo switched to a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Players no longer needed to stockpile AA batteries. A full charge delivers 10-18 hours of gameplay depending on backlight usage. The included charger made power management simple.

The clamshell design protects the screen when closed. This makes the SP far more portable than any previous model. It slips into a pocket easily and survives being tossed in a bag.

Backward compatibility covers every Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance game. That’s over 2,500 titles accessible on one compact device. The SP represents the complete Game Boy experience in its most refined form.

The only real drawback is the lack of a headphone jack. Players need an adapter to use standard headphones. This oversight annoys many users, but it’s a minor complaint given everything else the SP gets right.

For anyone asking which Game Boy to buy in 2025, the Game Boy Advance SP (especially the AGS-101 model) is the answer. It combines the best library, best screen, and best portability into one package.

How to Choose the Right Game Boy for You

Selecting the best Game Boy depends on individual priorities. Here’s a quick breakdown to help buyers decide.

For collectors and purists: The original Game Boy offers authentic retro charm and exceptional durability. Prices remain reasonable, and the nostalgia factor is unmatched.

For color game enthusiasts: The Game Boy Color provides a great balance between classic design and improved visuals. Its library includes some of the best Pokémon games ever made.

For the best game selection: The Game Boy Advance has the strongest lineup of exclusive titles. Serious gamers who prioritize the library should start here.

For the best overall experience: The Game Boy Advance SP wins. The backlit screen, rechargeable battery, and full backward compatibility make it the most practical choice.

Budget considerations matter too. Original Game Boys and Game Boy Colors cost $30-80 depending on condition. Game Boy Advance consoles run $60-100. The Game Boy Advance SP (AGS-101 model) commands premium prices of $120-200 due to its superior screen.

Condition affects pricing significantly. Buyers should check for screen scratches, battery corrosion, and working buttons before purchasing. Reputable retro game stores often test units before selling them.

Modded consoles are another option. Many sellers install aftermarket backlit screens in older models, combining classic designs with modern visibility. These modified units cost more but solve the biggest complaint about pre-SP hardware.