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How much did a Game Boy Color cost when it came out?

Published in Gaming Console Pricing 1 min read

When the Game Boy Color was first released, its introductory price was US$79.95.

Initial Price of the Game Boy Color

Upon its debut, the Game Boy Color retailed for an introductory price of US$79.95. To put this into perspective, this amount is equivalent to approximately $150 in 2023, accounting for inflation. This made the handheld console an affordable and popular choice for gamers at the time, building on the success of its monochrome predecessor.

Game Boy Color Release Information

The Game Boy Color launched in late 1998 across various regions. Here's a summary of its initial pricing and release schedule:

Aspect Details
Introductory Price US$79.95
2023 Equivalent ~$150
Type Handheld game console
Generation Fifth

Regional Release Dates

The Game Boy Color was rolled out globally towards the end of 1998, with specific dates for different markets:

  • Japan (JP): October 21, 1998
  • North America (NA): November 18, 1998
  • Europe (EU): November 23, 1998
  • Australia (AU): November 27, 1998

The Game Boy Color marked a significant evolution for Nintendo's popular handheld line, introducing a color screen and improved processing power while maintaining backward compatibility with original Game Boy games. Its accessible price point was a key factor in its widespread adoption, making it a cornerstone of handheld gaming in the late 1990s.