The original Game Boy was released by Nintendo in 1989 and went on to become one of the most iconic and influential video game systems of all time. More than 30 years later, the original Game Boy remains a beloved and sought-after item for retro gaming collectors. But if you have an original Game Boy tucked away in storage somewhere, you may be wondering: how much is my original Game Boy worth today?
A Brief History of the Original Game Boy
The original Game Boy was designed by Nintendo’s legendary developer Gunpei Yokoi and first hit stores in Japan on April 21, 1989. It launched shortly after in North America and Europe in July and September 1989. The Game Boy came at just the right time, arriving on the heels of the 1980s home console boom set off by the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). With its lightweight design, green-and-black display, and lineup of hit games like Tetris, Super Mario Land, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, the original Game Boy was a massive success, eventually selling over 118 million units worldwide.
Factors That Determine an Original Game Boy’s Value
There are several key factors that determine how much an original Game Boy is worth today to collectors and gaming enthusiasts:
Condition
As with most retro items, the condition of the original Game Boy is very important. Game Boys in pristine shape or even still in the original box fetch higher prices. Working condition is also key – Game Boys still functioning well with good screen visibility bring more value.
Special Editions
Nintendo released several special editions of the Game Boy, including a Play It Loud transparent color series in 1995. Special editions like this tend to be worth more than standard editions among collectors.
Rarity
Over 118 million original Game Boys were sold, so they are plentiful, but certain variations like special editions are rarer finds and command higher prices.
Games and Accessories
The original Game Boy itself has good value, but being able to bundle it with popular games from that era and accessories like the Game Boy Link Cable increases the value and collectability.
Loose vs. Complete in Box Prices
Pricing for an original Game Boy can vary quite a bit depending on whether it is loose or complete in the original box (CIB). Here are sample pricing ranges:
Loose
| Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Non-working | $10 – $30 |
| Working | $40 – $100 |
| Good condition | $100 – $150 |
| Excellent condition | $150 – $200 |
Complete in Box (CIB)
| Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Good condition | $150 – $250 |
| Excellent condition | $250 – $400 |
| Sealed/Brand new | $500 – $1,000+ |
As you can see, being complete in box with manuals and inserts adds a significant amount to the value compared to loose Game Boy units.
Most Valuable Variations
While a loose, regular edition original Game Boy in good condition averages around $100 – $150 in value, there are certain variations that can command much higher prices:
Play It Loud Series
The transparent color Play It Loud Game Boys released in 1995 are worth $175 – $300 loose in good condition and up to $500 CIB.
Pokémon Edition
Released in 1998 to tie in with Pokémon fever, the yellow Pokémon edition Game Boys can sell for $200 – $400 loose and over $1,000 new in box.
Legend of Zelda Edition
Game Boys released later in the console’s life cycle with special designs like the gold Legend of Zelda edition are highly sought after, worth $300+ loose and $1,000+ CIB for collectors.
Most Valuable and Rare Games
The value of an original Game Boy also comes down to what games are included with it. Here are some of the rarest and most valuable Game Boy games that can raise the system’s value significantly:
| Game | CIB Value |
|---|---|
| Tetris (1989) | $200 – $300 |
| Super Mario Land (1989) | $60 – $100 |
| Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 (1994) | $175 – $250 |
| Kirby’s Dream Land (1992) | $90 – $150 |
| Pokémon Red/Blue (1998) | $1,000+ |
| The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (1993) | $250 – $400 |
Bundling any of these classic Game Boy titles, especially boxed, can increase the sale value. Even loose cartridges of rare games like Pokémon add to the system’s worth.
Where to Buy and Sell an Original Game Boy
The best places to buy and sell original Game Boys and games are through online marketplaces focused on retro gaming and collecting. Here are some top options:
eBay
As one of the largest online auction and shopping sites, eBay is a go-to spot to buy and sell Game Boys, often as auction listings. Selection is wide and prices vary greatly based on rarity and condition.
DKOldies
DKOldies is an online retro gaming store that stocks a large selection of original Game Boys and accessories in various conditions. Items are tested and graded for condition.
JJGames
JJGames is similar to DKOldies, offering refurbished and used original Game Boys for sale along with authentication and condition ratings.
Local Retro Game Stores
Checking local retro gaming stores is another option to find original Game Boys for sale. Stores may also purchase used Game Boys depending on condition and value.
Facebook Marketplace
Searching Facebook Marketplace can turn up local sellers offering original Game Boys for competitive pricing. This is a good option to connect directly with sellers.
Preserving Value
If you have an original Game Boy and want to preserve or potentially increase its current value, here are some tips:
- Properly store it away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight which can damage the plastic and electronics.
- Leave the original batteries out to avoid corrosion or leaks.
- Clean with a soft cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol rather than chemical cleaners.
- Do not try to repair the system yourself if non-working – leave that to experienced video game restorers.
- Keep all original accessories, manuals, and box packaging.
Conclusion
The original Game Boy is a true icon in video game history. While loose, working units average around $100 – $200 in value, special editions, rare games, and complete in box status can push prices up over $1,000. As one of gaming’s most beloved retro systems, the original Game Boy only increases in collector significance over time. Checking marketplaces like eBay and gaming stores allows you to assess the current value based on condition and completeness. For most retro gamers and Nintendo fans, the original Game Boy represents far more than monetary value as a vintage window back to countless childhood memories.