The Game Boy is undoubtedly the most iconic handheld console of all time. We’ve all got one in some shape or form, but how much is a Game Boy worth these days?
The original Game Boy DMG was one of the 90s toys that everyone wanted. I still remember getting my first yellow DMG and loading up Super Mario Bros for the first time.
That little unit took me through some of the best portable adventures; I guess you could say that it started my training for being a Retro Dodo writer!
We’ve seen some amazing Game Boy variations over the years, eventually moving from the classic green screen of the DMG through black and white to colour, and finally back-lit models.
But the question still remains; what is a Game Boy worth in today’s market? How much is a GBA SP worth, and what’s the price of a Game Boy Pocket.
The answers to all of these questions, and a heck of a lot more rambling besides, can be found below!
(Please note: All of our market research and data is taken from eBay, as this is the most common way to sell a Game Boy. Information is accurate as of November 2020, and we will update this article on a monthly basis to keep you updated and to reflect on the fluctuation of prices. All prices are based in USD. Refurbished console listings may contain seller modified goods with updated hardware. Please check both listings and selling information thoroughly before purchase.)
Table of Contents
How Much Is A Game Boy Worth?
The original Gameboy as of today sells for $30 – $150 depending on the condition of the handheld and if you have the original box. Nintendo released the Gameboy, the Gameboy Pocket, the Gameboy Color, the Gameboy Advance, the Gameboy Advance SP and finally the Gameboy Micro.
The very first Game Boy, the DMG, is still considered as the golden grandaddy of portable gaming. The DMG, or ‘Dot Matrix Game’ console is the handheld that started it all and is still used as a base design for many of the best retro handhelds that arrive at Retro Dodo towers.
As is the case with the other articles in our ‘what’s it worth’ console series, the original Game Boy is still worth a lot of money if it’s in a sealed box. You’re looking at thousands of dollars in some instances!
If you’re just after a replacement unit, then you can pick one up for around $29 without any games. Bundles, or a used console with a box, can go for anything up to $152.
Sealed copies are currently selling for upwards of $600, so you better have a nice little nest egg tucked away if you want to bag one of those.
How Much Is A Game Boy Pocket Worth?
Next up is the Game Boy Pocket, a smaller, lighter version of the DMG with a black and white screen as opposed to the green used by it’s predeccessor.
The Game Boy Pocket still remains one of my favourite Game Boy styles, and you can pick one up for around $30 if you missed out the first time around in 1996.
With the same battery life as the original Game Boy, the Pocket is perfect for gamers on the go and uses fewer batteries too!
One sold for $800 recently complete with sealed box, but you can pick up a slice of untouched gaming history for around the $355 mark,
How Much Is A Game Boy Color Worth?
1998 saw the arrival of the Game Boy Color, and with it, a whole new style of play.
No longer were games black and white or shades of sepia; we could see Pokemon in glorious colour, explore immersive worlds with rich textures, and see our favourite characters in their true glory.
If you’re looking to get a console with some of the best Gameboy Color games included or a boxed version, then expect to pay around $219.
A used Game Boy Color will set you back around $30 dollars, with prices sky rocketing if you are trying to obtain a refurbished or modded console.
If, however, a sealed edition is just what the collection requires, then be prepared to spend upwards of $599!
How Much Is A Game Boy Advance Worth?
Everything changed in 2001 when we held the Game Boy Advance in our palms for the first time.
Paying horizontal homage to the Game & Watch consoles of old, the GBA looked cool and played incredibly. Modded Gameboy fans all over the world favour this iconic purple powerhouse, and I can still remember the first time I played Tony Hawks on this thing.
But how much is the Game Boy Advance Worth? Well, you can expect to pay around $39 for the console on it’s own, with prices heading up to the $155 mark for a boxed copy or a games bundle.
The refurbished category has a wide price margin in it due to the number of modded consoles in the sales listings, so be sure to check whether the unit your buying is an original if you’re after the real deal.
Sealed Game Boy Advance consoles are selling for upwards of $345.
How Much Is A Game Boy Advance SP Worth?
The Game Boy Advance SP changed portable gaming for the better. With its back-lit screen, we no longer had to worry about packing that annoying worm light or finding a light source to play the best Game Boy Advance games by.
This console still sells well even in 2020. A used limited edition Pikachu SP complete with box and manual recently sold for $599, but you can pick up a unit on its own for around $35
Looking for an original sealed console? That’s going to set you back around $455, although some of the rarer models have gone for a whopping $2,499!
A sealed Charizard SP Limited recently sold for $1,200, while a mint graded Pikachu console went for $1,500.
If you have one of those, then I suggest you hold on to it tightly!
How Much Is A Game Boy Micro Worth?
The Game Boy Micro fell somewhat by the wayside due to the marketing campaign surrounding the Nintendo DS. It’s a super small Game Boy that doesn’t have backwards compatibility, so it’s no good if you want to crack out the original Tetris game on the bus.
It does, however, play GBA games perfectly and, as the last Game Boy ever produced, is a nice slice of history to have in your collection.
But what is this Game Boy worth?
Well, you can pick up a used Game Boy Micro for around $50, making it the most expensive used console in this list so far. Boxed editions are selling for around $500, although refurbished units with boxes can be bought for £300.
What about sealed copies? Well, $200 will get you a Game boy Micro in a plastic case, but you could pay $699+ for a boxed Mario 20th Anniversary edition.
A Pokemon Center limited edition console recently sold for over $1,500.
How Much Is A Limited Edition Game Boy Worth?
I’ve mention limited edition Game Boy consoles a couple of times throughout this article. The fact is that there are so many to be found across the various evolutions of this mighty console that it would take forever to write them all down.
One that tends to be highly sought after is the GBA SP NES edition, a handheld that pays homage to Nintendo’s first-ever home console.
One of these used consoles will set you back around $74, knocking the Game Boy Micro off the top spot as the most expensive second-hand used Game Boy.
Sealed copies tend to cost anywhere upwards of $650.
Wondering how much is a NES worth after reading that section? We’ve found that out for you too!
How Much Is A Game Boy Camera Worth?
As with the other articles in this series, we had to include a couple of the best Gameboy accessories for you to peruse over
The Game Boy Camera was, at one time, considered the best portable digital camera in the world. It even made the Guinness Book of Records!
If you want to capture stills of games or pics of your friends like it’s 1998, then you can expect to pay between $19 and $36 for one depending on the item’s condition.
Sealed copies are selling for around $55, which is a fair price to pay for that new gadget smell!
How Much Is A Game Boy Printer Worth?
The Game Boy Printer is a neat bit of kit that goes hand-in-hand with the Game Boy Camera. The original rolls of paper for the printer aren’t in production any more, but you can buy a roll for $15 if you want the full nostalgic feel.
Used printers are selling for around $26 without a box, but you can expect to pay up to $119 if you want the full kit.
Brand new, never been used units are selling for upwards of $122, sometimes more if they come with the original paper rolls.
Seb Santabarbara has bought every Nintendo console that has ever been released in his 33 years on Planet Earth. His favourite game franchise is Zelda, and he’s patiently waiting for Banjo-Kazooie to come back to the fold. When he’s not playing games, he’s travelling the world in his self-converted camper van.
