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Game Boy

HARDWARE GUIDE

 

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A large number of hardware is available around Nintendo's Game Boy Classic. Partly released by Nintendo itself, partly licensed and partly without license. On this page you will find a compilation of the original and licensed hardware known to me. If something is missing, I'm happy to read from you.

Game Boy™ Console
DMG-01 JPN
The Game Boy is Nintendo's first portable console with interchangeable game cartridges. The console has a directional pad, two action buttons (A, B) and a Start and Select button. The display is a monochrome LCD screen in green with no backlight. The console is powered by 4 standard AA batteries.

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Game Boy™ Stereo Headphones
DMG-02
The stereo headphones were included with the main console in some sets. In Japan, this was sold separately under the designation DMG-02. The headphones were connected to the headphone jack on the bottom of the Game Boy. Unlike the Game Boy's mono speaker, the headphones could play sound in stereo.

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Game Boy™ Rechargeable Adapter
DMG-03
The rechargeable adapter is a rechargeable battery (there are 4 AA batteries inside) that powers the Game Boy for about 10 hours. In addition, the device can also be used as an AC adapter for the Game Boy. The adapter is available in a standard (battery on the left) and a slightly larger version (battery on the right) depending on the countries voltage it was released.

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Game Boy™ Interactive Play-Cable
DMG-04
The Game Link cable could be used to connect two consoles for multiplayer gaming. This model is only compatible with the Game Boy Classic. To connect the Game Boy Classic with later models, use a Game Boy Link cable adapter (MGB-004) or the Universal Link cable (MGB-010) with adapter DMG-14.

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Game Boy™ Interactive Play-Cable - Shielded Version
DMG-04A
To reduce electromagnetic interference, Nintendo developed a revised version of the DMG-04 Interactive Play-Cable with a better electromagnetic shielding and sold it under the designation DMG-04A.

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Game Boy™ Battery Case
DMG-05
Nintendo's battery case (DMG-05) uses four replaceable C batteries to supply about 40 hours of additional power to the Game Boy. Compared to the rechargeable battery (DMG-03), the battery case is significantly larger and heavier. The battery case was only released in Japan and ist nowadays almost impossible to find.

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Game Boy™ Soft Case
DMG-06
The Nintendo Game Boy Soft Case is a storage bag designed to keep the Game Boy console and game cartridges safe. It is made of a material called Belleseime (a Japanese material made of a mixture of polyester and nylon microfibres that is dirt-repellent and very easy to clean). The soft case was originally launched with the original Gameboy in 1989. ​ The soft case is extremely rare. It was only sold in Japan in a very limited edition. As one of the few Game Boy Classic items, the softcase was given a DMG number (DMG-06) in Nintendo's internal numbering system. For Game Boy collectors, the Soft Case is probably the hardest accessory to find.

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Game Boy™ 4-Player Adapter
DMG-07
With the four-player adapter, up to 4 players can join together to play a multi-player game. The unit has a built-in link cable and three connectors for additional link cables. Only a few games in 4-player mode were released for the Game Boy. The 4-Player Adapter has also been bundled with some games (e.g. F1 Race).

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Game Boy™ Cleaning Kit
DMG-08
The Game Boy Cleaning Kit is used to clean the contacts of the game cartridges. Dirty contacts were a common cause of games no longer working. The Cleaning Kit was shaped like a game cartridge and was inserted into the cartridge slot of the game cartridge. A plastic stick with cleaning pads on both sides freed the contacts from dirt.

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Game Boy™ Cartridge
DMG-09
The classic game cartridge for the Game Boy also had a hardware code, although hardly known. The designation DMG-09 is not apparent on the game cartridges but same games mention the DMG number on the cardboard box (like "Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3"). It is also declared on Nintendo's website (for reference click HERE)

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Game Boy™ Battery Pack II - AC Adapter
DMG-A-NR-NOE
The AC adapter (the grey item on the photo / DMG-10) is used to charge the Battery Pack II (DMG-11). Unlike the Battery Pack I, the AC adapter can be separated from the Battery Pack. This means that the charged Battery Pack can be transported without the unwieldy AC adapter. The item was only sold in Europe.

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Game Boy™ Battery Pack II
DMG-A-NR-NOE
The Rechargeable Battery Pack II (the white item on the photo / DMG-11) is the further development of the Battery Pack I (DMG-03). The design is slimmer and lighter in weight. Charging time and performance are the same. The Battery Pack II was only sold in Europe.

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Game Boy™ Rumble Pack Cartridge
DMG-P-VPHJ(JPN)
A Game Boy game cartridge equipped with a vibration motor to give feedback to the player. The motor in the game cartridge is powered by a AAA battery. The game cartridge is used in games such as "Pokemon Pinball" and "Perfect Dark".

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Game Boy™ Universal Game-Link Adapter
DMG-14
With the Universal Game Link Adapter, the Game Boy Classic can be connected to later Game Boy models. The adapter was never purchased separately. It was only available in combination with the Game Boy Color Game Link Cable (CGB-003).

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Game Boy™ Tilt Sensor Game Pack
CGB-P-KKK(JPN)
A Game Boy game cartridge equipped with an accelerometer. The sensor detects the position of the Game Boy and the speed at which the console is moved. Although the Game Pack is only compatible with Game Boy Color, interestingly enough, the game cartridge has been given a DMG number (DMG-20). This is the last item that follows the DMG coding. The game cartridge is used in the game "Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble".

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Game Boy™ Camera
GBD-S-MAA-UKV
The Game Boy Camera (in Japan "Pocket Camera") was released together with the Game Boy Printer in 1998. The camera can take greyscale photos. These can then be edited with the camera's built-in software or transferred to compatible programmes/devices (e.g. Mario Artist). The pictures can be printed on thermal paper using the Game Boy Printer. The camera was available in different colors.

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Game Boy™ Printer
GBP-S-GB-UKV-1
The Game Boy Printer (MGB-007) is a monochrome printer for the Game Boy series. Printing is done on self-adhesive thermal paper (MGB-009). The prints could thus be used as stickers. The device came on the market in 1998 together with the Game Boy camera (MGB-006). For the connection with the Game Boy a special Game Link-Cable was needed (MGB-010)

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Game Boy™ Printer Paper (blue)
GBP-A-PBKA(JPN)
Where there's a printer, there's paper. Nintendo supplied the Japanese owners of the Game Boy Printer with this self-adhesive thermal paper rolls. The printouts could be used as stickers due to the adhesive properties. There were different paper colors available. This token shows the bluish version of the paper.

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Game Boy™ Printer Paper (yellow)
GBP-A-PYKA(JPN)
Where there's a printer, there's paper. Nintendo supplied the Japanese owners of the Game Boy Printer with this self-adhesive thermal paper rolls. The printouts could be used as stickers due to the adhesive properties. There were different paper colors available. This token shows the yellow version of the paper.

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Game Boy™ Printer Paper (white)
GBP-A-PWCA(JPN)
Where there's a printer, there's paper. Nintendo supplied the Japanese owners of the Game Boy Printer with this self-adhesive thermal paper rolls. The printouts could be used as stickers due to the adhesive properties. There were different paper colors available. This token shows the white version of the paper.

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Game Boy™ Game Link (USA)
MGB-A-TS-USA
The Game Link set allows to connect Game Boy consoles of different generations and other hardware, such as the Game Boy Printer. The set consists of the game boy universal link cable (CGB-003) and the DMG-14 adapter to connect the Game Boy Classic with the other devices (e.g. MGB-A-TS / MGB-A-TS2).

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Game Boy™ Console Link Adapter
MGB-004
The adapter allows you to connect the Game Boy Classic to the Game Boy Pocket. To do this, the Game Link cable of the Game Boy Classic must be connected to the adapter, which is then plugged into the Game Boy Pocket.

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Game Boy™ Super Game Boy Adapter
SHVC-SGB
The "Super Game Boy" is an adapter that allows to play Game Boy games on the TV with the help of the Super Nintendo (SNES). An entire Game Boy Classic mainboard is integrated into the module, which passes the video signal on to the SNES. Greyscales are converted to colours by the adapter and the colour palette can be adjusted on the SNES according to the personal preferences of the gamer. This token displays the Japanese version of the Super Game Boy.

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Game Boy™ Super Game Boy 2 Adapter
SHVC-SGB2-JPN-2
This is a revised variant of the Super Game Boy that was only distributed in Japan. The housing is a transparent blue and is slimmer than the first variant. ​ The hardware has been expanded to include a Game Link connector and an LED display. The Game Link connector allowed the connection of a Game Boy or other compatible hardware with the Super Nintendo (e.g. Game Boy Printer). The firmware also received an update and had five new screen border graphics ready.

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Game Boy™ Player
DOL-A-GPPL(JPN)
The Game Boy Player (ゲームボーイプレーヤー, Gēmu Bōi Purēyā) allows to play Game Boy Classic, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games on the Nintendo GameCube and is the last hardware solution for playing Game Boy Classic game cartridges on successor consoles. ​ The Game Boy Player hardware (DOL-017) plugs into the high-speed parallel port on the bottom of the GameCube. A boot disc (DOL-006) is required to access the hardware. The Game Boy Player does not emulate a Game Boy system. Instead, the attachment contains hardware that is almost identical to that of the Game Boy Advance.

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Nintendo64 Transfer Pack
NUS-019
The Transfer Pak is an adapter for the Nintendo 64 that allows you to read a Game Boy or Game Boy Color cartridge on the N64. A Game Boy game cartridge can be inserted into the Transfer Pack. The Transfer Pack itself is inserted into the Nintendo 64 controller.

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Game Boy™ Game Case
DMG-XX
To protect the Game Boy game cartridges from external influences, each game was shipped with a protective plastic case. It is likely that the case claims one of the unassigned DMG codes.

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Game Boy™ Belt Carry Bag
DMG ANC
The fanny pack was released by Nintendo especially for the Game Boy Classic. The bag is padded and offers space for the Game Boy Classic, cables and a few games.

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Game Boy™ Compact Carrying Case
045496720025
Nintendo of America released this nylon soft carrying case exclusively for the American market in 1989. The bag has space for the Game Boy console (DMG-01), 4 games, headphones (DMG-02), the Video Link™ cable and a few game manuals. The bag can be attached to the wearer's belt for safe transport.

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Game Boy™ AC Adapter
GB-8
An AC adapter for the Game Boy Classic. This adapter was only sold in Japan. In the other countries, the Battery Pack was sold instead (DMG-03) as it offered an AC adapter built in.

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Game Boy™ Car Adapter
VG-01
To prevent gamers from running out of energy during long car journeys, Nintendo released this power adapters for the cigarette lighter. This car adapter was only distributed in Japan.

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Game Boy™ Light Max™
649 2223
The Game Boy Classic (DMG-01) is not equipped with a screen backlight, making it difficult to play when light conditions are bad. The Light Max (VLB-02) is Nintendo's aftermarket approach to solve this problem.

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Game Boy™ Pocket Bomberman
DMG-P-APOJ(JPN)
Pocket Bomberman by Hudson Soft is a very special game. It's not the gameplay that's special, but the packaging. The game comes in the Japanese version in a small metal box and thus differs from the standard packaging of Game Boy games.

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Game Boy™ Carry Bag
Unknown
Nintendo has included this carrying case with some Game Boy bundles (e.g. Game Boy Console + Super Mario 1 & 2 + Carry Bag). The bag offers space for the Game Boy, 4 games and accessories in two separate compartments.

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Maxell Power Ace Red AA Batteries
R6P AA
The Game Boy came standard with 4 AA batteries. The Maxell Power Ace Red batteries were probably the most common type. In the meantime, the few batteries still in existence tend to run out and are now purely collector's items.

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Hoaitri AA Batteries
R6 AA UM-3
These batteries were also used for various Game Boy bundles. In the meantime, the few batteries still in existence tend to run out and are now purely collector's items.

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Bandai Pocket Sonar
DMG-P-AHWJ(JPN)
The Pocket Sonar by Bandai is one of the most bizarre hardware accessories for the Game Boy. It is one of the officially licensed accessories for the Game Boy Classic. It was specially designed for anglers and allows them to locate fish under water. The extremely chunky device is battery-powered and fits into the module slot of the handheld console. The sonar, which is equipped with a float, hangs from a long cable. To prevent the Game Boy from getting wet, a dry bag is included in the delivery. The software also offers a mini-game and a fish database to identify the fish caught. The device works with the Game Boy Classic and the Game Boy Pocket but not with later models.

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Konami™ Hyperboy™
RU005
The Godzilla of the Game Boy world. The rare Konami Hyperboy is a true monster in size and swallows up the entire Game Boy. Powerful stereo speakers, a magnifying glass, two front lights and an arcade stick turn the Game Boy Classic into an arcade machine. The device requires two D batteries for operation.

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Joyplus Handy Boy™
SV-907
The Joyplus Handy Boy™ by STD is one of the most curious hardware accessories that exist for the Game Boy Classic. The device was an attempt at an all-in-one solution to the most common improvement requests of the Game Boy fan community. The Handy Boy features a screen magnifying glass and lights for the missing backlight of the screen. In addition it gives the Game Boy a rich stereo sound with the two built-in speakers. The device doesn't need its own power supply as it taps into the Game Boy batteries with a creative cable solution.

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Nuby Game Pack Carry Case
#GC-3
There was a wide variety of solutions for storing Game Boy games. The officially licensed Game Pak Carry Case from third-party producer Nuby is one of them. The case is a simple bag equipped with a carrying strap. The bag offers space for storing up to 12 Game Boy Classic games. The bag has a velcro fastener to prevent the games from falling out during transport.

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Nuby Play & Carry Case
#GC-8
This article from Nuby is a combination of carrying case and protective sleeve for the Game Boy Classic. It offers space for up to 4 games and absorbs shocks in case of a fall. The console can be used without removing the bag. With a carrying strap, the bag can be transported easily and safely.

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ASCII Portable Carry-All Organizer
3900E
With the enormous success of the Game Boy Classic, more and more third-party manufacturers entered the field to produce additional hardware around the console. The Portable Carry-All organizer is one of these items. It was published by ASCII Entertainment Software Inc. The case is designed for the safe transport of the Game Boy Classic and offers space for 4 games and the stereo headphones (DMG-02).

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ASCII Portable Carry-All DLX Organizer
3910
The ASCII Portable Carry-All DLX organizer is the bigger brother of the ASCII Portable Carry-All. As for his smaller brother the case is designed for the safe transport of the Game Boy Classic and offers plenty of space for various accessories. The case has a carrying strap and handle. The case holds the Game Boy console (DMG-01), game manuals, the 4-player adapter (DMG-07), headphones (DMG-02), 4 AA batteries, a Game Light, the link cable (DMG-05) and the Battery Pack 1 (DMG-03). The other side of the case offers space for 12 games in their protective cases, as well as the power cable of the Battery Pack.

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ASCII Carry-All Soft-Case
42711
The Carry-All soft-case was published by ASCII Entertainment Software Inc. The case is designed for the safe transport of the Game Boy Classic (DMG-01), Nintendo's Battery Pack (DMG-03), the original Game Boy Stereo Headphones (DMG-02) and offers additonal space for 8 games.

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Game Boy™ Storage Case
GB-70
With the enormous success of the Game Boy Classic, more and more third-party manufacturers entered the field to produce additional hardware around the console. The Game Boy™ Storage Case is one of these items. It was published by A.L.S. Industries Inc. The case looks like a Game Boy Classic and is designed for the safe transport of the Game Boy Classic, 6 games, game booklets, link cable and the stereo headphones (DMG-02).

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Dynasound Game Boy™ Safe
42617
With the enormous success of the Game Boy Classic, more and more third-party manufacturers entered the field to produce additional hardware around the console. The Game Boy™ Safe is one of these items. It was published by Dynasound Organizer Incorporated. The hard-case is designed for the safe transport of the Game Boy Classic and offers space for 5 games and the stereo headphones (DMG-02).

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Game Boy™ Shoulder Bag
4969123251026
Nintendo designed the Game Boy Classic for a young target group. Therefore, stability and ruggedness were taken into account as one of the most important features. Nevertheless, an unlucky fall could be the sudden end for the Game Boy. The Game Boy Shoulder bag is a carrying bag and a protective cover for the Game Boy Classic. It absorbs shocks from falls and protects the Game Boy from damage. The Shoulder Bag was exclusively distributed in Japan.

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The Illuminator™
#G2001
The Illuminator is a rare expansion for the Game Boy Classic. The Game Boy does not come with an integrated backlight. Playing in dark or poorly lit rooms is not possible. The accessory is designed to solve this problem. It is a quite simple appliance with a light bulb. The attachment has a flexible swivel arm to place the light according to the current needs of the player. The item was distributed by Greer & Asssociates Inc.

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Gamester Light Magnifier
LS8122
The Game Boy Classic (DMG-01) is not equipped with a screen backlight, making it difficult to play when light conditions are bad. The Game Boy Light Magnifier of LMP is one of the solutions intended to solve this problem. The design is very similar to the Game Boy Light Max (VLB-02).

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Labtec Game Boy™ Stereo Headphones
LT-17
In addition to the stereo headphones released by Nintendo itself, third-party manufacturers produced headphones specially designed for the Game Boy. The American manufacturer Labtec sold their version of the headphones in a case that prevents the headphones from getting knotted or damaged during transport.

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Naki Master Pack™
9640755645
The Master Pak from Naki gathers the most popular hardware expansions of the Game Boy Classic in one set. An adjustable magnifying glass with light (Brite Beam), a cleaning kit for Game Boy and game cartridges (Eliminator), a power plug (AC Adapter), a shoulder bag (Pro Pouch), a battery pack (Action Pak) and a replacement deco glass (Cool Screen) for the display. The set is probably one of the most comprehensive packages ever put together for the Game Boy Classic.

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Saitek™ BoosterBoy
SAITEK 702
Saitek's Booster Boy is probably the most unusual and largest accessory ever developed for the Game Boy. The Game Boy Booster Boy, similar to the Hyperboy, transforms the Game Boy into an arcade machine with lighting, powerful stereo speakers, screen magnifier, arcade stick and storage space for games and headphones. The device is powered by 4 C-batteries. If needed the batteries also supply power for the Game Boy Classic.

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Top Boy™
S9000
The Top Boy™ is a true monster in size and swallows up the Game Boy. It is very similar to Konamis Hyper Boy but seems not to be Nintendo licensed. There is no reference to the manufacturer of the Top Boy. Powerful stereo speakers, a magnifying glass, front lights and an arcade stick turn the Game Boy Classic into an arcade machine. The device requires two D batteries for operation.

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Joyplus Handy Power I
SV-901
The Joyplus quick-charge battery was developed for the Nintendo Gameboy and the Sega Game Gear and can be compared to a power bank. A charging time of only 90 minutes enables a playing time of 14 hours on the Game Boy Classic and 2 hours on the Game Gear. A thermal sensor prevents the battery from overloading.

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Joyplus Handy Power II
SV-910
Since external power banks were considered cumbersome and unwieldy by many Game Boy fans, some third-party manufacturers developed solutions that fit directly into the battery compartment of the Game Boy Classic. The solution from JoyPlus replaced the classic 4 AA batteries in the Game Boy and provided players with up to 8 hours of rechargeable power.

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Vidis Power Pack
100.6080
The Energy Pack from Vidis is a combination of a rechargeable battery for the battery compartment of the Game Boy Classic and an AC adapter. The AC adapter enables the Power Pack to be charged and serves as a power supply unit for direct power supply to the console.

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iMP Heavy Duty Battery Pack
SB-3000
Probably one of the rarest items available for the Game Boy Classic. The heavy duty battery was designed for the "Handy Game Machine". This was the name given to the Game Boy when it was released in Japan. Thus, it can be assumed that the battery was released shortly after the 1989 release of the Game Boy Classic.

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Innovation™ Solar Charger
IN-GBSB01
30 years ahead of its time, the US company Innovation Technlogies had developed a battery pack for the Game Boy Classic with solar cells on the back. With the motto "Helping to keep America beautiful", the company committed itself to environmental protection long before this movement reached the general public.

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InterAct Scooba Bag Deluxe
SL-5823-SYW
The Speed Link "Scooba Bag Deluxe" from third-party manufacturer InterAct is a water resistant neoprene transport bag for Game Boy systems. In addition to the Game Boy console, the bag offers space for a couple of games and accessories. For easy transport, the bag has a shoulder strap and a belt clip.

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Memorex Super Game Case
#520
The Memorex "Super" Game Case is one of many transport systems that have been released around the Game Boy Classic and the additional hardware. The Game Case offers space for the console (DMG-01), up to 5 games, the link cable, the Power Pack I (DMG-03), the stereo headphones (DMG-02), a magnifying glass/light, 4 AA spare batteries and some manuals. A shoulder strap enables the easy transport of the Game Boy equipment.

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Gamester Zip-Bag
LS8142
The Gamester Zip-Bag from third-party manufacturer LMP (Leda Media Products Ltd.) is a transport bag for the Gameboy Classic. In addition to the Game Boy console, the bag offers space for a light/magnifier set, a power supply unit and 3 games. For easier transport, the bag has a shoulder strap.

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Vic Tokai GB-BOX
T49665503391011
The GB-BOX is a storage solution for the Game Boy Classic. Next to the Game Boy the hard-case offers plenty of space for 6 games, the light boy (VLB-02), battery pack (DMG-03), headphones (DMG-02) and cables.

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Screen Protector
Unknown
Nintendo designed the Game Boy Classic for a young target group. Therefore, stability was taken into account as one of the most important features. But every system, no matter how good, has its weak points. The archilles heel of the Game Boy is the display. An unlucky fall could be the sudden end for the Game Boy. The screen protector made of tempered glass is stuck onto the display and reliably protects the display against scratches and cracks.

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Naki Cool Screen
096407556431
Giving the Game Boy an individual look? No problem with the "Cool Screen" from the third-party manufacturer Naki. The replacement screen protector was released in various designs to suit the different tastes of players.