Game Boy™ Classic
Hardware Guide
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.
ORIGINAL HARDWARE
These items were released by Nintendo itself. Some items were only offered for sale in individual countries. Hardware developed by Nintendo exclusively for the Game Boy Classic usually bears the identifier "DMG-" followed by an ascending number. DMG is an acronym for "Dot Matrix Game" used internally by Nintendo. However, there are exceptions, such as the Game Boy AC Adapter, which bears the identifier GB-8. There is also hardware developed in the later years of the Game Boy Series, which is compatible with the Game Boy Classic but not exclusively developed for it. These items also do not follow the DMG naming convention.
Game Boy™ Console
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.
DMG-01
Game Boy™ Stereo Headphones
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.
DMG-02
Game Boy™ Rechargeable Adapter
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.
DMG-03
Game Boy™ Link Cable
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.
DMG-04A
To reduce electromagnetic interference, Nintendo developed a revised version with a better shielded cable and sold it under the designation DMG-04A.
DMG-04
Game Boy™ Battery Case
The battery case uses four replaceable C batteries for power. The battery compartment provides about 40 hours of additional power. Compared to the rechargeable battery (DMG-03), the battery case is significantly larger and heavier. The battery case was only released in Japan.
DMG-05
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Game Boy™ Soft Case
The Game Boy Soft Case is a simple storage bag made of a dirt-repellent material. The Game Boy and game cartridges could be stored in the case.
DMG-06
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Game Boy™ 4-Player Adapter
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).
DMG-07
Game Boy™ Cleaning Kit
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.
DMG-08
Game Boy™ Cartridge
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)
DMG-09
Game Boy™ Battery Pack II - AC Adapter
The AC adapter (the grey item on the photo) 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.
DMG-10
Unknown
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DMG-12
Unknown
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DMG-15
Unknown
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DMG-16
Unknown
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DMG-17
Unknown
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DMG-18
Unknown
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DMG-19
Game Boy™ Tilt Sensor Game Pack
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".
DMG-20
Game Boy™ Camera
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.
MGB-006
Game Boy™ Printer
The Game Boy Printer 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)
