How Much Are Game Boys Worth in 2024? The Complete Value Guide

Game Boys hold a special place in the hearts of many retro gamers. As the pioneering handheld gaming console from Nintendo, the Game Boy series defined mobile gaming in the 1990s and early 2000s. With its large library of classic games and iconic design, the Game Boy continues to be a sought-after retro collectible.

But how much are Game Boys worth today? With prices varying widely for different models and editions, it can be tricky to pin down the current market value for these handhelds. In this complete guide, we‘ll break down how much Game Boys are worth in 2024 based on condition, rarity, and other factors.

Original Game Boy Value

Released in 1989, the original Game Boy ("DMG-01") came with a monochrome green screen and started at $89.99. It sold over 118 million units worldwide, making it one of the most successful gaming devices ever. Here are the current values:

Loose/Untested: $20-$40
Good Condition: $50-$70
Complete in Box (CIB): $150-$300
Sealed/New: $600-$1,500+

The original Game Boy is common, but complete copies in good shape can still fetch decent prices. Sealed units are very rare and sell for high premiums to collectors. Special limited editions like the Play It Loud transparent models add to the value as well.

Game Boy Pocket Value

The Game Boy Pocket released in 1996 was a smaller, lighter redesign of the original. Prices today are:

Loose/Untested: $15-$30
Good Condition: $40-$60
CIB: $100-$200
Sealed/New: $300-$600

Smaller Game Boy Pocket boxes mean complete copies are harder to find than the original. Sealed units are also rare, leading to strong demand from collectors. Limited editions like the red Pocket are worth slightly more.

Game Boy Color Value

Introduced in 1998, the Game Boy Color was the first major upgrade with color graphics. Current values are:

Loose/Untested: $20-$40
Good Condition: $50-$80
CIB: $100-$250
Sealed/New: $400-$1,000

The Game Boy Color sold very well with over 118 million units moved. But finding one new in box can still command premium pricing. Special editions like the Pokemon Yellow themed Color can push CIB values over $300.

Game Boy Advance Value

The Game Boy Advance arrived in 2001 with a major redesign and technical upgrades. Price ranges today are:

Loose/Untested: $15-$35
Good Condition: $40-$70
CIB: $80-$200
Sealed/New: $300-$800

Over 81 million units sold means the Game Boy Advance is readily available. But certain rare special editions like the Yoshi‘s Island edition or new-in-box copies bring in high collector prices.

Game Boy Advance SP Value

The clamshell Game Boy Advance SP from 2003 modernized the format. Here‘s what to expect:

Loose/Untested: $25-$50
Good Condition: $60-$90
CIB: $100-$250
Sealed/New: $400-$1,200

The backlit screen and rechargeable battery make the SP a popular choice for players. Limited edition tribal designs and special Pokemon versions can push CIB copies over $300 in value.

Game Boy Micro Value

The tiny Game Boy Micro from 2005 was the last Game Boy release. Values today are:

Loose/Untested: $50-$100
Good Condition: $100-$150
CIB: $200-$400
Sealed/New: $600-$1,500

With only 10 million units sold worldwide, the Game Boy Micro is one of the rarer models. New units are especially hard to find, sending resale prices soaring. The interchangeable faceplates also add complexity for collectors.

Rarest and Most Valuable Game Boys

A few special Game Boys stand out for their rarity and can be worth thousands to passionate collectors:

1990s Nintendo Employee Exclusive Game Boys: Only produced for internal use, these can sell for $2,000-$5,000.
Kiosk Demo Units: Demo Game Boys displayed in stores can fetch $1,000-$3,000 depending on condition.
Factory Prototypes: Early Game Boy prototypes have sold for $10,000+, if you can even find one.
Famicom Game Boy: Japanese exclusive Game Boy with Famicom compatibility sells for $2,000-$4,000 CIB.
Pokemon Game Boys: Special editions like the blue Pokemon Center GB Micro can sell for $1,000+.

Game Boy Game Values

The games themselves can also be valuable, especially boxed copies in like-new condition. Here are typical price ranges:

Loose Game Boy Games: $5-$30
Complete in Box: $20-$300
Sealed Games: $100-$5,000+

Some of the most valuable Game Boy titles include Tetris, Kid Icarus, Metroid II, and the Pokemon games. Rare variations like Not For Resale cartridges bring in big money too. In general, earlier Game Boy and Color games from the 1990s tend to be worth more than later GBA titles.

Is Investing in Game Boys Worth It?

Game Boys and games can make smart long-term investments:

Popularity for retro gaming continues to rise. This increased demand drives up prices.
As a pioneer of handheld gaming, the Game Boy has historical significance that adds collectibility.
With finite supply and units failing over time, good condition Game Boys will become more scarce.
Nostalgic millennials with disposable income are willing to pay high prices for childhood favorites.
Speculators and investors have entered the market, further increasing values.
Graded and sealed units appeal to serious collectors and investors like fine art and comics.

Finding Deals on Game Boys

Despite rising prices, deals can still be found on Game Boys:

Check thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales, and Facebook Marketplace for untested or box-less units at lower prices.
Buy in bulk lots and resell duplicates to offset costs. Job lots are popular for liquidators.
Be patient and watch eBay auctions. Wait to snipe last-minute on auctions with low opening bids.
Japanese imports often sell cheaper than North American releases.
Shop locally to avoid high shipping costs that often cancel out discounts.
Follow Newcastle, Stormfront, and other import sites for occasional Game Boy price drops and sales.

Factors in Game Boy Values

Some key factors that influence Game Boy values include:

Condition: New, sealed, CIB, good, loose, broken/for parts – condition drastically swings values.
Generation: Later models tend to be less valuable than earlier Game Boys, except Micro.
Special Editions: Color variants, branding tie-ins, and limited units command premium pricing.
Region: North American releases are generally more valuable than Japanese or European units.
Rarity: Games with smaller production runs are worth more. Special employee editions are highly coveted.
Packaging: Boxes, manuals, inserts all increase CIB values. Styrofoam, plastic seals boost new prices.
Demand: Popular games and consoles see prices inflated above less popular ones. Supply vs. demand is key.

Is Your Old Game Boy Worth Something?

Digging your old Game Boy out from storage? Here are signs it may be valuable:

Limited edition shell colors like red, green, yellow, blue, or clear
Special branding like Play It Loud, Pokemon Center, or theme designs
Comes complete in original box with manuals and inserts
Unopened seal with intact plastic and possibly hang tabs
Rare late production games like Shantae or the Ninja Five-O cartridge
Any unit with provenance like a celebrity former owner
Developers hardware like the Game Boy Maker prototyping unit
A poorly labeled game that turns out to be a valuable release upon opening
Defective screens can lower value, but broken units can salvage for parts

Selling Your Game Boy for Maximum Value

To get the most money for your vintage Game Boys:

Fully clean and test the unit to confirm 100% working condition.
Replace any missing batteries, battery covers, styluses, etc. to complete it.
Keep all original packaging and materials in the best shape possible.
Consider professional grading to authenticate condition and boost appeal.
Safely and securely package items to avoid any shipping damage.
Provide plenty of detailed photos from all angles to show condition.
Be upfront about any issues or defects in listings to avoid returns.
Offer local pickup with safe social distancing measures to avoid shipping risks.
Compare with similar completed listings and start with a high "Best Offer" price.
Consider auction-style listings to allow bidding wars for rare high-value items.

Game Boy Collecting Continues

Over 30 years since the original Game Boy release, collectors remain passionate about this iconic handheld gaming system. As prices continue to rise for retro Nintendo games and hardware, a beloved Game Boy could net you some serious cash. But beyond the monetary value, for many gamers, the real reward is revisiting the classic and nostalgic fun of the Game Boy.