Game Boy Color was Nintendo’s updated version of the original Game Boy released in 1998.
Nintendo launched the Game Boy Color in Japan in October 1998, followed by other regions. It retained compatibility with the large Game Boy software library while adding a color screen, a slimmer design, and improved processing capabilities. Its screen was not backlit, however, which distinguishes it from several later handhelds.
The system supported dedicated Game Boy Color cartridges as well as original Game Boy games. Some older games displayed in selectable color palettes, while newer titles were designed specifically for the hardware.
Game Boy Color is sometimes confused with Game Boy Advance, which followed in 2001 and represented a more substantial hardware generation. Game Boy Color was primarily an enhancement of the original platform and helped extend the Game Boy family’s life before the Advance era.