The first step is to remove the back cover of the DMG. There are six screws, and depending on when your Gameboy was made, they are either going to be triwing or phillips. Triwing screws, for those of you unfamiliar, are Nintendo’s favorite way to make opening their products just ever so slightly more irritating. If you don’t want to spend a couple dollars on a triwing driver, you can do what I did and use a small flathead in one of the three slots in the screws. It’s not super difficult, but you definitely want to be careful to avoid stripping the screws. There’s four obvious ones on the back of the Gameboy, and two inside the battery compartment. You’ll need to remove all of these.
Once you take those screws out, don’t pull the Gameboy apart quickly. There’s a fairly short ribbon connector connecting the screen half of the Gameboy to the circuitry half. Carefully hinge unit so the screen half is face down on your desk with the circuitry portion sticking vertically upward. You could disconnect the ribbon cable at this point (it’s a ZIF socket, so the connector just slides out), but I didn’t want to bother having to reconnect it when I was done. You can do this repair quite easily without having to put this connector back in.

Restore and Modify an Original DMG Gameboy: Released in 1989, the DMG (Dot Matrix Gameboy) was the first Gameboy Nintendo ever released. It’s a lot of fun to mess with, so here’s a quick guide of my experiences taking apart, restoring, and modifying the DMG with an awesome new backlight. Game Boy VersionsThis page shows the different versions of Game Boy systems and the light mods that are available for each one. There were many different models and color options available, but I'll focus on the main revisions and hardware changes.I also wanted to compare the screen size of each sys. The handheld uses 8 kB internal S-RAM and 8 kB Video RAM. The screen size is 2.6 inches diagonally, with a resolution of 160×144. The max sprite size is 8×16, while the minimum is 8×8, on a screen which sports a mere 2-bit color palette. The image runs at 59.7 frames per second, or 61.1 on a Super Game Boy. In this we'll be locking the GBA into GameBoy Color Mode. Also we'll be using the DMG's cartslot. This means there's no way GBA cartridges will run on this thing - so there's no need to install 'L' and 'R' buttons. This is supposed to be my ultimate GameBoy, not the ultimate GBA. Think of it as a screen-upgrade for your old friend. ASSEMbler - Home of the obscure. This forum to close in 30 days. GBA SP inside DMG, all you need to know. Discussion in 'Modding and Hacking - Consoles and Electronics' started by Arcade, May 25, 2013. In this we'll be locking the GBA into GameBoy Color Mode. Also we'll be using the DMG's cartslot. Jun 06, 2014  In this we'll be locking the GBA into GameBoy Color Mode. Also we'll be using the DMG's cartslot. This means there's no way GBA cartridges will run on this thing - so there's no need to install 'L' and 'R' buttons. This is supposed to be my ultimate GameBoy, not the ultimate GBA. Think of it as a screen-upgrade for your old friend.

This is a list of case colors and styles that have been produced for the Game Boy line of handheld systems since 1989.

• 1Game Boy
• 2Game Boy Pocket
• 3Game Boy Light (Japan Only)
• 4Game Boy Color
• 5Game Boy Advance
• 6Game Boy Advance SP
• 7Game Boy Micro

Game Boy[edit]

Special Edition Variants[edit]

• Red with EB logo on it (UK EB Games - Sold with Killer Instinct, limited to 350 systems)
• Black with Wario logo (UK - Contest Prize on Ghost Train show 1989 - 1991)
• Black with Fiat in the bottom-left (Won in contest)
• Hot pink with Kirby logo (UK - Nintendo magazine contest - 1994)
• Pink with heart logo (Won in a gameshow)
• Off-white with Toyota logo (JP - Toyota car purchase - 1992)
• Off-white with Hyundai logo (Korea)
• Off-white with Altus Newing logo
• Off-white with Milka cow logo
• Off-white with Planet Hollywood logo
• Off-white with Santa Clara Division logo
• Off-white with Vivitar PMA Atlanta '93 in the bottom-left
• Off-white with Kirin Beverage in the bottom-left
• Off white with Iveco Truck Ford with Commercial Motor in the bottom-left (Won in contest - 1991)
• Off-white with Bee Ind logo
• Off-white with JAL logo
• Off-white with Soyuz TM-17 logo (Sold in the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics)

Game Boy Pocket[edit]

Serial numbers for basic colors 1996[edit]

(no indicator models)

• Serial M******** Japan release: Made in Japan
• Serial MH******** Japan release: Made in China
• Serial MH******* PAL release: Made in China
• Serial MG******* North American release: Made in China

Basic colors[edit]

• Silver (1996)
• Black (1996)
• Green (1996)
• Blue (1996)
• Red (1996)
• Yellow (1996)
• Clear (1996)
• Pink (Japan, 1996)
• Clear Purple (Japan, 1996)

Limited Edition colors[edit]

• Ice Blue (1997) (Some boxes were packed with Zelda)
• Extreme Green (1997)
• Emerald Green (1998) (Toys 'R' Us JP)
• Clear (Ice) blue (1996) (Toys 'R' Us JP)
• Silver w/ grey border (US, 1996)
• Silver w/ black border (US, 1997)
• Gold (Packaged w/Donkey Kong Land) (EU) (AUS)
• Blue/Yellow (1997) blue front/yellow back. 'Swedish Limited Edition' with certificate, 3000ex made
• Off-white (In the style of the original Game Boy with Purple buttons)^[1]

Special Edition variants[edit]

• Nintendo Power 100th Issue Edition - gold w/ logo | This was available for purchase by the Nintendo Power adverts or by winning their 100th issue contest (1997)
• Game Boy Pocket Model F Famitsu edition 1997 The mirror like bezel is exclusive to this rare version, 'GAME BOY pocket FAMITSU 1997 [MODEL F] can be read.
  Famitsu Limited Edition - clear (Japan, 1997)
• ANA - clear blue w/ logo (Japan, 1997)
• Atlus - white w/ light blue border (Japan, 1997)
• Seibu Lions - blue w/ logo (Japan, 1997)
• Hello Kitty/Uranai Party - pink w/ artwork (Japan, 1997)
• Tamagotchi - Pink (Japan, 11/7/1997)
• Thomas & Betts - blue w/ logo (Belgium)
• Toyota - clear w/ logo^[when?]
• V Drink - green w/ logo (Australia)
• Imagineer Glow-In-Dark - light green glowing in dark - Prize in Imagineers Multi Racing Championship [N64] Contest - 2000pcs made (Japan, 1996)

Game Boy Light (Japan Only)[edit]

Basic colors[edit]

• Gold (1998)
• Silver (1998)

Gameboy Dmg Lcd Replacement

Limited Edition colors[edit]

• Toys 'R' Us - Clear Yellow (1998)

Special Edition variants[edit]

• Astro Boy - clear w/ artwork (1998)
• Osamu Tezuka - red w/ artwork (1998)
• Famitsu F02 Event Version - clear blue w/ white border (1998)
• Famitsu F02 Mail Order Version - clear blue w/ white border (1998)
• Pokémon Center Tokyo - yellow w/ logo & artwork (1998)

Game Boy Color[edit]

Basic colors[edit]

Nintendo Gameboy Dmg 01

• Grape - purple (1998)
• Teal (1998, 1999 NA)
• Kiwi - neon green (1998, 1999 NA)
• Berry - fuchsia (1998, 1999 NA)
• Dandelion - yellow (1998, 1999 NA)
• Atomic Purple - clear purple (1998)
• Neotones Ice - clear (Japan only)

Limited Edition colors[edit]

• Clear Black (2000, Japan)
• Clear Green (Toys 'R' Us, Japan, 2000)
• Midnight Blue (Toys 'R' Us, Japan, 1999)
• Ice Blue (Toys 'R' Us, Japan)
• Clear Orange (Daiei, Japan, 1999)
• Clear Blue (ANA)
• Solid Black (Toys R' Us, New York City, 2000)

Special Edition variants[edit]

• Mirinda - clear orange w/ logo (Mexico, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary 2000)
• Yedigun - clear orange w/ logo (Turkey, 2000)
• Neotones - clear green and yellow w/ Australia flag & yellow buttons (Australia)
• Tommy Hilfiger - yellow w/ logo (US, 1999)
• Tsutaya - water blue w/ orange buttons (Japan, 2000)
• Sakura Taisen - clear pink (2000)
• Hello Kitty Special Box - light pink w/ logo (Japan, 1999)
• Hello Kitty Special Box 2 - light pink w/ logo (Japan, 2000)
• Lawson - Aqua Blue & Milky White (1999)
• Takarazuka - atomic gold w/ aquatic life artwork (Japan, 1999)
• Jusco - clear purple w/ Mario artwork (1999)
• Jusco - clear w/ Mario artwork (1999)
• Cardcaptor Sakura - white & pink w/ artwork (Japan, 1999)
• Ferrero SpA competition - yellow w/ Happy Hippo Logo & Happy Hippo Character 'Max Mutig' (came bundled with the game 'Das Geheimnis der Happy Hippo Insel')(limited to 111 units) (Germany,2001)
• Hookups- lime green with Hookups logo. Asr 2001 (100 made)
• V-drink (Clear w/ logo)

Pokémon[edit]

• Pokémon - Special Pikachu edition yellow & blue w/ logo, artwork & colored buttons (bundled w/ Pokémon Yellow)
• Pokémon - silver & gold iridescent w/artwork around screen (U.S., Toys 'R' Us exclusive)
• Pokémon - clear blue & white w/ artwork (Hong Kong)
• Pokémon - clear green & white w/ artwork (Taiwan)
• Pokémon - yellow & blue w/ logo, artwork & colored buttons (Australia)
• Pokémon Center - silver w/ artwork & logo (1999)
• Pokémon Center - orange & blue w/ artwork & logo (1999)

Game Boy Advance[edit]

Basic colors[edit]

• Indigo - purple (2001)
• Arctic - white (2001)
• Glacier - clear blue (2001)
• Fuchsia (2001)
• Spice - orange (Japan, 2001)
• Black (2001)

Limited Edition colors[edit]

• Platinum/Silver (2002)
• Gold (Japan, 2002)
• Daiei - clear orange front & clear black back (Daiei, Japan, 2001)
• Jet Black - (Toys 'R' Us, U.S., 2003)
• Red (Zellers, Canada)

Special Edition variants[edit]

• Target - Grape w/ logo (US, 2001)
• Target - Red w/ logo (US, 2002)
• Chobits - clear blue w/ logo (Japan, 2002)
• King of Fighters - clear black w/ logo (Japan, 2002)
• Toys 'R' Us - Solid Midnight Blue w/ logo (US, 2002)
• Toys 'R' Us - Transparent Midnight Blue (Japan, 2001)
• Rockman Custom - blue (Japan, 2001)
• Jusco - Glacier w/ Mario artwork (2001)
• Hello Kitty - pink w/ logo (Japan, 2001)
• Yomiuri Giants - clear purple w/ artwork (2001)

Pokémon[edit]

• Pokémon Center (Latios & Latias) - blue w/ red buttons (2002)
• Pokémon Center - Celebi green w/ artwork (2001)
• Pokémon Center - Suicune blue w/ artwork (2001)
• Pokémon Center NY - gold w/ artwork (US, 2001)
• Pokémon Center NY - gold w/ artwork (JP, 2001)

Game Boy Advance SP[edit]

Basic colors[edit]

• Cobalt - frontlit (2003)
• Platinum - frontlit (2003)
• Onyx - frontlit (2003)
• Flame Red - frontlit (2003)
• Pearl Blue - backlit (2005)
• Graphite - backlit (2005)
• Pearl Pink - backlit (2006)

Limited Edition colors[edit]

• All Blacks (NZ)
• Banana Yellow Donkey Kong Edition (JP, 10/2004, Limited to 1,000)
• Black 'Who are you?' Edition (Walmart, US, 2004)
• Blue Marble (JP, EU, 2004)
• Bokura no Taiyou (JP, 2004)
• Camo Gray (JP)
• Camo Green (JP)
• China Dragon (China, 11/2004)
• Classic NES (US, 2004)
• Disney Channel Promo Cobalt Blue (North America, 2003 or 2004, AGS-001, TV contest)
• Toon Disney Channel (North America)
• Toon Disney/Jetix (North America, 2008, AGS-101, 200 made for TV contest)
• Disney Channel Graphite (North America, 2005 or 2006, AGS-101)
• Dual Platinum/Onyx (US, 2004)
• Famicom 'The 20th Anniversary Edition' (JP, 10-2003, limited to 1,000)
• Famicom 2 (JP)
• Final Fantasy Tactics (JP)
• IBokura no Taiyou : 'Jango Red & Black' (JP, 07-2003)
• Indigo (AUS, 2004)
• Kingdom Hearts Deep Silver (All, 2004)
• Lime/Orange limited edition (US, 2004)
• Mario vs Donkey Kong (UK, 2004)
• Naruto Orange (JP 07-2004)
• Pearl White (US, JP, 2004)
• Pikachu 'Toys 'R' Us'(US, 2004)
• Pokémon Emerald Bundle, Dark Green (AUS)
• Rockman EXE 4 Tournament Red Sun (JP, 12/2003)
• Rip Curl (AUS, 2004)
• Samus Satin (JP)
• SD Gundam G Generation 'Char Aznable Custom' (JP, 12/2003)
• Seiken Densetsu: 'Mana Blue Edition' (JP, 08-2003)
• Surfblue (US, 2004)
• Swarovski (US)
• Swiss Gamer (Switzerland)
• Target Branded Lime (US, 2003)
• Toys 'R' Us Gold (US, 11/2003)^[2]
• Toys 'R' US Japan Limited Edition 'Star Light Gold' (JP)
• Toys 'R' US SpongeBob SquarePants (2004, AGS-101)
• Toys 'R' Us Pearl Green (US, 2004)
• Tribal (All, 2004)
• White (All)
• Zelda: Gold with Triforce and Hylian crest (EU, 2004)

Pokémon[edit]

• Pikachu - Yellow (Toys R Us 2005, Pokémon Center Japan)
• Pokémon Center Limited Edition 'Charizard Edition' (JP, 02/2004) - Fire Red
• Pokémon Center Limited Edition 'Groudon Edition' (US, JP, 12/2003) - Ruby (Red)
• Pokémon Center Limited Edition 'Kyogre Edition' (JP, 12/2003) - Sapphire (Blue)
• Pokémon Center Limited Edition 'Rayquaza Edition' (JP, 09/2004) - Emerald (Green)
• Pokémon Center Limited Edition 'Torchic' (US, JP, 03/2003) - Orange
• Pokémon Center Limited Edition 'Venusaur Edition' (JP, 02/2004) - Leaf Green

Game Boy Micro[edit]

Gameboy Dmg 01 Backlight Kit

Basic colors[edit]

• Silver (Worldwide 2005)
• Black (Japan and Australia [US with silver faceplate] 2005)
• Purple (Japan and Australia, 2005)
• Pearl Blue (Japan, 2005)
• Pink (Europe, 2005)
• Green (Europe and Asia, 2005)
• Blue (Europe and Australia, 2005)
• Red (Asia and Australia, 2005)

Special Edition variants[edit]

• 20th Anniversary Edition - red w/ gold faceplate (USA, 2005)
• Famicom - red w/ gold faceplate (Japan, 2005)
• Pokémon - red w/ black faceplate & Pikachu silhouette (Japan, 2005)
• Final Fantasy IV - blue unit with b&w Amano artwork (Japan, 2005)
• Mother 3 - red w/ red, worn faceplate (Japan, 2006)
• Toonami - black w/ logo & graphics (Giveaway, USA, 2006)

List of Faceplates[edit]

Gameboy Dmg 01

• Super Robo Taisen - Black faceplate with logo by Nintendo (Club Nintendo Japan)
• Famicom controller II - Like the famicom version but with a II logo and volume slider (Club Nintendo Japan)
• 10th Anniversary Tower Records - red w/ yellow faceplate (Japan)

Some others: Cup of Noodles, Fujifilm, the Hanshin Tigers baseball team, Parco, Shiseido and a movie called Custom Made

See also[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^'FC113202-FBAE-489B-5548EC39A840EC5A.jpeg'. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
2. ^'TRU Exclusive Gold GBA SP/Super Mario Advance 4 Bundle for Sale'. IGN Boards. Retrieved 2018-09-04.

External links[edit]

• About.com Guide to Game Boy - All things Game Boy: News, reviews, history, culture and development. Updated several times a week.
• GAMEBOY GALLERIA - A pictorial encyclopedia of the various Game Boy models.