Game Boy Color Release Dates by Region

The Game Boy Color (CGB-001) launched on different dates worldwide:

Key Facts

• Backward Compatible: Plays all original Game Boy (DMG) cartridges (in B&W or limited palette).
• New Library: GBC-exclusive games (clear carts, black carts with notch) + dual-mode carts (black, work on GB + color on GBC).
• Hardware: 8 MHz Z80 (2× GB), 32 KB RAM, 16 KB VRAM, 15-bit color (32,768), 160×144 LCD (no backlight).
• Successor: Game Boy Advance (March 2001 Japan / June 2001 US).