Game Boy-style console: the best modern alternative
Quick answers
- What is a Game Boy-style console?
- A vertical handheld in the Game Boy format, but modern: color IPS screen, USB-C, games included.
- Does it replace a real Game Boy?
- Yes, and it adds color, a rechargeable battery and thousands of games.
- How much does it cost?
- 59,90 € for the Retro One™ V, versus ~150 € for a second-hand Game Boy.
- Are the Game Boy games on it?
- Yes, plus NES, Mega Drive, PlayStation and arcade titles…
What is a Game Boy-style console?
It's a vertical handheld that keeps the Game Boy's ergonomics — screen in the middle, D-pad on the left, A/B buttons on the right — but fully modern: a sharp, bright color IPS screen, a rechargeable USB-C battery, and games already installed instead of cartridges. Turn it on, pick from the menu, play.
Why it beats a real Game Boy today
The original Game Boy has been out of production since 2003: "new" units are rare and expensive, the vintage screen is dim, and cartridges have to be bought one by one. The comparison:
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Screen | Original Game Boy: monochrome, no backlight — Game Boy-style (V): backlit color IPS |
| Games | Cartridges bought one at a time — Thousands pre-installed (Game Boy, NES, Mega Drive, PS1, arcade…) |
| Battery | AA batteries — USB-C rechargeable |
| Price / warranty | ~150 € second-hand with no warranty — 59,90 € new, with a 3-year warranty |
To replay the classics without overspending or tinkering, the Game Boy-style console wins on every count.
The Retro One™ V, the modern Game Boy
- Vertical Game Boy format you can hold in one hand.
- Color IPS screen — vivid colors, wide viewing angles.
- Thousands of games from dozens of consoles, pre-installed.
- Instant save states — pick up right where you left off.
- Shipped from France, 3-year warranty, French-based customer support.
The Retro One™ range: 3 consoles, 3 ways to play
Consoles designed in-house, thousands of games included, 3-year warranty, shipped from France within 24 h.
The handheldRetro One™ V
59,90 €
The premiumRetro One™ H
79,90 €
The living room · 4KRetro One™ S
119,90 €Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a Game Boy-style console?
Can you play Game Boy games on it?
Is it better than an original Game Boy?
Which Game Boy-style console should you choose?
Is it legal?
Does it ship from France?
Where can you buy a reliable retro console?
How much does a good retro console cost?
Ready to play again?
Three consoles, thousands of games included, a 3-year warranty and dispatch from France within 24 h. Just pick your format.
See the Retro One™ V at 59,90 €