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Game Boy, Color, Advance, SP: What Are the Differences?
In short: The Game Boy (1989) is black and white; the Color adds color; the Advance moves to 32-bit with more games and a wider screen; the Advance SP adds a backlit screen, a clamshell design and a rechargeable battery — the most convenient way to play again.
3 yearswarranty
24 hshipped from France
4.7/5customer rating
1000sof games included
Quick answers
- What's the main difference?
- Color (Color), power (Advance) and the backlit screen (SP).
- Which one has the best screen?
- The Game Boy Advance SP, thanks to its backlight.
- Are they backward compatible?
- The Color and the Advance play older games, with some limits.
The models compared
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Boy | Black and white, unlit screen, AA batteries |
| Game Boy Color | Color, compact, backward compatible |
| Game Boy Advance | 32-bit, wide screen, huge game library |
| Game Boy Advance SP | Backlit, foldable, rechargeable |
Which one plays every game?
Each model is partly backward compatible, but no original Game Boy plays everything. A modern Game Boy-style retro console brings together Game Boy, Color and Advance games (plus other consoles) on a single backlit screen.
The Retro One™ range: 3 consoles, 3 uses
Consoles designed in-house, thousands of games included, 3-year warranty and shipped from France within 24 h.
The handheldRetro One™ V
59,90 €
The premiumRetro One™ H
79,90 €
The home console · 4KRetro One™ S
119,90 €3-year warrantyShips within 24 hFree shippingFrench customer service
Frequently asked questions
Does the Game Boy Color play Game Boy games?
Yes, it's backward compatible with classic Game Boy games.
Does the Advance play Color games?
Yes, the Game Boy Advance is backward compatible with Game Boy and Color.
Which console for Pokémon?
All of them, depending on the generation; the Advance for Ruby/Sapphire, the Color for Gold/Silver.
Does the SP use batteries?
No, built-in rechargeable battery, a real plus.
Can I play everything on a single console?
On a modern retro console, yes — it brings all the models together.
Which one to choose in 2026?
The SP for the original feel; a modern Game Boy-style console to bring it all together.
Ready to play again?
Three consoles, thousands of games included, 3-year warranty and 24 h shipping from France. Now pick your format.
See the Retro One™ V at 59,90 €