Are Game Boy Color cartridges' save batteries still working?

Many aren't — most Game Boy Color cartridges with save files rely on a small internal coin cell that keeps SRAM alive, and those are decades old now, so saves may not persist. It's a cheap and well-documented cartridge repair, but it's worth asking a seller whether a game holds a save. This affects the cartridges, not the Game Boy Color console itself.

What batteries does the Game Boy Color use and how long do they last?

The Game Boy Color runs on two AA batteries, which is part of why it's still easy to own decades later — no proprietary pack to source. Because the screen is unlit, it's notably more power efficient than backlit handhelds, and owners routinely report long play sessions per set. Note that a backlight mod will draw more power and reduce runtime.

What should I check when buying a used Game Boy Color?

Look for vertical or horizontal dead lines on the screen (a common and hard-to-fix fault), test every button including Select and Start, check the battery compartment for corrosion from leaked AA cells, and confirm the cartridge slot reads a game reliably. The Game Boy Color runs on two AA batteries rather than a rechargeable pack, so there's no internal battery to have died. Ask sellers for a photo of the screen powered on showing gameplay.

Nintendo Game Boy Color Video Game vs Nintendo Switch 2 Video Game Comparison

Name: Nintendo Game Boy Color Video Game Consoles
Brand: Nintendo

Nintendo Game Boy Color Video Game Consoles

$108.00

Prices last updated Oct 10, 2026

Nintendo4.44.4

(1,694 reviews)

$108.00

Prices last updated Oct 10, 2026

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10 sellers & 2 platforms

SKU	Platform	Merchant	Delivery	Return Policy	Price	Shipping
Purple	Console ReplayPremium Curated	Console Replay 5.0(151)	7 - 13 day...	—	$108.00	Free
Green	Grandline Games	Grandline Games 5.0	12 - 29 da...	—	$119.00	Free
Yellow	GAME886-2020Fastest	GAME886-2020 5.0(1982)	4 - 7 days	No returns	$128.00	Free
Purple	Flip Side Games	Flip Side Games 5.0(1193)	25 - 28 da...	30 days re...	$149.99	Free
Green	Empire Video Gamez	Empire Video Gamez 5.0(2780)	23 - 34 da...	30 days re...	$126.25	$64.00
Purple	aqsugaray	aqsugaray 5.0(617)	4 - 9 days	No returns	$199.99	$15.85
Green	Flip Side Games	Flip Side Games 5.0(1193)	25 - 28 da...	30 days re...	$224.99	Free
Purple	poptartz	poptartz 5.0(1099)	5 - 10 day...	No returns	$350.00	Free
Green	Elite Robotica	Elite Robotica 5.0(1400)	4 - 7 days	30 days re...	$420.00	$18.37
Purple	jamzon77	jamzon77 5.0(2069)	5 - 17 day...	30 days re...	$468.75	$20.00

Console Replay

Premium Curated

$108.00

Purple

Console Replay5.0 (151)Free

7 - 13 day...

Grandline Games

$119.00

Green

Grandline Games5.0Free

12 - 29 da...

GAME886-2020

Fastest

$128.00

Yellow

GAME886-20205.0 (1982)Free

4 - 7 daysNo returns

Flip Side Games

$149.99

Purple

Flip Side Games5.0 (1193)Free

25 - 28 da...30 days re...

Empire Video Gamez

$126.25

Green

Empire Video Gamez5.0 (2780)$64.00

23 - 34 da...30 days re...

aqsugaray

$199.99

Purple

aqsugaray5.0 (617)$15.85

4 - 9 daysNo returns

Flip Side Games

$224.99

Green

Flip Side Games5.0 (1193)Free

25 - 28 da...30 days re...

poptartz

$350.00

Purple

poptartz5.0 (1099)Free

5 - 10 day...No returns

Elite Robotica

$420.00

Green

Elite Robotica5.0 (1400)$18.37

4 - 7 days30 days re...

jamzon77

$468.75

Purple

jamzon775.0 (2069)$20.00

5 - 17 day...30 days re...

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8 sites · 10 platforms · 34 offers

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8 sites · 10 platforms · 34 offers

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Price History

Historical price trends tracked across multiple e-commerce platforms

eBay

Avg

Best price

Lowest in 30d

$149.99

Best price

eBay · Sep 11

Live

Current lowest

$149.99

Live

eBay · Current

Specifications

Nintendo Game Boy

Nintendo

Nintendo Game Boy Color

1998

Nintendo Game Boy

Nintendo

Nintendo Game Boy Color

1998

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Nintendo Game Boy Color Video Game Consoles

4.4(1.7K+)

$108.00 - $199.95

—

Avg 0

1.This Nintendo Game Boy Color is a piece of gaming history, with a compact 0.3lb body and 10-hour battery spec.

2.Perfect for collectors seeking a genuine retro console or as a source of original parts.

—

Retro collectorsDIY restorers

CollectingRestoration projects

Green

gbc

Nintendo Game Boy Color

—

2 AA batteries (1.5 V)

Under 480p

—

1080

4.4 x 4 cm

1.10 x 3.10 x 5.20 Inches

0.3lb.

not specified

1998

—

Nintendo Game Boy

Backward Compatible

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Minecraft Ready

Microsoft Xbox One S Video Game Consoles

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Avg 3.8

Avg 4.7

Avg 3.8

Avg 2.9

1.Plays your entire Nintendo Switch library with enhanced performance, plus adds a 7.9-inch display for portable play.

2.A family-friendly console with reliable build and fast loading, ideal for upgrading from the original Switch.

1.This used Switch Lite bundle packs Animal Crossing: New Horizons and four top Nintendo titles, delivering excellent handheld performance at a budget-friendly price.

2.Its lightweight 0.61 lb design and 5.5-inch 720p screen make it ideal for gaming on the go without sacrificing smooth gameplay.

1.A versatile hybrid console that seamlessly switches between handheld and docked play, backed by excellent performance and proven reliability from thousands of positive reviews.

2.Easy setup and stunning design make it a practical choice for gamers who want both portable and home console experiences.

1.Built around a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen that delivers rich colors and deep contrast, ideal for handheld gaming on the go.

2.The Mario Red Edition adds iconic design flair, making it a standout choice for Nintendo fans seeking the best handheld display.

1.Bundled with Minecraft, this Xbox One S offers immediate access to a top-selling game alongside 4K UHD Blu-ray and 1TB storage for games and media.

FamiliesNintendo loyalists

Backward compatible gamingPortable play

Frequent travelersNintendo fans

Portable gaming sessionsExploring Nintendo exclusives on a budget

GamersTravelers

Handheld gamingDocked gaming

Nintendo fansFamilies

Portable gamingFamily entertainment

Minecraft fansFamily gamers

Family gaming sessions4K movie nights

not specified

Blue

Neon Blue/Neon Red or Gray

White

not specified

Nintendo Switch

not specified

—

not specified

Nintendo Switch

Xbox One

256 GB (UFS) flash storage

not specified

HDD

Lithium Ion, Required, Included

3-7 hours

Lithium-ion battery / 4310 mAh

Built-in Lithium-ion battery / 4310 mAh

—

1080p (FHD)

720p (HD)

1080p (FHD)

720p (HD), 1080p (FHD)

120 FPS

not specified

1280 x 720

1080p

Up to 1080p (via HDMI in TV mode)

7.9 in

5.5"

6.2 in

7.0"

not specified

Approx. 4.5 x 10.7 x 0.55 inches (with Joy-Con 2 attached, max thickness 1.2 inches)

3.6 in high x 8.2 in long x 0.55 in deep (91.1 x 208 x 13.9 mm)

Approx. 4 x 9.4 x 0.55 inches (with Joy-Con attached); weight 0.88 lbs

not specified

0.61 lbs.

0.93 lbs

not specified

Wi-Fi Capability

not specified

2025

2019

not specified

2021

2016

1 Year Manufacturer

not specified

12 months limited warranty

not specified

Nintendo Switch

not specified

Nintendo Game Boy Color Video Game Consoles

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Nintendo Game Boy Color Video Game Consoles vs Nintendo Switch 2 Video Game Consoles

Nintendo Game Boy Color Video Game Consoles

All-in-One Comparison

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Specifications

General4

Performance2

Display3

Video1

Connectivity & Ports1

Gameplay1

Power2

Dimensions5

Included1

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Price History

Specifications

General4

Performance2

Display3

Video1

Connectivity & Ports1

Gameplay1

Power2

Dimensions5

Included1