####### ##### ### ### ####### ####### ####### ## ## ## ## ## ## # # ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## # # ## ## ## ## ## ## ### ## ### ########### ## ## ## ####### ####### ## ## ### ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ### ## # ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ### ####### ## ## ## ## ####### ####### ####### ### ######## ####### ### ####### ####### ## ## ## ### ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ### ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ### ## ## ####### ## ## ## ### ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ####### ## ## ## ## ######## ####### ####### ####### ## ## T E X T F A Q | Version 1.3 | 1/07/00 | This FAQ was originally written by The Stinger (stinger2307@yahoo.com). He decided that FAQs weren't really his thing and turned the FAQ over to me. My special thanks goes to The Stinger for allowing me to use this FAQ. Originally Written By: Stinger stinger2307@yahoo.com Updated and Maintained By: Outkast outkast325@hotmail.com ======================= Sections 1. Intro 2. FAQ A. What is Gameboy? B. What is Gameboy Color? C. What's the difference? D. Will old Gameboy games work on Gameboy Color? E. Will new GBC games work on my old GB? F. What are the specs of the GBC? G. When was it released? H. What games will come out for it? I. What does it look like? J. How much does it cost? How much do the games cost? K. What kind of link support does it have? L. Why is it so great? M. Where can I get it? N. Is there any other Gameboy Hardware? O. What games are good? P. Do you have a game list for me? Q. Any other resources? 3. Credits 4. Copyright Info ======================= 1/7/00 Version 1.3 No actual update or changes to the FAQ... I just changed my alias and e-mail address and replaced it everywhere in this FAQ. Please note that cripplerx@hotmail.com is no longer my e-mail address! Outkast outkast325@hotmail.com P.S. - If you want the reason for the name change, mail me and let me know and I'll tell you (this isn't the place to explain). 7/20/99 Version 1.2 I updated all of the FAQ questions by adding more information to each. I also organized this FAQ a bit. 7/11/99 Version 1.1 I added the intro section (below) with a message from Nintendo regarding the GBC. 5/21/99 Version 1.0 Welcome to this all new Gameboy Color FAQ. I added all the questions, as well as the credits section and copyright info. This FAQ will be updated in the future. I hope this FAQ becomes helpful to you, and I hope this persuades you to go out and buy a Gameboy Color. Any comments/suggestions are accepted (my e-mail adress is at the top of the page). Please feel free to contribute anything you know. The latest version of this FAQ can only be found at: http://www.gamefaqs.com Thanks. -------------------- 1. Intro -------------------- A reader of this FAQ sent an e-mail to Nintendo about the GBC. Special thanks to Bob Londrack for sending this in to me. Here's what they had to say: >> Hi, I would like to take the time to compliment you on Nintendo 64 and Gameboy Color. I am the owner of both and I am extremely pleased with both of them. I have a few questions regarding the Gameboy Color that I hope you could answer: 1) What does the Gameboy Color come with inside? 2) How often will GBC games be coming out? 3) What kind of upgrades will be made for the GBC (for example, Nintendo 64 has Game Shark, Gameboy has Gameboy Camera, Light boy, etc.)? Thank you for your time. Bob Londrack ----- Hello Bob. I'm happy to hear that you have enjoyed playing our systems. You asked what comes in the Game Boy Color. The system comes with an owners manual as well as additional literature when it is purchased. As far as new games and accessories for the system are concerned, we have a lot of games scheduled to be released in the coming months. When we get official release information on upcoming Game Boy games, we always post it to the Game Boy Game List on our web site: http://www.nintendo.com/gb/gamelist.html On this list, you'll find information on recently-released and upcoming Game Boy games and accessories. Any posted release dates are estimates and subject to change. When it gets close to a game's estimated release date, check with retailers to see when it will be available in your area. If a game is enhanced for the Game Boy Color, there will be a red "GBC" next to its name on the list. Games with "GBC" next to their names on the list will work on all Game Boy units, and are enhanced when played on a Game Boy Color. If a game will only work on the Game Boy Color, there will be a red "GBC Only!" next to its name on the list. These games do not work with older Game Boy units. You also asked about possible products for the Game Boy Color like the Game Shark. I would like to pass along some important information about this accessory. The Game Shark is not licensed by Nintendo of America Inc., and as such, we don't support, endorse or recommend using the Game Shark. Unlicensed products may not work with all systems, they may have compatibility problems with certain games or accessories, and they could possibly damage the system or game. You can recognize licensed products by the Official Nintendo Seal of Quality on their packaging. This seal ensures quality and compatibility. Thanks for the e-mail. I hope you continue to enjoy your Nintendo systems. Nintendo of America Inc. M.B. Justice Nintendo's home page: http://www.nintendo.com/ Power Line (Automated Product Info): (425) 885-7529 << So there you have it, straight from the mouths of Nintendo themselves. Ok then, let's get on with the FAQ............ -------------------- 2. FAQ -------------------- A FAQ is a frequently asked question. Pretty much, I answer the most commonly asked questions about GBC. -------------------- A. WHAT IS GAMEBOY? -The Gameboy is the most popular, and in my opinion, the best portable system out there. It does better over Game Gear by far, as well as other top portables. Released in 1988 (Japan) and 1989 (USA), the system has sold over 60 million units worldwide in both Gameboy and Gameboy Pocket forms. It ran on 4 AA batteries for anywhere from 15-30 hours, and was based on the Z80 processor architecture. The screen used 4 shade greyscale LCD. The Pocket model, released in 1996, ran on 2 AAA batteries for 10 hours, with a higher contrast screen. B. WHAT IS GAMEBOY COLOR? -In early March, 1998 Nintendo decided to upgrade the Gameboy and allow it to play in full color. Basically, it is a Gameboy with a color screen provided by sharp, an 8 MHz Z80-esque Processor (also made by Sharp) with additional main memory as well as some other nifty features. Now you can play some of the most fun, addictive games in full color! The GBC was released Oct. 23, 1998 in Japan, Nov. 19 in the states, Nov. 23 In Europe and most other places. The GBC does support backwards compatability. This means that you can put your old Gameboy games into the GBC and play them perfectly. In fact, you can add color to the game! However, some new GBC games are being made only for the GBC, so I recommend just getting the Color version. C. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? -The Gameboy Color is a bit smaller, runs on only 2 AA batteries, and presents all of its games in terrific looking color. It is pretty much a revamp, or an upgrade to the original Gameboy. D. WILL OLD GAMEBOY GAMES WORK FOR GAMEBOY COLOR? -Yes indeed, any Gameboy game can be put into the GBC and can work fine. Also, you can turn the old Gameboy black and white pictures into color, by pressing Left-A at the Gameboy Color screen when you immediately turn the GBC on. However, the color on old games will not be as sharp on the GBC as new games will be, because only 7-10 colors are used. We refer to this as "backwards compatability." E. WILL NEW GBC GAMES WORK ON MY OLD GB? -Yes. And no. The early released GBC games will work on the standard GB, but games are beginning to be made for the GBC only now. F. WHAT ARE THE SPECS OF THE GBC? -I E-mailed Nintendo.com to ask them. Here's the response: "Processor: 8 MHz Z80 work alike by Sharp with TWO processor modes: Single (4MHz) and double (8MHz). Video: 10, 32, or 56 on screen colors from a palette of 32000, Screen made by Sharp Sound: 4 Channel FM stereo- same as pocket Controls: 8 directional D-Pad, A,B, select, and Start buttons. Power: 13 hours on average from 2 AA batteries, or power from AC adapter. Size: Similar to the gameboy Pocket. (Slightly larger), slightly smaller than the GB Light released in Japan Resolution: 160x144x56 colors- Other higher-color modes are available using tweaking. The largest I've seen uses the entire GBC palette (32K color) at a lower resolution. Sprites: 40 - 8x16, 8x8 (four color sprites-4 colors- 1 being a transparent) Tiles: 512 on screen making use of the 16K of VRAM Cart Size: 256KBit - 16MBit for GB compatible games. Up to 64MBit ROM & 128KBytes RAM for CGB cartridges, although 32Mbit ROM / 64K RAM carts are the largest currently manufactured. DMA: Two new DMA transfer modes. Transfer is constant regardless of CPU speed. New modes allow tranferring anything from ROM or RAM to VRAM at a rate of 16 bytes per H-Blank. This is necessary because of the color display requirements, and provides for faster, smoother animation. Serial port speed: 512 Kbps." G. WHEN WAS IT RELEASED? -The GBC was released Oct. 23, 1998 in Japan, Nov. 19 in the USA, and Nov. 23 In Europe and most other places. H. WHAT GAMES WILL COME OUT FOR IT? -As the GBC grows in popularity, lots of games will be coming out. In fact, Nintendo has taken old games from the original Nintendo in 1985, slapped on a few upgrades, and release it for the GBC. A full and detailed list of games recently released, and games to come out in the future can be found at Nintendo's GBC Game List: http://www.nintendo.com/gb/gamelist.html I. WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? -There are now several different colors and appearances for the GBC. They can all be found at the URL at the bottom of my answer. Colors: Teal Yellow (aka Dandelion) Pink (aka Beri) Bright Green (aka Kiwi) Grape (aka Purple) Atomic Purple (See through..... Same as N64's atomic purple controller). Pictures of each GBC can be found at: http://www.nintendo.com/gb/gb_color/newcases.html - Oh, and here's a pic of the new special edition Pokemon GBC: http://www.nintendojo.com/gbcdojo/images/pokegbc1.jpg Thanks to Nintendojo (http://www.nintendojo.com) for that pic. Here's the info on the new Pokemon GBC...... It's a limited edition yellow and blue GBC; has no gameplay differences, just a different appearance. It hits stores on October 25, 1999, and the estimated price is $110. It's a must have for any big Pokemon fan. J. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? HOW MUCH DO THE GAMES COST? -When it first came out, the GBC was $79.99. Now it goes for about $69.99. (That's what I got mine for). The games cost $29.99. Definetely worth it, especially if you're used to spending $150 for an N64, or $50 for a PSX game. K. WHAT KIND OF LINK SUPPORT DOES IT HAVE? -GBC has what is called "A Link Cable" which hooks up to two seperate GBC's and allows you to play with friends. It is expected to do well, especially considering the booming success it had with Pokemon. Also, GBC is expected to some day be able to hook up into an N64 controller! Unfortunately, I don't have lots of info on that matter yet. L. WHY IS IT SO GREAT? -Finally, you can play portable games in full color without bad picture. Also, it only requires 2 batteries, most games save well, and it contains other great features such as the link cable. So when you're going on vacation and driving in the car for 8 hours, grab your GBC and have a blast. M. WHERE CAN I GET IT? -Any electronics store or store that sells video games will carry it. Toys 'r Us, Electronics Boutique, and Wal Mart are a few stores that will have it, just to name a few. N. IS THERE ANY OTHER GAMEBOY HARDWARE? Oh yeah... Here is some of the extra hardware you can use with your GBC, or just Gameboy hardware in general. a) The Gameboy Pocket - It was released in 1996 with better screen graphics and it was smaller. It's better for carrying around in your pocket all day long. b) The Gameboy Light - Same as a regular Gameboy, only it has a green light up screen that makes it playable in the dark. c) Gameboy Camera - Made for the GBC, it allows you to take snap shots of certain games and actually print them out. d) Game Genie / Game Shark - Both sources of Game cheats work on the GBC. O. WHAT GAMES ARE GOOD? -Well, this is an opinion question, so here's some popular games just to name a few: Pokemon Has grown into one of the most popular games for any system. >From the game, there is a Pokemon cartoon, Pokemon trading cards, and more Pokemon games to come out. It has truly turned into an obsession. Zelda DX Great game...... Challenging 8 dungeons as well as other games to play, a memory that saves, and great all around picture. It's an upgrade to the original Zelda GB game, "Link's Awakening." (Same title with DX on the end). Mario Bros. Deluxe This game is brilliant. It allows you to play the original Nintendo Mario game from 1985, as well as allow all new fun games, and save up to 3 files. TETRIS DX Another brilliant upgrade, this presents the original 1987 gameboy game Tetris in stunning color. NOTE: The DX in games stands for "deluxe" meaning advanced for the GBC. P. DO YOU HAVE A GAME LIST FOR ME? -No. This is a FAQ. However, I do know where the best game list is found........... http://www.nintendo.com/gb/gamelist.html Great place, as it includes reviews of games that have already been released, and previews for games soon to come out. Q. ANY OTHER RESOURCES? http://www.nintendo.com/gb/gb_color/index.html Nintendo's Gameboy Color site. http://www.gamefaqs.com/portable/gameboy/game/22661.html GameFAQs' index...... Great FAQs written by others, one about the GBC, another about SGB (Super Gameboy) and a regular GB FAQ. The GBC Dojo http://www.nintendojo.com/gbc/ The best GBC site on the web. -------------------- 3. Credits -------------------- The Color Gameboy Depot http://members.tripod.com/~Sh0gunZ/CGB/ For some information on some of the FAQ questions. The GBC Dojo http://www.nintendojo.com/gbc/ Nothing used from the GBC Dojo, it's just a great place to go to for Gameboy Color stuff (the best GBC site on the web). Nintendo.com http://www.nintendo.com Gave me info on the GBC specs as well as the message in the intro section. Stinger stinger2307@yahoo.com The original author of this FAQ. Bob Londrack horsemen_4_99@hotmail.com For sending in the message from Nintendo in the intro. Utils http://www.gamefaqs.com/portable/gameboy/game/22661.html His GBC FAQ can be found there. I didn't use anything from it, but I recommend going there. Great place. Also, my special thanks goes out to GameFAQs (http://www.gamefaqs.com) For publishing my work. Thanks. -------------------- 4. Copyright Info -------------------- This FAQ is for private use only. You may not use it on your website without written permission from both the author now and the original author of this FAQ (see the top of this FAQ). This FAQ may not be sold nor used in anyway to earn a profit. This FAQ may not be altered nor changed in anyway. The latest version of this FAQ can always be found at: GameFAQs http://www.gamefaqs.com The FAQ is copyright © 1999-2000 by Outkast. Gameboy Color is a product made by Nintendo.