Game Boy
News, coverage and analysis tracking Game Boy across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Halloween special epsiode! Pure Nintendo Podcast E186
The Pure Nintendo Podcast episode 186 covers spooky season games like Resident Evil and Layers of Fear, alongside news about potential Switch 2 versions of Hitman and Tomb Raider, and new Game Boy titles for Switch Online. The hosts also discuss Arizona Sunshine, Final Fantasy Resonance, Ratatan, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, and Steins; Gate: Reboot.
The Sunday Papers
This week's gaming news roundup features an interview with multimedia artist Jeremy Couillard about his game Soul Injector Commando, a discussion on game development team sizes and outsourcing, and an analysis of why games like Manhunt sometimes fail to maintain their simulated worlds. It also highlights a Game Boy Museum project and the eccentric life of Timothy Dexter.
In the age of AI, one man spent years squeezing an entire museum onto a Game Boy - Why? For the most human of reasons
Dr. Marcel Pflug has spent years creating a Game Boy cartridge that functions as a museum dedicated to Nintendo's classic handheld. This project, born from a desire to preserve knowledge on the original hardware, includes a comprehensive archive of products, peripherals, hardware details, and articles. Pflug developed bespoke solutions to overcome the Game Boy's limitations, viewing the project as a humanistic endeavor in the age of AI.
This tiny E-ink Game Boy can run games at 30fps and docks into a NES controller, and it has sold me on the idea of paper…
A modder named Bo Made It has created the Ink-Boy, a Game Boy emulator utilizing an E-ink display that achieves 30fps gameplay and docks into an NES controller. This innovative portable overcomes the typical slow refresh rates of E-ink screens by employing custom display drivers, offering a unique retro gaming experience.
The 8Bitdo FlipPad isn't my absolute favorite way to play Game Boy games, but it could win me over this time next…
The 8Bitdo FlipPad offers a sleek, USB-C connected retro gaming experience for mobile phones, making it a good alternative to the chunkier GameSir Pocket Taco. While its $29.99 price is already competitive, it's expected to see further discounts during Prime Day, potentially dropping to around $20. The FlipPad excels in its compact design and direct connection, ideal for casual Game Boy sessions.
Ayaneo launches its Pocket Block for $79, and I'm glad the Game Boy clone has ditched the AI pitch
Ayaneo has launched its Konkr Pocket Block, a vertical Android handheld, for $79, notably dropping the AI marketing that accompanied its initial unveiling. The device aims to compete with rivals like the Anbernic RG35XX Plus by offering a Helio G85 CPU capable of emulating systems up to PlayStation 1 and potentially PSP. While the company plans a future AI-focused broadcast, the current marketing emphasizes its retro cyber design and emulation capabilities.
I placed two Game Boy controllers in the hands of a casual retro gamer, but the "winner" comes with caveats
A comparison of the 8Bitdo FlipPad and GameSir Pocket Taco Game Boy controllers reveals the FlipPad as the preferred choice for casual retro gamers, despite its wiggly USB-C connector. The FlipPad's sleek design and tactile buttons were favored over the GameSir Pocket Taco's bulkier build and mushy membrane buttons, though the latter offers shoulder buttons and broader compatibility.
Yes, a 24K gold-plated Supreme Analogue Pocket is absurd, but it isn't for regular Game Boy enjoyers like me
Analogue is releasing a 24K gold-plated and metallic red Supreme Analogue Pocket later this year, targeting fans of the Supreme brand and limited edition collectibles. While the lavish exterior is new, the device retains its core functionality as a retro handheld capable of playing Game Boy, Game Gear, Atari Lynx, PC Engine, and Neo Geo Pocket cartridges via adapters, featuring a 3.5-inch LCD display.
8Bitdo's FlipGo controller lands today, and for under $30, it could beat my go-to Game Boy controller
8Bitdo has launched its new FlipPad controller for smartphones, priced at $29.99, aiming to turn any phone into a Game Boy-style device with physical buttons. This accessory competes with the GameSir Pocket Taco, which offers similar functionality via Bluetooth for $34.99 but includes a built-in battery and more versatile connectivity.
8Bitdo's FlipPad controller lands today, and for under $30, it could beat my go-to Game Boy controller
8Bitdo has released its new FlipPad controller, designed to turn smartphones into Game Boy-style devices for under $30. The controller attaches via USB-C and offers a physical D-pad and face buttons. It is positioned as a competitor to the GameSir Pocket Taco, which offers similar functionality but with Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in battery for a slightly higher price.
The Game Boy Pocket is now 30 years young, and I'd thank it for today's retro handhelds
The Game Boy Pocket, celebrating its 30th anniversary, is credited with refining the handheld gaming experience and influencing modern retro handhelds. Despite lacking a backlight, its improvements over the original Game Boy, such as a better screen and slimmer design, set a precedent for quality-of-life enhancements that continue to inspire devices like the Steam Deck and Anbernic's emulators.
YouTuber builds pocket-sized Game Boy emulator using an ereader, demonstrates an 'actually playable' refresh…
A hardware creator has developed a pocket-sized Game Boy emulator using an ESP32 SoC and an M5Stack PaperS3 e-reader with an e-paper display. This device achieves an 'actually playable' refresh rate, suitable for games like Pokémon Blue and The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, by using more memory and advanced greyscaling and dithering techniques.
Best retro controllers 2026: perfect pads for your classic consoles and games
This guide explores the best modern retro controllers available for classic consoles, highlighting options from companies like Gulikit, 8Bitdo, Retro-Bit, and Retro Fighters. It details controllers suitable for Sega Genesis, Sega Saturn, Nintendo 64, Sega Dreamcast, PlayStation consoles, original Xbox, GameCube, and Game Boy, emphasizing features like wireless connectivity, hall-effect sensors, and improved ergonomics for an enhanced retro gaming experience.
Your new Analogue Pocket might not work with Everdrive carts, so here's the skinny on the Game Boy ROM ruckus
New variants of the Analogue Pocket are reportedly experiencing compatibility issues with Everdrive Game Boy flash carts, specifically when running Game Boy Advance ROMs. Users are encountering errors, with conflicting explanations suggesting either a hardware fault in the Analogue Pocket's RAM or changes in the Everdrive Mini itself. Analogue has stated they do not support third-party devices, leaving users to troubleshoot the problem.
Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch NES, SNES, and Game Boy games reportedly getting challenges
Nintendo is reportedly planning to introduce a 'challenges' feature for NES, SNES, and Game Boy games on both the current Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. While the apps have received major version updates, the feature is not yet live. This addition could serve as an incentive for Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions.
Ayaneo reveals yet another Game Boy remake but this one has AI
Ayaneo has revealed the Konkr Pocket Block, a new handheld device that features a Game Boy-inspired design and incorporates AI capabilities. The Konkr Pocket Block is noted to be smaller than the company's previous vertical handheld offerings.
No, that "Lenovo" retro handheld seemingly filled with illegal ROMs at Aliexpress isn't fake
Lenovo has confirmed that a retro handheld sold on AliExpress under its brand, the "G02," is officially licensed but produced through a regional agreement for the China market only. The device has drawn scrutiny due to concerns that it comes pre-loaded with illegal ROMs, a practice common with similar devices from third-party sellers. Lenovo is reportedly investigating the use of its brand in connection with these potentially infringing games.
Nintendo and LEGO announce LEGO Donkey Kong set
Nintendo and LEGO have announced a new LEGO Donkey Kong set, with a teaser trailer stating it is "rolling soon." This collaboration expands on their existing partnership, which began with Super Mario products and has since included Animal Crossing and The Legend of Zelda franchises. The upcoming set follows a recent Donkey Kong game release on Nintendo Switch.
Get The Lego Legend Of Zelda Deku Tree Model Before It Retires
The Lego Group has announced that its popular Legend of Zelda: Great Deku Tree set, which launched in January 2025, is being retired later this year. The 2-in-1 set allows builders to construct either the Breath of the Wild or Ocarina of Time version of the Great Deku Tree and includes multiple minifigures and brick-built characters. This set is part of Lego's Nintendo-themed display models, with other sets based on Super Mario, Mario Kart, and Pokemon also available.
The Lego Game Boy isn't an exact copy of Ninty's retro handheld, and that's why I love it
The Lego Nintendo Game Boy is a detailed 1:1 scale replica of the iconic retro handheld, featuring interactive buttons and swappable lenticular screens. While not an exact color match to the original and presenting some minor build challenges, it is praised for its solid construction, attention to detail, and affordable price point, making it a strong tribute for Nintendo fans.
