Every Game Boy model, ranked (2026) — and why Japan is still the cheapest place to buy one

It’s a fool’s errand to rank Game Boy models, but your ranking lines up with the mainstream, for what it’s worth. Each model has qualities as @bobble notes.

A few points worth raising…

SP lacks a headphone jack. Every other Game Boy has one.

SP is rechargeable, but using rechargeable batteries is possible with all Game Boys. I use Eneloops. If you swap them out with fully-charged replacements, you never need to be tethered to a power outlet. I prefer this system to plugging in the entire device.

The assumption that backlit Game Boys are superior has gone unchallenged for many years, but there is something to be said for unlit LCD screens. I like to use a stock OG GBA in the sun or under a desk lamp. See this post for images of the former:

See this post by @Tchiko for images of the latter:

It should also be said that the Micro is handy for people who play on the go and travel light. I have two and love them.

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