Nintendo Gameboy Turns 20: Redditors Share Their Favorite Memories
The Nintendo Gameboy turns 20 years old this year, and redditors are sharing their memories of the iconic Handheld console. From talking about the games we played on it, to sharing stories about how it affected our lives, the Gameboy’s anniversary has prompted a flood of nostalgic comments on the gaming subreddit.
The Gameboy was first released in 1989, but its follow-up, the Gameboy Color, which introduced the world to the wonders of color handheld gaming, hit stores in 1998. Many Gameboy fans lost the battery cover for their handhelds at some point, like the original poster (OP) of the thread, who says their Gameboy disappeared around the same time.
“I had a Gameboy too in middle school,” one user responds. “I remember one day it was there, and then the next day it wasn’t. No signs of it anywhere. I’m still upset about it to this day.” Others reminisce about the Gameboys they owned while growing up, which they lost without a trace. Some even express their surprise that the handheld even had a battery cover.
“I still have mine!” one user writes. “It’s a bit worn out but still works. If anyone has any questions about the consoles, let me know.” This reply prompts a humorous exchange between other users about the experience of playing Gameboy for the last 20 years. “If you still play Gameboy games, you’re technically over 30,” one user jokingly replies. “Gameboy Color games were in color,” another argues, “so if you played them, you’re still young.”
Other users reminisce about various games they played on the Gameboy, such as Pokémon Pinball. “The discovery of Pokémon Pinball unlocked a core memory for me,” one user writes. “I spent so many afternoons playing that game… I still get really nostalgic thinking about it.” Others share their frustrations with the pinball game, while others reminisce about playing it extensively.
Another thread reminisces about various Gameboy accessories and devices, such as Action Replay and GameShark. “GameShark was so useful,” one user writes. “But I do feel bad that I hacked Pokémon games.” “I got an Action Replay for my Gameboy Color,” another replies. “I was so excited about it.”
The Gameboy’s iconic sound effects also prompt a flood of comments from redditors. “The sound effect when you turn the Gameboy on,” one user writes. “I never got tired of it.” “The sound of a Pokémon encounter in Pokémon Blue,” another replies. “That sound effect still gives me goosebumps.”
Other users reminisce about their personal memories and feelings about playing the Gameboy. “I played the crap out of Pokémon Blue,” one user writes. “I remember rushing home every day to play it during break time at school.” “I spent a lot of time trying to master Wario Land 3 and Super Mario Land 2,” another replies. “I wish I could replay those games now.”
Check out the Gameboy Color and our list of the best Gameboy games for more retro goodness.
