The Game Boy Pocket, released in 1996 by Nintendo, marks a pivotal chapter in the evolution of handheld gaming. Smaller, sleeker, and significantly more user-friendly than its predecessor, this compact console became a treasured part of many gamers’ lives and paved the way for Nintendo’s dominance in portable gaming.

While the Game Boy Pocket didn’t introduce new hardware capabilities, it revitalized the Game Boy’s game library. The device offered a second wind to classic titles and continued to support new releases, giving them a more polished and portable experience.

The Game Boy Pocket retained backward compatibility with the original Game Boy, which meant that players could continue enjoying its vast library of games. Titles like Tetris, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Kirby’s Dream Land, and Metroid II: Return of Samus found a new home on the Pocket, and their accessibility played a huge role in driving the system’s success. Additionally, the Pocket saw several notable releases of its own, including Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue, which helped launch the Pokémon franchise into a global phenomenon.

The Game Boy Pocket wasn’t just an upgrade; it was a revolution. Its release helped solidify Nintendo’s dominance in the portable gaming market and brought countless hours of joy to gamers worldwide. As we celebrate two decades since its launch, we remember not just the games and hardware, but the sense of wonder that came with having an entire world of adventures in the palm of our hands.

What are your fondest memories of the Game Boy Pocket? Did you have a favorite game you couldn’t put down? Share your stories and join us in celebrating 20 years of one of the most iconic handhelds ever created.