Nintendo Game Boy Color Top 10 Christmas Toys 1998

Nintendo Game Boy Color Top 10 Christmas Toys 1998

The Nintendo Game Boy Color of 1998 was a game-changing upgrade to handheld gaming, literally bringing colour into children’s palms for the first time. With its sleek design, bright screen, and backwards compatibility with classic Game Boy titles, the Game Boy Color instantly became a must-have. For kids unwrapping one on Christmas morning, it wasn’t just a handheld console—it was the next step in portable gaming magic.

1998: A Year in Context

1998 in the UK was a year defined by rapid advances in technology, with digital gadgets and video games capturing children’s imaginations. The Pokémon craze was on the rise, and the Game Boy Color perfectly positioned itself as the handheld that would carry the franchise into even greater success.

A Colourful Upgrade

The Game Boy Color introduced a colour screen to Nintendo’s already legendary handheld line, making games more vibrant and immersive. It was still compact and portable, with a battery life strong enough to keep kids entertained on long car rides or during quiet moments at home. Its backwards compatibility with the original Game Boy library meant players had access to hundreds of games right from the start (see Game Boy Color history).

Christmas Morning Excitement

Parents recall the excitement of children switching on their new Game Boy Color for the first time, gasping at the bright graphics compared to the old monochrome screen. Whether it was Pokémon Red, Super Mario Bros. Deluxe, or Tetris DX, the leap to colour made gameplay feel fresh and thrilling. Many kids spent the entire holiday glued to their screens, proudly showing off the colours to friends and siblings.

Adverts and Popularity

Television adverts emphasised the vibrant new look of handheld gaming, showcasing colourful worlds and energetic gameplay. The timing was perfect, as the Pokémon series was gaining traction and would soon explode into a global craze. By Christmas 1998, the Game Boy Color was one of the hottest gifts, with retailers struggling to keep shelves stocked.

Price Then and Now

In 1998, the Nintendo Game Boy Color retailed for around £69.99, or about £125 today. Games were sold separately at around £25–£30 each. Today, boxed Game Boy Color systems are highly collectable, with rare colour variations and Pokémon editions commanding premium prices among retro gaming fans.

Why Kids Loved It

Children loved the Game Boy Color because it felt modern, portable, and endlessly entertaining. The addition of colour made every game feel new again, even old favourites from the original Game Boy. The ability to carry their games everywhere meant the console quickly became a constant companion, fitting easily into schoolbags and pockets.

Nostalgia and Legacy

For many who grew up in the late nineties, the Game Boy Color was their first true handheld console. Adults today recall playing for hours under the covers with a clip-on light, trading Pokémon with friends, and marvelling at the colourful graphics. Its legacy endures as the handheld that paved the way for the Pokémon explosion and Nintendo’s continued dominance in portable gaming.

1998 Christmas Memories

Families remember the excitement of opening a Game Boy Color and the long hours children spent immersed in their new games. Parents recall how hard it was to persuade kids to put the console down for Christmas dinner, while children remember proudly carrying their handhelds everywhere. For many, Christmas 1998 was defined by the glow of that bright new screen.

Conclusion

The Nintendo Game Boy Color of 1998 was more than just a handheld console—it was a revolution in portable gaming. With its colourful graphics, huge library, and connection to the Pokémon craze, it became one of the most iconic toys of the decade. If you remember playing Pokémon on the go or marvelling at the leap to colour, revisit the nostalgia in our Top 10 Christmas Toys 1998 archive. See how it compares with the most popular Christmas toys, and explore its lasting impact in our Top 10 Christmas Toys 2025 guide. The Game Boy Color remains a handheld legend, forever tied to the magic of Christmas 1998.

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