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1989: The original Game Boy (DMG) is released in Japan on April 21, and later in North America in July. It features a monochrome screen, four AA batteries, and interchangeable game cartridges.
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1991: Nintendo releases the Super Game Boy, an accessory for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) that allows users to play Game Boy games on their TV.
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1992: The Game Boy receives a redesign with the release of the Game Boy Light in Japan, which features a backlit screen.
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1996: The Game Boy Pocket is released, featuring a smaller and lighter design and a clearer screen.
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1998: The Game Boy Color is released, featuring a color screen and backwards compatibility with older Game Boy games.
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2001: The Game Boy Advance is released, featuring a more powerful processor, better graphics, and a wider screen.
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2003: The Game Boy Advance SP is released, featuring a clamshell design, rechargeable battery, and front-lit screen.
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2005: The Game Boy Micro is released, featuring a smaller and sleeker design and compatibility with Game Boy Advance games.
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2006: Nintendo announces the discontinuation of the Game Boy line of consoles in favour of the Nintendo DS.
The original Game Boy console was a massive success for Nintendo, selling over 118 million units worldwide and establishing Nintendo as a leader in the handheld gaming market. Its impact on the gaming industry can still be felt today, with many modern handheld consoles owing their design and features to the Game Boy.