This visual timeline’s release data and cover images is sourced from GameFAQs. Feel free to contact me with any addition or errata at [email protected].
Any data only available in a yearly range (mostly European releases for which only the calendar year of their release is available) are currently ignored and not visible on this timeline.
1985
October
The NES is released in the New York market as a test bed for a staggered release of the console. It will see a full North American release in September 1986.
※
1986
September
The NES is released in North America. It was released in a limited fashion starting with the New York market the year before.
※
1989
January
Epyx publicly unveils the Handy at CES, which will become the Lynx later in the year.
※
July
Tetris
Developed by
Nintendo
Published by
Nintendo
Alleyway
Developed by
Nintendo
Published by
Nintendo
Super Mario Land
Developed by
Nintendo
Published by
Nintendo
Baseball
Developed by
Intelligent Systems
Published by
Nintendo
Game Boy Hardware
Developed by
Nintendo
Published by
Nintendo
Tennis
Developed by
Nintendo
Published by
Nintendo
Game Boy is released in North America for $90 USD with Super Mario Land, Alleyway, Baseball, and Tennis. Tetris is of course bundled with the system.
※
September
Atari releases the Lynx for $179 in North America.
※
December
Castlevania: The Adventure
Developed by
Konami
Published by
Konami
The 1989 Sears Christmas catalogue advertises the console for just below $90 USD.
※
1990
January
Motocross Maniacs
Developed by
Konami
Published by
Ultra
Fortress of Fear: Wizards & Warriors X
Developed by
Rare Ltd.
Published by
Acclaim
Motocross Maniacs is released in North America. It is Konami’s first Game Boy title.
※
February
Hyper Lode Runner
Developed by
TOSE
Published by
Bandai
Golf
Developed by
Nintendo
Published by
Nintendo
Boxxle
Developed by
Atelier Double
Published by
FCI, Inc.
Solar Striker
Developed by
Minakuchi Engineering
Published by
Nintendo
March
Malibu Beach Volleyball
Developed by
TOSE
Published by
Activision
Kwirk
Developed by
Atlus
Published by
Acclaim
The Bugs Bunny Crazy Castle
Developed by
Kemco
Published by
Kemco
Revenge of the ’Gator
Developed by
HAL Labs
Published by
HAL Labs
April
Nemesis
Developed by
Konami
Published by
Ultra
World Bowling
Developed by
Athena
Published by
Romstar
Q Billion
Developed by
Seta Corporation
Published by
Seta Corporation
Boomer’s Adventure in Asmik World
Developed by
Dual
Published by
Asmik Corporation of America
NFL Football
Developed by
Konami
Published by
Konami
Flipull
Developed by
Taito Corporation
Published by
Taito Corporation
Heiankyo Alien
Developed by
Hyperware
Published by
Meldac
Fist of the North Star: 10 Big Brawls for the King of the Universe
Developed by
Shouei
Published by
Electro Brain
May
Qix
Developed by
Minakuchi Engineering
Published by
Nintendo
June
Batman: The Video Game
Developed by
SunSoft
Published by
SunSoft
Shanghai
Developed by
HAL Labs
Published by
HAL Labs
July
Paperboy
Developed by
Tengen
Published by
Mindscape
Bases Loaded
Developed by
TOSE
Published by
Jaleco Entertainment
Dexterity
Developed by
SNK
Published by
SNK
Daedalian Opus
Developed by
Vic Tokai
Published by
Vic Tokai
Gargoyle’s Quest
Developed by
Capcom
Published by
Capcom
Lock n’ Chase
Developed by
Data East
Published by
Data East
Penguin Wars
Developed by
ASCII Entertainment
Published by
Nexoft
The Amazing Spider-Man
Developed by
Rare Ltd.
Published by
LJN Ltd.
August
Double Dragon
Developed by
Technos
Published by
Tradewest
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fall of the Foot Clan
Developed by
Konami
Published by
Ultra
September
Skate or Die: Bad ’N Rad
Developed by
Konami
Published by
Konami
Catrap
Developed by
Asmik Ace Entertainment, Inc
Published by
Asmik Ace Entertainment, Inc
Wheel of Fortune
Developed by
Data Design Interactive
Published by
GameTek
The Final Fantasy Legend
Developed by
SquareSoft
Published by
SquareSoft
Heavyweight Championship Boxing
Developed by
TOSE
Published by
Activision
Cosmo Tank
Developed by
Asuka Technologies
Published by
Atlus
Pipe Dream
Developed by
Bullet Proof Software
Published by
Bullet Proof Software
October
Snoopy’s Magic Show
Developed by
Kemco
Published by
Kemco
Mr. Chin’s Gourmet Paradise
Developed by
Romstar
Published by
Romstar
Mercenary Force
Developed by
Lenar
Published by
Meldac
Godzilla
Developed by
Compile
Published by
Toho
Balloon Kid
Developed by
Pax Softonica
Published by
Nintendo
November
Serpent
Developed by
Dual
Published by
Taxan
Disney’s DuckTales
Developed by
Capcom
Published by
Capcom
Ninja Boy
Developed by
Culture Brain
Published by
Culture Brain
Side Pocket
Developed by
Data East
Published by
Data East
Ishido: The Way of Stones
Developed by
Nexoft
Published by
Publishing International
Bubble Ghost
Developed by
Opera House
Published by
FCI, Inc.
December
Dead Heat Scramble
Developed by
Copya Systems
Published by
Electro Brain
Play Action Football
Developed by
TOSE
Published by
Nintendo
Hal Wrestling
Developed by
Human Entertainment
Published by
HAL Labs
RoboCop
Developed by
Ocean of America, Inc.
Published by
Ocean
In Your Face
Developed by
Jaleco Entertainment
Published by
Jaleco Entertainment
Dr. Mario
Developed by
Nintendo
Published by
Nintendo
Chase H.Q.
Developed by
Bits Corporation Limited
Published by
Taito Corporation
Ghostbusters II
Developed by
HAL Labs
Published by
Activision
Ghostbusters II
Developed by
HAL Labs
Published by
Activision
Power Racer
Developed by
Graphic Research
Published by
Tecmo
Amazing Penguin
Developed by
Natsume
Published by
Natsume
Quarth
Developed by
Ultra
Published by
Konami
The TurboExpress is released in Japan for ¥44,800 and North America for $249.
※
The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends
Developed by
Imagineering Inc
Published by
THQ
Bionic Commando
Developed by
Minakuchi Engineering
Published by
Capcom
Hit the Ice
Developed by
Williams
Published by
Taito Corporation
Lazlos’ Leap
Developed by
Hect
Published by
DTMC
Xenon 2
Developed by
Teeny Weeny Games
Published by
Mindscape
The price of the Game Boy is decreased by $10 to $80 USD at some point during the year, with the price drop evidently in force during the holiday period.
※
Sports Illustrated for Kids: The Ultimate Triple Dare
Developed by
Halestorm
Published by
Malibu
Super Battletank
Developed by
Imagineering Inc
Published by
Absolute Entertainment
May
Lamborghini American Challenge
Developed by
Titus Software
Published by
Titus Software
Jeopardy! Sports Edition
Developed by
Data Design Interactive
Published by
GameTek
Mickey’s Ultimate Challenge
Developed by
Designer Software
Published by
Hi Tech Expressions
June
Donkey Kong
Developed by
Pax Softonica
Published by
Nintendo
Super Game Boy is released in North America and Japan.
※
July
Stop That Roach!
Developed by
Koei
Published by
Koei
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Developed by
NMS Software
Published by
Ubisoft
August
Elite Soccer
Developed by
Denton Designs
Published by
GameTek
RoboCop Versus The Terminator
Developed by
Unexpected Development
Published by
Interplay
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Developed by
Tom Create
Published by
Bandai
Disney’s The Jungle Book
Developed by
Eurocom
Published by
Virgin Interactive
Lemmings
Developed by
DMA Design
Published by
Ocean
Cool Ball
Developed by
Bit Managers
Published by
Takara
September
WildSnake
Developed by
Bullet Proof Software
Published by
Spectrum Holobyte
Mortal Kombat II
Developed by
Probe Entertainment Limited
Published by
Acclaim
Taz-Mania
Developed by
David A. Palmer Productions
Published by
SunSoft
Mega Man V
Developed by
Capcom
Published by
Capcom
October
Sports Illustrated: Golf Classic
Developed by
Unexpected Development
Published by
Malibu
Cool Spot
Developed by
NMS Software
Published by
Virgin Interactive
Tarzan: Lord of the Jungle
Developed by
Eurocom
Published by
GameTek
Yogi Bear’s Goldrush
Developed by
Entertainment Int
Published by
GameTek
Space Invaders
Developed by
Taito Corporation
Published by
Nintendo
Contra: The Alien Wars
Developed by
Factor 5
Published by
Konami
The first Game Boy game to use the ESRB rating system is released. It is Nintendo’s collaboration with Hudson, Wario Blast: Featuring Bomberman! The ESRB was officially unveiled the previous month.
※
In my beloved Québec Christmas Sears catalogue, a Game Boy without any bundled game is sold for 60$ CDN. It appears the system is sold for the same price (USD $60) in the United States.
※
November
NBA Jam
Developed by
Beam Software
Published by
Acclaim
Samurai Shodown
Developed by
Takara
Published by
Takara
Solitaire FunPak
Developed by
Beam Software
Published by
Interplay
seaQuest DSV
Developed by
Unexpected Development
Published by
Malibu
Star Trek: Generations - Beyond the Nexus
Developed by
Imagineering Inc
Published by
Absolute Entertainment
Wario Blast: Featuring Bomberman!
Developed by
Hudson
Published by
Nintendo
Monster Truck Wars
Developed by
Gremlin Graphics
Published by
Acclaim
The Simpsons: Itchy and Scratchy — Miniature Golf Madness
The first third-party Game Boy game to feature an ESRB rating, Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf, is released. All released Game Boy games will be rated after the end of February.
※
March
NFL Quarterback Club II
Developed by
Condor
Published by
LJN Ltd.
Mario’s Picross
Developed by
Jupiter Corporation
Published by
Nintendo
Nintendo releases coloured Game Boy models in North America for $60 USD, under the umbrella of the Play It Loud! Campaign. The price was carried over from the regular grey model.
※
The Gunpei Yokoi designed Game Boy Pocket is released in North America, retailing for $70 USD, a price increase of $10 compared to the current price of the original model. It also eschews a bundled game.
※
October
Disney’s Pinocchio
Developed by
NMS Software
Published by
Black Pearl
Arcade Classics: Super Breakout / Battlezone
Developed by
Solid Software
Published by
Black Pearl
Road Rash
Developed by
The Code Monkeys
Published by
Ocean
November
FIFA Soccer 97
Developed by
Tiertex Design Studios
Published by
Black Pearl
Battle Arena Toshinden
Developed by
AI
Published by
Takara
Torpedo Range
Developed by
Seta Corporation
Published by
Romstar
Madden 97
Developed by
Tiertex Design Studios
Published by
Black Pearl
Casper
Developed by
Bonsai Entertainment Corp.
Published by
Natsume
Urban Strike
Developed by
Borta
Published by
Black Pearl
December
Jeopardy! Teen Tournament
Developed by
Data Design Interactive
Published by
GameTek
Jeopardy! Platinum Edition
Developed by
Data Design Interactive
Published by
GameTek
Street Racer
Developed by
Vivid Image
Published by
Ubisoft
Sonic Blast is released for Game Gear in Japan and North America, the last major release on the console.
※
The first Bandai developed Tamagotchi is released in North America. It was first released the year before in Japan. It will kick-start a fad that will last a couple of years.
※
July
Disney’s Hercules
Developed by
Tiertex Design Studios
Published by
THQ
August
Tetris Plus
Developed by
Natsume
Published by
Jaleco Entertainment
October
Donkey Kong Land III
Developed by
Rare Ltd.
Published by
Nintendo
Tamagotchi
Developed by
Tom Create
Published by
Bandai
The Fidgetts
Developed by
Game Over
Published by
Jaleco Entertainment
Dr. Franken II
Developed by
MotiveTime, Ltd.
Published by
Jaleco Entertainment
Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball - Game Boy Edition
Developed by
Software Creations
Published by
Nintendo
Gunpei Yokoi is killed in a car accident. He was 56.
※
Majesco Entertainment announces a budget rerelease of the Game Gear priced at $30 with reissues of ten games priced at $15 each.
※
March
Magi Nation
Developed by
Interactive Imagination
Published by
Interactive Imagination
Inspector Gadget: Operation Madkactus
Developed by
RFX Interactive
Published by
Ubisoft
LEGO Island 2: The Brickster’s Revenge
Developed by
Crawfish Interactive
Published by
Lego Media
Mary-Kate and Ashley: Winners Circle
Developed by
M4 Limited
Published by
Acclaim
Puzzled
Developed by
Elo Interactive
Published by
Conspiracy Entertainment
Tom and Jerry: Mouse Hunt
Developed by
Conspiracy Entertainment
Published by
Conspiracy Entertainment
SpongeBob SquarePants: Legend of the Lost Spatula
Developed by
Vicarious Visions
Published by
THQ
ESPN National Hockey Night
Developed by
Konami
Published by
Konami
Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine
Developed by
HotGen
Published by
THQ
Mickey’s Speedway USA
Developed by
Rare Ltd.
Published by
Nintendo
Tech Deck Skateboarding
Developed by
Handheld Games
Published by
Activision
The Simpsons: Night of the Living Treehouse of Horror
Developed by
Software Creations
Published by
THQ
Rocket Power: Gettin’ Air
Developed by
Tiertex Design Studios
Published by
THQ
Aliens: Thanatos Encounter
Developed by
Crawfish Interactive
Published by
THQ
The Game Boy Advance is released in Japan for ¥9800.
※
April
Snoopy Tennis
Developed by
Mermaid Studios
Published by
Infogrames
Kirby Tilt ’n’ Tumble
Developed by
HAL Labs
Published by
Nintendo
Power Rangers: Time Force
Developed by
Natsume
Published by
THQ
Batman: Chaos in Gotham
Developed by
Digital Eclipse
Published by
Ubisoft
Legend of the River King 2
Developed by
TOSE
Published by
Crave
Xtreme Wheels
Developed by
Spike
Published by
Bam Entertainment
The Mummy Returns
Developed by
Game Brains
Published by
Universal Interactive
May
Microsoft Pinball Arcade
Developed by
Saffire
Published by
Classified Games
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages
Developed by
Flagship
Published by
Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
Developed by
Flagship
Published by
Nintendo
Mat Hoffman’s Pro BMX
Developed by
HotGen
Published by
Activision
X-Men: Wolverine’s Rage
Developed by
Digital Eclipse
Published by
Activision
Roswell Conspiracies: Aliens, Myths & Legends
Developed by
Crawfish Interactive
Published by
Red Storm Entertainment
Shrek: Fairy Tale Freakdown
Developed by
Prolific
Published by
TDK Mediactive
Commander Keen
Developed by
David A. Palmer Productions
Published by
Activision
Spider-Man 2: The Sinister Six
Developed by
Torus Games
Published by
Activision
The Flintstones: BurgerTime in Bedrock
Developed by
Conspiracy Entertainment
Published by
Classified Games
June
Microsoft: The Best of Entertainment Pack
Developed by
Saffire
Published by
Classified Games
Return of the Ninja
Developed by
Act Japan
Published by
Natsume
Matchbox Emergency Patrol
Developed by
Lucky Chicken
Published by
Mattel
Ronaldo V-Soccer
Developed by
Bit Managers
Published by
Infogrames
Antz Racing
Developed by
RFX Interactive
Published by
Acclaim
Ultimate Surfing
Developed by
Act Japan
Published by
Natsume
Razor: Freestyle Scooter
Developed by
Crawfish Interactive
Published by
Crave
Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire
Developed by
Eurocom
Published by
THQ
Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare
Developed by
Pocket Studios
Published by
Infogrames
The Game Boy Advance is released in North America.
※
July
Lara Croft - Tomb Raider: Curse of the Sword
Developed by
Core Design Ltd.
Published by
Activision
The Land Before Time
Developed by
Eclipse Entertainment
Published by
Conspiracy Entertainment
Dragon Warrior III
Developed by
TOSE
Published by
Enix Corporation
Pokémon Crystal Version
Developed by
Game Freak
Published by
Nintendo
Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster Saves the Day
Developed by
Warthog
Published by
Conspiracy Entertainment
August
Xena: Warrior Princess
Developed by
Titus Software
Published by
Titus Software
WWF Betrayal
Developed by
WayForward
Published by
THQ
Barbie: Pet Rescue
Developed by
HotGen
Published by
Mattel
Stuart Little: The Journey Home
Developed by
Tiertex Design Studios
Published by
Activision
Wendy: Every Witch Way
Developed by
WayForward
Published by
TDK Mediactive
September
Woody Woodpecker
Developed by
Planet Interactive
Published by
DreamCatcher Interactive
Madden NFL 2002
Developed by
3d6 Games
Published by
EA Sports
Bob the Builder: Fix it Fun!
Developed by
Tiertex Design Studios
Published by
THQ
Portal Runner
Developed by
Handheld Games
Published by
3DO
007: The World is not Enough
Developed by
2n Productions
Published by
EA Games
Toki Tori
Developed by
Two Tribes
Published by
Capcom
Dragon Warrior Monsters 2: Tara’s Adventure
Developed by
TOSE
Published by
Enix Corporation
Dragon Warrior Monsters 2: Cobi’s Journey
Developed by
TOSE
Published by
Enix Corporation
Lufia: The Legend Returns
Developed by
Neverland
Published by
Natsume
Dragon Warrior Monsters 2 is released in North America. It is the last cartridge compatible with the original Game Boy.
※
October
Zoboomafoo: Playtime in Zobooland
Developed by
Vicarious Visions
Published by
Encore Software
Trouballs
Developed by
Paragon 5
Published by
Capcom
Hands of Time
Developed by
Mirage
Published by
Titus Software
Dracula: Crazy Vampire
Developed by
Planet Interactive
Published by
DreamCatcher Interactive
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: Digital Companion
Developed by
Powerhead Games
Published by
NewKidCo
JumpStart: Dino Adventure Field Trip
Developed by
Digital Illusions
Published by
Knowledge Adventure Inc.
Disney⋅Pixar Monsters, Inc.
Developed by
Vicarious Visions
Published by
THQ
Mega Man Xtreme 2
Developed by
Capcom
Published by
Capcom
Kelly Club: Clubhouse Fun
Developed by
Vicarious Visions
Published by
Knowledge Adventure Inc.
November
Shaun Palmer’s Pro Snowboarder
Developed by
ITL
Published by
Activision
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: Escape from Planet Earth
Developed by
Saffire
Published by
NewKidCo
Sabrina the Animated Series: Spooked!
Developed by
WayForward
Published by
Simon & Schuster
Cubix: Robots For Everyone - Race ’N Robots
Developed by
Blitz Games
Published by
3DO
Harvest Moon 3 GBC
Developed by
TOSE
Published by
Natsume
Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Developed by
Planet Interactive
Published by
Ubisoft
Sesame Street Sports
Developed by
Bonsai Entertainment Corp.
Published by
NewKidCo
Dragon Tales: Dragon Adventures
Developed by
Handheld Games
Published by
NewKidCo
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
Developed by
HotGen
Published by
Activision
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Developed by
Griptonite Games
Published by
Electronic Arts
Mary-Kate and Ashley: Crush Course
Developed by
Crawfish Interactive
Published by
Acclaim
The Pokémon Mini, the diminutive portable console dedicated to Pokémon games was released in North America. It will fail to find any success in the market.
※
December
Disney’s Pooh and Tigger’s Hunny Safari
Developed by
Digital Eclipse
Published by
Electronic Arts
Diva Starz: Mall Mania
Developed by
Digital Illusions
Published by
VU Games
Top Gun: Firestorm
Developed by
Fluid Studios
Published by
Titus Software
Planet of the Apes
Developed by
Torus Games
Published by
Ubisoft
*NSYNC: Get to the Show
Developed by
Stunt Puppy Entertainment, Inc.
Published by
Infogrames
The 2001 US Sears Christmas catalogue. It’s the last time Sears advertises the Game Boy line in its catalogue.
※
2002
January
Rayman 2
Developed by
Ubisoft
Published by
Ubisoft
March
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and the Cosmic Garden
Developed by
Zed Two Limited
Published by
NewKidCo
Yu-Gi-Oh! Dark Duel Stories
Developed by
KCEJ
Published by
Konami
Jim Henson’s Bear in the Big Blue House
Developed by
Ubisoft
Published by
Ubisoft
Rhino Rumble
Developed by
Formula
Published by
Telegames
May
Tonka Construction Site
Developed by
Cosmigo
Published by
TDK Mediactive
June
Shantae
Developed by
WayForward
Published by
Capcom
Resident Evil Gaiden
Developed by
M4 Limited
Published by
Capcom
October
Hamtaro: Ham-Hams Unite!
Developed by
Pax Softonica
Published by
Nintendo
November
Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors
Developed by
Flight-Plan
Published by
Infogrames
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Developed by
Griptonite Games
Published by
EA Games
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is released in North America. It is the last North American Game Boy Color game. This is the true end of the Game Boy era, since from this point on all future events relate to Game Boy compatibility as a feature of Game Boy Advance systems.
※
2003
March
The Game Boy Advance SP is released in North America.
※
June
The Game Boy Player is released in North America.
※
2004
September
The Game Boy Advance SP is reduced in price in Japan, the US and Canada. It is now sold for $79 USD, down from $99, or ¥9800 in Japan.
※
2005
September
The backlit Game Boy Advance SP (model AGS-101) is released in North America. It is never made available in Japan. Colour variants will be released at later dates, but this will be the last new system to support Game Boy cartridges.
※
The Game Boy Micro is released for $99 USD in North America. It does not play Game Boy cartridges, being limited to Game Boy Advance titles.
※
2007
April
In its financial statements, Nintendo forecasts no sales of Game Boy Advance hardware going forward, and forecasts eight million software sales for the next financial year. This means no new Game Boy Advance hardware is produced, and only stock already on shelves is still sold. Nintendo has closed the books on the Game Boy name.
※