Owning any of these rare GameBoy Color games is like having a piece of gaming history in your hands. They represent the lasting appeal of handheld gaming and serve as a reminder of the nostalgia and charm of classic games. Whether you are a collector or just looking to relive some old memories, these games offer more than just entertainment. They are priceless pieces of the GameBoy Color’s past, preserved for future generations to appreciate in the ever-growing world of video game folklore.

Survival Kids

Survival Kids made its debut in 1999 on the Game Boy Color. This survival game delivers a unique experience where players set their own pace and their choices shape their adventure. Players are tasked with surviving on an uninhabited island following a shipwreck, using found objects to create shelters, gather food, and make tools. The game has multiple endings, which depend on the player’s strategies and decisions.

At the time of its release, Survival Kids stood out as survival genre games were rare for the Game Boy Color. Over time, the game developed a dedicated fanbase, and due to its rarity, the price of Survival Kids has increased significantly.

Bomberman Quest

Bomberman Quest released in 1998 for the Game Boy Color, brought a new twist to the popular series by incorporating action-adventure gameplay instead of the traditional bomb-laying mechanics. Players embark on a journey with Bomberman in a top-down world, solving puzzles and battling enemies to save Princess Millian from the Garaden Empire. This installment marked a departure from the series’ usual formula, making it a standout entry in the “Bomberman” franchise. The game introduced innovative uses for bombs, allowing players to use them not only in combat but also as tools to uncover secrets and create pathways, adding a layer of strategic depth. Despite receiving positive reviews, “Bomberman Quest” fell short of sales expectations, leading to its rarity and elevated collector’s value in the market.

Revelations: The Demon Slayer

Atlus is a renowned name in the world of collecting, with many of its titles fetching high prices. Persona 1 and 2 are among the rarest PS1 games and highly sought after by collectors. Revelations: The Demon Slayer, a part of the Megami Tensei Gaiden: Last Bible series, holds significance as the first installment in the series. Being a part of the Megami Tensei franchise, which includes popular series like Persona and Shin Megami Tensei, adds to the game’s value. Despite its popularity, Demon Slayer has never been re-released, not even on the PSP, contributing to its rarity and high worth in the collector’s market.

Pokémon Crystal Version

The Game Boy Color game, Pokémon Crystal, first came out in Japan in 2000 and elsewhere in 2001. It quickly became very popular. Even after becoming available on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console in 2018, the original Game Boy Color version still costs a lot. The game isn’t hard to find, but its high market price comes from the fame and history of the Pokémon brand.

Pokémon Gold Version

Pokémon Gold is sequel to the highly successful Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow games. Released for the Game Boy Color, this game introduced 100 new Pokémon and new features like breeding and Pokémon friendship. Set in the Johto region, west of Kanto, players start their journey in New Bark Town with a choice of three new starter Pokémon. There are 8 gyms to conquer in Johto, each with different types from those in Kanto, followed by the Elite Four. Along the way, players encounter a reformed Team Rocket, encounter a shiny Gyarados at the Lake of Rage, and can explore Kanto and tackle the original 8 gyms. Mt. Silver, located between Johto and Kanto, contains rare Pokémon and the powerful Pokémon Trainer Red with incredibly high level Pokémon.

Even though they sold more copies than other games on this list, the demand for Pokémon Gold has significantly increased their cost over the years. It’s clear that the enduring fame and impact of the Pokémon series have contributed to the high value of these games today.

Wendy: Every Witch Way

Wendy: Every Witch Way is a 2001 Game Boy Color platform game centered on Wendy, known from Casper the Friendly Ghost and Wendy the Good Little Witch comics and films.

Players enjoy a fun, puzzle-filled side-scrolling adventure as they guide Wendy through various levels, solving puzzles and overcoming enemies.

Initially overlooked, Every Witch Way has since become a sought-after collector’s item due to its delightful gameplay and its association with the well-loved Harvey Comics character, becoming one of the rarest and priciest Game Boy Color games in contemporary retro gaming circles.

Resident Evil Gaiden

In Resident Evil Gaiden, characters Leon S. Kennedy and Barry Burton explore a virus outbreak on a cruise ship. It’s surprising to find a Resident Evil title on the Game Boy Color, featuring mostly overhead exploration. The perspective only shifts to first-person during attacks and then back again. The game was quite different from other entries in the series and got mixed feedback. Still, it’s now appreciated for its uniqueness on the Game Boy Color and holds a special place among collectors and fans of classic games.

Shantae

Released in 2002, Shantae was among the last titles to debut on the Game Boy Color. As the GBC was nearing the end of its era, Capcom succeeded in crafting a standout game that would later be recognized as a classic by dedicated fans.

In this easygoing 2D platformer, you play as Shantae, the half-genie hero, on a quest to thwart the villainous pirate Risky Boots from taking over Sequin Land.

Although Shantae initially flew under the radar because it came out shortly after the newer Game Boy Advance was introduced, it has since won over the hearts of many Game Boy Color fans.

Return of the Ninja

Natsume released the action platformer Return of the Ninja, which incorporates stealth elements, shortly before the launch of the Game Boy Advance. Considered a spiritual successor to Natsume’s NES game, Shadow of the Ninja, this game is not easy to find Complete in box. While loose copies can be found on eBay, complete copies are a rarity. Manuals command high prices, and boxes are particularly hard to come by.

Metal Gear Solid

The Game Boy Color version of Metal Gear Solid is considered one of the rarest regular-issue games in the Metal Gear series, alongside some of the original classics. While the franchise had transitioned into a 3D blockbuster on the Playstation, this 2D incarnation on the Game Boy did not receive a large print run. Despite not being as common as other popular titles, the rising value of this game, especially in complete form, can be attributed to its novelty factor as a well-known franchise on an old-school platform. The relative rarity of this portable version has led to increased hype amongst collectors, with some comparing it to the appeal of other sought-after titles like Resident Evil Gaiden.

These rare GameBoy Color games, including titles like Survival Kids, Bomberman Quest, Revelations: The Demon Slayer, Pokemon Crystal Version, Pokemon Gold Version, Wendy: Every Witch Way, and Resident Evil Gaiden, each hold a unique place in handheld gaming history. Their scarcity and high collectability serve as a reminder that these games are more than just entertainment; they are valuable artifacts that pay homage to the GBC era. From the survival challenges of Survival Kids to the strategic gameplay of Bomberman Quest and the intricate narratives of games like Pokemon Crystal and Resident Evil Gaiden, each title offers a special connection to the past. These games are not just about their monetary value but also about the nostalgic journey they offer, whether players are revisiting childhood memories or experiencing these classics for the first time. Collecting these rare GameBoy Color games promises to add depth and richness to any gaming collection, with each cartridge holding its own unique story and gameplay experience.