From forgotten oddities to essential peripherals, these are the accessories that helped make the Nintendo Game Boy legendary.
The Game Boy Game Genie was amongst the first to do so.
The Game Boy version of the Game Genie was largely used with just the original variation of the console.
Handy Boy (1990)
The Handy Boy was so hyperbolic in its promises.
It could seemingly do it all!
It would amplify the sound with new speakers, and magnify the screen allowing for a clearer picture.
It added joysticks to the Game Boy and even illuminated the machine with a simple light.
It was certainly clunky as a concept but its a notable accessory for its sheer brashness and ambition.
Barcode Boy (1992)
Did you know the Game Boy was able to read barcodes?
This was a leap in technology once more, but one that didnt have a universal use.
It was only released in the Japanese market but was integral to a few experimental games.
A classic example wasMonster Maker: Barcode Sagawhich was designed with the accessory in mind.
Players were able to customize and battle thanks to the codes the scanner picked up.
If the Barcode Boy was compatible withPokemoncards for example, then the unit would have really taken off.
Some games likeDonkey KongorToy Storywere elevated with additional effects, thanks to the SNES superior hardware.
Plus, there was the possibility of 2-player action with the use of an additional Super NES controller.
Game Boy Pocket Sonar (1998)
Why would anyone need a sonar for their Game Boy?
To go fishing of course!
The Game Boy Pocket Sonar was the first ever gaming accessory to utilize sonar in its mechanics.
That breakthrough was employed to help people locate fish!
However, gamers might have wanted to get their hands on this product because it boasted its own minigame.
The accessory could astoundingly capture a grayscale image, allowing users to edit the picture with in-console technology.
The camera attached to the Game Boy and could swivel to capture images from all directions.
Gamers could even take selfies on the machine, years before the term was popularized.
Just like the Game Boy Pocket Sonar, the Nintendo accessory was also accompanied by a range of minigames.
Game Boy Printer (1998)
Whats a camera without a printer?
The thermal printer required thermal printing paper to work which could be purchased in just a few colors.
The Transfer Pak was created by Nintendo to transfer data from one console to the other.
This wasnt an elegant solution by any means, but it got the job done.
The adapter was compatible with the Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and Advance SP.
The adapter came with the Mobile Trainer cartridge to make the gear actually usable.
Ultimately, the product was simply aimed at the wrong people!
