The Game Boy Color is one of the best-selling handheld gaming systems. It was released in 1998 and was the first handheld gaming device to feature color graphics.
The Game Boy Color has been discontinued for many years, but its legacy remains. The system has an excellent library of games that are still being played today by many gamers worldwide.
Let’s explore some of our favorite Game Boy Color sandbox titles!
What is a Sandbox Game?
A sandbox game allows players to roam freely through an open world, where they can go anywhere, do anything, and interact with anything they want.
Sandbox games can include anything from RPGs to survival titles, as well as shooters, which can have elements of sandbox gameplay mixed in.
The Game Boy Color: A Brief History
The Game Boy Color debuted in Japan on October 21, 1998. It was a massive upgrade over the original Game Boy — it had an improved color screen and a more powerful processor, but it still played the same games as the original Game Boy. The system was backward compatible with most Game Boy games and could play them in their original black-and-white format.
The new screen also made it possible for developers to create games that were more complex than ever before. For example, Pokémon Yellow was released on the Game Boy Color and included full-color graphics.
To date, the Game Boy Color has sold more than 118 million units since its release, making it one of the most popular handheld gaming consoles ever.
The 7 Best Game Boy Color Sandbox Games of All Time
Let’s dive into the best Game Boy Color games today based on user ratings from Nintendo Life.
#7: Metroid: Zero Mission
Metroid: Zero Mission is one of the best Game Boy Color games. It’s a remake of the original Metroid game, which was released in 1986.
Metroid: Zero Mission takes place after the events of Super Metroid. The player takes control of Samus Aran, who must fight off an alien invasion and save the universe from destruction at the hands of Mother Brain.
There’s so much to love about this game. It has excellent graphics, fantastic music, and some unique boss battles that keep you on your toes until the end. If you’re looking for a great action-adventure game for your Game Boy Color, then this is one that you should try out.
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Sandbox |
| Release Date | February 9, 2004 |
#6: emRayman/em
- 8 environments and 30 levels
- More than 20 different characters
- Includes a new bonus level
- Precise and intuitive handling
Developed by Ubisoft, emRayman/em is a platforming game that was released in 1998. The game features the character Rayman as he tries to save the world from the evil Mr. Dark, who plans to steal all of the world’s children.
emRayman/em was one of the first games to use 3D graphics, and it has been liked for its unique art style. Although it is less popular than other games in this genre, it has been praised for its innovative gameplay and excellent graphics.
You can find it on Amazon here.
| Publisher | Ubisoft |
| Developer | Ubisoft |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Sandbox, Adventure |
| Release Date | March 29, 2000 |
#5: Metroid II: Return of Samus
Metroid II: Return of Samus is a sci-fi action-adventure game released in 2002 by Nintendo for their Game Boy Color console system.
The story follows bounty hunter Samus Aran as she attempts to track down an alien menace before it can spread further into space.
The game features several new gameplay elements, such as upgrades that allow Samus to gain new abilities, such as power bombs that enable him to destroy walls and other obstacles, along with new enemies, such as parasitic Metroids that must be hunted down.
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Developer | Intelligent Systems |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Action, Sandbox |
| Release Date | November, 2002 |
#4: emHarry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone/em
The first game in the Harry Potter series, emHarry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone/em, was released in 2001.
(Please note that as of July 19th, 2023, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (UK) is currently unavailable on Amazon. Please check back later.)
It’s an action-adventure game where you play Harry Potter himself as he goes on his first year of schooling at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The gameplay is similar to Tomb Raider or Uncharted, with lots of jumping across platforms and fighting enemies along the way. There are also some puzzle elements thrown in too.
Check it out on Amazon right here.
| Publisher | Electronic Arts |
| Developer | Griptonite Games |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Adventure, Sandbox |
| Release Date | November 16, 2001 |
#3: emPokémon Gold/em
- Renewed game with original cartridge
- Cleaned, tested, and working condition.
- The game is an authentic copy
- New save battery installed
emPokémon Gold/em is one of the most popular Pokémon games ever made for many reasons. The story, characters, and music are all top-notch.
It’s an adventure that can last you months if you’re willing to invest the time. But, even if you don’t want to play through the main story again, there are plenty of other things to do in the game.
You can find it on Amazon here so grab a copy.
| Publisher | The Pokémon Company |
| Developer | Game Freak |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Strategy, Sandbox |
| Release Date | October 15, 2000 |
#2: emPokémon Crystal/em
- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only. It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition.
- The game is an authentic copy and a new save battery has been installed!
emPokémon Crystal/em is the third Game Boy Color game in the Pokémon series. It follows Pokémon Gold and Silver, which were released several years earlier.
The game has a similar storyline to the original Pokémon games in that you’re a young boy or girl who travels around collecting monsters and battling other trainers so they can become the best trainer.
The game has over 100 types of monsters to collect, some of them being new and others returning from previous games. The graphics are also improved from previous games with better color depth, resolution, and more detail overall.
You can find your own copy on Amazon here.
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Developer | Game Freak |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Strategy, Sandbox |
| Release Date | July 29, 2001 |
#1: emThe Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX/em
- Features new enemies;
- eight huge dungeons;
- powerful weapons;
- battery-backed memory;
- one-player action
emThe Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX/em is an absolute classic, and the Game Boy Color remake is as good as it gets.
emThe Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX/em is an enhanced version of the original game released on the Game Boy in 1993. The remake featured new dungeons and bosses, improved graphics, and a few other tweaks that made it worth playing again.
If you’re looking for an action-adventure game with a deep story and plenty of dungeons to explore, this is one of your best bets on the system.
Check it out on Amazon here.
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Strategy, Sandbox |
| Release Date | December 15, 1998 |
Where to Buy Game Boy Color Sandbox Games
eBay is where you can find most retro games at fair prices. However, be aware that there are many fakes on the platform. It’s always worth checking multiple sellers before buying.
Amazon has a great selection of used games, but their prices are more expensive than other options. If you’re looking for something specific, it’s worth checking here first.
Wrapping Up
The Game Boy Color is one of the most beloved handhelds in history. It was a significant improvement over the original Game Boy, with better color capabilities and more RAM. It also had a vast library of games from various genres, including some excellent sandbox-style games.
Up Next:
- The Absolute Best PlayStation 4 Racing Games of All Time
- The Absolute Best PlayStation Vita Sports Games of All Time
- The Absolute Best PlayStation 5 Sports Games of All Time
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Lenscap Photography/Shutterstock.com.
