Identifying your model
Identifying Your Model
Before buying any kit, confirm exactly which Game Boy you own. The three models look distinct once you know what to check, and getting this right saves you from ordering parts that will never fit.
Quick visual cues
- DMG (original) — large gray brick, roughly 90mm wide, with a recessed green-tinted screen and a contrast wheel on the side. Power switch sits at the top left.
- MGB (Pocket) — noticeably smaller and flatter, with a black-and-white screen and a centered display. Runs on two AAA batteries instead of four AA.
- CGB (Color) — similar size to the Pocket but with a clear color screen, a rounded body, and a power LED. Often came in translucent colored shells.
Check the model code
Nintendo printed a model number on the back or in the battery compartment. Look for a code beginning with DMG, MGB, or CGB. This is the most reliable confirmation.
Why it matters
IPS panels, backlight kits, and replacement shells are manufactured for one model. A Pocket kit will not seat in a Color, and a DMG kit is far too large for either. Match every screen part to the code you find.
Once you have confirmed your model, head to its dedicated page for model-specific notes and supported mods.