Someone made ‘Windows’ for the Game Boy Color, and you can buy it

Originally released in 1998, the Game Boy Color had a shocking amount of power for a tiny 8-bit game console. (Just ask anyone who played Episode 1 Racer.) But I never dreamed this thing could handle Windows on its humble hardware. Okay, it can’t actually do that… but someone has made a version of “Windows” that makes a pretty convincing attempt, and even released it as a full cartridge. GBS Windows is a sort-of game aping Windows 3.1 on Nintendo’s famous handheld. Created in a game-making program called GB Studio, this isn’t really a full-blown operating system, but it is an impressively deep bit of retro nostalgia, appropriately made and sold by an Etsy store called RubenRetro. And when I say “sold,” I mean you can buy a real, physical cartridge, complete with a retail box that integrates elements of both the original Game Boy cartridge packaging and the Windows 3.1 box. That’s according to Retro Dojo. The wait is almost over.⏳

Apr 22, 2025 - 15:14

Someone made ‘Windows’ for the Game Boy Color, and you can buy it

Originally released in 1998, the Game Boy Color had a shocking amount of power for a tiny 8-bit game console. (Just ask anyone who played Episode 1 Racer.) But I never dreamed this thing could handle Windows on its humble hardware. Okay, it can’t actually do that… but someone has made a version of “Windows” that makes a pretty convincing attempt, and even released it as a full cartridge.

GBS Windows is a sort-of game aping Windows 3.1 on Nintendo’s famous handheld. Created in a game-making program called GB Studio, this isn’t really a full-blown operating system, but it is an impressively deep bit of retro nostalgia, appropriately made and sold by an Etsy store called RubenRetro. And when I say “sold,” I mean you can buy a real, physical cartridge, complete with a retail box that integrates elements of both the original Game Boy cartridge packaging and the Windows 3.1 box. That’s according to Retro Dojo.