About this game
Grand Theft Auto for Game Boy Color is a 1999 port developed by Tarantula Studios and published by Rockstar Games, adapting the controversial original 1997 GTA — a top-down open-world crime game — to Nintendo's handheld. Players complete criminal missions across a city environment, stealing cars, evading police, and working for criminal organisations. The GBC version preserved the core sandbox structure and mission framework of the original, demonstrating that GTA's top-down perspective translated surprisingly well to a small screen. The game was notable for bringing one of the most controversial franchises in gaming history to a Nintendo platform.
Gallery
The Story Behind
The original Grand Theft Auto launched in 1997 to significant media controversy for its violence and criminal themes, becoming one of the most debated games of the decade. When Rockstar brought it to Game Boy Color in 1999, it was seen as a bold statement — a game that had generated national news coverage in multiple countries appearing on a handheld primarily associated with family-friendly Nintendo titles. The GBC version arrived the same year as Grand Theft Auto 2 on PC, keeping the franchise in public conversation. Its success confirmed that the GTA brand transcended platforms and audiences.
Tricks & Tales
Grand Theft Auto's original 1997 design was top-down — players viewed the city from directly above, driving and running missions in a 2D plane. This aesthetic, which was considered outdated compared to emerging 3D games, actually made the GBC port more faithful than a 3D-to-handheld conversion would have been. The GBC version includes missions from Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City — the three cities from the original PC game. The game's presence on a Nintendo platform was controversial at the time, with retailers reportedly having mixed reactions to stocking it.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
Released in Europe in October 1999 and North America in November 1999. The game was not officially released in Japan. Age rating and parental advisory labels vary by region — this was one of the more controversial GBC releases from a retail perspective. Collectors should note that Japan-region GBC hardware cannot play GBC games from other regions.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
Direct purchase supports this museum directly. eBay Top Rated Seller · 1,750+ reviews · 100% positive feedback.
Unexpected Discoveries
Games you weren't looking for — but might be glad you found.
Memories from around the world
This is a young museum, and this page is still waiting for its first voices. The memories people send reach Taisei personally, and the ones that move him find a home here over time — always with the writer's blessing. Yours could be the very first for this game.
Share your memory ↑