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 “operating system” looks like a teeny, tiny version of Windows 3.1 running on the GBC’s 1.7-inch screen. It includes versions of Minesweeper and “Cannon” (which looks like a Missile Command-style game), plus a tiny MIDI piano and a media player that can play back a few sample tracks while other “apps” are open. But the showstopper has to be the pint-sized Paint program, which can even print out your pixelated creations on a Game Boy Printer if you can find one. I like the “American Megatrain” text as the faux BIOS screen appears, showing the GBC’s eight kilobytes of memory a nice touch.
Unfortunately, this looks like a true labor of love from a small-time creator, and the initial stock has sold out quickly. But RubenRetro seems to be making new retro boxes, manuals, and other retro-friendly accessories on the regular, so you might be able to snag some new stock if you sign up for the Etsy alerts. The full package is/was around $45 USD, but might cost a bundle in shipping from Spain depending on your location.