Nintendo of America

Game Pak Troubleshooting - All Game Boy Systems

Important Note:

A few older Game Boy games may not function properly on the Game Boy Advance systems, causing display or sound problems. Also, a few multiplayer games may not work properly. Note: It may be difficult to play Kirby's Tilt 'n' Tumble due to the motion sensor in the game, and the different orientation of the Game Pak in the Game Boy Advance SP. Because the Game Pak is situated upside down in the Game Boy Advance SP, players would need to tilt the game in the opposite direction of where they want Kirby to roll.

Note: It is possible that the problem you have may be game play related. For example, if you cannot defeat a particular enemy, or are missing an item you need to complete an area, the problem is likely game play related and there is nothing wrong with your game. Please check our game play help for assistance.

General Game Pak Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check the list of specific game issues to see if there are any known problems for the game you are playing.
2. Make sure you are using only licensed accessories with your system. Unlicensed products are not fully compatible with Nintendo systems, and may not work correctly.
3. Remove and firmly re-insert the Game Pak into the system. The Game Pak label should be facing away from the machine. Be sure the Game Pak is fully inserted. You will know it is fully inserted when you hear it click in place.
4. Turn the system on and test the game again.
5. If it still doesn't work, remove all accessories to see if the Game Pak works correctly without the accessory. If the game does work correctly once the accessory is removed, then the game pak and the accessory may not be compatible. Check the game pak instruction manual.

What to do if Troubleshooting doesn't help

• Game Boy Advance Games
  We recommend contacting the manufacturer of the game. We can only offer assistance on titles made by Nintendo. For titles made by another company, you will need to contact that company to see if game pak replacement options are available. Please use our Licensee Directory to find the company's contact information. If you are not sure who made the game, you can use the Game List section on this website to look up the game. Who made the game is provided under "Publisher" information. If the game is made by Nintendo, try our convenient repair options.
• All Other Game Boy Games
  Due to the age of these games, repairs are unavailable. We recommend purchasing a replacement from a retailer or online auction site that carries older products. For more information on locating older products, click here.