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Game Boy Printer: Difference between revisions

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(I admit the scans are hard to read, but we really shouldn't be openly encouraging the use of emulators. Also, why did you remove the Game Boy Camera? If you have an issue with it, bring it to the talk page. I'll give it its own heading not in spinoffs)
(30 intermediate revisions by 18 users not shown)
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[[File:jp gbprinter.jpg|thumb|200px|The special Pikachu Yellow Game Boy Printer]]
[[File:jp gbprinter.jpg|thumb|200px|The special Pikachu Yellow edition]]
The '''Game Boy Printer''' (Japanese: '''ポケットプリンタ''' ''Pocket Printer'') is a {{wp|Thermal printing|thermal printer}} designed for the [[Game Boy]] and [[Game Boy Color]] released on February 21, 1998 in Japan<ref>[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/hardware/pocket_c/ ポケットカメラ＆ポケットプリンタ]</ref> and on June 1, 1998 in the United States<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/19980530121628/http://www.nintendo.com/gb/gb_camera/index.html Nintendo: Game Boy Camera]</ref> alongside the [[Game Boy Camera]].
The '''Game Boy Printer''' (Japanese: '''{{j|ポケットプリンタ}}''' ''Pocket Printer'') is a {{wp|Thermal printing|thermal printer}} accessory compatible with the [[Game Boy]] line (except for [[Game Boy micro]]) released on February 21, 1998 in Japan<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/hardware/pocket_c/ {{j|ポケットカメラ＆ポケットプリンタ}}]</ref> and on June 1, 1998 in the United States<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/19980530121628/http://www.nintendo.com/gb/gb_camera/index.html Nintendo: Game Boy Camera]</ref> and June 4, 1998 for Europe and Oceania<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Boy_Camera Game Boy Camera]</ref>, alongside the [[Game Boy Camera]]. It connects to the Game Boy using a [[Game Link Cable]], with a Universal Game Link Cable being included in the package.<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Support/Game-Boy-Pocket-Color/Accessories/Game-Boy-Printer/Game-Boy-Printer-619594.html Game Boy Printer | Game Boy / Pocket / Color | Support | Nintendo]</ref>


The printer is compatible with all Game Boy models except for the [[Game Boy micro]] and a [[Game Link Cable|Game Link cable]] is required to connect the printer to a Game Boy. It runs on six {{wp|AA battery|AA batteries}}.
A Japan-only special Pikachu Yellow Game Boy Printer was released alongside {{game|Yellow}} on September 12, 1998.<ref>[http://maru-chang.com/hard/gb/ DMG/MGB/CGB： {{j|ゲームボーイ}}]</ref><ref>[http://www.geocities.jp/hagane0772/rekisi.html {{j|ポケモンの歴史}}]</ref>


When players of compatible games issue a {{wp|print job}}, the output is printed on small rolls of thermal paper, with individual sheets being adhesive-backed and 1.5 in (3.8 cm) in diameter. The paper rolls were marketed as being able to take 180 pictures per roll but a typical roll would only be able to take 118 pictures at most (the dimensions of the paper and the margins between prints are calculated for each print job).
Game Boy Printer features are disabled in the [[Virtual Console]] releases of compatible games. While the option still appears on menus, it is non-functional.


A special Pikachu Yellow Game Boy Printer was sold exclusively in Japan.
==Specifications==
* Resolution: 160×144 px (same as [[Game Boy]])
* Power supply: 6 {{wp|AA battery|AA batteries}}
* Print: thermal sticker paper rolls, 100-180 pictures per roll
* Print size: 27×23 mm, including frame
 
Source: [https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Support/Game-Boy-Pocket-Color/Accessories/Game-Boy-Printer/Game-Boy-Printer-619594.html Nintendo of Europe]


==Printable features in Pokémon games==
==Printable features in Pokémon games==
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Both the feature and its settings were removed in the Korean versions of Gold and Silver as the Game Boy Printer was not released in {{pmin|South Korea}}.
Both the feature and its settings were removed in the Korean versions of Gold and Silver as the Game Boy Printer was not released in {{pmin|South Korea}}.


The background music played while printing is the same in all four games ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svgdJwCkx1c listen]). It was later rearranged and used as the theme of the [[Pokéwalker]] screens in the [[main menu]] of {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}.
The background music played while printing is the same in all four games; it consists of the bass line to the music used for the [[Pikachu's Beach]] minigame, albeit slowed down and with an altered intro. It was later rearranged and used as the theme of the [[Pokéwalker]] screens in the [[main menu]] of {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}.
 
====Pokédex stickers====
====Pokédex stickers====
Players may print physical copies of the [[Pokédex]] entries of individual {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} by using the '''PRNT''' option in the Pokédex. These prints are referred to as '''Pokédex stickers''' (Japanese: '''ずかんシール''') in the [[Generation II]] games.
Players may print physical copies of the [[Pokédex entry|Pokédex entries]] of individual {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} by using the '''PRNT''' option in the Pokédex. These prints are referred to as '''Pokédex stickers''' (Japanese: '''ずかんシール''') in the [[Generation II]] games.


In Western versions, the dimensions of Pokédex stickers (160×192 px) exceed those of the [[Game Boy]]'s screen resolution (160×144 px) because the print combines the two pages of the Pokédex entry. The stickers in the Japanese versions are not printed out with different dimensions because the Pokédex entries only use a single page. In the Japanese Generation II games, the printed font differs from the font used in-game.
In Western versions, the dimensions of Pokédex stickers (160×192 px) exceed those of the [[Game Boy]]'s screen resolution (160×144 px) because the print combines the two pages of the Pokédex entry. The stickers in the Japanese versions are not printed out with different dimensions because the Pokédex entries only use a single page. In the Japanese Generation II games, the printed font differs from the font used in-game.
The Pokédex stickers display a Pokémon's entry text as a single page, unlike the in-game Pokédex which breaks the entry in two pages for each Pokémon. The Pokédex page numbers ("P.1" and "P.2") found in [[Generation II]] games are not seen on Pokédex stickers either. The stickers have no Pokédex buttons such as "Page", "Area", "Cry", and "Print".


<gallery>
<gallery>
Mew Pokedex print Y.png|A print of Mew's Yellow Pokédex entry
Mew Pokédex print Y.png|A print of Mew's Yellow Pokédex entry
Mew Pokedex print Y JP.png|A print of Mew's Japanese Yellow Pokédex entry
Mew Pokédex print Y JP.png|A print of Mew's Japanese Yellow Pokédex entry
Mew Pokedex print C.png|A print of Mew's Crystal Pokédex entry
Mew Pokédex print C.png|A print of Mew's Crystal Pokédex entry
Mew Pokedex print C JP.png|A print of Mew's Japanese Crystal Pokédex entry
Mew Pokédex print C JP.png|A print of Mew's Japanese Crystal Pokédex entry
</gallery>
</gallery>


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PSS box print Y.png|A printed Box from Yellow
PSS box print Y.png|A printed Box from Yellow
PSS box print Y JP.png|A printed Box from Japanese Yellow
PSS box print Y JP.png|A printed Box from Japanese Yellow
PSS box print C.png|A printed Box from Generation II
PSS box print GSC.png|A printed Box from Generation II
PSS box print GSC JP.png|A printed Box from Japanese Generation II
PSS box print GSC JP.png|A printed Box from Japanese Generation II
</gallery>
</gallery>
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Party Pokemon print GSC.png|A printed party Pokémon from Generation II
Party Pokemon print GSC.png|A printed party Pokémon from Generation II
Party Pokemon print GSC JP.png|A printed party Pokémon from Japanese Generation II
Party Pokemon print GSC JP.png|A printed party Pokémon from Japanese Generation II
</gallery>
====Pikachu's Beach Hi-Score====
In {{game|Yellow}}, players are able to print out their [[Pikachu's Beach]] hi-score by interacting with the printer in the Summer Beach House.
<gallery>
Pikachus Beach Hi Score print Y.png|A printed hi-score from Yellow
Pikachus Beach Hi Score print Y JP.png|A printed hi-score from Japanese Yellow
</gallery>
====Mail====
In the [[Generation II]] games, players may print out the [[Mail]] their Pokémon holds at any time. To do so, one simply has to press '''START''' and '''SELECT''' while viewing it.
<gallery>
Pokemon Mail print GSC.png|Printed mail from Generation II
Pokemon Mail print GSC JP.png|Printed mail from Japanese Generation II
</gallery>
</gallery>


====Alph Ruins Stamps====
====Alph Ruins Stamps====
In the [[Generation II]] games, players may generate so-called '''Alph Ruins Stamps''' of individual {{p|Unown}} and/or vacant spaces using the '''PRINT''' function of the printer at the [[Ruins of Alph]] Research Center. Printed stamps have the dimensions 160×48 px.
In the [[Generation II]] games, players may generate so-called '''Alph Ruins Stamps''' (Japanese: '''{{j|アルフのいせききねんスタンプ}}''' ''Ruins of Alph Souvenir Stamps'') of individual {{p|Unown}} using the '''PRINT''' function of the printer at the [[Ruins of Alph]] Research Center. The printer may only be used after the player has unlocked every entry of the [[List of Pokémon by New Pokédex number|new Pokédex's]] [[Unown Mode]]. Additionally, the Research Center's printer allows players to print empty stamps by choosing the VACANT option in the interface, which appears between Unown-Z and Unown-A.


[[File:Alph Ruins Stamp.png|thumb|left|An Alph Ruins Stamp of {{DL|Form differences|Unown|Unown-A}}]]
Printed stamps have the dimensions 160×48 px.
{{clear}}
 
<gallery>
Alph Ruins Stamp.png|An Alph Ruins Stamp of {{DL|List of Pokémon with form differences|Unown|Unown-A}}
Empty Alph Ruins Stamp.png|An empty stamp
</gallery>


===Spin-off games===
===Spin-off games===
{{Incomplete|section|Exact dimensions}}
{{Incomplete|section|Exact dimensions}}
{{Bad image|section|Use computer-generated screenshots instead.}}
====Pinball====
====Pinball====
Players may print out their high score tables in {{g|Pinball}}.
Players may print out their high score tables in {{g|Pinball}}.
Line 89: Line 115:


====Trading Card Game series====
====Trading Card Game series====
{{ga|Pokémon Trading Card Game}} and {{g|Card GB2: Here Comes Team GR!}} offer three different printing features to players. Players may print out copies of a single card, a list depicting one of their custom deck configurations, and/or a list of every card they own in the game.
{{vg|Pokémon Trading Card Game}} and {{g|Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!}} offer three different printing features to players. Players may print out copies of a single card, a list depicting one of their custom deck configurations, and/or a list of every card they own in the game.


<gallery>
<gallery>
Deck list print Pokémon Card GB.png|A deck configuration print from Pokémon Trading Card Game
Deck list print Pokémon Card GB.png|A deck configuration print from Pokémon Trading Card Game
Charmander print Pokémon Card GB.png|A print of {{TCG ID|Base Set|Charmander|46}} from Pokémon Trading Card Game
Card list Pokémon Card GB.png|A print of a player's card collection in Pokémon Trading Card Game
Deck list print Pokémon Card GB2.png|A deck configuration print from Pokémon Card GB2
Charmander print Pokémon Card GB2.png|A print of {{TCG ID|Base Set|Charmander|46}} from Pokémon Card GB2
Charmander print Pokémon Card GB2.png|A print of {{TCG ID|Base Set|Charmander|46}} from Pokémon Card GB2
Card list Pokémon Card GB2.png|A print of a player's card collection in Pokémon Card GB2
Card list Pokémon Card GB2.png|A print of a player's card collection in Pokémon Card GB2
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Game Boy Camera===
====Picross====
The [[Game Boy Camera]] contains data for players to print out Pokémon stickers in addition to their photos. This is likely a nod to the fact that [[Game Freak]] programmed the Game Boy Camera software.
In the unreleased {{g|Picross (GBC)}}, players can print any completed puzzle from it's corresponding gallery, or from the Pokédex.


<gallery>
<gallery>
Pokémon sticker Game Boy Camera.png|Pokémon sticker featuring Charizard, Venusaur, Blastoise and Mewtwo
Pokemon Picross GBC Easy Picross Print.png|A print of a completed Easy Picross puzzle
Pokemon Picross GBC Pokemon Picross Print.png|A print of a completed Pokémon Picross puzzle
Pokemon Picross GBC Safari Picross Print.png|A print of a completed Safari Picross puzzle
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Game Boy Camera==
The [[Game Boy Camera]] contains data for players to print out Pokémon stickers in addition to their photos. This is likely a nod to the fact that [[Game Freak]] programmed the Game Boy Camera software.
[[File:Game Boy Camera Pokémon sticker.png|thumb|left|Pokémon sticker featuring Charizard, Venusaur, Blastoise, and Mewtwo]]
{{clear}}


==Printer errors==
==Printer errors==
Line 108: Line 145:


* '''Printer Error 1:''' The Game Boy Printer's batteries are empty.
* '''Printer Error 1:''' The Game Boy Printer's batteries are empty.
* '''Printer Error 2:''' The Universal [[Game Link Cable|Game Link cable]] is not connected or is connected incorrectly.
* '''Printer Error 2:''' The Universal [[Game Link Cable]] is not connected or is connected incorrectly.
* '''Printer Error 3:''' The printer's paper needs to be changed.
* '''Printer Error 3:''' The printer's paper needs to be changed.
* '''Printer Error 4:''' The ambient temperature is inadequate (too high or too low). The printer must be used in a place with controlled temperature.
* '''Printer Error 4:''' The ambient temperature is inadequate (too high or too low). The printer must be used in a place with controlled temperature.


==External links==
==External links==
* {{wp|Game Boy Printer}} article on Wikipedia
* {{wp|Game Boy Printer|Article on Wikipedia}}


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 21:50, 18 April 2024

The special Pikachu Yellow edition

The Game Boy Printer (Japanese: ポケットプリンタ Pocket Printer) is a thermal printer accessory compatible with the Game Boy line (except for Game Boy micro) released on February 21, 1998 in Japan[1] and on June 1, 1998 in the United States[2] and June 4, 1998 for Europe and Oceania[3], alongside the Game Boy Camera. It connects to the Game Boy using a Game Link Cable, with a Universal Game Link Cable being included in the package.[4]

A Japan-only special Pikachu Yellow Game Boy Printer was released alongside Pokémon Yellow on September 12, 1998.[5][6]

Game Boy Printer features are disabled in the Virtual Console releases of compatible games. While the option still appears on menus, it is non-functional.

Specifications

  • Resolution: 160×144 px (same as Game Boy)
  • Power supply: 6 AA batteries
  • Print: thermal sticker paper rolls, 100-180 pictures per roll
  • Print size: 27×23 mm, including frame

Source: Nintendo of Europe

Printable features in Pokémon games

Core series

Players of Pokémon Yellow, Gold, Silver, and Crystal are able to print the following:

The quality of prints is managed in the options. The games use three messages during the process: CHECKING LINK → TRANSMITTING → PRINTING.

Both the feature and its settings were removed in the Korean versions of Gold and Silver as the Game Boy Printer was not released in South Korea.

The background music played while printing is the same in all four games; it consists of the bass line to the music used for the Pikachu's Beach minigame, albeit slowed down and with an altered intro. It was later rearranged and used as the theme of the Pokéwalker screens in the main menu of Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.

Pokédex stickers

Players may print physical copies of the Pokédex entries of individual Pokémon by using the PRNT option in the Pokédex. These prints are referred to as Pokédex stickers (Japanese: ずかんシール) in the Generation II games.

In Western versions, the dimensions of Pokédex stickers (160×192 px) exceed those of the Game Boy's screen resolution (160×144 px) because the print combines the two pages of the Pokédex entry. The stickers in the Japanese versions are not printed out with different dimensions because the Pokédex entries only use a single page. In the Japanese Generation II games, the printed font differs from the font used in-game.

The Pokédex stickers display a Pokémon's entry text as a single page, unlike the in-game Pokédex which breaks the entry in two pages for each Pokémon. The Pokédex page numbers ("P.1" and "P.2") found in Generation II games are not seen on Pokédex stickers either. The stickers have no Pokédex buttons such as "Page", "Area", "Cry", and "Print".

  • A print of Mew's Yellow Pokédex entry

    A print of Mew's Yellow Pokédex entry

  • A print of Mew's Japanese Yellow Pokédex entry

    A print of Mew's Japanese Yellow Pokédex entry

  • A print of Mew's Crystal Pokédex entry

    A print of Mew's Crystal Pokédex entry

  • A print of Mew's Japanese Crystal Pokédex entry

    A print of Mew's Japanese Crystal Pokédex entry

Diploma

The diploma can also be printed as proof by the graphic artist at the Game Freak Development Room on the third floor of Celadon Condominiums. Printed diplomas have the dimensions 160×288 px.

  • A print of the Yellow diploma

    A print of the Yellow diploma

  • A print of the Japanese Yellow diploma

    A print of the Japanese Yellow diploma

  • A print of the Crystal diploma

    A print of the Crystal diploma

  • A print of the Japanese Crystal diploma

    A print of the Japanese Crystal diploma

Pokémon Storage System

The list of Pokémon in a given Box of the Pokémon Storage System can also be printed. Prints of Boxes display the full Box, including empty slots. Nicknames and levels are also listed alongside the Pokémon's species name. Like the Pokémon Storage System itself, the Western versions show a maximum of 20 entries for Pokémon, while the Japanese versions show 30 entries.

The dimensions of printed Boxes are 160×576 px in all versions.

  • A printed Box from Yellow

    A printed Box from Yellow

  • A printed Box from Japanese Yellow

    A printed Box from Japanese Yellow

  • A printed Box from Generation II

    A printed Box from Generation II

  • A printed Box from Japanese Generation II

    A printed Box from Japanese Generation II

Party Pokémon

In Pokémon Yellow, the chairman of the Pokémon Fan Club in Vermilion City can take a photo of one of the player's Pokémon in the Pokémon List and print it out. In the Generation II games, the Photo Studio in Cianwood City instead takes this role.

The dimensions in the Western Generation II games are 160×272 px.

  • A printed party Pokémon from Yellow

    A printed party Pokémon from Yellow

  • A printed party Pokémon from Japanese Yellow

    A printed party Pokémon from Japanese Yellow

  • A printed party Pokémon from Generation II

    A printed party Pokémon from Generation II

  • A printed party Pokémon from Japanese Generation II

    A printed party Pokémon from Japanese Generation II

Pikachu's Beach Hi-Score

In Pokémon Yellow, players are able to print out their Pikachu's Beach hi-score by interacting with the printer in the Summer Beach House.

  • A printed hi-score from Yellow

    A printed hi-score from Yellow

  • A printed hi-score from Japanese Yellow

    A printed hi-score from Japanese Yellow

Mail

In the Generation II games, players may print out the Mail their Pokémon holds at any time. To do so, one simply has to press START and SELECT while viewing it.

  • Printed mail from Generation II

    Printed mail from Generation II

  • Printed mail from Japanese Generation II

    Printed mail from Japanese Generation II

Alph Ruins Stamps

In the Generation II games, players may generate so-called Alph Ruins Stamps (Japanese: アルフのいせききねんスタンプ Ruins of Alph Souvenir Stamps) of individual Unown using the PRINT function of the printer at the Ruins of Alph Research Center. The printer may only be used after the player has unlocked every entry of the new Pokédex's Unown Mode. Additionally, the Research Center's printer allows players to print empty stamps by choosing the VACANT option in the interface, which appears between Unown-Z and Unown-A.

Printed stamps have the dimensions 160×48 px.

  • An Alph Ruins Stamp of Unown-A

    An Alph Ruins Stamp of Unown-A

  • An empty stamp

    An empty stamp

Spin-off games

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Exact dimensions

Pinball

Players may print out their high score tables in Pokémon Pinball.

  • A print of the Red high score table

    A print of the Red high score table

  • A print of the Blue high score table

    A print of the Blue high score table

Trading Card Game series

Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR! offer three different printing features to players. Players may print out copies of a single card, a list depicting one of their custom deck configurations, and/or a list of every card they own in the game.

  • A deck configuration print from Pokémon Trading Card Game

    A deck configuration print from Pokémon Trading Card Game

  • A print of Charmander from Pokémon Trading Card Game

    A print of Charmander from Pokémon Trading Card Game

  • A print of a player's card collection in Pokémon Trading Card Game

    A print of a player's card collection in Pokémon Trading Card Game

  • A deck configuration print from Pokémon Card GB2

    A deck configuration print from Pokémon Card GB2

  • A print of Charmander from Pokémon Card GB2

    A print of Charmander from Pokémon Card GB2

  • A print of a player's card collection in Pokémon Card GB2

    A print of a player's card collection in Pokémon Card GB2

Picross

In the unreleased Pokémon Picross (GBC), players can print any completed puzzle from it's corresponding gallery, or from the Pokédex.

  • A print of a completed Easy Picross puzzle

    A print of a completed Easy Picross puzzle

  • A print of a completed Pokémon Picross puzzle

    A print of a completed Pokémon Picross puzzle

  • A print of a completed Safari Picross puzzle

    A print of a completed Safari Picross puzzle

Game Boy Camera

The Game Boy Camera contains data for players to print out Pokémon stickers in addition to their photos. This is likely a nod to the fact that Game Freak programmed the Game Boy Camera software.

Pokémon sticker featuring Charizard, Venusaur, Blastoise, and Mewtwo


Printer errors

If there is an issue with the printer, the games return four types of errors and instruct the player to check the Game Boy Printer Manual. The following descriptions for each error are taken and adapted from the online support article provided by Nintendo of Europe.[7]

  • Printer Error 1: The Game Boy Printer's batteries are empty.
  • Printer Error 2: The Universal Game Link Cable is not connected or is connected incorrectly.
  • Printer Error 3: The printer's paper needs to be changed.
  • Printer Error 4: The ambient temperature is inadequate (too high or too low). The printer must be used in a place with controlled temperature.

External links

References

  1. ↑ ポケットカメラ＆ポケットプリンタ
  2. ↑ Nintendo: Game Boy Camera
  3. ↑ Game Boy Camera
  4. ↑ Game Boy Printer | Game Boy / Pocket / Color | Support | Nintendo
  5. ↑ DMG/MGB/CGB： ゲームボーイ
  6. ↑ ポケモンの歴史
  7. ↑ Error message appears | Game Boy / Pocket / Color | Support | Nintendo


Project Games logo.png This game-related article is part of Project Games, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon games.
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