Phil of the Future GBA box art

Game Boy Advance · Adventure

Phil of the Future

SystemGame Boy Advance
Released2006
GenreAdventure
DeveloperHandheld Games
PublisherBuena Vista Interactive
Players1 player
CommitmentWeekend project (Roughly 6–20 hours)
ESRBE
LegacyDeep cut

Phil of the Future is an adventure game released in 2006 for the Game Boy Advance, developed by Handheld Games and published by Buena Vista Interactive.

It landed about 5 years into the GBA's life. Other notable GBA releases from 2006 include Mother 3, Rhythm Tengoku and Drill Dozer.

Handheld Games also made Message in a Haunted Mansion, Dragon Tales: Dragon Adventures and Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss for the GBA.

This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.

Pick it if…

  • you want to get lost in a long quest
  • you have time for a weekend project (roughly 6–20 hours)
  • you've played the GBA hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you want fast action rather than puzzles and exploration
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Phil of the Future is like

Adventure games focus on exploration, story and puzzle-solving rather than combat. Progress comes from examining your surroundings, collecting items and figuring out how they fit together.

Tip for newcomers: Classic adventure games can be cryptic by modern standards. Take notes, try everything on everything, and save before risky choices.

Phil of the Future gameplay screenshot on GBA
In-game screenshot (GBA)

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Playing GBA games today

The GBA is one of the best-value retro libraries around, with deep RPGs and tactics games that suit portable play. A growing selection is on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, and Rec0m88 supports GBA if you own the games.

Phil of the Future FAQ

When did Phil of the Future come out on the GBA?

Phil of the Future was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2006.

Who made Phil of the Future?

It was developed by Handheld Games and published by Buena Vista Interactive.

Is Phil of the Future multiplayer?

No. Phil of the Future is a single-player game.

How long does Phil of the Future take to play?

As an adventure game, Phil of the Future typically falls into the "Weekend project" category: roughly 6–20 hours. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you