Game Boy · Action
Pac-Man
| System | Game Boy |
|---|---|
| Released | 1990 |
| Genre | Action |
| Developer | Namco |
| Publisher | Namco |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Pac-Man |
| Legacy | Deep cut |
Released for the Game Boy in 1990, Pac-Man is an action game developed by Namco.
It came out in the Game Boy's second year on the market. Other notable Game Boy releases from 1990 include DuckTales, The Final Fantasy Legend and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fall of the Foot Clan.
It is part of the Pac-Man series; on the Game Boy you can also try Ms. Pac-Man, Pac-Attack and Pac-Panic. The series also appears on other systems with Pac-Man (2600) and Pac-Man (5200). Namco also made Battle City, Dig Dug and Great Greed for the Game Boy.
Pac-Man supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you have a friend to play against
- you've played the Game Boy hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
What playing Pac-Man is like
Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.
Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.
Pac-Man cheats & codes
16 codes on file (GameShark, Other codes). Here are a few GameShark codes to start with:
| Infinite Lives | 010641D6 |
|---|---|
| No Music | 0128F8CA |
| Can Always Eat Ghosts | 0100FEC1
0101FDC1
0102FCC1
0103FBC1 |
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Playing Game Boy games today
Game Boy games were designed for short bursts on the go, which makes them ideal for a coffee break today. Many are available through Nintendo Switch Online, and original carts play on any later Game Boy model.
Pac-Man FAQ
When did Pac-Man come out on the Game Boy?
Pac-Man was released for the Game Boy in 1990.
Who made Pac-Man?
It was developed by Namco.
Is Pac-Man multiplayer?
Yes. Pac-Man supports up to 2 players.
How long does Pac-Man take to play?
As an action game, Pac-Man typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. 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.