Game Boy
The original Game Boy was often bundled with Tetris and we know why. In fact – so did all of the world. This 8-bit regionfree monochrome version of Tetris has sold 35 million copies! With some players given a head start with the release back in ’84 we still ask: Who is the best Tetris player on the original Game Boy? Grab four double A’s and see if you can bring it when it is all portable.
CTEC has been competing on the classic Game Boy since our first Championship in 2015.
In the beginning there were no way of displaying the game to the audience, so commentators did it radio-style.
Soon after, Les Railtons did a VGA mod which worked for many years. In 2023 it was possible for users to practise with, and stream from home with a HDMI solution.
CTECs competitors and audience have never been more Game Boy displayed than now.
Announcements in relation with Game Boy will often be styled in GREEN.
| Year | Name | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Linus | Sweden |
| 2016 | FLIBBEN | Sweden |
| 2017 | -JJ | Finland |
| 2018 | Jani | Finland |
| 2019 | Alex H | Great Britain |
| 2020 | C-19 | |
| 2021 | C-19 | |
| 2022 | Alex H | Great Britain |
Controls:
D-Pad (Directional Pad):
- Use the D-Pad to control the movement of the falling tetrominoes.
- Press left or right on the D-Pad to move the tetromino horizontally.
- Press down on the D-Pad to make the tetromino fall faster (soft drop).
- Press up on the D-Pad to rotate the tetromino clockwise.
A Button:
- Press the A button to rotate the tetromino counterclockwise.
- Use it to adjust the tetromino’s orientation to fit into tight spaces.
B Button:
- Press the B button to increase the falling speed of the tetromino (hard drop).
- The tetromino will instantly drop to the lowest possible position when you press the B button.
You are welcome to bring your own Game Boy at CTEC.
We accept newer mods that improve the interaction with the game such as better contrast without changing the game mechanics (as with auto fire and the like).
An official statement of acceptable hardware will be found on this page.
Mods and current solutions undergo tests and will be listed if accepted.
It is currently being decided which versions of IPS and mods will be allowed to use for qualification 2023. Expect CTEC to be open to more systems than prior.
This version is the 2022 version. The style of the qualification and tournament is being updated and will be found here once it is made official.
- >Played on CTEC equipment or accepted Game Boy.
- 16 Players can qualify (in 2022)
- Link-cable & vs. mode
- Seeding: Highest qualification score will compete against lowest qualification score.
- As an option players can qualify on official CTEC Game Boys but are allowed to use own Game Boys following the rules stated below.
- Game Mode: Type A
Highscore will be noted and determined bracket seeding. - Player’s own original classic Game Boy is permitted during qualification when a qualification seat is available.
- Number of qualification seats will be stated at the Game Boy area.
- When all seats is occupied the next player who wants to qualify will form a queue. Every seated player gets one qualification try per seating.
- If there is no queue the player may try again until queue is formed and the player must go to the back of the queue for next qualification try.
- When a player want a qualification score submitted, the player must stay seated and raise player’s hand to communicate are score has been made. A CTEC referee will go to player, note player’s name and score and player is then ready to leave the seat with an official CTEC qualification submitted.
- Wether or not a player is competing on CTECs Game Boys or on Player’s own Game Boy, the qualification score is only valid when the requirements from above are met.
Accepted Systems
You are welcome to bring your own Game Boy at CTEC.
We accept newer mods that improve the interaction with the game such as better contrast without changing the game mechanics (as with auto fire and the like).
An official statement of acceptable hardware will be found on this page.
Mods and current solutions undergo tests and will be listed if accepted.
It is currently being decided which versions of IPS and mods will be allowed to use for qualification 2023. Expect CTEC to be open to more systems than prior.
How to Play (1-Player)
Multiplayer VS Mode
How to Play with Link Cable
Setup: Connect two Game Boy systems using a link cable.
Game Mode: Both players start their respective Game Boy’s Tetris game in “Game B” mode, which is the multiplayer mode. In this mode, the goal is to complete a certain number of lines before your opponent does.
Line Clearing: As both players clear lines, a certain number of lines will be sent to their opponent’s screen as “garbage lines.” These garbage lines appear at the bottom of the opponent’s screen and can hinder their progress by taking up valuable space.
Winning: The first player to reach a predetermined number of cleared lines (usually 25 or 50) is declared the winner. This player has successfully outlasted their opponent by clearing lines more efficiently and avoiding getting overwhelmed by garbage lines. The player with the highest score when both have played is also winning the round.
Tips to Win:
Efficient Clearing: Focus on clearing lines as quickly and efficiently as possible. Forming Tetrises (clearing four lines at once) is especially effective.
Counter Garbage Lines: If your opponent sends you garbage lines, try to clear lines quickly to prevent the garbage from building up.
Stay Alert: Pay attention to your own screen and your opponent’s screen. React quickly to the blocks you receive and adjust your strategy as needed.
Blocking Strategies: Consider sending garbage lines to your opponent strategically. For example, if you notice your opponent’s screen is close to the top, sending garbage lines might push them over the edge.
Practice: Like any game, practice is key. The more you play, the better you’ll become at recognizing patterns, clearing lines efficiently, and countering garbage lines.
Remember that the multiplayer mode of Game Boy Tetris is sometimes about outlasting your opponent rather than achieving a “winning” condition in the traditional sense. It’s a game of skill, strategy, and quick decision-making. As a versus game players also tend to strategies according to opponents style of play. Have fun competing against your friends in this classic and intense multiplayer mode!
Qualification (2022 version)
- As an option players can qualify on official CTEC Game Boys but are allowed to use own Game Boys following the rules stated below.
- Game Mode: Type A
Highscore will be noted and determined bracket seeding. - Player’s own original classic Game Boy is permitted during qualification when a qualification seat is available.
- Number of qualification seats will be stated at the Game Boy area.
- When all seats is occupied the next player who wants to qualify will form a queue. Every seated player gets one qualification try per seating.
- If there is no queue the player may try again until queue is formed and the player must go to the back of the queue for next qualification try.
- When a player want a qualification score submitted, the player must stay seated and raise player’s hand to communicate are score has been made. A CTEC referee will go to player, note player’s name and score and player is then ready to leave the seat with an official CTEC qualification submitted.
- Wether or not a player is competing on CTECs Game Boys or on Player’s own Game Boy, the qualification score is only valid when the requirements from above are met.
Game Boy Bug (DMG)
When playing on original Game Boys the hardware has a challenge. It is not the CTEC equipment, it is how the Game Boy is build.
Problem occurs on the 2nd brick when pressing the D-pad to either side and then down. In that case the tetromino is not moving down.
Please note that the video refers to past CTEC ruleset.
Tournament Bracket
This version is the 2022 version. The style of the qualification and tournament is being updated and will be found here once it is made official.
- >Played on CTEC equipment or accepted Game Boy.
- 16 Players can qualify (in 2022)
- Link-cable & vs. mode
- Seeding: Highest qualification score will compete against lowest qualification score.
