James

[color=#507AAC]This thread is still active? o_O Oh well. I don't think that the situation with Iraq is going to change anytime soon. Even though no WMD have been found, you have to remember that Iraq probably has very little of any old weapon stockpiles left. My reasoning for going to war with Iraq is twofold; first, Saddam has [i]got[/i] to go. His very presence destabilizes the entire Middle East. Second, imagine if no weapons are ever found (regardless of whether they exist or not). And then imagine, as a result of that, the economic sanctions are lifted and relations with Iraq are normalized. What would happen? The very same thing that is happening now in North Korea. The core problem is [i]still[/i] there; the national leadership. With obstacles put aside, what will Saddam do before anything else? He'll begin selling oil at ten fold what he does now...and he'll use most of that money to develop a highly advanced military. We've seen it before. When given the opportunity, he invaded both Kuwait and Iran. If he had the opportunity again, he'd shoot down every one of the Allied jets that patrol the no fly zone...and he'd probably take any opportunity to attack Israel while he's at it. He must go. I don't necessarily believe that the whole WMD thing has a point -- he clearly doesn't have nuclear weapons and probably has fairly small stocks of biological and chemical weapons. But he still terrorizes his own people. Just like the Taliban (who never really attacked anyone as such), Saddam should go for the sake of peace. Having said all of that, North Korea is a much, much bigger danger right now. NK can't lob missiles at the United States yet. But it [i]can[/i] fire missiles at China, South Korea, Japan and possibly even Australia. As a resident of this part of the world...that concerns me greatly. Japan is probably Australia's biggest ally in this region of the world. If Japan were attacked, it would cause a massive shockwave that would devistate many other countries. Not just in terms of the life lost, but also the potentially enormous economic impact. I mean, most of our exports go to Japan for example. North Korea's army is large enough that it could probably invade both South Korea and China at the same time. Remember, it has around one million troops in [i]active[/i] service. But it has approximately 3 to 4 million reservists. It also has more than 1,000 pieces of major artillery. Considering that North Korea launched a missile in 1998 that almost veered off course and hit Japan, I think that the world's concern should focus on North Korea first. Fix that situation and then do what you will with Iraq. And it's all very well to talk diplomacy, but for those who are pacifist...I want you to remember one thing here. North Korea entered into the Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty in the early 90's and signed a number of agreements with the United States and the Allied nations at that time. And now, it has been violating those agreements for months (if not years). It has also now just torn up the NNPT. Do you [i]really[/i] think that you can negotiate with a psychopath? I would really be surprised if you think that a total nutcase is going to say "Oh well, we have a written agreement...we must [i]not[/i] violate that! Oh no!". That's almost ridiculously naive. War is utterly horrible, but sometimes war is necessary. Waiting and procrastinating (and allowing North Korea to blackmail everyone) will have far worse results. It will make everyone else totally subject to the will of North Korea. And a war in ten years would have [i]far worse[/i] consequences than a war today. So, take those things into consideration. Also bear in mind that if you are in America, you really aren't in North Korea's range. If you were in this region though, you might feel differently about things.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Desbreko's summary is spot on. The reason I'm defending this unit is because of the history behind it. Fans have been bitching about Nintendo's lack of a front lit screen for [i]ages[/i]. Those same people are always saying "I'd be willing to take a hit on the batteries if only for a really good screen". And now Nintendo is giving us that. We have [i]nothing[/i] to complain about. If you don't like it, just stick with the regular GBA. But really, don't slap Nintendo in the face for trying to satisfy a genuine need in the market. Nintendo could easily have rest on their laurels and said "No thanks, we'll just grow fat on GBA and we won't release any kind of update for another five years". Nintendo could [i]easily[/i] and comfortably do that. But they haven't. We should be thankful that despite Nintendo's virtual monopoly on this branch of the industry, the company is still willing to do something that pleases a certain segment of the GameBoy fanbase. EDIT: Ahh! Craig Harris of IGN has actually tested this thing out thoroughly. Interested in reading his comments? I'll provide some quotes below. Those of you with concerns about controls and such can now put your mind at ease.[/color] [quote][i]Craig Harris, IGN:[/i] First of all, the unit is small. The Game Boy Advance can pretty much fit in the middle of a regular Game Boy Advance system. When folded, it's nearly the same thickness as the original Game Boy Advance, and it's as "tall" as a GBA as well...but its width is nearly cut in half, making the thing way more portable than its older brother. [/quote] [quote][i]Craig Harris, IGN:[/i] The Game Boy Advance SP's screen is very similar, if not darn near exactly the same as the LCD screen used in the original Game Boy Advance system. The biggest change is, obviously, the brand new front light. With the light on, gamers can finally play their games anywhere without the need for an external light source. The image quality is great, but not quite as good as getting a direct ray of sunlight or illumination from a florescent desk lamp. Which is why it's handy that the system's front light can be turned on and off via the upper middle button on the control face. The light always turns on when players power up the system. Comparisons will be made with the third-party Afterburner frontlight kit that can be purchased and installed on the original Game Boy Advance system. [b]While this modification, when done right, looks decent on the original GBA, the front light on the Game Boy Advance SP is significantly better.[/b] The GBA SP light still favors an ever-so-slight blue tint in its illumination, which does wash out a bit of detail and color on the Game Boy Advance screen. But only slightly. I still like it a lot. [/quote] [color=#507AAC]And of course, the lack of installation and such is going to encourage more mainstream consumers that the GBA:SP is a better solution than the GBA + Afterburner.[/color] [quote][i]Craig Harris, IGN:[/i] Like a mobile phone, the Game Boy Advance SP's face buttons and D-pad are recessed, very thin and "clicky."[b] But even though the buttons feel different, they're just as responsive as the classic buttons and D-pad on the original Game Boy Advance system. But what's surprising is how comfortable the shoulder buttons are. In pictures, the L and R buttons look awkwardly small. But the way they're positioned on the system, they're extremely usable and responsive.[/b] Players can wrap their index fingers all the way behind the unit and press the buttons below the first or second knuckle, or push them in with their fingertips. [b]Both ways feel just right.[/b] And even though the system returns to the vertical orientation of past Game Boy systems, [b]I believe the Game Boy Advance SP's button layout and smaller size actually makes the system more comfortable to hold and play than the wider, more spread out Game Boy Advance original.[/b] [/quote] [quote][i]Craig Harris, IGN:[/i] One of the biggest questions that's been on seemingly everyone's mind since the announcement of the Game Boy Advance SP: Is the new system compatible with the e-Reader card scanning peripheral? The answer: Absolutely. Even though Nintendo announced that it was compatible, many people still didn't believe it, because of the extra bit that plugs into the link port on the original Game Boy Advance system. Before heading out to Las Vegas, I made sure to bring along my own e-Reader to test. During my hands-on with the Game Boy Advance SP system, I whipped out my e-Reader and plugged it into the cartridge slot at the bottom of the unit. The designers obviously constructed the Game Boy Advance SP system with the e-Reader in mind (or vice versa), because the pass-through link port doesn't even touch the surface of the system. To link the Game Boy Advance SP with e-Reader to the GameCube or another Game Boy Advance, players simply plug their cable into the link port at the top of the SP system...the link port built onto the e-Reader is not used. [/quote] [quote][i]Craig Harris, IGN:[/i] At the Las Vegas meeting, Nintendo representatives reiterated that the Game Boy Advance SP will definitely co-exist with the original Game Boy Advance system. [b]Nintendo will continue to manufacture and sell the original GBA system for the forseeable future.[/b] There are currently no plans for a price drop on the Game Boy Advance unit. [/quote] [quote][i]Craig Harris, IGN:[/i] [b]Overall, I think the Game Boy Advance SP is a fantastic design that fits the older, gadget-savvy crowd extremely well. The controls are not cramped like pictures lead gamers to believe, and this is coming from a guy with some of the biggest hands around.[/b] In fact, [b]I personally believe that the Game Boy Advance SP system is actually more comfortable than the original Game Boy Advance[/b], and anyone looking to get into the GBA market that hasn't done so...pay the extra 30 bucks and go for this sleek little portable. [/quote] [color=#507AAC]Those are just a few quotes, but you get the idea. :smirk: Also, apparently there is a solar power adapter at CES for GBA...interesting. EDIT 2: Oh, and here's Billy Berghammer's (PGC) comments on GBA:SP: [/color] [quote][i]Billy Berghammer, PGC:[/i] Today I had a chance to get my hands on the new Game Boy Advance SP in Las Vegas. Nintendo doesn?t actually have a booth set up at CES, but they had a hotel suite for the press to try out the new hardware. I have to admit, before I actually got to hold the unit and find out all of the hardcore details, I was seriously skeptical how this would actually feel in my hands, and if there would be that much of a difference between the Afterburner-modified GBA and the GBA SP. Also, as other GBA owners feel, I believe it would have been nice if Nintendo had released this unit first, seeing as how it was in development since before the original GBA was released. [b]All of my worries and issues leapt out the window the second Thom Leonard handed me a platinum GBA SP.[/b] When it comes right down to it, what matters is how it feels in your hands, since it has all of the same (well, slightly modified) guts in it as the original Game Boy Advance has. It still even has the strap attachment. Just like almost every piece of hardware that Nintendo has released, [b]it just feels natural in my hands. [/b] One of my major concerns was how the new smaller shoulder buttons would feel. Since I have larger hands than the normal child, my index fingers would get cramped quite a bit while playing a lot of shoulder button intensive games like Mario Kart Super Circuit, F-Zero, or even Metroid Fusion. With the smaller layout, I can hit the buttons with the inside of my index finger instead of the tip.[b] Even people with huge hands shouldn?t be uncomfortable.[/b] I?ve only had about 20-30 minutes with the GBA SP, and without further prolonged testing, I can?t say my hands won?t get cramped. For now, [b]I think it?s a step in the right direction. [/b] For the first time ever, a Game Boy has an actual moving part. With children, or the clumsy, there is always going to be that chance that you could snap it apart. [b]But the unit is not flimsy. [/b]It stays open by friction -- it will stay in place when you angle the screen. But in general, there?s an open position and a closed position. I even shook the GBA SP violently to see if the screen would flip open or closed. It moved a little bit, but for the most part it stayed in its original state. [b]Did I mention that the GBA SP just looks plain cool?[/b] I think [b]this will really appeal to older gamers and adults.[/b] It looks and flips open like a PDA or a cell phone. [b]When fully opened, it looks like a futuristic version of the original Game Boy.[/b] What a great throwback! I?m dying to get my hands on the Platinum version. The Cobalt doesn?t have that same pizzazz to me. I also don?t understand why we?re getting a bluer version than the indigo (the original GameCube/GBA ?Nintendo Purple?) that Japan is getting. As far as I know, Americans like to match their things just as much as the next guy. I?ll be very curious to see if this changes, because to me, why change the formula. Just give us a metallic version of Nintendo Purple and I think you?ll find a lot more happy consumers. It just doesn?t make sense to me. [b]I was shocked to find out that all of the GBA accessories Nintendo has released will still work on the GBA SP.[/b] The only new issue is the optional headphone accessory. I?m peeved that we will have to pay an extra $5-10 for this piece (no price point has been officially announced yet). It?s also another thing a kid could easily lose. As I think about it though, how many times have you seen any "casual gamer" using headphones while playing the GBA? Personally, I do about 50% of the time, depending on the game?s sound quality and the environment I?m in. If Nintendo can save space, make the unit smaller, and still allow people to connect their headphones if they want, then I?m almost happy. Since last summer, [b]I?ve had both of my GBA?s modified with Afterburners[/b], and I still think they look decent next to a GBA SP. But [b]I have to say Nintendo?s screen is no doubt cleaner, more vivid, and fresher looking than a mod.[/b] I?m not going to recommend against getting your current GBA modified, because if you can?t afford a GBA SP, by all means, mod your GBA. [b]But if you really want to see a clean looking display, I would start saving those pennies and pony up for the GBA SP.[/b] The Afterburner made the original GBA?s screen viewable,[b] but the GBA SP is mere perfection.[/b] The only downside to the GBA SP?s lit screen is that there is no brightness dial like the Afterburner can have. I was happily surprised walking out of the demonstration. Nintendo has fixed some of the flaws in the original GBA design, and churned out another excellent product. [b]I?m impressed with the new design[/b], the lit screen, the rechargeable batteries, and the overall system. [b]I still wish this was the original design[/b], but after getting my hands on the GBA SP, I know I?ll import one of these right away. [/quote] [color=#507AAC]So there you have it. ^_^[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Actually, they are both from .hack//INFECTION. .hack//SIGN is a different series. I deliberately chose characters that we wouldn't use on the .hack//SIGN header. Still, I showed these ones to Adam...and we both adored their design. We thought that their bright and colourful style would really suit theOtaku.com. ^_^[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Event Arena is only for official OtakuBoards events. ^_^[/color]

[color=#507AAC]You will notice that clicking on the logo will take you back to the front page. We have also included a second navigation menu at the foot of the page. ^_^[/color]

[color=#507AAC]I really don't see any point or value to this thread. We've had many discussions on locations before. If you want people to know where you're from, simply use your "Location" section within your profile.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]If OtakuGamer does launch, it will be done right. In other words, a lot of time will be spent on it. I'm not going to go out there and produce some mediocre rip-off. Of course, that means that any potential development won't start for a while anyway. As for Dreamcast...discussions of Dreamcast specific games are not allowed, in the same way that we wouldn't allow discussions about other things that are off topic (ie: old Atari machines or something). But as mentioned, with many Dreamcast franchises coming to other machines (Shenmue, Sonic etc), I don't think it's too much of a concern for anyone.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Nintendo didn't have the time or ability to add these features in the GBA. It was unfeasible to do so. Secondly, the lighting feature in the GBA:SP is [i]far[/i] better than the relatively shoddy Afterburner. The light is built-in to the actual screen. And the reflectivity of the screen's surface doesn't seem to affect the new light, unlike the add-on lights for the GBA. In addition, the GBA:SP is most definitely designed more for adults than children. Just look at it's design. It's designed to [i]look[/i] like a small high-tech gizmo (which it is). Furthermore, the recharge time is only three hours. Are you telling me that after ten hours of non-stop play, you will actually be worried about a small three hour recharge time? Just charge the darn thing up while you sleep; simple as that. In the longterm, the GBA:SP is going to end up being a whole lot cheaper than the GBA due to the lack of batteries. And when you consider that Nintendo has created a lighting system specifically for the GBA:SP (which is far superior to any third party "add-on"), I think that many people will find this unit worth their money. You must also remember that Nintendo is not necessarily aiming this unit at current GBA owners. Rather, Nintendo is hoping to further expand the GBA userbase with this machine. I don't really think that we can suggest that a GBA + Afterburner combination somehow makes the GBA:SP immediately obsolete. The mere cost of a GBA [i]and[/i] Afterburner is going to be prohibitive for some of those who want to purchase the GBA:SP. Plus, you must remember that not everyone wants to install a warranty-voiding device on their machine. It's no different from installing a modchip -- if you somehow screw up the installation, you won't be able to get the unit fixed under warranty. And for the average casual buyer, an Afterburner just isn't on the radar screen. The majority of GBA owners don't own the add-on for various reasons (added cost, void of warranty, installation, questionable quality). For the vast majority of potential owners (and even current owners), the SP definitely acts as a kind of "GBA +". [/color]

[color=#507AAC]I hope everyone likes the improvements that have been provided thusfar. Adam has worked incredibly hard on these new sites and really deserves all our thanks. I really hope that OtakuBoards members start using our greeting card site as well. I think it's a really nice resource to further expand OtakuBoards and theOtaku.com ^_^[/color]

[color=#507AAC]ShineGet.com has been scrapped, Juu. I didn't make a formal announcement on here because that site wasn't [i]directly[/i] related to theOtaku.com. So I'm sorry about that, for those who were looking forward to it. As for General Gaming...we did try a "classic gaming" forum but that failed. It failed due to lack of interest. If you think about it, even our Nintendo and Sony forums aren't nearly as active as our biggest anime forums. OtakuBoards is still a site where about 70% of the audience is focused on anime and not gaming. In terms of getting more gaming visitors here...you never know. Do you remember OtakuGamer? We were in development of that site over one year ago. And whilst the site never launched (due to lack of experienced staff), the idea is most definitely still there. Sites like Absolute Zelda are still archived and tucked away for use in the future. I can't guarantee anything, but I can tell you that one day in the future, I would very much like to see a gaming-specific sister site to theOtaku.com. I don't know when or how, but it's in the minds of both myself and Adam. ^_^[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Hm, well, I don't think that there will be much that you won't expect. Considering that there is an award for every single part of OtakuBoards already...that's quite a lot of categories right there. I do think that there are a few other interesting awards that aren't related to specific forums...but I couldn't give them away just yet. ^_^[/color]

[color=#507AAC]That's a good point. Believe me, I would like to have a Dreamcast/Saturn forum. I still own quite a few Saturn games...and some of them are true classics. I'd even love it if we had a place to trade JSR tags online. But, once again...there just aren't enough people who'd be able to utilize that. There are a ton of forums I'd personally love to see, but at the moment we already probably have a few too many forums. Still, you never know. One day in the future we might have enough of an active userbase to start thinking of putting these forums up.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Man, you guys really need to learn some patience. Otaku Awards will be happening [i]soon[/i]. They will take place in the Event Arena. So don't worry, when they start you will find out all about 'em. ^_^[/color]

[color=#507AAC]As far as I know, the adapter comes with the unit. The GBA:SP is definitely cheaper than the GBA in the longterm, due to the fact that you don't need to continuously purchase batteries.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]I happen to own a Dreamcast and believe that it is one of the most underrated systems on the planet. But that's not the point. The demand for such a forum doesn't exist. And now that SEGA is a third party, it is even more unlikely that Dreamcast discussions will occur. We have never really had anyone attempting to discuss Dreamcast games...which means that a Dreamcast forum would be even less popular than an Xbox forum. I'm not going to put in an entire new forum just for one or two threads.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]There is no Dreamcast forum...so there really is nowhere to post threads about Dreamcast games. In other words, we don't have discussions on Dreamcast games here.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Hm, I think I know how you feel, Weh. In high school, my attitude toward school was always changing. In year 7 and 8...school was so very boring to me. I hated it. But once I got to year 10/11/12, I was starting to enjoy it. I enjoyed school the most in year 12, my final year. Even though the work was at its hardest, it was great to be the oldest in the school. There is a lot that comes with that seniority; teachers are less strict with you because you're kind of beyond that "moulding" stage. And of course, for me at least, my social life was a lot better. I was friends with pretty much everyone in my year level...and when you have a student lounge for your own year level exclusively, it's really nice. So I found myself enjoying school mainly for the friendships and the experiences. I don't know what advice I can give you. The best thing to do is to find ways of dealing with your stress. Try doing the things you enjoy, that are also not going to put you out too much -- making graphics or involving yourself in a hobby. Things like that. Sometimes even a long, hot bath is nice after a very stressful day. ^_^ So yeah, there are always little techniques you can use. As for your friends...I don't know what advice to give there. I found that my friends changed over the years as I matured...and that may happen with you too. Though that advice really is meaningless at the moment, for you. I guess all I can say is that you should do your best. Talk to friends and tell them how you feel...and try using different techniques to relax. When school holidays come around next, you can let your hair down and party. ^_^[/color]

[color=#507AAC]I think you have to understand the dimensions of the thing first. As mentioned, this machine is going to feel somewhat similar to the GB Pocket in terms of the size and shape in your hands. The only difference is that there is a space at the back for your index fingers to sit. On the GBA, I usually find myself pressing the shoulder buttons with the length of my finger rather than the tip. If I was pressing it with the tip, that'd either mean that my fingers are insanely small or that they are very curled up. Plus, the shoulder buttons are apparently a little softer and have a "deeper" depression. So somewhat more like the GCN in that sense. The good thing is, Nintendo isn't phasing out the GBA itself. Rather, the GBA: SP is more of a deluxe version that people may choose to purchase instead. You know what one of my favourite features about this unit is? The flip-up screen. All GameBoy screens are notoriously sensitive. Even getting dust on them is annoying. And with the screen sitting out in the open like that, it makes the unit even more vulnerable. But by having a flip-up screen, I can fold it all up when I'm done and I can know that the screen won't be scratched or something. So for me personally, that's a great thing. Plus, you can tilt the screen independently of the controller...which means that you can get the exact right angle (if you have the light turned off), whilst still keeping your hands in a more comfortable position. [/color] [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sniglefager [/i] [B]whoa, are you saying that Animal Crossing 2 has already been schedualed?! Man, that's crazy.[/b][/quote] [color=#507AAC]Yep. Nintendo confirmed that Animal Crossing 2 and Pikmin 2 will both launch this year.[/color][quote][b] I wonder, though. Where does this leave the GBA GC connectivity link possibilities? [/B][/QUOTE] [color=#507AAC]In a better place, I'd imagine. I've always wondered; if you are linking your GBA to your GameCube and playing something like Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles, for example...won't the dark screen really negatively affect that? If you're sitting in a room connected to a GameCube, it might be even harder to see the screen. In that sense, the GBA:SP is probably a better alternative. The backlit screen may actually provide a benefit to visibility when you're linked to a GameCube. I'd also imagine that designing textures in Animal Crossing would be a whole lot easier -- a lit screen would give you better clarity and visibility. So, nothing has changed in terms of connectivity. If anything, I think the GBA:SP is going to have some strong advantages in that area. I'm glad that this unit was announced, because I think I'm going to buy one and give my GBA to my little brother. He can't afford a GBA...and we really want to play some two player games and stuff. If I get this unit, maybe we can finally play Four Swords. lol[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Just to reiterate, GBA: Special Project is coming out in March in the United States, Europe and Australia. And when I say March...I'm talking about [i]this year[/i]. In two months' time. ^_^ The reason that it's coming out so soon...and there has been little press coverage until now, is because the GBA:SP is [i]not[/i] a successor to GBA. It's not a next generation handheld system. Rather, it uses the exact same hardware as GBA. But unlike GBA, it has a built-in rechargeable battery, a front-lit screen and a more compact design. This unit is essentially like a "GBA Deluxe", for those who want the lighting and the improved portability. I commend Nintendo for listening to the market (how many years now have we been asking for an internal screen light?) and delivering. The GBA:SP is about as wide as a GB Color...so if you can play a GB Color okay, then you'll have an idea of how this feels in your hands. Actually, it's probably more like a GB Pocket, due to the slim design. I don't have very big hands, so generally I find the GBA to be quite comfortable...the GB Pocket less so. But still, considering the benefits that this unit offers...I'm not very worried about any lack of comfort that might result. Mario Kart on GameCube is due to arrive [i]this year[/i], though probably near Christmas. Pikmin 2 and Animal Crossing 2 are also both due to arrive this year. Animal Crossing 2 may also have online capabilities.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Actually, there is good news on the release front. The unit hits Japan in February...and it hits the USA/Europe/Australia in March. Only a month later. ^_^ Oh and, I was talking to Charles Martinet earlier today (he's the guy who does the voice for Mario) and we talked about a few things, including this new GBA: SP. I heard that the new Mario Kart on GameCube may indeed be online (although I didn't hear anything specific from Mr. Martinet -- I don't want to get in trouble or anything lol). It's also a rumor that is circulating around and seems to be picking up steam. I don't put much stock in rumors, but this one's a pretty good bet in my opinion. Also look for Mario Tennis and Mario Golf on GameCube to be "special".[/color]

[color=#507AAC]ZOE could potentially make a good anime or something. And ZOE 2 could be groundbreaking. But the first game...I dunno. The mech designs were [i]very[/i] similar to Tekkaman. Strangely similar. So I'm not very convinced of Konami's originality. However, the designs were great anyway. The combat was wonderful and the controls were so smooth and fun to use. I got very bored with the game though -- the levels were incredibly boring and there were very few kinds of enemies. The bosses, however, were wonderful. Some of the best I've seen. I hope ZOE 2 addresses level design, enemy variation and objective variation issues. If that happens, it could really become a true blockbuster game.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by BabyGirl [/i] [B][color=deeppink]Didn't you not actually start posting a lot until June or July of v2? I seem to remember you were "around" v2 when I joined, but decided to start posting more a little while later. For some reason I distinctly remember a conversation we had about Australia, and as a result someone said that we should hook up in the Dating Game RPG :bellylol:[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=#507AAC]That's true. Initially I was heavily involved with theOtaku.com. And during v1, I didn't post at all. I worked on theOtaku.com and "lurked". lol But during v2, we had a need for someone to run the entire site (when it became "OtakuBoards.com" as a site unto itself) and I was the person for the job at the time. ^_^[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Valen [/i] [B]He still does single-word posts... (No offense James, but you do :p) [/B][/QUOTE] [color=#507AAC]Actually, I don't. I ensure that every post (even short ones) are more than one word. ^_^ And I never did any of that stuff Cloricus mentioned. lol I have [i]always[/i] believed that post quality is important, no matter what the setting. My point was that even as a Newbie on other boards, I still behave in the same way. So being a Newbie doesn't necessarily mean that you are inexperienced or stupid, which is what I was trying to underline.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Well, there are a number of breakthroughs here. Firstly, as many of you know...Nintendo has never released a backlit screen because of the huge drain on batteries. This unit has a built-in rechargeable battery though...which implies that you never need to buy batteries. You merely need to charge the unit as you would a cellphone. Secondly, it does mean that the unit is more compact. I like the GBA, but it's less compact than the GB Pocket, for example. And if you're used to playing the verticle GameBoys...well, I guess you've become used to the thinner grip. Primarily I think you'd probably hold this unit more in your fingers than in your palms. But still, I was comfortable enough playing the GB Pocket (which is the most similar in width)...so I think it would be okay for me personally. And the backlit screen is just SUCH a much-needed feature...I think I will definitely pick this unit up. EDIT: Okay, here we go. SP stands for "Special Project". ~_^ Nintendo also took the opportunity to announce Advance Wars 2 (which should make some of you very happy). [center][IMG]http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/gba/advancewars2/aw2_0107_screen001.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/gba/advancewars2/aw2_0107_screen002.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/gba/advancewars2/aw2_0107_screen003.jpg[/IMG][/center] Here are some more images of the GBA: SP. [center][IMG]http://img.news.yahoo.co.jp/images/20030107/reu/20030107-00000980-reu-bus_all-view-000.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://www.cube-europe.com/newsgfx/gbasp/gbasp1.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20030107/ninten04.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20030107/ninten01.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/news/01/07/gbasp_screen002.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://www.computerandvideogames.com/screenshots_library/dir_165/vortal_pic_82643.jpg[/IMG] [img]http://www.computerandvideogames.com/screenshots_library/dir_165/vortal_pic_82644.jpg[/img] [/center] In addition, the recharge time is only three hours. I thought it'd be more (so obviously, you can recharge overnight or even through the afternoon or something). Apparently this is a prototype unit. But the machine is due to arrive in Japan in February...so any changes will most likely be extremely minor.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Nintendo of America made an announcement this morning in New York City, to reveal the all-new GameBoy Advance SP. [center][img]http://www.planetgamecube.com/media/hw018000001.jpg[/IMG][/center] The new unit will play current GBA (and old) games. It has a flip-up screen and contains a rechargeable battery. Currently confirmed details are below: [list] [*]Lighted (front light, like the AfterBurner), Flip-Up Screen [*]Light is able to be turned off [*]Rechargeable battery pack included 10 hours with the light on, 18 with the light off [*]Clamshell design, folds into a 3-inch square, an inch thick [*]Roughly half the size of the previous GBA [*]$99 Price Tag [/list] I'm blown away by both Nintendo's extremely quick delivery (it comes out in [i]March[/i]) as well as the fact that now we finally have a backlit screen...and the entire unit folds up into a little square. About half the size of the current GBA (which is already incredibly small). How about this? What do you guys think?[/color]