James Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 [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] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solo Tremaine Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 Hmm. I've never been too struck on handheld consoles, really, although this is quite interesting. The main thing I'm wondering about is the ease of use. With the GBA your hands are a good distance apat from each other which reduces cramp and whatever. With that, half the size, your hands are a lot further together and may well cause some discomfort on prolonged playing. So I'd probably get the GBA, if I decided to get any at all. Another hing would be that it'd get lost a lot easier now it's smaller. Technologically, though, I'm very impressed. Looks quite good. And it's good to see Nintendo breaking new ground ahead of other companies/consoles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted January 7, 2003 Author Share Posted January 7, 2003 [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] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Zeh Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 [COLOR=royalblue]I was just going to post about this now, when i saw your topic. I think it's great... the only thing i never liked about GB, was they didn't self produce light.... now look at this! Can't forget the awesome new looks too... I can't wait :)[/COLOR] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigCajones Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 WOW this looks so COOL! This is like 'handheld heaven'. It's pretty cheap, but probably won't come out until ages especially in England. :( I'm definetely going to get it though, handheld consoles save me from boredom when I'm out or on holiday. All this new technology is just so awesome. James you have such a good source of information all the time!!! I wish I knew as much as you, well thanks for telling me anyway. Its shaped like a mini laptop basically and that is a really good structure. Woohoo Advance Wars 2 it's going to top best turn based hand held game I bet. *gets excited* :excited: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Break Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 [size=1][color=crimson]Wow, this is very surprising, like James said, that Nintendo are bringing an updated GBA [i]already[/i]. I wonder why. Anyway, I'm not complaining, this is a great new pocket console that I'm sure will be another great hit, as the GBA was, due to it's size/stylish looks. There's no more craning my neck trying to get some good light in, and no more annoying people that crowd around watching you play now that the back-light is in place, I'm gonna love this so much. ^_^ I'm surely going to get one of these, since I don't have a GBA, and I think it still connects to GCN (well it better), because of those ports (on the picture showing the rear of the GBASP). Nice stuff. :)[/size][/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted January 7, 2003 Author Share Posted January 7, 2003 [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] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Semjaza Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 I'll write more about this later, and edit the post... But I will say that the thing looks terribly uncomfortable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigCajones Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 What??????? Your kidding, right? Do you mean next year, because if not there hasn't been any reviews or anythink. I'm not a BIG fan on racing games, but I sure heck love ones like Mario Kart! It's simply amazing on GBA, but online for Gamecube WOW *wipes of sweat*. All this new stuff sure is hot, but I'm guessing it's release will be next year as Nintendo will be stabbing the GBA in the foot with this big release, otherwise I will have to save up some cash. ;) Even if it's released next year I'm pretty sure GBA will still be big with all the radical games I'm hearing about, but hey who cares. Anyway enough said. *Falls in love with gaming industry even more* :love: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sniglefager Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 so, EGM was right all along. When they had a rumor about this a coupele months ago, I couldn't believe it, but now.......anyways, even though it's comijg out pretty soon, I'd actually wish it would wait. I mean, my birhtdays not till November, so I'm gonna have to wait a while on this one....oh well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted January 7, 2003 Author Share Posted January 7, 2003 [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] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liamc2 Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 It's so...so...pretty....it's almost trekkyish... Hm..when you say '99' dollars...I'm assuming you mean US? whoa...that makes it around $200 Austalian... Oh...for the days when the Australian dollar was worth one and a half American ones....o.O Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sniglefager Posted January 8, 2003 Share Posted January 8, 2003 whoa, are you saying that Animal Crossing 2 has already been schedualed?! Man, that's crazy. Usually I'm on top of thins like these.....anyways, you can tell Nintendo's gonna make a lot of money come March. Not only this, but the Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker on the same day?! Somebody pinch me, I must be dreaming. I wonder, though. Where does this leave the GBA GC connectivity link possibilities? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VP-Master Posted January 8, 2003 Share Posted January 8, 2003 Wow, when I heard my friend my talking about the new back-lit GBA, I was thinking it would be more or less the same looking GBA just now with that new feature. But when I saw the pics, I was amazed. It's a nice compact size and what I like a lot is how the screen is protected to prevent scratching. I'm still wondering how well the compact control layout will work but I guess it should be alright. It's too bad Nintendo didn't come out with this GBA when the system first launched. Guess I should try to sell my current GBA and see what I get. BTW, I'm not sure if this was posted already, but does anyone know the dimensions of GBA: SP? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desbreko Posted January 8, 2003 Share Posted January 8, 2003 [color=indigo]You know the first thing that came to mind when I saw those pics? I thought, "Using the L and R Buttons is going to be a pain on that thing." I mean, sure, I can play a GBP or GBC fine, but you don't have shoulder buttons on those. With this new design, with your hands being closer together and all, it looks like you're going to be hitting the shoulder buttons with the base of your index fingers, instead of more towards the tip. Either that, or bend them way out, which would no doubt make them ache after a bit anyway. I think I'll stick with my normal GBA. First, because I've never really needed a backlit screen, and second, because I have better things to spend my money on... Such as actual GBA games, or a Game Boy Player, maybe.[/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Semjaza Posted January 8, 2003 Share Posted January 8, 2003 According to Gamespot and other sites, the triggers are actually more comfortable and easy to use now. I never liked the GBA triggers as it was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desbreko Posted January 8, 2003 Share Posted January 8, 2003 [color=indigo]I dunno, I have a hard time believing that they're actually more comfortable. I can see easier to use, though, if they made it so you can push them in farther, like the SNES and N64 shoulder buttons. That's the only thing I don't like about the GBA shoulder buttons; you can barely press them in at all. I've accidentely fired off a shell trailing behind me in Mario Kart: Super Circuit more times than I can count because I just barely moved my finger on the button, and it was let up ever so slightly, but still enough to fire the shell.[/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solo Tremaine Posted January 8, 2003 Share Posted January 8, 2003 I'm not too sure I like the GBA SP's looks, thinking about it. It seems rather plain to me. I always thought the GBA was nice with it's purple colour and rather shapy shape (great wording there :p). I don't like the squareness of the SP, or it's colour. It makes it look too much like a Minidisc player for my liking, and silver on its own looks a little plain to me. They woulnd't be able to make future handhelds much smaller. I know when I have managed to play them that I liked holding something with at least some substance to it. You don't want to have to be pushing buttons with Biros or anything. But still, if it has a backlight and all, I think I might consider it, especially if you needa a GB to get the most out of your GC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted January 8, 2003 Author Share Posted January 8, 2003 [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] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spikey Posted January 8, 2003 Share Posted January 8, 2003 So it comes out in March. That's good, it's my Birthday. So I might as well ask for that. I think it is going to be very good. I might as well ask for a couple GBA games as well... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmjk Posted January 8, 2003 Share Posted January 8, 2003 a little more information: specs: Approx Size (Closed): 3.33 inches square, depth 0.96 inche CPU: 32-bit RISC CPU with embedded memory Screen: 2.9-inch reflective TFT color LCD Light Source: front light (like the Afterburner kit) Display Size: ident to the GBA Resolution: ident to the GBA Color: 32,000 colors (again, same as the GBA) Weight: Approx 5 ounces Power Supply: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery Battery Life: 10hr continuous play w/ 3hr recharge; 18hr continuous play w/light off Colors: Platinum and cobalt (metallic) (US), Japn/Europe have an xtra color (i´m not sure what) Peripherals: e-Reader, GBA Game Link Cable, GC GBA Cable, GBA SP Headphone Jack Adapter supposedly the Gameshark/Codebreaker ect... will also work, i´m skeptical Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Syk3 Posted January 8, 2003 Share Posted January 8, 2003 W00t, Semjaza should me one of these pictures and I was aboslutely blown away. This was before I knew about the backlight, the rechargable batteries, or the release date. And to think, I didn't believe that the GBA could get any better. ;) Although you could buy a backlight and rechargable batteries for your current GBA, this one fits into a comfortable package without taking the chance with tweaking your GameBoy. It seems to be even more to the extreme of portable, and the design is very sleek. Of course, there is one thing I am cautious about -- it looks very uncomfortable. But it is a factor I'm willing to overlook. ^_^ The only thing that would stop me from getting this is my wallet *flies fly out* and explaining to my parents why I need [i]another[/i] GBA. o_O Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VP-Master Posted January 8, 2003 Share Posted January 8, 2003 The rechargeable lithium-ion is a great feature coming with the GBA:SP. Does anyone know if the AC Adapter used to charge up the battery will come with the system or will that be another $20(US) or so to tack on to the already expensive price of the SP? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted January 8, 2003 Author Share Posted January 8, 2003 [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] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desbreko Posted January 9, 2003 Share Posted January 9, 2003 [color=indigo]Well, I don't push the shoulder buttons with the very tip of my index fingers. Usually I use the part of my finger past the last joint, and it doesn't really look like you'll be able to do that. I don't know, though, I guess the only way I'll really be able to tell if it's comfortable is if I play one for myself. Maybe stores will have demo units when it's released, and I'll be able to try one out then.[/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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