Gaming Nintendo Reveals Technological Breakthrough (Very Pic Heavy)

[ZeroBlade]

LoL. Someone told me about this yesterday and I had a hard time believing it even when I saw pics. I'm not impressed by it as much as most people mainly because my own GBA is already modified with a front light and an adapter to use when I'm indoors. So the real big difference for me is the size. It is MUCH smaller than the current GBA, but I think thats designed more towards kids because of their small hands. My hands start to hurt if I play for too long with the current GBA as it is due to its size so making it smaller isn't good for me at all. Now here's what I think of the 2 new features it has:

The rechargable batteries. In some ways I like this idea in that no longer do you have to pay for AA batteries. Just charge it up and go. But its that same reason why I think its a problem. If you forget to recharge it, thats it, you can't do anything about it til you get to an outlet to charge it up for hours. In today's GBA, if the batteries die, just slap in some new ones. Also knowning Nintendo, I have feeling that they will sell a separate adapter that allows you to turn on the GBA while its charging or something. Even if they don't make such a move in allow you to use an adapter to turn it on with the battery empty still doesn't solve not being able to play without charging on the go.

The other new feature is the front light. No this GBA is not back lit like the Sega Game Gear was. Instead its more like a piece of plastic that sits above the LCD screen. When you turn it on it lights up the entire screen allowing for complete view without having to angle the GBA to light sources to see. This is a total copy of an internal lighting kit that was realeased last May called the Afterburner. Its the same thing I just described but for the current model GBA and in one way better than Nintendo's. That one way is that instead of an on/off switch it has a dimmer in which you can regulate how bright the light can be used. At hight power, it drains the life of new AA batteries like the GBA SP does but with the dimmer, you can extend it since you can reduce the amount of power used. It however cannot be turned off completely like the GBA SP but the person installing it can easily install one, both the dimmer and the switch or neither. The only real draw back is that it'll take some time to get it installed and that would be either done professionally (to the company making the Afterburner) or do it yourself. I did this moditfication myself on my own GBA with both dimmer and on/off switch and the result is nothing less than perfect. Here's a pic of what the Afterburner does on the GBA.
[img]http://image.lik-sang.com/content/afterburner/10.jpg[/img]

But seeing this new GBA altogether only upsets me in a way. It just shows you that Nintendo always had the ability to install such features in the Gameboys and waited until someone created the Afterburner and announced this new GBA after the holidays. For many, its a blessing to have the new GBA SP, but to me, its just a waste time and money.

[James]

[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]

[Red]

[b][color=003399]Well, since I don't own a GBA, this will probably be the unit that I buy.

Having a lit screen is certainly a bonus, although I really would like to see how it compares to the AfterBurner, which I thought was excellent. The thing that I like most is being to turn the darn light off, as you don't necessarily need it to play in broad daylight. This was often the case with the old Game Gear, as it just guzzled the batteries without performing any helpful function.

The whole recharging thing sounds very cool too, although I was wondering if Nintendo would make it like a mobile phone, being able to recharge whilst playing. Although, as James said, I doubt anyone would be bothered after 10 hours of solid gaming, lol.[/b][/color]

[ZeroBlade]

Oh, I know that this is certainly good news for casual buyers. It just disappoints me that it took a college student to make his own lighting kit to get them to do what people always wanted. Nintendo always had the time to create the regular GBA with these new features. Seeing how they are the Microsoft of the hand held world, they can do anything. Its without a doubt this was in development for quite some time as it already have the design and even the box art done, all ready to go within the next 3 months. The current model GBA design was able to get the internal light to begin with. If it wasn't the Afterburner would've never been made. So was the rechargable battery idea. (They managed to make a smaller GBA with this, its clear evidence it was possible on the current GBA0. Its kinda cheap too in that they announce this after the holidays. Their sales weren't that great in 2002 for the GBA... I guess this move is just to squeeze the last amount of life the current GBA has since everyone is gonna perfer the superior model. The reflective problem isn't really an issue on the Afterburner since one of the installation steps requires you to put in an Anti-reflective film. Although the GBA SP will have that installed together with the LCD, if what I'm thinking is correct, it has to be pretty much the same design since you can't have a light source together with the LCD. The result is total color washout if they do combine both unless Nintendo finds a way around that. Otherwise, it pretty much like a perfectly installed Afterburner. (I was one of the few who was able to). I don't trust those pics with the gameboy logo and Metroid Fusion game. They did the same thing with pictures having the GBA and looks nothing like those in the pictures. The rechargable batteries I like cause to do save money. But like all other rechargable batteries, they wear down over continued use and overcharging leading to less time of playing in the future. Again, unless Nintendo somehow create a type in which they don't wear out they'll have to make some kind of replacement kit or something. I know about leaving the thing to charge while you sleep and such. Its the area where you don't have the ability to charge it up or use the adapter to play is what I'm wondering about. It would be annoying if you're traveling around and can't use the GBA because you simply can't. In the current GBA, you just slap on some new batteries at any time. Finally as for price. Yea it did cost extra cash to get the Afterburner. I think though its cheaper to get the GBA modded, since it'll cost like $60 max for a professional job instead of paying $100 plus tax for the GBA SP. They're about the same price really. $100 plus tax for the GBA SP :: $60+$30 plus tax for the regular GBA and the Afterburner. I didn't care about the warranty since mine months before I modded my GBA. Even if it was, these things are so well made that you'll have to be inhuman to somehow break it during the 90 day period. There was always a professional job option availible too.

But in the end though, we just really have to see this thing in action. My early thoughts its Nintendo's answer to a Afterburned GBA. Its really a great thing for those who don't have a afterburned GBA and those who have no GBA at all. I'm not personally planning to buy it. Only way I would if mine somehow breaks and the GBA SP turns out better than I thought. :)

[9mm Avenger]

Ah...How long has it been scence the GBA was origianlly realeased? And they've already come out with a successor? Wow...Although, I suppose, progress [i]is[/i] needed, altho the people who bought the GBA when it came out are either gunna be mighty pissed, or buy the new one..Or both.

However, it does look quite cool...Like something Star-Trekki...Anyhow, I didn't buy the original, so I won't buy this one..Why? A couple years from now, a new one will show up, making the GBASP a complete waste..

[Desbreko]

[color=indigo]The GBA SP isn't a successor to the regular GBA, as James has said. It's not any more powerful than the GBA, and it can't play any games that the GBA can't. It's simply a bit smaller version, with a couple improvements. I really doubt that they're going to be releasing a real successor to the GBA for quite a while, considering that the GBA is still doing so well.

Another thing, is that if you're always waiting for the next big thing that will come out in a couple years, you're going to be waiting forever. I'm not regretting the purchase of my regular GBA at all, even if I do want to try out this new version. I mean, I've gotten a whole lot of fun out of my GBA in about the year and a half I've had it.

Personally, I don't see this as any different from the upgrade from the Game Boy to the Game Boy Pocket or the Game Boy Color. In fact, it's almost exactly the same. They made the system smaller, and added a few improvements, just like going from the GB to the GBC. With the GBC, they made it smaller, added color, and longer battery life. With the GBASP, they made it smaller, added a light, and again, upgraded the battery system.[/color]

[Hybrid]

[color=darkblue]I sold my GBA awhile back mainly because of the lighting problem, so the GBAsp will be perfect for me, so Nintendo of Europe better release it over here in march as well as the US. [/color]

[James]

[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]

[Desbreko]

[color=indigo]Okay, so maybe I was wrong about the R and L buttons... I'm starting to really want to try out the GBASP, now. If the R and L buttons feel as good or better than the original GBA, I'd probably prefer the GBASP, with the smaller size and folding screen, along with not having to buy batteries. (15 hours from two AA batteries is just not enough, heh).

Hmm, I wonder if I'd be able to get enough money from selling my old GBA and maybe a couple old games that I never play anymore so that I'd be able to get a GBASP? I might just have to see about that when it's released. (Yes, I'm in that catagory of people that absolutely love new little gadgety-looking things like this, lol).[/color]

[bignatedawg]

This thing looks awesome. I'll definately have to pick one up the first chance I get. I've never been able to find the right lighting source when I'm playing my game boy and there are far too many scratches on my screen so this new design should suit me fine.

Also, this may not be relevent to this topic whatsoever, but did't nintendo release the Game Boy light(a modified version of the game boy pocket with a backlit screen)that only came out in Japan or something?

[Desbreko]

[color=indigo]Yeah, they did release something called the Game Boy Light in Japan. It was pretty much the same as a Game Boy Pocket, but with a backlit screen. Japan gets all the cool little add-ons and stuff like that. :grumble:[/color]

[James]

[color=#507AAC]Heh, I know what you mean about the gadgety stuff, 'breakfast. I'm the same way.

I got the GBA for no real reason at first...I just wanted it. I bought Super Mario Advance 2 with it, which was pretty underwhelming (I never [i]really[/i] adored SMB2, it was probably my least favourite Mario title).

But after buying more games, I'm so glad that I purchased it. It's a wonderful little unit. And since I've always been dying for a backlight...there is no way I'm not getting a GBASP lol.

[/color]

[Samgee Gamwise]

Yeah, and just for even more reasons to buy this wonderful device *cough* Desbreko *grumble, cough*. An easy comparison of L an R buttons you can do right now: go to James' second post, to the picture of the lady holding both GBA units, side by side. You can measure with your finger, on the screen, comparitively, the distance between the R button and say... the A button, on both units.
I think you'll be quite supprised! I to think I'm going sell my GBA, it is only a week old, with the original batteries, used for only 2 hours. And not a scratch on the screen. PM me if you're interested, it's only $64.99.

[NeoCactuar]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by James [/i]
[B][color=#507AAC]Heh, I know what you mean about the gadgety stuff, 'breakfast. I'm the same way.

I got the GBA for no real reason at first...I just wanted it. I bought Super Mario Advance 2 with it, which was pretty underwhelming (I never [i]really[/i] adored SMB2, it was probably my least favourite Mario title).

But after buying more games, I'm so glad that I purchased it. It's a wonderful little unit. And since I've always been dying for a backlight...there is no way I'm not getting a GBASP lol.

[/color] [/B][/QUOTE]

Heh, i did the same thing.

But once i got games like Advanced Wars & Golden sun, i was forever hooked. Sitting at home, with a PS2 and a Laptop. I still find myself playing GBA.

[Desbreko]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Samgee Gamwise [/i]
[B]Yeah, and just for even more reasons to buy this wonderful device *cough* Desbreko *grumble, cough*. An easy comparison of L an R buttons you can do right now: go to James' second post, to the picture of the lady holding both GBA units, side by side. You can measure with your finger, on the screen, comparitively, the distance between the R button and say... the A button, on both units.
I think you'll be quite supprised! I to think I'm going sell my GBA, it is only a week old, with the original batteries, used for only 2 hours. And not a scratch on the screen. PM me if you're interested, it's only $64.99. [/B][/QUOTE]
[color=indigo]It's not that I'm worried about the R and L buttons being too close to the A and B buttons. I'm just worried that the R and L buttons being closer to each other will make my hands hurt.

Really, with the original GBA, it's not even my index fingers that hurt after playing a long time; it's my ring and little fingers that get cramped. What does that have to do with the R and L buttons? Well, it has to do with how you hold the system in your hands.

Now, with the GB or GBC (being about as wide as the GBASP, it looks like), you don't have the shoulder buttons, so you can use all of your fingers except your thumbs to hold the system. With the GBA, however, you use your index fingers for the R and L buttons, so you have one less finger to hold the system up.

Now, with a SNES controller or some other controller with shoulder buttons, this is fine, because I have plenty of room to stretch out my three "supporting" fingers in whatever way is comfortable, and also be able to move the controller freely, since you're looking at the TV while playing, not the controller.

With the GBA, however, I don't have as much room to stretch out my fingers, since the shoulder buttons are closer together. (Or at least it seems that way, since with the GBA R and L buttons, you have to have your finger on the whole button to make sure you can keep it held down if you need to, whereas on the SNES, you could just press down on the outside tips of the buttons, and since they press down farther than the GBA shoulder buttons, you don't have to worry about moving your finger a tiny bit and accidently letting up the button). This causes me to have to use my other three fingers to hold the system differently than I would a controller, which makes my ring and little fingers cramp up after a lot of playing. Also, you have to look at a screen that's on the same thing you're using as a controller, so you can't move it around a bunch to stretch your fingers a little without interupting your game. (It's not an issue of moving the screen out of good lighting, either, is's an issue of just moving the screen around so much that it's hard to keep track of things).

So, yeah, if the shoulder buttons are closer together without being more comfortable themselves, it's only going to make the problem worse by making me have to hold the system in a more cramped way. For me, it's not so much about where the shoulder buttons are in relation to the other buttons, it's more about where they are in relation to each other, and how comfortable they are to use.

Shoulder buttons that are as comfortable to use as on the GCN controller can make up for the buttons being scrunched together, simply because they're just easier to use, making it so my hand, overall, is more comfortable holding and using the system. On the other hand, the shoulder buttons being far enough apart can make up for uncomfortable shoulder buttons like the ones on the GBA, because my three supporting fingers are more comfortable from being able to stretch out any way that's comfortable, even if my index fingers aren't as comfortable when I press the shoulder buttons. It's a sort of trade off, and unfortunatly, the GBA's shoulder buttons went wrong in both areas. If one of those two areas gets worse with the GBASP (the shoulder buttons being closer together), without the other area improving, it's obviously only going to feel worse.

Maybe I just have big hands, lol. I just really, really, really hope that they make it so the R and L buttons on the GBASP can be depressed at least as much as on a SNES controller, instead of just a tiny click like on the original GBA. That could make all the difference for me, and maybe ultimately determine whether or not I buy a GBASP.

Oh, and I'll give you $10 for your GBA. ;) (Oh, and you can sometimes find new GBAs for less than $65, by the way, so I don't think you're going to ever get that). And knowing you, I really doubt that there aren't going to be any scratches on the screen for more than a couple days, lol. :toothy:[/color]

[Duo Maxwell]

I've always wanted a handheld console with a light, I'm forever annoyed when playing my GBA because my little corner of the lounge room doesn't get that mych light and for me to have a properly litscreen I have to lean forward in an uncomfortable position hurting my back and also my neck, so this is great news!
I'm deffinatly gonna bug mum and dad for it then I'll probably end up selling my GBA and buying the GBA:SP when it comes out.
Plus because of its compact design I believe I'll get away with playing it at school when I get bored in class or during break.

[Sniglefager]

yeah, just make sure you turn the vomlume all the way down. lol. That happened to me once, and I got in big trouble. Anyways, I recently saw it in action on the G4 channel, and it looks pretty cool. They folded the screen almost all the way down to show how much light it had, and trust me, that should be more than enough light.

[Subversive]

Yay finally glad I skipped out on the GBA due to my small money amount. :D

[BigCajones]

GBA SP- Information probably already announced, but hey this is what I've heard so far:

[b]Dimensions:[/b] 82mm x 84.6mm x 24.3mm when folded up

[b]Weight:[/b] 143g

[b]Colours at the moment:[/b] Metallic Silver, Metallic Black and Metallic Blue

[b]Screen:[/b] LCD with self-contained lights at each side

[b]Battery:[/b] Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack

[b]Battery Life:[/b] 10 hours with light on, 18 hours without

[b]Battery Recharge:[/b] 3 hours

[b]Display Size:[/b] 40.8mm x 61.2mm

[b]Display Resolution:[/b] 240 x 160

[b]CPU:[/b] 32-bit CPU with embedded memory

[b]Multiplayer:[/b] Up to four players with Game Link cable

[b]Compatibility:[/b] Compatible with virtually all Game Boy, GBC and GBA titles.

Sounds really good, but I'm not sure if will be entirely worth it as I already have GBA, but if you don't have one definetely get the GBA SP. I have a feeling Ninty have decided to make this, because of people complaining about the lighting system on the GBA and to help win the 'Handheld War'. It looks far more grown-up to the previous models and about the size of a MiniDisc player. Sony are expected to launch a handheld and even mobiles are starting to get decent games on them so this GBA SP will surely show them not to bother!!! :)

[James]

[color=#507AAC]Nintendo controls something like 97.8% of the handheld market. I don't think they need help in "winning". ~_^

Having said that, the GBA:SP will go a long way in solidifying their position. I'm really pleased that it was announced; I'm really looking forward to it.[/color]

[Sniglefager]

Are you serious? Sony's gonna have a handheld system? It seems kind of pointless to me. Even though since it's made by Sony, it would sell a lot, but in my opinion, no one's ever gonna be as good as Nintendo. Sony should just stick with their consoles. They're making enough money with them anyways.

[Barrel_Dragon19]

Well I have a friend that is pretty high up in Nintendo, and thus I have known a little about it for quite a while...not as much as James though.

[ZeroBlade]

I've seen the GBA:SP in action some time ago. I must say its pretty impressive. The new internal lighting is better than my Afterburned GBA but only slightly. Compared to my own (which has all kinds of battle scars) the display is crystal clear. It looked like watching TV or something. What I didn't like about it though is that it has this blue tint when the light is on that washes out the light more than my own ABGBA. However it is still pretty nice. Size is as small as everyone says it is, maybe too small for me. I played Megaman Zero on it and I found it a bit harder to execute a command cause my index fingers were on top of each other. The 'face' buttons no longer stick out like the current GBA and they felt a bit awkward but was just as responsive as the current GBA. Last thing I might add is should the internal batteries die on it (as in break) you can't replace them since its of a special type only nintendo can fix. To top it off they put one of those annoying Tri-winged screws on the battery cover and it nulls the warranty if you do. Eh.. I still don't know if you can charge while you play still so I'm gonna have to get back to ya on that some time later. So final verdict is, buy if you don't have a GBA, test if you do or just get the Afterburner mod if you wanna save cash.

[GhostofSalvtore]

Well I don't own a GBA, so I think I will get the SP. Since it does look very ........nice. I had never had the urge to own a GBA, mainly cuz I don't see any titles on there that appeal to me. But I may get it, just to own and maybe later(like you have all said) it will grow on me and I will never let it go. Just gotta think of a way to ze money for this thing, since it wil be cutting into my gaming funds and all.

[Semjaza]

Well, today is launch day. I'm hoping on being able to get one today, but I'm sure most were sold out this morning. Oh well.