lifeexpectancy
Member
I have the Gameboy Advance SP - Ltd Ed NES version still mint factory-sealed in its box, with a bunch of the NES Classics series games in their boxes. 
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The Game Boy Advance Was A Monster System
- Thread starter HotHamBoy
- Start date
BlackSalad
Member
I picked up a micro in great condition w/o any dead pixels and great battery for $70 at a local game shop last year =) I was so glad I found one, I had been watching eBay for months then randomly walked in to a mom and pop store and saw it, I adore the system.
To OP, original GBA (glacier ice) was my first "console" that I purchased myself when I was a kid, I felt so proud standing in the line and redeeming my preorder. Can't believe this launched 15 years ago and I am still playing one. I still have the boxes of chu chu rocket and mario 2 from launch, such nostalgia.
Now I just need to find a Saturn for a reasonable price, my parents would yell at me for the $ racked up from playing virtual on online—too bad my twinsticks were sold at a garage sale =(
To OP, original GBA (glacier ice) was my first "console" that I purchased myself when I was a kid, I felt so proud standing in the line and redeeming my preorder. Can't believe this launched 15 years ago and I am still playing one. I still have the boxes of chu chu rocket and mario 2 from launch, such nostalgia.
Now I just need to find a Saturn for a reasonable price, my parents would yell at me for the $ racked up from playing virtual on online—too bad my twinsticks were sold at a garage sale =(
TheMoon
Member
EZFlash IV
sixteen-bit
Member
RE: GB/GBC emulation on GBA; You can even display the Super Game Boy borders with the GBC-exclusive pallette in some games. There's slowdown and shit tho, so it's not perfect.
gato_busta
Member
The Game Boy Advance is my favorite Nintendo system ever. I rarely leave home without my Micro, it's the only console I can carry comfortably in my pocket. It might not have a new Mario, but it has the best version of Super Mario Bros. 3 plus the level cards, which were pretty much a new game. I got a save file with all of them unlocked on my cart a few years ago, and they make the game so much better.
Thanks!
I picked up Super Mario World, Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga, Yoshi's Island, FF Tactics, and Warioware for $43. Worked out perfect because I had $40 credit for trading in The Last Gaurdian two days ago. Although I had Golden Sun in my cart but it sold out before I could check out :/
Now to find a nice SP 101 on eBay.
What's a reasonable price for a Saturn?
I got mine for $45 last year and I just saw one for $55 at a place I frequent.
You can get an EZ FLASH IV for like $30
The Game Boy Advance is my favorite Nintendo system ever. I rarely leave home without my Micro, it's the only console I can carry comfortably in my pocket. It might not have a new Mario, but it has the best version of Super Mario Bros. 3 plus the level cards, which were pretty much a new game. I got a save file with all of them unlocked on my cart a few years ago, and they make the game so much better.
That's a great cover on the front to prevent scratches. I bought the same Micro used and it already had a few marks on the front and back.
Ah, a chance to share pictures of my creation
1. I did it myself
2. The mainboard is not the perfect model so the screen basically doesn't even fit inside and I had to fasten the shell real tight
3. The glass lifts up ever so slightly at the bottom because it's so fucking tight that the shell is no longer flat
4. I didn't remove enough of the plastic so the screen isn't seated properly
5. Haven't even really used it
6. Would probably get PTSD playing on this.
7. fml
But I'm sure it's a really nice system with many games. I have six games
1. I did it myself
2. The mainboard is not the perfect model so the screen basically doesn't even fit inside and I had to fasten the shell real tight
3. The glass lifts up ever so slightly at the bottom because it's so fucking tight that the shell is no longer flat
4. I didn't remove enough of the plastic so the screen isn't seated properly
5. Haven't even really used it
6. Would probably get PTSD playing on this.
7. fml
But I'm sure it's a really nice system with many games. I have six games
Patrick Bateman
Member
If you would want to buy a GBA-system today, what would be the best choice? And where to buy?
TheMoon
Member
eBay, what else is there
"best choice" = backlit-screen modded original GBA
realistic choice = backlit (AGS-101) GBA SP
cool realistic choice but only if you don't have gigantic hands that would crush it = GB Micro
Polioliolio
Member
I must be the only guy who isn't in love with the micro. It doesn't exceed gimmick, for me.
If the resolution was identical, then we'd be in business, but when you can barely read the text in RPGs because the resolution hacks away at the visuals, there's a problem.
The ugly angular design is too sharp, and the start and select buttons are hideous.
So I'm fully 'meh' on it.
You can fit an SP in your mouth anyway.. How small does it have to be?
If the resolution was identical, then we'd be in business, but when you can barely read the text in RPGs because the resolution hacks away at the visuals, there's a problem.
The ugly angular design is too sharp, and the start and select buttons are hideous.
So I'm fully 'meh' on it.
You can fit an SP in your mouth anyway.. How small does it have to be?
Could probably find a nice bundle locally on Craigslist.
Pancakes R Us
Member
Who's the guy that mods DS Lites so that they're GBA-only, by removing the top screen? I feel like I need to add one of these to my collection.
Toadthemushroom
Member
The Micro has the same 240 x 160 resolution as the other GBs?
I do think the screen is a bit too small now, only because I can actually feel the eyestrain from focusing on it too long. I love it otherwise.
The Real Abed
Perma-Junior
I'll agree with this list. I love my GameBoy micro. But I would love to have a SP 101 just so I could also play my original and GBC games. I'm still salty they dropped original support with the Micro and DS.
The Micro is the same resolution as the GBA.
I'd be for this if he also modded it to remove the two buttons you can't use and moved the A and B to be actually usable without causing you hand cramps.
Hispanic! At the Disco
Member
My dad surprised my brother and I launch day with one each. We were sharing a gameboy color and we come home from school to find two new consoles! One for each! And they came with a game we had played on our uncle's SNES! Was a very exciting day, and my most memorable portable. My brother still plays his, now with a backlight modded into it.
In my experience, games look significantly better since the Micro retains the same resolution while increase the PPI.
Bluekaveli
Member
I'm going to go cry now and think about this. Legacy of Goku and Yugioh games 😔
leatherhat
Member
My favorite handheld of all time. Tons of fantastic original games plus snes ports were great for a genesis guy like me.
Might be my favorite platform behind ps2
Might be my favorite platform behind ps2
Toadthemushroom
Member
Yup, it's the games' colours having been brightened artificially to compensate for the lack of backlight. Most noticeable with ports.
iirc the GBM's screen is comparable to the DS Lites': http://www.displaymate.com/psp_ds_shootout.htm
The Real Abed
Perma-Junior
To be honest, if I could get a GameBoy micro sized device with a micro-computer in it that could emulate all classic systems and could also run something like Pico-8 (Of course it'd come with a detachable micro keyboard) and Löve2d I probably would in a heartbeat.
Of course the micro itself is smaller than the C.H.I.P. itself is. So maybe it'd have to be a little bigger. Then again, I know devices like that already exist. I just really like the micro's size.
Of course the micro itself is smaller than the C.H.I.P. itself is. So maybe it'd have to be a little bigger. Then again, I know devices like that already exist. I just really like the micro's size.
Pancakes R Us
Member
I know what you mean about the A and B buttons. I wouldn't like two buttons removed though. I'd be happy for him to switch the buttons though, like put A where B is now and B in the place Y is, moving Y to where A is originally.
Anyone know if the guy runs a site?
ShadowFox08
Member
Wow.. Why did this handheld only last for 3 years until the DS came out?
DS was rushed out to counter PSP. As is GBA had good support through 2005 or so and still got some great games after that even.
DS was supposed to be the second pillar system, but ended up exploding.
Stronginthearm
Member
I got into gaming with the DS, but I wish I had started with the GBA.
Polioliolio
Member
Whaaaaat?
Hm. I thought I 'knew' this since that thing came out.
Maybe I've been too harsh on it... Maybe the game I was playing had shit text.
Patrick Bateman
Member
I think I'll go with the classic GBA. I just can't really stand those laptop-design handhelds.
It has a great screen in terms of clarity, it's too smal. I actually have no problem reading the text in a game like FF6, it's just too hard on my eyes after awhile. If I was a younger person I think it would be fine, but I'm 31...
The Micro has the best face buttons/d-pad. Out of any Nintendo handheld. They feel incredible. Only the shoulder buttons come up lacking, which is true of all Nintendo handhelds.
You'll need to find a backlight mod and mod one or buy one pre-modded off a seller on ebay for like $100-150.
As for the unmodded GBA, you can find one used for $15-20 pretty easily. Gamestop is selling them for $45 online, lololol.
Now, you say you hate the clamshell design and that's fair, but try a DS Lite. You get a great screen and a more comfortable system with superior buttons over the SP (IMO), with the added benefit of being able to play DS games on a screen of their native resolution (they look much better that way).
You can get a DS Lite for about $25-40.
Try LetGo. Tons of people selling used game consoles, some practically giving them away. Also try Pawn Shops, they seem to be inundated with DS's and GBAs.
Toadthemushroom
Member
Toadthemushroom
Member
I only really agree with this if you compare the handhelds that can play GBA games - otherwise I think the New 3DS D-Pad and face buttons are leagues ahead. I prefer clicky D-Pads though, but the face buttons are so well engineered. Going back to the Micro really does feel like going back a decade. The face buttons work, but they are unstable and wobbly, not crisp and precise.
The Real Abed
Perma-Junior
If it's a DS specifically for playing GBA games then you wouldn't need those two buttons. So removing them would make sense. I forget, but assume, did the DS have an option to boot directly to the GBA cartridge? I think it did. So they'd just need to move the A and B to the proper place and cover up the DS cart slot. Maybe give it an all new sleeker case. I bet Ben Heck could do it well.
Alternatively he could make the two unused buttons be secondary L and R buttons. If that would be of any benefit at all. (Would be much better if Nintendo had just put 4 buttons in the first place. Especially since they were planning on making it a SNES port machine from the start. Then again they couldn't even put a damn control stick on the DS so I'm not really surprised.)
Tal Shiar Agent
Member
I love my Micro. Its amazing, just wish I could get a new faceplate for it.
Naw man, they're chunky with a sort of al dente "firm but yielding" feel and a satisfying membrane throw.
And they're big!
So I was totaally going to link you to the website where I got mine last year but I guess they stopped making them...
Fuck.
I went in ebay and the prices are insane.
The Micro I bought came in the original box with the two additional faceplates. The silver plate was a little scuffed and the other two, while pristine, were ugly. So I bought the NES replacement plate. I should have bought others...
I have one GBA SP back these years, but I never truly like it. The screen tearing is terrible and I never understand why they put only 2 front buttons. The Donkey Kong Country port is so poor and ugly that I never can't handle it.
The first portable that I really like is the Nintendo Dual Screen. That is the truly king of the portables.
The first portable that I really like is the Nintendo Dual Screen. That is the truly king of the portables.
WiiWare and DSWare's ArtStyle games were a continuation of that. I'm particularly fond of Cubello.
Beerman462
Member
At the time GBA video was pretty cool for road trips. We had like 3 carts and my daughter would cycle through them. Neat feature.
Toadthemushroom
Member
I bought six Bit Generations games this year (all except Orbient, which I have on WiiWare) and loved what I played and completed.
Dotstream > Digidrive > Soundvoyager = Coloris > Dialhex > 7/10 >>>> Boundish
I like the Gba, but overall i think the DS was much better. The best games on the GBA seemed to be ports of games I could already play on other systems, while on the DS the best games were original. Just consider the Mario-games for the systems, ports on the GBA, original on the DS. I love how it got three F-Zero-games and two Metroid-games though, and there are a lot of underrated smaller scale games in more famous series like Medal of Honor which are pretty great on the system.
StrangeRoboMemory
Member
Hmm, I'm trying to round out my GBA collection on Wii U VC with one more game. I've got Advance Wars 1 & 2, Fire Emblem and Fire Emblem Sacred Stones, Metroid Fusion and Zero Mission, Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga, Zelda: The Minish Cap, and Mega Man Battle Network 3. What's one more essential that I should pick up? I've already got the originals of the NES/SNES ports, and Golden Sun and FF Tactics Advance seem a bit too undercooked for me.
So, where does that leave me? Wario Land 4, perhaps? Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow? I really like Castlevania and I've heard AoS is great, but I already own Super IV, Rondo of Blood, SOTN, Dawn of Sorrow, Order of Ecclesia. Is AoS more of the same, or is it still that hotness? More of the same isn't necessarily bad because I love the games, but I want to have a good range in my overall library.
So, where does that leave me? Wario Land 4, perhaps? Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow? I really like Castlevania and I've heard AoS is great, but I already own Super IV, Rondo of Blood, SOTN, Dawn of Sorrow, Order of Ecclesia. Is AoS more of the same, or is it still that hotness? More of the same isn't necessarily bad because I love the games, but I want to have a good range in my overall library.