Nintendo GameBoy Advance SP (GBA SP) [2003] 

"Same great games. New boy. The world's most popular video game system adds the Game Boy micro to its entourage. Take your portability to the next level."
GameBoyAdvance.com

The GameBoy Advance is fast and fun. The 2.9" TFT reflective colour screen is far better than the original GameBoy and there is also a great choice of games. They've mixed the old classic Nintendo games, such as Super Mario with the new, like Pokémon and 'Advance' series of games including the excellent Advance Wars.

There is also the possibilities of connecting individual GBA systems to the GameCube.

One downside was that the console screen needed a lot of light to be clearly visible. Accessories have been created to counter this problem, but they came at a cost.

In March 2003 the screen problem was solved when Nintendo released the GameBoy Advance SP (SP meaning SPecial), a foldable version, which features a front light integrated with the LCD screen that can be turned on and off during play. Its size is a mere 82mm wide, 84.6mm high and 24.3mm in depth, and is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which gives at least 10 hours of life when using the light continuously. It was created to support the original GBA and NOT replace it. Without much competition from rival companies this console clinched the majority of hand-held console fans.

The system is on par with the SNES in terms of processor speed which is impressive when considering the size of it. The GBA is powered by 2 AA batteries which lasts for roughly 6 hours playing time. Another good advantage of the GameBoy Advance is that you can play your old GameBoy and GameBoy Color games as well.

VERDICT

Graphics Sound Games Extra features Cost The hot console for Nintendo at the moment is the Nintendo DS. The GameBoy Advance is slowly dying out, especially with the introduction of the new GameBoy Micro. But if you're looking for a bargain console, and are in it just for the buzz, rather than the newest in handheld technology it would be a reasonable choice.

NINTENDO CONSOLES: Wii GameBoy Micro Nintendo DS GameBoy Advance SP GameCube Retro Nintendo

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