Because I firmly believe in the phrase "misery loves company," I thought I'd rope all of you into obsessing about Nintendo's 32-bit handheld (don't you miss the days when we could refer to systems based on the number of bits associated with them?), too, by asking which of the company's three GameBoy Advance designs you liked best.
Me, I've always preferred the GameBoy Advance SP--in particular, the almost disgustingly cute Pikachu-branded systems (one of which can be seen below) that earned a release in 2005 and 2006.
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| Photo by diversionmary |
As much as I like the Pikachu SP, though, I like the run-of-the-mill SPs nearly as much--thanks in large part to their pre-DS clamshell construction.
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| Photo by Arturo Martin |
Don't take the commentary above to mean that I dislike the GameBoy Micro's design. On the contrary, I love it--especially when it's made to look like a mini Famicom or given a Mother-esque paint job.
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| Photo by Francois Houste |
As for the first GameBoy Advance the folks at Nintendo bestowed upon the masses: I can't say I've ever been a fan of it. I'm not even sure why that is, to tell you the truth.
My first thought it to blame it on the system's toy-like appearance, but the same could be said of the original GameBoy and of the original DS, in particular, yet I consider both of those to be top of the line in terms of design (the former, especially).
What are all of your opinions on this most pointless of matters? Do you have a favorite when it comes to Nintendo's trio of GameBoy Advance designs, or would you just as well forget any of them ever existed?
SP! Always was, always will.
ReplyDeleteI have semi-fond memories of playing Konami Krazy Racing at a car dealership on the original GBA, but overall I found the design unappealing and you had to be sitting on the surface of the sun to see what you were playing. You'd think at that point backlit screens would be obligatory! Its design wasn't as ugly as the first model DS at least.
ReplyDeleteThe SP is definitely what I think when I think GBA...the hinged design protected the screen, it was finally lit (front lit actually, I believe) and we actually got some cool special editions like the NES branded version.
The Micro is by far the most attractive looking to be sure--I had already thrown down the $250 to get the Mother 3 edition (wonder what it goes for now) from an online shop called toys n joys, who are well known for being flaky sellers. Thankfully after a couple months with no Micro they decided to refund my money. I think they just didn't have it in stock anymore and were hoping I'd let it go, haha.
I have a blue SP that I almost NEVER played. I don't know why...I guess I was younger and poorer then. I have literally three games for it...one of which is FFV, which I bought a year or so ago.
ReplyDeleteYeah...I think I missed out on this generation and jumped right to the DS.
I feel like each of them have positive and negative aspects, both from a design and functionality standpoints.
ReplyDeleteThe original GBA was pretty awful on both counts, as not only was the design fairly ugly, but the lack of a backlight (and lack of a nice reflective screen like on the NGPC) meant games were excruciatingly difficult to play except under the most optimal lighting. On Gameboy Color it wasn't much of a problem because the graphics were simple enough to not really need a backlight. On GBA, that changed with the added detail.
The GBA SP is my favorite of the bunch thanks to the addition of the backlight and the nifty clamshell design that's become the M.O. of Nintendo handhelds, but I dislike how cramped the buttons are, and the lack of a standard headphone jack means I'm stuck playing without earbuds in, which bothers me because I like to PLAY IT LOUD (and still want to respect the ears of my surrounding people).
I never did like the Micro, mostly because, despite how cute it is, it dropped original Gameboy support, so I lost interest in it right away.
A man after my own heart, eh? Great!
ReplyDeleteHello, Bruce! Wait, did you just say you hate the design of the first DS? I ... I don't know what to say... Seriously, though, I used to hate it, too, but these days I'm actually a pretty big fan of it for various reasons.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear your story about the Mother 3 Micro, BTW. I had no idea it was so expensive even back then! I think it can be bought for somewhere between $400 and $600 today, although don't take my word for it as I haven't checked eBay in some time (mainly because I prefer the SP these days and at the moment I'm obsessing over the Pikachu SP).
Don't feel too bad, Justin--I'm nearly in the same boat. I ignored the GBA for a good long while and only decided to buy a black SP--and a copy of Pokemon Emerald--when I had to travel for work. I've since picked up a few more games for it, but it's never been my most-played handheld. That said, it's having a bit of a revitalization in my mind at the moment, which may force me to buy a few more games for it :P
ReplyDeleteI like the original, but I'm a sucker for that sort of thing, same for the original DS. I like those rounded edges, they remind me of older consoles, the "looks like something Apple would make" aspect of the SP, the DSi, and the 3DS to me just makes them feel completely devoid of character--they are just boxes. I like having something with interesting surfaces like that in my hands. Also I got the "milky blue" color scheme, with the transparent case so you could see its guts, I guess that's gone out of style as well. The lack of a backlight wasn't an issue for me for me (though I haven't played a game on GBA since I got my DS!), but to be perfectly honest I was enamored with the GBA from the moment it was announced and nothing was going to stop me from loving the heck out of it.
ReplyDeleteWell, maybe that awful sound chip--I'd say that bugged me far more than any time I spent looking around for the best light source. Some games made it work for them but on the whole it was pretty horrible.
Also I completely forgot it was "32-bit!" I know it's just the processor or whatever, but in terms of 2D it never (rarely?) exceeded anything you'd have seen on the SNES or Genesis, and while it was admirable that it could do any 3D at all it clearly wasn't a major strength of the system. To call the GBA 32-bit seems like a funny joke to me now considering the term's strong definition regarding a specific generation of consoles.
I agree with pretty much everything you said here, Espiga--especially the bit about the SP's rather cramped button layout. Actually, I find the system's general narrowness to be a bit of an issue, too--although that may just be because I have big hands.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind that the Micro dropped original GB support, but I do mind its unprotected screen (compared to clamshell portables like the SP and DS) and overly small size. I mean, on the one hand I *like* that it's as small as it is, but on the other, it's almost too small for me.
Oh, I'm with you in regards to the original DS design, Michael. Like I said a few comments upstream, I used to hate it, but I've since come around. In fact, I now like it so much that I'm determined to buy one this year--the "candy pink" one in particular :)
ReplyDeleteAs for the ol' GBA: I don't remember its sound chip being so horrible. Of course, that's definitely one of the things that wouldn't bother me much--mainly because I tend to play handheld games with the volume turned down pretty low.
Oh, and I have no idea how or why the GBA is a 32-bit system, but that's what Wikipedia says about it so I'm going with it. You're right, though, that it seems like a joke considering the graphics, in general, seem little more than Genesis or SNES quality.
I''m still looking for the awesome Micro, possibly the green one, of course new and less than 100 euros >_> So to me, the best one is the Micro (rechargable battery + backlight FTW!)
ReplyDeleteAnyway I'm happy with the one I currently own, a launch model "Glacier" ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Game-Boy-Advance-1stGen.jpg ) which I like very much, its shoulder buttons are great!
A green Micro, eh, Giuda? Sounds good to me! I have a hot pink Euro Micro that I love dearly. Didn't cost me much, either. It wasn't brand new/sealed, but it's in great shape all the same, so you may want to look around for a used one if you're feeling a bit desperate.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I like the looks of the 'glacier' GBA, BTW. I still don't like the shape of the system, mind you, but the color is really nice. Reminds me of the "soda blue" WonderSwan, actually.
I iked the look of the original design and always thought it felt good in the hand, nice and rounded like the SNES controller. I had the purple GBA, but I eventually replaced it by ordering a black one with the Afterburner front light installed. When Nintendo released the SP with its own light, I didn't need to upgrade.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite design is the Micro. It feels absurdly tiny in my hands, but I still carry it around sometimes if I want to play Advance Wars 2 on the go.
I can see that, Zaphod. And, really, it is nice that the original GBA design looks and feels kind of like a good ol' Nintendo controller.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Micro: 'absurdly tiny' is the perfect way to describe it, I think. I actually was shocked when I opened the box containing my hot pink Micro and saw how small it was! The screen's so bright and crisp, though, that the system's size doesn't hinder it much.
That said, I still prefer the SP in many ways--especially the ones that are backlit.
Of course, there's also something to be said for the Game Boy Player for the GameCube. Playing Metroid: Zero Mission on a 32-inch flatscreen defeats the portability angle, but it's lovely just the same.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, something else I've always wanted to own! In fact, I've had my eye on a Japanese GC+GBP bundle (in spice orange!) for a while now :|
ReplyDeleteYeah I had it cranked with the headphones on at all times pretty much, I was looking to the GBA to recreate the feel of the 16-bit games that I'd grown up with where music was, to me, a pretty key part. Not every game had a great soundtrack but in a lot of the GBA games I played I felt they were pretty inferior--developers either didn't consider them important or didn't bother to figure out the chip (as you suggest with your own GBA habits, there might not have been much demand for it). Nintendo did well with it so maybe they felt it was good enough, but clearly an area it could have been improved.
ReplyDeleteActually one really "key" music failure on it was the GBA Mr. Driller 2--Mr. Driller games have amazing soundtracks but the ones on GBA are awful downgrades imo. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7lCqUMlrXk vs
It's interesting that you point out how you were hoping the GBA and its catalog would recreate some of the musical experiences you had during the 16-bit era, Michael--I definitely understand that and, honestly, I'm surprised I didn't feel the same way at the time, especially since I've always loved the game soundtracks that were produced in those days.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling, though, that part of the blame can be placed on the GBA's sound chip and part of the blame can be placed on lazy developers who probably thought it wasn't worth their while to produce beyond-average soundtracks for portable games.
Oh, and thanks for linking to a snippet of Mr. Driller 2's GBA soundtrack. I don't think it's completely terrible, but I can see what you mean when you say it's far from great.
Always thought the standard SP was a bit dull, so I had a tribal edition which I quite like. Although I'm still amazed by how small and cute the Micro is.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely believe that I come down a little harshly on it, but I had high expectations like I say. I actually have a 2-disc Mr. Driller 1+2 soundtrack (look how pink it is! http://i43.tower.com/images/mm106130225/mr-driller-original-soundtrack-cd-cover-art.jpg ) but the second disc is split between the arcade "2" soundtrack, which is lovely, and the GBA soundtrack (someone must have thought it was worthwhile!), making for a really jarring transition on one disc, I think that also adds to my resentment of it. xD
ReplyDeleteAh, you knew you'd get me with the soundtrack's pinkness, didn't you, Michael?
ReplyDeleteHow weird that the second disc is split between the arcade and GBA versions of 2, BTW. I mean, even if you love GBA soundtracks, I can't imagine wanting to listen to many/any of them outside of the gaming experience.
A tribal edition, Elliot? Do tell! Also, yes, the Micro is amazingly small and cute :)
ReplyDeleteI thought you'd appreciate it, yes. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd you were right!
ReplyDeleteBTW, you know what I'd like to see eventually? A new Mr. Driller that uses a different art style. I love the art style that was used in the games that have already been released, but it would be nice to see Namco change it a bit.
Maybe that's one way they could revitalize interest in the series?
yeah I remind it, it was amazing! I always liked transparent casing: being very curious I always open/unscrew everything interests me to see what's inside... so a transparent case prevent that potentially dangerous behaviour lol
ReplyDeleteI'm all about the micro, of course! I think it definitely has the snappiest design. I will say, though, that it's not great for extended play, so I usually will have to switch to my DS if I want to play something for a longer period of time.
ReplyDeleteI've never had an SP, but I don't really like how cramped the buttons look. It's pretty cute overall, though, so maybe I'll pick one up one of these days!
As for the original Game Boy Advance, I actually used to have a purple one, but I sold it because I barely ever used it (those were the days when I was a PlayStation girl through and through). I don't really like its design at all do I don't think I'd ever feel compelled to get one again.
I agree, Giuda. Sadly, it seems the time has passed for transparent cases, hasn't it? :(
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah, I can imagine the Micro kind of wears out its welcome if you play with it for too long. I say because I honestly haven't used my Micro as much as I should have by now. Then again, I barely use my SP, either, so apparently I haven't been in a GBA mood in a while.
ReplyDeleteAs for the SP's buttons: I think they look more cramped than they actually are. At least, I've never personally had a problem with them. The bigger problem for me is how narrow the system is. It can be awkward to hold for long periods of time, kind of like the Micro.
I never owned a Micro but I loved my SP, mostly since it had a back-light compared to my OG Game Boy Advance. I remember my sisters and I each playing our Game Boy Advances with that attachable light in the back of our parents' car at night. It was still pretty difficult to see even with that peripheral - at least to my 11 year old self who refused to wear glasses.
ReplyDeleteI really hope that one day I get to play on a Mircro for myself. I have a hard time believing games can actually be playable on something with such a small screen but so many people swear by it!
Ah, another satisfied SP owner. That's great to hear, Vaati! Of course, it helps that you have one of the backlit SPs. Mine isn't, although I don't remember it ever bothering me much, to tell you the truth.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Micro: I've only spent a bit of time with mine thus far, but the screen is so bright and crisp that I think only games with tons of text would be difficult to enjoy. I've only played Rhythm Tengoku on mine, though, and that's not exactly a text-heavy game, so don't take my word for it.
There's a good challenge for somebody's art class! The look of the game has generally been so distinctive (not without some evolution though) that a big change would certainly grab attention but I wonder if people would like it? I don't even know how I'd feel about it!
ReplyDeleteI can tell you what I would like to see right now, though--a new Baraduke title, featuring Mr. Driller's parents (Toby from Baraduke and Taizo from Dig Dug), done in more or less the visual style as they used in Namco X Capcom. :D
You're probably right that some/many fans wouldn't like it. Still, I'd like to see it myself. Of course, my opinion means less than nothing to the folks responsible for this series, I'm sure, so I wouldn't worry about this happening anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteAs for Namco producing a new Baraduke title featuring Mr. Driller's parents: I'd love to see that--even though I don't believe I've ever even played the original Baraduke!
I haven't played it either! :D I did watch some youtube clips and honestly it didn't look very good, but I think a more compelling (and fun-looking) game could be made around it pretty easily. It wouldn't even have to be anything like Baraduke or Dig Dug, just a kind of cool game with those characters. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I'd definitely agree that I would like to see Mr. Driller redesigned, I just am not sure I'd want it after I got it. ;) But that's part of why I mention Baraduke (with Dug Dug teamup) because it's a case where definitely I would like it. :)
Actually, I just watched a few videos of Baraduke, and I think it looks pretty interesting! Not amazing, mind you, but definitely interesting.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I agree that it would be cool to see a new take on that game ... or Mr. Driller ... or Dig Dug.
We have a purple one very similar to your bottom photo. It's really dim, the screen on it is starting to fail. You have go to be in a very brightly lit room in to see anything at all, really.
ReplyDeleteI can't choose between the SP and GBA.
ReplyDeleteThe SP has a backlight and closes over and protects the screen, it's handy to just throw into your bag BUT I don't like how it feels with a GBC cart, it annoys me while playing.
GBA lacks the above but GBC carts don't annoy me while playing, the design reminds me of a Game Gear so it's more familiar to me, the handheld itself to me looks nicer.
Really wanted a mirco around Christmas, a lilac one (all about lilac stuff atm) but wouldn't pay the price for it lol.
My favorite is the first model, but i only had back lit screen like the newer models and stereo speakers would be the definitive GBA, thats why i prefer playing on a DS lite.
ReplyDeleteWell, that doesn't sound good! I'm guessing it gets played a lot, eh? ;)
ReplyDeleteI don't like playing GB or GBC games on my SP either, Triseratops. Of course, in general I don't like playing games on non-native systems (so, GB games on GBA, GBA games on DS, DS games on 3DS).
ReplyDeleteAs for you getting a lilac Micro: my gosh that sounds wonderful! I've never seen a lilac one, BTW. Now I'm going to have to spend some quality time with Google...
Ah, so there is no 'perfect' GBA for you, Alan? That's understandable. Thanks for chiming in, by the way!
ReplyDeleteSince I received the original Classic GameBoy Advance as a child I really love it because of the lovely memories which connect us (me and the system). I spend so many great hours of gaming with this great handheld :-)
ReplyDeleteI never owned a Gameboy Color and switched directly from the Classic black(green)/white Gameboy to the Advance.
But if I ignore the beloved memories I guess I would say I love the design of the GameBoy Micro the most.
It is impressing how this super small handheld contains all important abilities just as display light, all buttons the big ones have and changeable surface!
Even the start and select buttons are lighted and (again) this handheld is soooo small!!! O_____O
I just love my blue GameBoy Micro even though I don't own the original box which I desperately try do buy somewhere :(
P.S. I don't own a GameBoy SP because I always wanted to own the limited Kingdom Hearts Edition which is unavailable :(
ReplyDeleteEvery single one I can find on the internet is in a very bad condition or the box and exclusive keychains are missing....
Oh I have to cry when I think about it.
It did. It's fairly old - we've had it for some time. Honestly it doesn't get much use anymore. I keep all of my old consoles as long as they're working in some way. However, we have two DS Lites bouncing around our place, so GBA games get played on those now. Amusingly we have an old purple Game Boy Color still floating around too (but no more original Gameboy. Mine died years ago)
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah, I imagine most folks play their GBA games on DSes and DSlites these days. That's great that you still have a GBC, by the way. I never actually owned one myself--went right from the original GB to the GBA SP. Well, not directly--there were a good number of years in between :)
ReplyDeleteI understand having strong feelings about a particular system due to your experiences with it as a kid/teen. That's kind of why I love the NES and PC Engine so much.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I agree with you that the Micro is a damn fine system--especially when you consider its tiny size. Really, I'm surprised it wasn't more popular than it was. Then again, Nintendo released it after the DS, so it was bound to have a hard time worming its way into the mainstream consumer's conscience.
Hmmm, I've never seen one of these Kingdom Hearts SPs, Lizzi! Guess I'll have to go check out Google. Sorry you've had such a hard time finding one :(
ReplyDeletehttp://www.genkivideogames.com/game-boy-micro-purple-new-nintendo-nintendo-hardware/oxysba
ReplyDeleteIf I'd a star charm on it, it'd be like an LSP game boy, it's so cute
Oh, that's lovely! I really don't know how or why I completely ignored the Micro when it was new--or even when it was being phased out :|
ReplyDeleteHere's a pic =] http://www.iniziopartita.it/file/1/4803/Image/AGS_Tribal_completeLOW.jpg
ReplyDeleteOh! That's certainly interesting. It wasn't released to promote a particular game?
ReplyDeleteI don't think so. Just a limited edition run or something
ReplyDeleteEven more interesting. Thanks, Elliot!
ReplyDelete