GBA SP Accessories

[Mr-E_MaN]

I just got a GBA SP and was thinking of getting the link cable, head phone plug, some extra game cases, and something to hold my GBA (perhaps protect it if it falls as well)

I was looking around today at what is available and there are some Nintendo brand carrying cases and cables, but I was wondering if I should buy one of those "started kits".

There is one made by "Hip Gear" that has a cover for the GBA, a carrying case, extra cases, a docking station (to charge it up), a microphone attachment, a link cable, and maybe something I am forgeting. It's $30 Canadian (about $20 US)
Is this a good thing? Should I stick to the First Party accessories? It seems like a good deal.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[SoulBlazer]

I never heard of that Hip Gear thing, but it sounds like a good deal. I'd get it if you think you can use most of those parts.

All I felt I really needed was some cases for the games and a carrying pack, so that's all I bought to go with my SP (oh, and the attachment to plug in headphones. I allready had a link cable and a cable to connect my GC.)

Beyond those you've listed, I've also seen a maganifying glass and a controller add on padd (it fits over the SP and gives a stick along with larger buttons.) I've not tried any of those, however.

Since the SP folds into a nice little compact, though, why would anyone need a cover? :hmm:

[Daniel Thomas]

Usually when I'm taking my SP with me, I just toss it into my bookbag. It's small enough that it doesn't take up any space. For the carts, I'm currently using -- and don't laugh -- plastic sandwich bags. Seriously. I have about a dozen carts (including Tetris and Zelda DX) that fit in perfectly. No cost, no fuss, no mess.

Getting a link cable is pretty much a must, especially if you know others with GBAs. I've told myself to find a headphone adapter when I was shopping for an SP, but now that I have one, it isn't really much of an issue. That little speaker makes as much noise as I need it to, and if I'm out I can't hear anything anyway. Still, I'd suggest getting an adapter -- there's some really good music out there.

As far as those other accessories go, I wouldn't waste the money on them. They're just too much overkill. The money spent on a Hip Gear could be spent on more games.

When it comes to accessories, I'd suggest sticking with the first-party ones, but maybe that's just because I still have nightmares over those third-party PSX memcards.

[bizounce]

Only thing i really want for my SP is a leather cover case. Kind of like the ones you'd use for a cell phone. I just think that'd look sharp.

[bargora]

Pelican makes a case that can hold four GBA games. It fits in your pocket (and fills it up). I like it because I've had loose GBA games (or single games in bayonet-type plastic cases) fall out of my pocket before. While I noticed it happening each time, I'm not sure I always would. There's no way that four-case thing is going to fall out of your pocket without your noticing it.

[Mr-E_MaN]

I ended up buying the hip gear starter pack. It was exactly what I needed and it was pretty cheap. The docking station to recharge it is pretty cool, but doesn't make a big difference to me. Now I can recharge my GBA in style. The cover for the GBA is pretty cool, but wont fit in the carrying case that it came with. The carrying case holds 3 games, the GBA SP, and the earphones. It's pretty sturdy hard plastic too. Overall I am pretty happy with it. Although since the case holds 3 games I have no use for the empty cases that came with the pack.