Gameboy Micro release and price announced [Archive]

The_4th_Survivor

08-17-2005, 05:31 AM

I'm tired of the whole 'small' technology thing when it comes to game systems.

It's bad enough that the GBA SP was smaller than the original GBA, forcing me to buy a grip extender in order to play it comfortably.

Now, Nintendo is doing it yet again by introducing the GBA Micro.

I first bought the original GBA in one of those bundle packages (the unit + 2 pre-selected games) back when it first came out and I was thrilled with it, even though it didn't have a backlight/frontlight of any sort. Hard to see, but still worth it, especially after I had installed the Afterburner kit from Portable Monopoly (now known as Triton Labs).

When I upgraded (or should I say downgraded in my case) to the GBA SP because someone I knew had dropped my original GBA (the guy was a clumsy oaf), I ended up with a nicer looking system that was unfortunately small in my large sized hands. (Hence, the reason I needed to buy the grip extender)

After the GameBoy Player was released for the GameCube, I was ecstatic. Finally, I could play my GBA games on my TV at home. Sure, I lost the novelty of being able to play my GameBoy games anywhere, but what the hell... If it's not too stressful on my hands or my eyes, that only benefits me in the long run.

Also, since I like to play some of my older GB Color and classic GameBoy games, I really, REALLY hated the design of the GBA SP, simply because they made it so awkward to use when playing the older games.

The GBA Micro is a system I am never going to buy, just because it's so damned tiny. I'd probably develop carpal tunnel syndrome in my hands and strain my eyesight enough that I'd need glasses all while trying to play my GBA games on that system. LOL

Gunstar_Hero UK

08-17-2005, 05:39 AM

Great, I really like this device already :) Is the release globally at this date, or is this just in the US?

I read somewhere the US release is a few days after the Japanese release making it one of the shortest differences in launch times ever. But, there is no word on a European release date yet.

Joe. :)

joeuser

08-17-2005, 06:05 AM

... But, there is no word on a European release date yet.

Joe. :)
And that's what would be important to me ;) There is still the option to import one. But let's wait and see, the GC just started yesterday. I am sure Nintendo will announce something about the GBM there. As they moved the Zelda release to 2006, they have to concentrate on the handhelds for this chrismas. At least I hope they do...

joeuser

08-17-2005, 06:19 AM

Just found the answer about the european release date and price:

http://gba.n64europe.com/index.php?id=4024

Launching on November 4th 2005, it will be available in four cool colours Silver, Green, Blue and Pink and will retail at around �69 (that's about 100 euros in real money).

Why do we europeans always get these things so late and mostly more expensive?!?

Gemini-Phoenix

08-17-2005, 07:25 AM

$99 USD, so that means it will likely cost �99 quid when released here. Stupid conversion.

I assume they have interchangable covers a la most Nokia's? In that case, no point in waiting for a decent LE, as all it would be is just a case. Count me in line for one of the first!

And good point about the SP being made cheaper... It makes sense, seeing as how the GBA is half the price of the SP

Another point worth bringing up ~ Will the Micro be comppatible with things such as the GBA / Cube link cable; eReader; Wireless adapter Etc??

anagrama

08-17-2005, 07:32 AM

Why do we europeans always get these things so late and mostly more expensive?!?

a) Economics
b) Because they've been getting away with it for years, and aren't going to change the habit now while it's still profitable.

chrisbid

08-17-2005, 08:04 AM

100 bucks?

forget it

maxlords

08-17-2005, 08:16 AM

,,!,, that. The SP is so small as it is that I doubt I could even PLAY this one. My hands are too big...

Jumpman Jr.

08-17-2005, 08:20 AM

Nice... thats pretty close. Too bad it doesn't do anything special. It does look like neat little handheld though. For $99, I don't see a reason why I wouldn't buy it. For some reason, I thought it would be more expensive. I guess Nintendo realized that nobody would pay more than that for a console that can play games of which can be played on 4 other consoles.

Mr.FoodMonster

08-17-2005, 12:51 PM

Its cool, but not $100 cool. I'd say probably $50-$75 cool.

Cmosfm

08-17-2005, 12:57 PM

100.00 for this! For a small version of the already smaller version of the larger version of the original?

I think not, I'll pass, this price very much dissapoints me.

norkusa

08-17-2005, 01:00 PM

That thing doesn't even look like it'd be fun to play. I'd be squinting to see the screen and constantly be pressing the wrong button with my giant thumbs.

sisko

08-17-2005, 01:21 PM

Actually, the unit holds quite nicely, IMHO, nicer than an SP. Quality construction all around, and flatout THE most vibrant and sharpest screen I have ever seen on any handheld devices (palms included).

The only problem is that the screen is too damn tiny. Playing highly detailed games is quite difficult. I had to bring DKC2 right up to my face in order to see everything.

Oh, that and no link support. Though it doesn't affect many.

I assume they have interchangable covers a la most Nokia's?

Yes.

Roth

08-17-2005, 01:35 PM

I think I'll buy the micro. It'd be a really cool thing to get for my four-year-old son. His hands should fit perfect on it :P He already plays our SP and DS so much (since both can play his favorite game, Metroid Fusion), I think he should get his own. That would let us be able to play GBA games at anytime between all three of us in the household as well LOL

PDorr3

08-17-2005, 01:38 PM

Hmm I was hoping for maybe $80 but $100 is a little steep just for an upgraded screen and smaller handheld. I also dont have many GBA games I still play, eventhough I do want the new gunstar heroes game...

This will be a tough decision. How long do you think it will take until we can get these for 60-80 new on ebay?

unbroken

08-17-2005, 01:48 PM

double post

unbroken

08-17-2005, 01:48 PM

I don't get the point of the smaller screen, since its smaller , does it lower the screens resolution or does it simply cut the sides off the game?

poopnes

08-17-2005, 01:53 PM

$100?! Wow I'm suprised Nintendo is charging this much for a system that they've gone on record saying that it's the cheapest GB system to manufacture yet. I guess they have to make up for the lack of Zelda sales this year...

DoctorAwesome

08-17-2005, 01:57 PM

Ok, so heres a small update.

It looks as if Nintendo will launch two different types of the GBM. One being black and comes with a silver faceplate, a camo faceplate, and a flame colored faceplate. The other version is the silver GBM, and comes with a black faceplate, a dark blue swirling pattern faceplate, and a ladybug faceplate.

http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/642/642275p1.html

Gamereviewgod

08-17-2005, 02:17 PM

Why not spend the extra $30 and get a DS?

bargora

08-17-2005, 02:25 PM

Let me preface this by saying that I am most definitely not a Nintendo fanboy. I'm really kind of take it or leave it with their consoles. Sure, I've got an NES, a SNES and an N64, but those were all purchased long after their heydays. And no Gamecube yet.

Anyway, I think that the GB Micro is sexxy. I probably won't pick it up at $100, but I wants it. And my hands are bigger than yours.* And my vision is terrible.** I just want to run my grubby mitts over its smooth lines. I want to take my Pinballs of the Dead and jam it into its inviting slot.

I'm not sure this is all comming out right.

But anyway, I'm not going to come into this thread and complain just to hear myself complain. I save that for the Halo threads. Because, you know, it's kind of like just another shooter, except shiny.

Anyway, thank you for indulging me in a moment of unadulteraged gadget lust.

* on average
** without correction.

Bluteg

08-17-2005, 02:36 PM

Why not spend the extra $30 and get a DS?

You beat me to it.

This in conjunction with the $20 price drop on the DS is pointless move by Nintendo.

sisko

08-17-2005, 03:40 PM

I don't get the point of the smaller screen, since its smaller , does it lower the screens resolution or does it simply cut the sides off the game?

No. The resolution is the same, but the pixels in the GBM are much smaller.

Same picture, just smaller.

importaku

08-17-2005, 03:56 PM

Wonder if the gba/gc link cable will work on the gameboy micro??

Push Upstairs

08-17-2005, 04:00 PM

:shameful:

Too small, too much, too late.

Keep milking the fans Nintendo...eventually they will grow tired of it.

sisko

08-17-2005, 04:19 PM

Wonder if the gba/gc link cable will work on the gameboy micro??

No. At least, the playable demo did not have a link port.

fpstream

08-17-2005, 04:20 PM

It's stupid. Trying to aim it at the "hip older crowds" I'll die the day I see a 21 year old brag about his GBM. They might have them but to become a fashion statement, not happening. The PSP isn't even that yet, and that looks better than this.

Captain Wrong

08-17-2005, 04:33 PM

Keep milking the fans Nintendo...eventually they will grow tired of it.

I'm beginning to doubt that. But thanks anyway Nintendo for making a smaller version of something I thought was too small to begin with. Great plan!

Lothars

08-17-2005, 04:43 PM

I know I'm probably gonna get flamed for this, but am I the only one that see's this as a cheap gimmick and a waste of money?

I fully agree with you 100%

the reason is the GBA SP is the perfect Gameboy, they don't need and it's gonna be a waste of time and money

but i guess it's a novelty system in a sense, though I may be crazy as well :)

Gamereviewgod

08-17-2005, 05:07 PM

According to IGN, it won't play GB or GBC games either. Now is when I think it's safe to say this is really the most useless hardware ever released.

http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/642/642275p1.html

s1lence

08-17-2005, 05:48 PM

Hrmm, high price, worthless use. Future rarity??

Seriously 100 bucks, F that.

Mattiekrome

08-17-2005, 06:16 PM

Bah, im on the fence. There is NO WAY in hell I am going to pay 100 bucks for one at launch. Maybe when they drop considerably in price I'll pick one up. Who knows, they may end up throwing some packages together with some kind of incentives

john_soper

08-17-2005, 07:44 PM

The screen is about the size of a GBA cart, think about it folks.

Archenemy

08-17-2005, 09:00 PM

Well, I had my DS to "replace" my GBA. I begun by not taking too much love to the gizmo, but the vivid and brilliant colors took me by surprise, and the dual stereo speakers always turned me in. Now I won't let it go (unless it is a Zelda/Pokemon/whatever special edition or so). I am going to buy a SP later. I have some GB/GBC titles I still want to play in colors AND backlight.

But a "Micro" version of something that IS already small? And at THAT price?

I once heard rumors of something called "Gameboy Enhanced" that was supposed to play GameCube games as well as all GB games. THAT would I had purchased, but a hundred bucks for something I will hardly play? :hmm:

Muscelli

08-17-2005, 09:14 PM

whaT the hell a screen that small? I dont get why anybody would jump for this

Archenemy

08-17-2005, 09:20 PM

whaT the hell a screen that small? I dont get why anybody would jump for this

You just won that on me, I was about to edit my post to say that... Man I HATE my cell phone screen for trying to be what it can't, trying to put so much info in so little space... let alone trying to play games there...

I am not longer a child, I need glasses for reading little things, and I definetly wouldn't jump for something I would had to get too close to my eyes...

Slate

08-17-2005, 10:07 PM

Edit: Now that it came out and so many people want it, I'm unsure about it being so rediculous. before i saw how big it REALLY is, i thought it would be even smaller.

Original Post:

GBM is rediculous.

Unless i could get a brand new one for $15 or less, i would be uninterested.

ozyr

08-17-2005, 10:15 PM

Why not spend the extra $30 and get a DS?

Now this is a person who knows how it works. Get a DS, and play GBA and DS games!

$100 is just too high a price for a 'smaller' screen. I see this thing going down in price in a short period of time.

WiseSalesman

08-18-2005, 12:30 AM

GBM - Too Small
DS - Too Big
GBA - Too dark
GBA SP - Just right

Crush Crawfish

08-18-2005, 12:30 AM

I cannot understand why this thing exists. It doesn't play GB/GBC games, it doesn't have a link cable port, and it's a smaller revision of a system that was already too freakin' tiny to begin with. I would highly suggest just spending the extra $30 and getting yourself a DS.

Push Upstairs

08-18-2005, 01:47 AM

Keep milking the fans Nintendo...eventually they will grow tired of it.

I'm beginning to doubt that.

Well, Nintendo can live off the hardcore for only so long...

I am not longer a child, I need glasses for reading little things, and I definetly wouldn't jump for something I would had to get too close to my eyes...

I have yet to see a single game system post-SNES that I think wasn't mostly designed with childrens hands & children in mind.

swlovinist

08-18-2005, 02:25 AM

I want to state that I love Nintendo.
I want to state that I want to support Nintendo.
Nintendo, what the FUCK are you doing O_O

The GB Micro is a good idea, but not for 100 clams.
Wrong market, Wrong pricepoint.
Dont give me the same ol technology in a shit package for more money, give me a reason to still love you.

Nintendo, you have completely lost your fan base!

AMG

08-18-2005, 11:03 AM

I'm going to pass on this one.

anagrama

08-18-2005, 11:22 AM

Calm down, people - it'll only be launching at $100 so they can rake in the cash from early-adopters, and then announce a price cut (to, say, $60-$70) in time for Christmas. It's all just marketing.

Push Upstairs

08-18-2005, 11:51 AM

Well $60-70 doesn't sound any better. The size and asking someone to buy the system again is some sick joke.

How long before the color variations arrive? The "themed" systems?

bleh

bargora

08-18-2005, 01:03 PM

Another reason that I'm considering getting one is that the shoulder buttons on my GBA SP are getting a little flaky sometimes, so I may be in the market for a replacement anyway. Even if the shoulder buttons become unreliable to the point where they're no good for playing games, I'd still be able to use my SP for GB/GBC games, so I'd just want the Micro for GBA games.

Yeah, I know I could get a DS, but it just seems so...big.

Mitch_Naz

08-18-2005, 01:07 PM

I think I will just have to get this, I would certainly like a very small portable, small and looking like a cell phone in my pocket at all times on the go and whenever. I love my DS to death but its kinda big and dont really like take'in it out -- With the mirco I have many GBA games I need to still play and this is another excuse for me to keep getting games for it which is a good thing - DKC3 and so on.

+ Im a sucker for any hardware nintendo

Gemini-Phoenix

08-18-2005, 01:09 PM

Hmmm, well, Nintendo have just announced that the UK release will be November 4th, and will retail at about �69.99, which isn't bad considering...

I hope the SP will drop though, especially some of those tasty LE's such as the Zelda one and the NES edition, as I could do with adding a few SP's to my collection, just for variety's sake...

Just imagine ~ One of these babies in your pocket with a Flash Cart ~ You'll never be bored on the train again!

They haven't yet announced how much the covers will be though, but have said that upon release there will be four main colours to choose from.

Be ready for a deuge of third party designs...

shaggy

08-18-2005, 01:39 PM

I know I'm probably gonna get flamed for this, but am I the only one that see's this as a cheap gimmick and a waste of money?

I agree with you on this one but I would get one if the price was about 70%-90% less.

DigitalSpace

08-18-2005, 03:34 PM

You're going to need an adapter for the GBA link cable.

http://game-science.com/news/001161.php

<rant>

The more I hear about this thing, the more it seems like a dumb idea. Last I heard, the GBA SP wasn't broken - why mess with a good thing? Oh, it's smaller. Who cares if the damn thing can't play GB/GBC games, it's got faceplates. Who cares if you can't play a decent version of Tetris on it (without a flash card, at least), Paris Hilton is gonna think this is the cutest thing she's ever seen. Great job, Nintendo.

</rant>

Gemini-Phoenix

08-18-2005, 04:19 PM

Ok, so technically, giving away all those GBA wireless adapters with the previous Pokemon games is now a waste of time to people who buy the game AFTER buying the Micro...

I knew there would be a catch.With the Advance they left out the AC input (Previously found on all other GameBoy's), and with the SP they conveniently left out the headphone socket, forcing us to shell out for an extention cable...

bargora

08-18-2005, 04:23 PM

I knew there would be a catch.With the Advance they left out the AC input (Previously found on all other GameBoy's), and with the SP they conveniently left out the headphone socket, forcing us to shell out for an extention cable...
Ah, but with the SP at least they gave us back the AC input. Nintendo giveth and Nintendo taketh away.

Push Upstairs

08-18-2005, 05:26 PM

Yeah, but can it use an E-Reader? :D

joshnickerson

08-18-2005, 06:29 PM

I'm a bit surprised of all this hate towards Nintendo coming out of this thread... then again, when ISN'T a forum on the web filled with hate towards SOMETHING? *L*

I'm looking at it like this. It's a new gadget, pretty much aimed at the same people who get upgraded cell phones every three months... you know, high school/college kids. They're going to see it and go "Ooooohhh! Shiny!!!" and either grab it or beg for it for Xmas. The same people who bought PSPs, but no games for it.

Nintendo's not FORCING anyone to buy this. It's not like they're going to make games that are only compatable with the Micro. If you don't want to get it, don't get it.

Myself? I'm going to get one eventually, but certainly not at $100. That's the only stumble I think Nintendo made. But again, if they can sell it to the aforementioned "cool crowd" and make a tidy profit, more power to 'em.

In the meantime, just look forward to another SP price drop. :D