Gameboy Micro

[alec006]

September 19,2005 Gameboy Micro Should be on the Shelf here in the US. So anyone going to buy one or have already got one?

[walrusmonger]

when a wood grain faceplate comes out, i'll own a micro.

[THATinkjar]

When it hits Europe, I am absolutely picking one up. Looks ace. I'm surprised these forums haven't witnessed more discussion of the Micro, since it has been about in Japan for a little while now.

That Famicom packaging is beautiful.

[Gamereviewgod]

Nope. A total waste of cash. Just pay $30 more for a DS.

[Joker T]

Exactly what I was going to say

[roushimsx]

Nope. A total waste of cash. Just pay $30 more for a DS.

Quoted for truth. The micro is too damn small.

[Dobie]

The Micro is cool and all, but to be honest, I'm quite happy lugging around the "shoulder breaking" GBA SP. I'd rather save the cash for the flurry of new consoles approaching. Getting a Micro is pretty far down the list.

[Bojay1997]

Did anyone else notice that just about every retailer is showing the wrong stock photo for the black and silver versions? EB, Gamestop and Amazon all have the wrong photos up. I wonder if this was a Nintendo error?

[bargora]

I'll get a Micro, just not right now. Not only am I trying to pay off the credit card right now (I'm approaching the light at the end of the tunnel), but I'm also exceedingly cheap. There. I said it. I'm a cheapass. So sue me. Or not. You can't get blood from a stone.

Prediction for bargora: GameBoy Micro (new) in late 2006 for $60. About the time that my GBA's squirrely shoulder buttons give out for good.

Besides, I gotta get a Gamecube first. Prediction for bargora: GCN (used) in early 2006 for $50.

The DS looks nice, too, though. Its time will come also. Prediction for bargora: DS (used) in mid-2007 for $50

[jsiucho]

Its nice looking, but I dont think its too usefull for playing. Too Small. Ill have to try one first


JS

[Cmtz]

I'll get a Micro, just not right now. Not only am I trying to pay off the credit card right now (I'm approaching the light at the end of the tunnel), but I'm also exceedingly cheap. There. I said it. I'm a cheapass. So sue me. Or not. You can't get blood from a stone.

Prediction for bargora: GameBoy Micro (new) in late 2006 for $60. About the time that my GBA's squirrely shoulder buttons give out for good.

Besides, I gotta get a Gamecube first. Prediction for bargora: GCN (used) in early 2006 for $50.

The DS looks nice, too, though. Its time will come also. Prediction for bargora: DS (used) in mid-2007 for $50

Don't get a Gamecube wait for the Revolution. You've waited this long.

[bargora]

I'll get a Micro, just not right now. Not only am I trying to pay off the credit card right now (I'm approaching the light at the end of the tunnel), but I'm also exceedingly cheap. There. I said it. I'm a cheapass. So sue me. Or not. You can't get blood from a stone.

Prediction for bargora: GameBoy Micro (new) in late 2006 for $60. About the time that my GBA's squirrely shoulder buttons give out for good.

Besides, I gotta get a Gamecube first. Prediction for bargora: GCN (used) in early 2006 for $50.

The DS looks nice, too, though. Its time will come also. Prediction for bargora: DS (used) in mid-2007 for $50

Don't get a Gamecube wait for the Revolution. You've waited this long.
Prediction for bargora: Revolution (used) in late 2008 for $70.

Prediction for bargora: Xbox 360 (used) when hell freezes over or when another Steel Battalion game or acceptable substitute is released for the system. (Chrome Hounds? Please. Looks more like a mech assault on my sensibilities. Plus, now that I've got the giant controller that largely restricted admission to gainfully employed adults with adequate social skills, I'm a friggin' elitist. Don't want to play with the hoi polloi rabble of adolescent vulgarity-spewing Halo 2 chickenheads.)

Prediction for bargora: PS3 (new) when monkeys fly out of my butt or when Konapcom moves the Steel Battalion franchise over to Sony's $700 box 'o evil. HAHAHAH! Take that, fanbois! Ya bunch o' French rasberries!

[Blanka789]

I want to get one, but I'll probably wait for the price to drop.

[ubersaurus]

No legacy support=SP is just fine for me.

Sriously, without legacy, why not just throw down the extra 30 bucks and get a DS?

[MegaDrive20XX]

Looks cool, but the price has got to go....and I can't play Gargoyle's Quest on it?? Bah! :(

[Sothy]

HAHAHAH! Take that, fanbois! Ya bunch o' French rasberries! -bargora-



Thank you for that one. My day is brighter.

[Biff_McFresh]

I'll eventually pick one up, but I doubt anytime soon. Not in a rush.

[Cryomancer]

If these things have link ports and are decent enough to use for four swords, I will pick some cheap used ones up someday in case people randomly show up wanting to play it for some odd reason.

[dj898]

i'm still waiting for someone to come up with shrink ray to reduce my hand/finger size down to micro so I can play with the thing... :p

[Jagasian]

Nope. A total waste of cash. Just pay $30 more for a DS.

For many people like me, the DS is far too big to be a useful portable game system. The Game Boy Micro can fit in the little change pocket in a pair of Levi's jeans! My biggest gripe about the Micro is that it lacks legacy support for Game Boy Color and classic Game Boy games. Nintendo got allot right with the GBASP: small size, lightweight, long battery life, backwards compatibility, lit screen, and low cost. The DS is big, heavy, lacks full backwards compatibility with the full GB, GBC library, and costs more than $100.

[EricRyan34]

The Micro is cool and all, but to be honest, I'm quite happy lugging around the "shoulder breaking" GBA SP. I'd rather save the cash for the flurry of new consoles approaching. Getting a Micro is pretty far down the list.

I agree with that, though, is the Micro screen the same size as the GBA screen?

[hezeuschrist]

The Micro is cool and all, but to be honest, I'm quite happy lugging around the "shoulder breaking" GBA SP. I'd rather save the cash for the flurry of new consoles approaching. Getting a Micro is pretty far down the list.

I agree with that, though, is the Micro screen the same size as the GBA screen?

Not even close.

It's definitely playable though. If you can read the text on an iPod you can easily play the GB Micro.

[SamuraiSmurfette]

Nintendo is sending me one...so yes :D
Thanks, Nintendo. I love you, too!

[cyberfluxor]

Personally I like what I see with the Micro despite it being so small with a tiny screen.

[Gamereviewgod]

For many people like me, the DS is far too big to be a useful portable game system.

I don't see a problem. It fits in my pockets fine. Obviously though if you never had a a GBA, the SP is the way to go.

[ghostangelofcky]

Nope, to damn small/
I;m one of those BIG hands people that thought the Org Xbox and Jaguar controllers were comfortable.

What the hell am I suppose to do with that little thing?

[DonMarco]

Has anyone actually seen in or shipments of it yet? EBGames.com says it ships on the 26th (http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/258797.asp), so a 27th release date seems more likely to me. I open tomorrow, and if they show up, it'll be a sad suprise, as I don't get paid until Friday...

GAME BOY MICRO!!!!!!

Pros:
- headphone jack :)
- horizontal layout
- backlit

Cons:
- no GM, GBC support. :(
- tiny, wimpy speaker (but I don't care)
- $100

When it comes to everyone's opinion on the GBM, it directly relates to what other Game Boy's they've had or haven't had. I owned a GBA and was perfectly fine with it. When the SP came out, I didn't like the cell phone-buttons and the D-pad/AB buttons were less than an inch apart. I have pretty big hands, and the GBA just felt nicer to me. I played mostly in very well-lit areas so the front-lit screen didn't sell it to me.

I also passed on the DS. I'll wait until they remodel it to something smaller than a Whopper in size. I'll also wait until the world realizes that the stylus is a great input device, and the Game.com was a valid system. It was!! It even had a Resident Evil 2 and everything!

I'm not going to say goodbye to my GBA when I get a GBM. I'll keep it in the bathroom, and continue to play Dragon Warrior and Space Invaders and Picross 2. The $100 is playing it safe, to keep it from launching at too cheap a price and not so expensive that it gets confused for a DS/Gizmondo/PSP/N-Gage. OH NOES. At $20 more than a GBA SP, it feels like a good price. It's smaller, more portable, and the new Game Boy. The $250 I didn't spend over the last 5 years will more than cover it, and it's the first console I've bought at launch since the PS2. No, GameCube. If it comes out next week, then I can buy it, I mean.

Hey, if you want to knock it before you play it, touch it, go right ahead. The screen is tiny, and just like my cellphone's screen, completely impossible to read or see. Compared to the DS, it's a system that only plays GBA games (although it can do multiplayer games, unlike the DS). The DS/SP cover their own screen. The PSP is more versitle. The Gizmondo has a GPS tracking doo-hickey. The N-Gage is also a cell phone. The NGPC is dirt-cheap to track down (I own 5) and is awesome on battery life.

One final note on the screen: When you play a GB/GBC game on the GBA, the screen is about 2 and 1/8" inches across.

http://www.dontpressstart.com/upload/picross2_micro.jpg (http://www.dontpressstart.com/upload/picross2_large.jpg)
( click for larger image (http://www.dontpressstart.com/upload/picross2_large.jpg))

I can kinda understand Nintendo dropping support for the GB/GBC games on the tiny, tiny screen. I don't want to, but I do. There's still some tiny shred of me praying that they just didn't advertise it, but secretly the GBM pays them with no problem. Sigh...

[badinsults]

The Micro looks awesome. I would get one, if I was making a decent salary (which I am not).

[Cobra Commander]

I'm dying for the Famicom Micro. That's probably the only one I would buy. I already have 2 Sp's, a DS, and an original GBA. I have no need at all for this thing. But boy do I want it.

[petewhitley]

I don't understand why this thing doesn't play GB/GBC games. They're the same width right? I suppose having that big cartridge sticking outta the top would kind of defeat the purpose/aesthetics of the machine, but still; give us the choice damn it. I'd probably pick one up if it played the entire library. As is, forget it.

[DigitalSpace]

I have no interest in the Game Boy Micro. Why would I pay $100 for a GBA that has no backwards compatibility when I can get the far superior SP cheaper? Yeah, it's smaller. Big deal.

[THATinkjar]

I have no interest in the Game Boy Micro. Why would I pay $100 for a GBA that has no backwards compatibility when I can get the far superior SP cheaper? Yeah, it's smaller. Big deal.

Smaller. Possibly more comfortable (for those with larger hands, or so I have read). It has a headphone socket, some wonderfully nostalgic packaging, faceplates (which, thankfully, also protect the screen from scratches). It really does fit in your pocket, too. Oh, and the screen is both sharper and brighter.

So, yeah, that's why you should pay $100.

[poloplayr]

Def.getting one. My DS is just too big to stick in my pocket. Anyone who has room in his trousers for a DS is not a real man.

[miaandjohnrule]

When you play a GB/GBC game on the GBA, the screen is about 2 and 1/8" inches across.


If you press the right(or is it left) shoulder button the screen goes full. I used to play Tetris , 1942 , Bonks on mine all the time.

[Tron 2.0]

If these things have link ports and are decent enough to use for four swords, I will pick some cheap used ones up someday in case people randomly show up wanting to play it for some odd reason.
Ditto.

[jdc]

The Gameboy Micro is an empty idea, really. Nintendo seems to be very insistant on releasing a new Gameboy every year now. They seem to be grasping at straws in order to stay in the public's conciousness. I wouldn't be surprised if they're beginning to piss the public off. Buy this machine and next year we'll release something better!! Why the Micro? Portability? I thought that the GBAs were portable enough.

Since I don't own a Nintendo handheld at the moment, I'll likely buy a Micro eventually. I like the clean lines and simplicity of it, rather than it's small size. Should be able to find a used one soon enough. Funny about the Micro though. Spend some quality time with the biggest handheld, the PSP, and you soon realize that having the large LCD screen is the way to go. I would have though that Nintendo would have wanted to make a machine that directly answers the PSP.

[DonMarco]

I don't understand why this thing doesn't play GB/GBC games. They're the same width right? I suppose having that big cartridge sticking outta the top would kind of defeat the purpose/aesthetics of the machine, but still; give us the choice damn it.
Probably for the same reason that they left it off the DS (wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_DS) mentions it hont haveng a Z80 like prcessor). The market that wants backwards combatibility is not as big as the market that wants to not play 4-shade or color games. Who on the planet doesn't own a Game Boy that can do the older games anyways? Plus, aren't the older carts power-hogs compared to the new ones?



When you play a GB/GBC game on the GBA, the screen is about 2 and 1/8" inches across.

If you press the right(or is it left) shoulder button the screen goes full. I used to play Tetris , 1942 , Bonks on mine all the time.
Yeah, I know that. I just don't like the stretched-out rectangular look. I never actually measured the screen size of GB/GBC games on the GBA. There's a slight difference between a 2 1/8" screen and a 2" screen, especially when the smaller one will have a better resolution than the 2 1/8" screen.

Does anyone else here have games installed on their cell phones?

[PentiumMMX]

No legacy support=SP is just fine for me.

Sriously, without legacy, why not just throw down the extra 30 bucks and get a DS?

What the Truck?
No Backward Compatability? Screw that! I'm sticking with my old GBA!

(Goes back to playing "Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow")

[heyricochet]

I don't understand why this thing doesn't play GB/GBC games. They're the same width right? I suppose having that big cartridge sticking outta the top would kind of defeat the purpose/aesthetics of the machine, but still; give us the choice damn it.
Probably for the same reason that they left it off the DS (wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_DS) mentions it hont haveng a Z80 like prcessor). The market that wants backwards combatibility is not as big as the market that wants to not play 4-shade or color games. Who on the planet doesn't own a Game Boy that can do the older games anyways? Plus, aren't the older carts power-hogs compared to the new ones?

Ding ding ding we have a winnar! They took out legacy support because of the fact that they'd have to have an entire second processor in the micro which would take up too much space. The gameboy and the gameboy color ran on the same archetecture so it was easy for them to emulate each other, but the gba changed to an arm processor from a z80 so for the gba and the sp there is actually two processors in there.

If you compare a gba cart to a gbc or gb cart you will notice that there are indentations in the bottom of the cart. Go look inside your gba's cartridge slot and you'll notice that theres a switch in there that can only be pressed by legacy games, loading the older z80 processor. And that my friends is why there is no legacy support in the micro.

[Nature Boy]

I don't see a problem. It fits in my pockets fine.

Isn't it obvious - you obviously have bigger pockets :)

The DS is *mammoth* when compared to the SP. In size and weight. I'd never have gotten the thing if all I wanted to do was play GBA games on it, even though the screen is *amazingly* sharp.

Which is why I'm interested in looking at a micro. If the screen quality is an upgrade from the SP (which looks not terrible but is certainly disappointing after using a DS) and I can play the thing semi-comfortably or pay $5 for a set of handles (ala the original GBA) I'll be all over it.

(The handles I bought for the original GBA were *outstanding* - their only knock is that they're not really portable enough to fit in a pocket).

[unbroken]

i would never pay 99$ for one of these, i MIGHT pick one up when they are really if its under $20 or something, still i think this was a stupid idea, seems like nintendo is trying to be like apple and only go for "looks".

[goatdan]

i would never pay 99$ for one of these, i MIGHT pick one up when they are really if its under $20 or something, still i think this was a stupid idea, seems like nintendo is trying to be like apple and only go for "looks".

As far as I can tell, that's worked really, really well with Apple.

I know a bunch of people with iPods that have decided that they have to get the new iPod mini (or whatever it is called) because "it is so small and looks so neat!"

If Nintendo wants to dip a toe into that market, by all means I think they can go right ahead and try. It does seem to work really well for Apple.

[petewhitley]

[Ding ding ding we have a winnar! They took out legacy support because of the fact that they'd have to have an entire second processor in the micro which would take up too much space. The gameboy and the gameboy color ran on the same archetecture so it was easy for them to emulate each other, but the gba changed to an arm processor from a z80 so for the gba and the sp there is actually two processors in there.

Ding ding ding I still think it's crap. They're selling us less for more. I've got an iPod shuffle because it's logical for an MP3 player to be very, very tiny (runners for instance need a tiny player). But a GB? I don't need one I can fit in my mouth, and I don't need a screen just barely big enough to avoid eye strain. Just my opinion, but I think save for an initial push by collectors and such I don't think this is going to be a great success for Nintendo. The GBA series has a ton of market penetration as it is, and I don't see adults in the States playing games based off of movie titles on the go just because the handheld is the size of a postage stamp.

[boatofcar]

i would never pay 99$ for one of these, i MIGHT pick one up when they are really if its under $20 or something, still i think this was a stupid idea, seems like nintendo is trying to be like apple and only go for "looks".


<....showing restraint....face turning purple....rage boiling over....>

Ok, I'm calm.

Since when has apple *only* been about looks?

Back on topic:

I really believe the Micro is going to be the sleeper hit of the next...what, hey, it's already out?!!?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000AX226C/qid=1127243086/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-4080331-4438511?v=glance&s=pc&n=507846

Let's hear some reviews, people!

[rbudrick]

Def.getting one. My DS is just too big to stick in my pocket. Anyone who has room in his trousers for a DS is not a real man.

Anyone who has hands small enough to play the GBM is not a real man. ;)

But seriously....who the hell keeps a game system in their pants pocket? I wouldn't want to risk it getting broken that way...it's not exactly the best environment for a game system. Now a shirt pocket, that's a little more reasonable, and my DS fits in the shirt pocket of every shirt I own just fine. It's smaller than the original GB, I believe.

-Rob

[Jagasian]

I don't understand why this thing doesn't play GB/GBC games. They're the same width right? I suppose having that big cartridge sticking outta the top would kind of defeat the purpose/aesthetics of the machine, but still; give us the choice damn it.
Probably for the same reason that they left it off the DS (wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_DS) mentions it hont haveng a Z80 like prcessor). The market that wants backwards combatibility is not as big as the market that wants to not play 4-shade or color games. Who on the planet doesn't own a Game Boy that can do the older games anyways? Plus, aren't the older carts power-hogs compared to the new ones?

Ding ding ding we have a winnar! They took out legacy support because of the fact that they'd have to have an entire second processor in the micro which would take up too much space. The gameboy and the gameboy color ran on the same archetecture so it was easy for them to emulate each other, but the gba changed to an arm processor from a z80 so for the gba and the sp there is actually two processors in there.

If you compare a gba cart to a gbc or gb cart you will notice that there are indentations in the bottom of the cart. Go look inside your gba's cartridge slot and you'll notice that theres a switch in there that can only be pressed by legacy games, loading the older z80 processor. And that my friends is why there is no legacy support in the micro.

From what I understand, many GBA games use the GBC's processor for sound generation. Hence the DS and GBM most likely contain much of the GBC's circuitry. So not having to include a second processor is not the reason for the lack of backwards compatibility.

[Jagasian]

Def.getting one. My DS is just too big to stick in my pocket. Anyone who has room in his trousers for a DS is not a real man.

Anyone who has hands small enough to play the GBM is not a real man. ;)

But seriously....who the hell keeps a game system in their pants pocket? I wouldn't want to risk it getting broken that way...it's not exactly the best environment for a game system. Now a shirt pocket, that's a little more reasonable, and my DS fits in the shirt pocket of every shirt I own just fine. It's smaller than the original GB, I believe.

-Rob

The GBM is actually more comfortable to hold than a GBASP because your hands grip the device farther apart. It is more like holding a NES controller, while the GBASP feels like holding a mobile phone. The reason for always having a game system in your pants pocket is because it is nice to always have an option out of those short 5 to 10 minute boring moments you find yourself in every now and then. It is simply not practical to have a DS or PSP on you all the time, and even the GBASP fits awkwardly in your pocket because it is so thick.

Regardless of what many people want to believe, the DS and PSP are simply too large to always have on you. The GBM will fit that niche.

[CocoVG]

I picked up my Game Boy Micro today (pre-ordered from EB) and whoo boy - it is the sexiest Game Boy ever. For such a small unit, it has a metallic "heft" that actually makes the unit sit quite comfortably in my hands. The L and R buttons are awkward at first, but I'm sure I'll get used to them. (Big hands.) A game like Mario & Luigi which makes heavy use of L & R will be interesting, to see the least.

The speaker isn't THAT bad, but it's tinny compared to the GBA & the SP. The headphone output is as stellar as with the other units. The screen is incredible, the best Game Boy screen to date. Easily, with the 40+ games I've thrown into it so far.

For anyone with a flashcart, I have an EZ Flash III that works just fine. Supercard users have been reporting problems.

I got the black unit with the silver faceplate, and it came with an 'army style' faceplate and an orange style one. The silver unit came with a black faceplace and blue & pink faceplates. A nice soft carry bag was included in the box as well, which was a nice touch. The power adaptor uses a different connector, so it's not compatible with the existing GBA one (slight annoyance). The pre order at EB came with a nice case (holds the Micro + three loose carts comfortably with adequate protection) and a pair of Panasonic RP-HT40 silver headphones. The headphones aren't my cup of tea (prefer earbuds) but I've been told they're quite reasonable.

Time to play it some more, but what an awesome little piece of kit. In a lot of ways it's a waste of money, but hell - can't take my money with me when I die, right? Might as well enjoy it a little while I'm still around. Anyone have any questions about it, I'll do my best to answer them - I know a lot of people won't jump on buying one right away, if at all.

[Jagasian]

For anyone with a flashcart, I have an EZ Flash III that works just fine. Supercard users have been reporting problems.


I remember getting allot of heat for recommending against buying the SuperCard, in another digitpress thread. Console games are meant to "just work". The SuperCard is a great idea, but poor implementation. Have you tried Goomba and other homebrew software with your flash card and the GBM? I heard that some homebrew software has problems.

I hate to hear about the step back with regards to the speaker. It would have been nice to have improvements across the board. Do you have an idea what battery life is like so far, compared to the GBASP? Also, is the battery removable? Does it still require a screw driver?

Have you tried putting the GBM in your jean pants "coin pocket"? That will be one of my first portability tests.

[Jorpho]

I will pick some cheap used ones up someday in case people randomly show up wanting to play it for some odd reason.

O_O

[DigitalSpace]

Smaller. Possibly more comfortable (for those with larger hands, or so I have read). It has a headphone socket, some wonderfully nostalgic packaging, faceplates (which, thankfully, also protect the screen from scratches). It really does fit in your pocket, too. Oh, and the screen is both sharper and brighter.

So, yeah, that's why you should pay $100.

While I'll admit the faceplace idea is kinda cool, and that it's nice that Nintendo actually bothered to include a headphone socket this time around, the rest means nothing to me.

[Jasoco]

Okay, I don't get this.

I expected the damn micros to appear today. But no micros appeared. Don't they come out today? Or yesterday? I didn't get any in.

What we DID get is two new colors of Game Boy Advance SP with "New BRIGHTER BACK-LIT SCREEN" Did I read that right? The GBA SP's now have a BACK-lit screen? I assume they're now using the same technology they put in the DS and micros. But where are our micros???? :(

I guess I should count my blessings they didn't appear as I might have broken down and bought one on a whim just to have. I GOTTA STOP DOING THAT!

BTW, the colors: Graphite and Pearl Blue. Graphite I couldn't tell, but it looked just like Onyx.. BLACK. But the Pearl Blue is a color Japan's had for a long time. Still, I bet if they had released a white one, I would have come home with one of THOSE too. x_x

Why have I not heard about these updated SP's until now?

[Jasoco]

Dang. Double post. Why didn't the Flood Control catch that?

[MetroidFan1164]

I'm not getting a GBA Micro either. Like petewhitley said, they're selling us less for more.

[segagamer4life]

Nope. A total waste of cash. Just pay $30 more for a DS.


Amen bro

[Nature Boy]

According to the Supercard website (http://www.supercard.cn/eng/index.htm) it should work with the GBAM. I'm wondering where the contrarian view was heard?

I've got the newer, SD version of the Supercard but if the GBAM can't play it I'm not interested in the GBAM anymore.

(For what it's worth, I disagree with the poor implementation comment earlier - I've got no problems with the implementation personally. It's a pirate cart and I give them a *lot* more leeway. Which isn't to say something else isn't better, it's just to say I wouldn't avoid it like I would, say, the most recent Tomb Raider game)

[CocoVG]

For anyone with a flashcart, I have an EZ Flash III that works just fine. Supercard users have been reporting problems.


I remember getting allot of heat for recommending against buying the SuperCard, in another digitpress thread. Console games are meant to "just work". The SuperCard is a great idea, but poor implementation. Have you tried Goomba and other homebrew software with your flash card and the GBM? I heard that some homebrew software has problems.

I hate to hear about the step back with regards to the speaker. It would have been nice to have improvements across the board. Do you have an idea what battery life is like so far, compared to the GBASP? Also, is the battery removable? Does it still require a screw driver?

Have you tried putting the GBM in your jean pants "coin pocket"? That will be one of my first portability tests.

I agree - the SuperCard is not worth any amount of money. It's the "poor man's" flashcart, for those not willing to spend the money on an actual decent one. It requires patches for nearly every game available, save support is poor, and now both the CF & SD versions are having trouble booting on the GBM. (Although from what I can tell this is not an all-across-the-board problem - but having a SuperCard SD & CF here in front of me, I can confirm that I'm having trouble getting either to work myself.) So far, the EZ Flash III, X-Rom & EZ Flash II Powerstar work without a hitch from my own personal experience. I haven't yet given Goomba/PocketNES etc a whirl - that's a great idea, especially Goomba. I'll let you know how I fare with that later on this evening when I'm at home again.

The battery life seems on par with my SP - I can usually get around 9-10hrs with the SP (light on) and after running down the battery with the Micro, I appear to get the same. It's a bit of shame, as I was hoping for longer battery life - however, the plus side is that the battery is indeed removable with a normal small-sized phillips screwdriver. This might open the door for an official or even third-party "extended life" batteries. The manual even includes instructions on how to remove the battery.

It does fit in the coin pocket of my jeans, but sticks out a bit. (The unit is actually slightly bigger than I thought it would be.) I'm not sure if it's just the jeans I'm wearing, but I'm pretty sure while walking around it might pop out. My jeans aren't loose though, that could be part of the problem.

[PentiumMMX]

The GBM is actually more comfortable to hold than a GBASP because your hands grip the device farther apart. It is more like holding a NES controller, while the GBASP feels like holding a mobile phone. The reason for always having a game system in your pants pocket is because it is nice to always have an option out of those short 5 to 10 minute boring moments you find yourself in every now and then. It is simply not practical to have a DS or PSP on you all the time, and even the GBASP fits awkwardly in your pocket because it is so thick.

That's why I say (If you play older GB games):

Bring a Game Boy Pocket, or if all else fails, Game Boy Color!

[Jibbajaba]

What we DID get is two new colors of Game Boy Advance SP with "New BRIGHTER BACK-LIT SCREEN" Did I read that right? The GBA SP's now have a BACK-lit screen? I assume they're now using the same technology they put in the DS and micros.



Anyone have any info about this? If they upgrade the screen technology in the SP, then I would be way more excited about that than about the GBAM. Maybe it's time to buy a new SP...

Chris

[Nature Boy]

I agree - the SuperCard is not worth any amount of money.

I have no idea what it costs as I got it as a gift, but I'd still disagree with that statement. Definitely buyer beware if the complains above are something that will annoy you, but I can definitely say that none of the things mentioned annoy me one bit.

I guess, for now, we have to look for future software updates for the Supercard if we're going to be able to run on a Micro - bummer.

[Jive3D]

Yeah, the thing looks awesome - but there's absolutely no advantage to buying one - especially if you've already got a DS or an SP or a GB Player, or a GB Pocket or a ....

[Jagasian]

What we DID get is two new colors of Game Boy Advance SP with "New BRIGHTER BACK-LIT SCREEN" Did I read that right? The GBA SP's now have a BACK-lit screen? I assume they're now using the same technology they put in the DS and micros.



Anyone have any info about this? If they upgrade the screen technology in the SP, then I would be way more excited about that than about the GBAM. Maybe it's time to buy a new SP...

Chris

I agree. I'd love a GBASP with a better screen and while we are at it, a better D-pad. Definitely, somebody post more info on this! How can you tell which GBASP's have the improved screen?



That's why I say (If you play older GB games):

Bring a Game Boy Pocket, or if all else fails, Game Boy Color!

I thought that the best Game Boy for black-n-white games is the Game Boy Light:
http://www.vidgame.net/NINTENDO/gb_light.htm

Too bad Nintendo never released it in the Western world. It is basically a Game Boy Pocket with a lit screen. Nice! Personally, I say you've gotta at least own these: Super-GB 2 and GBA w/ Afterburner. That covers everything there.

[CocoVG]

What we DID get is two new colors of Game Boy Advance SP with "New BRIGHTER BACK-LIT SCREEN" Did I read that right? The GBA SP's now have a BACK-lit screen? I assume they're now using the same technology they put in the DS and micros.



Anyone have any info about this? If they upgrade the screen technology in the SP, then I would be way more excited about that than about the GBAM. Maybe it's time to buy a new SP...

Chris

Nintendo has updated the SP with a new screen.

Go HERE (http://www.nintendogal.com/index.php?/archives/108-Backlit-GBA-SPs.html) for all the details, including comparison shots of old & new.

*Bolded so no-one misses out on the goodness.

[Jibbajaba]

What we DID get is two new colors of Game Boy Advance SP with "New BRIGHTER BACK-LIT SCREEN" Did I read that right? The GBA SP's now have a BACK-lit screen? I assume they're now using the same technology they put in the DS and micros.



Anyone have any info about this? If they upgrade the screen technology in the SP, then I would be way more excited about that than about the GBAM. Maybe it's time to buy a new SP...

Chris

Nintendo has updated the SP with a new screen.

Go HERE (http://www.nintendogal.com/index.php?/archives/108-Backlit-GBA-SPs.html) for all the details, including comparison shots of old & new.

*Bolded so no-one misses out on the goodness.

Well in that case, Graphhite GBASP > GBAM. Looks like I'll be getting rid of my Onyx GBASP in favor of a newer model. Great news!

Thanks for posting the link.

Chris

[Jagasian]

Well in that case, Graphhite GBASP > GBAM. Looks like I'll be getting rid of my Onyx GBASP in favor of a newer model. Great news!


I agree. This is a big deal, and I have no idea why it is not being given more hype. Now we can get an improved screen, without sacrificing backwards compatibility, the benefits of the clam shape (screen/button protection), and the screen size. Somebody should start a thread dedicated to this new GBASP. I already have a GBASP, but my next Game Boy will be a GBASP w/ an improved screen. In the end, I will get a Micro too. Can't have too many Game Boys :)

One question: does the GBASP w/ improved screen have decreased battery life compared to the original GBASP?

[Jibbajaba]

Well in that case, Graphhite GBASP > GBAM. Looks like I'll be getting rid of my Onyx GBASP in favor of a newer model. Great news!


I agree. This is a big deal, and I have no idea why it is not being given more hype. Now we can get an improved screen, without sacrificing backwards compatibility, the benefits of the clam shape (screen/button protection), and the screen size. Somebody should start a thread dedicated to this new GBASP. I already have a GBASP, but my next Game Boy will be a GBASP w/ an improved screen. In the end, I will get a Micro too. Can't have too many Game Boys :)

One question: does the GBASP w/ improved screen have decreased battery life compared to the original GBASP?

Agreed @ everything you said. The micro is a neat little toy, but backward compatibility is very important to me. It's funny that the micro coming out is such a big deal, while a revamped backlit SP flies in under the radar. I might just take my onyx SP and three shit games down to EB and take advatage of their trade-in deal. Extra $15 bucks credit when you trade in a GBA or GBA SP and three games. Thats $45 in credit plus the trade in value of the three games. Not bad when a new console is only $80.

Chris

[Nature Boy]

This is a big deal, and I have no idea why it is not being given more hype

Because then everybody would be complaining that Nintendo is hawking old hardware and isn't concentrating on pushing something new (like, say, we are right now about the Micro :D )

[Jagasian]

Does anybody have confirmation with another, more reputable site, because replies in that site's forum claim that the article is a fake. I sure hope it is for real. I'd visit my local Gamestop... but... well... those guys don't know anything.

[ice1605]

Well, it sure does look cool. But, I already have a DS, and I really don't want to blow more money for a GBM (I also have an SP). By the way, Apple is awesome! They don't go just for looks (although the iMacs did look cool).
Ice

[dojosky]

yea damn right just get a SP ! BTW yesterday at Game Crazy I saw a new package of GBA SP with NEW Brighter screen on the box so get that one instead of the Micro and play all GB GBC GBA games !! :D also GB and GBC games are widely available at good prices so snatch them before the supplies dries up and the demand and price goes up !!!!

[Jibbajaba]

Does anybody have confirmation with another, more reputable site, because replies in that site's forum claim that the article is a fake. I sure hope it is for real. I'd visit my local Gamestop... but... well... those guys don't know anything.

I was thinking about picking one of these up today. If I do, I'll post some comparison pics. I will say that the pics in that site do seem pretty drastic, but I'll hold off judgement until I see the new screen for myself.

Chris

[droppedD]

if nothing else, i'm picking up a micro so i can play my older systems' games in the most compact way possible off a flashcart. loading a few hundred NES and Atari games in a machine that size? awesome.

is the GBA/SP too big? depends on your needs. if you tend to drag a backpack around everywhere anyways, it's no big deal and probably not worth the money, the same way there are still people perfectly happy with their 1G iPods even though there are iPod Nanos out now.

it's a style thing, pure and simple. Sure, i could shell out fora PSP, but a, i'd never take it with me anywhere since it would weigh me down, and i'd be scared to death of breaking it or scratching the screen. I don't know if you've all seen the comparison-size pictures of this thing, but this sums up perfectly why the people saying "just get a DS" are missing the point and comparing apples and oranges:

http://pocketmedia.ign.com/pocket/image/article/645/645774/gba-micro-images-20050826113615403.jpg[/url]

[DonMarco]

I'm not getting a GBA Micro either. Like petewhitley said, they're selling us less for more.
How much would be a good price for you? And a fair price?

[Gamereviewgod]

How much would be a good price for you? And a fair price?

I'd consider it at $50.

[Jibbajaba]

I'm not getting a GBA Micro either. Like petewhitley said, they're selling us less for more.
How much would be a good price for you? And a fair price?

I would say $80 would be a fair price for it, same as the SP. You are trading off legacy compatibility for size. I just don't see how it is worth an extra $20. That being said, I may end up breaking down and buying one if the price comes down or if I find myself with extra money burning a hole in my pocket. Problem is, I use my SP more to play GB/GBC games than to play GBA games, so how much time would I spend playing a GBAM? I already have a PSP for emulation purposes.

<shrug>

Chris