New GBA SP with DS style screen!!

[neuropolitique]

I picked up an SP2 the other day. The difference really is startling. My thoughts though went pretty quickly to battery life. So I set up a test. I have an SP I bought at launch, an SP I received last Christmas, a DS I bought a couple months ago, and the new SP2. I selected GBA games that have a rotating title screen. That is, they show the title screen, then a short movie or stills, then back to the title screen. I left the DS slot empty, and used the top screen for advance play. Then I charged em up and turned em on.

As suspected, the launch SP died first at about 9h30m. Next went the DS at 10h45m. Then I had a shock. The next one to die was my white SP, purchased less than a year ago at 12h45m. I couldn't believe the SP2 was going so long. It finally died at about 17h. Before it died though, I figured out why. The SP2 in dimmed when turned on. It's so bright, even dimmed, that I didn't notice.

So tonight I redid my test with just the SP2. It came in at just under 9 hours. So, here is the breakdown

SP2 - 9h
Launch SP - 9h30m
DS - 10h45m
SP - 12h45m

The SP2 coming in behind the DS proves something I saw when I started the test. The SP2 screen is brighter than the DS's. What was surprising is that the battery life is so short. Of course, even dimmed the screen looks great so maybe you can look at the 17h mark as a more accurate "real world" number.

As a side note, is there a consensus on what to call this thing.

[Daria]

Yeah...laugh at the game. It's the only one we have two copies of.

SP vs. SP2

http://members.aol.com/heybtbm/spvssp2.jpg

Holy crap.

What colors does the new SP come in? And can someone post a new picture of the box. I already have a black SP so I want a different color if I buy this one.

[s1lence]

I'm having a really hard time trying to find one of these, I can't imagine it is because of the demand. :/

[mikeetler]

I'm having a really hard time trying to find one of these, I can't imagine it is because of the demand. :/

Every Target I've been in (four in the last week) has them. I didn't see them in Wal Mart but I wasn't really looking either. As for EB & Gamestop, you'd probably have to ask since they never seem to change their display boxes.

[Leroy]

Holy crap.

What colors does the new SP come in? And can someone post a new picture of the box. I already have a black SP so I want a different color if I buy this one.
They come in Sexy Dark Gray (Graphite) and Pearl White (or Blue?). The box has in BIG letters: Now with a BRIGHTER backlit screen!. You can't miss it.

[Nature Boy]

I'm having a really hard time trying to find one of these, I can't imagine it is because of the demand. :/

Every Target I've been in (four in the last week) has them. I didn't see them in Wal Mart but I wasn't really looking either. As for EB & Gamestop, you'd probably have to ask since they never seem to change their display boxes.

The Wal-Mart I got mine in only had two left when I got there. I'm assuming that the retailers aren't going to order more SPs until their current stock runs out, as who is going to buy the older version when you see "new bright screen" on the newer box?

17 hours - wow. (Does anybody turn their brightness on? I don't).

BTW: For the battery test, doesn't this type of rechargable get smaller and smaller as time goes on? So your launch SP might've had 12 hours back in the day but it's "lost" 3 hours? Or is that a different type of battery I'm thinking of?

[klausien]

So, who is going to get an SP2 and trade the insides with their NES Classics GBA? Those had crappy screens anyway.

[neuropolitique]

Yeah, the life of rechargables shorten over time. When I started the test I suspected the Launch SP would be the shortest. I really only threw it in to see how much life it had lost.

[Daria]

They come in Sexy Dark Gray (Graphite)

Ohhh! The same color as the Japanese DS bought for Paul. So tempting to buy one of these....

[Ninja Blacksox]

What's the word on the brightness of the new Game Boy Micros?

I'm itching to get the Famicom-themed one. I, for one, actually think the Micro is a pretty neat idea. It'd be perfect for playing during the "pre-show countown" at my local googleplex.

Are the Micros comparable to the older GBA SPs in brightness?

-A Boy

[studvicious]

I'm pretty sure the Micro's and the new SP's have the same screen. (other than size of course)

[Nature Boy]

It'd be perfect for playing during the "pre-show countown" at my local googleplex.

Off topic, but having a GameBoy at the movies to muck around with before the show is *fantastic*. I had mine when I went to see Episode III with my buddy (he had his too) and we definitely weren't the only ones. It's a great way to ignore the commercials without all that having to have a conversation :)

[Jason One]

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[videogameking26]

Awesome!!!..I'm going to have to get one soon :-P

[Leroy]

Yes, I'm still in shock when I turn mine on. It's beautiful.

[klausien]

Fantastic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v695/klausien/gba.jpg

Like taking apart a controller. :)

After a bit of ribbon cable frustration, I spent the better part of the afternoon rediscovering the majesty that is Astro Boy. The new screen really makes that much of a difference. I have always thought the SP looked pretty good, but this makes it feel like a new system. Even better than with the GB Player!

Now I need to go trade the other system in somewhere... wish me luck!

[studvicious]

^^ nice job there 8-)

[leorange]

saw the toys 'r' us exclusive spongebob model today...

[Leroy]

Great work, klausien!!

Too bad my NES SP is beat up.. I'll stick with the graphite one for now.

[Slate]

So, how would you compare the SP2 to the micro? I think that the SP2 would be better, but i've heard people ask for micros at walmart..

[Jagasian]

So, how would you compare the SP2 to the micro? I think that the SP2 would be better, but i've heard people ask for micros at walmart..

The SP2 has the best screen, backwards compatibility, and the lowest price. The GBM is the most portable, has a built-in headphone jack, and it has the best controls, as they are similar to a NES controller, with a raised D-pad, and your left and right hands are farther apart. The SP2 still has the absolutely horrible SP1 D-pad and you grip the controls with your left and right hands nearly touching eachother.

There is no clear winner. It depends on what you value more: screen, backwards compatibility, controls, portability, built-in headphone jack, or price. Decisions, decisions... a real Game Boy fan would just play it safe and buy both. I mean, you need more than one for multiplayer games... and in case one breaks ;)

[Slate]

So, how would you compare the SP2 to the micro? I think that the SP2 would be better, but i've heard people ask for micros at walmart..

The SP2 has the best screen, backwards compatibility, and the lowest price. The GBM is the most portable, has a built-in headphone jack, and it has the best controls, as they are similar to a NES controller, with a raised D-pad, and your left and right hands are farther apart. The SP2 still has the absolutely horrible SP1 D-pad and you grip the controls with your left and right hands nearly touching eachother.

There is no clear winner. It depends on what you value more: screen, backwards compatibility, controls, portability, built-in headphone jack, or price. Decisions, decisions... a real Game Boy fan would just play it safe and buy both. I mean, you need more than one for multiplayer games... and in case one breaks ;)

Sounds like it's SP2 for me.

[mario2butts]

I've been putting up with my original GBA, with one stuck blue pixel and one stuck red pixel, since its launch in 2001. I've resisted getting the SP but once I read about the new one I knew I had to have it. Amazingly, a game store near my college called Gamescape had a used graphite one for $60!! It was in perfect shape and included the box! Needless to say I was and will continue to be a happy camper. The only thing that pisses me off is that now I have to track down that stupid headphone adapter. The screen rocks hard, however, especially compared to a nonbacklit screen with two stuck pixels!

:) :)

[mr_pollock]

So, who is going to get an SP2 and trade the insides with their NES Classics GBA? Those had crappy screens anyway.

I have the NES Classic GBA and I would be too scared to take it apart and transfer the screen from an SP2. I think I'll get either a Micro or SP2 eventually... but I mainly use my DS for GBA.

[klausien]

I have the NES Classic GBA and I would be too scared to take it apart and transfer the screen from an SP2. I think I'll get either a Micro or SP2 eventually... but I mainly use my DS for GBA.

It really isn't very difficult at all. Seriously. All you need is an Xacto knife to gently pry up the rubber pieces around the screen to expose the screws (they are affixed with a double-sided tape), and an eyeglass screwdriver to remove the tri-wing screws (no need to spend extra money on a bit). The hardest part is reattaching the ribbon cable from the screen to the mobo. You will need to transfer the mobo as well as the screen, but the buttons are the same. Anyone can do this with stunning results.

[Six Switch]

so why do people like this so much?

why not just save up a little bit and get a ds?

[neuropolitique]

One reason is that the DS is much larger than the SP. It doesn't fit in the pocket near as well as an SP, and I find the DS somewhat awkward to hold. When playing a GBA game, and having the choice of DS or SP, I will always take the SP.

Another reason is that someone may not be at all interested in the DS or its games. Although those people scare me. :)

[mr_pollock]

I personally like playing any game on the DS because the shoulder buttons are a bit bigger and punchier. But the SP is great for convenience. I'm scared of getting the Micro (it's $99!!!) because it doesn't use the clamshell design and I'd fear breaking the screen.

[Aussie2B]

Wow, this is great news for me. I've been sticking it out with my original GBA, and I'm sure that's a large factor in why I've barely played any GBA years. It's just too much of a pain to attempt to see. I'd always end up feeling sore and uncomfortable from having to hold it in an awkward position. Not just my hands or fingers, but my back and neck too. :/

Lately I've been playing a lot of Game Boy games, and I'm finally starting to get my first inkling of a desire to get an SP. While I can use AC adapters for my Pocket and Color at home, I can't keep blowing through batteries on them at school. I need to save batteries for the things that I have to use them for like my CD player or Neo Geo Pocket Color. If I had an SP, I wouldn't have to worry about batteries, scratching up a screen, and I'd be able to see better in low-lit rooms. I'm gonna have to start borrowing my brother-in-law's SP, but I don't want to be a begger forever. And now that this new SP has an even better screen and the Pearl Blue is beautiful, it works out perfect for me.

I don't want to get one at $80, though. :/ I know I'm cheap (and poor), but it seems like to me that the SP should be lower than that by now, what with the DS out and such. I mean, the Micro is completely new, and it's only $20 more. I'd like to see it hit $50-$60 before I drop the dough on it, but if that doesn't happen anytime soon, maybe I could get it as a Christmas present. :)

[mario2butts]

so why do people like this so much?

why not just save up a little bit and get a ds?

A few reasons
1) SP2 is smaller and more pocket friendly
2) SP2 is the best solution for playing GB and GBC games, which can't be played on DS! Seriously, I cant imagine not being able to play the classics on the go. Tetris, Donkey Kong, Super Mario Land 1/2, Kirby's Dream Land 1/2, Metroid II, TMNT Fall of the Foot Clan, Zelda Link's Awakening, Oracle of Seasons/Ages Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow/Gold/Silver/Crystal/Pinball...

I'd love to have a DS and will get one eventually but I'm still feelin' the love for old school game boy. And playing the classics on the SP2's orgasmically good screen is well, awesome.

So yeah, thats why :)

[zerohero]

Cool but meh,


I'd rather just get a DS, and call it a weekend....

[mr_pollock]

Yeah, if the DS were more travel friendly, I'd have it with me all the time.

I would love the smallness of the Micro but I don't want to hurt the little thing!

I think in the end, the SP2 is the most portable for me... If it were only cheaper. Or something.

[studvicious]

so why do people like this so much?

why not just save up a little bit and get a ds?

Because this has a brighter screen, and can play all of the Gameboy games.

[Jagasian]

so why do people like this so much?

why not just save up a little bit and get a ds?

Because this has a brighter screen, and can play all of the Gameboy games.

It is just another DS troll. They are trying to get everybody to buy a DS, even though the SP2 actually has a larger game library than the DS, since the SP2 supports GB, SGB, and GBC games... of which there are thousands total.

[segagamer4life]

the new SP screen is GREAT... I finally got one the other day, and brother, it is a HUGE difference, I mean, the way each game looks SOOOOOOOOOOO much better, it is worth the money, just sell on of your current sp's on ebay, you can fetch 50 easy if the screen is good, and then put that towards a new one, BELEIVE me its well worth it. :D

[The Manimal]

neato...i'll have to get one when prices drop...then do a 'swap'. :)

[joshnickerson]

I have the NES Classic GBA and I would be too scared to take it apart and transfer the screen from an SP2. I think I'll get either a Micro or SP2 eventually... but I mainly use my DS for GBA.

It really isn't very difficult at all. Seriously. All you need is an Xacto knife to gently pry up the rubber pieces around the screen to expose the screws (they are affixed with a double-sided tape), and an eyeglass screwdriver to remove the tri-wing screws (no need to spend extra money on a bit). The hardest part is reattaching the ribbon cable from the screen to the mobo. You will need to transfer the mobo as well as the screen, but the buttons are the same. Anyone can do this with stunning results.

Funny thing, I went into Gamestop today to trade in my old SP for a new backlit one. The guy tries to sell me a used backlit, but upon turning it on, I found out that whoever traded it in did the screen swap trick. The clerk was confused and said that was impossible, but I told him if you have the right tools, it's simple to swap them out. Needless to say, I just went ahead and got a new one. ;)

And PS, I did get the Graphite color, and the control pad does seem to be a bit too touchy, but I'm gonna see if I can get used to it before I bother bringing it back for an exchange.

[dbiersdorf]

I personally like playing any game on the DS because the shoulder buttons are a bit bigger and punchier. But the SP is great for convenience. I'm scared of getting the Micro (it's $99!!!) because it doesn't use the clamshell design and I'd fear breaking the screen.

You do realize with the Micro's faceplates if the screen gets damaged as in scratched or cracked, just pop it off and put on a new faceplate and the screen is new again.

Personally I think the screen quality on the new SP is the best of them all though, I don't have it but I was in Best Buy and was playing and knew from the start it was beautiful... then I realized the light wasn't even on, and I was blown away even more.

New SP > Micro > DS > Old SP

In terms of screen quality anyway.

[Jagasian]

And PS, I did get the Graphite color, and the control pad does seem to be a bit too touchy, but I'm gonna see if I can get used to it before I bother bringing it back for an exchange.

How could Nintendo mess up the D-pad even more? Its been downhill since the original GBA.

[joshnickerson]

And PS, I did get the Graphite color, and the control pad does seem to be a bit too touchy, but I'm gonna see if I can get used to it before I bother bringing it back for an exchange.

How could Nintendo mess up the D-pad even more? Its been downhill since the original GBA.

Who knows. Maybe Messiah had a hand in making it. :D

[Jagasian]

Who knows. Maybe Messiah had a hand in making it. :D

Sssshhhh! You are going to get me in trouble ;)

[kedawa]

so why do people like this so much?

why not just save up a little bit and get a ds?Maybe because the DS button layout sucks for GBA games?

Whenever I play GBA games, especially Mario, I always want to use Y (as B) and B (as A), but it's not even an option.

Silly Nintendo.

[kedawa]

Personally I think the screen quality on the new SP is the best of them all though, I don't have it but I was in Best Buy and was playing and knew from the start it was beautiful... then I realized the light wasn't even on, and I was blown away even more.Isn't the light always on in the new SP?
I thought all you could do was toggle between two different brightness settings.

[dbiersdorf]

Oh, maybe, I just figured it was off.