New GBA SP with DS style screen!!

[Leroy]

For those that haven't jumped to the DS bandwagon but are insanely jealous of how you're GBA games look on the DS, this is for you (and me)!! I'm picking one up this weekend.

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/7677/gbasp0026zg.jpg

http://img280.imageshack.us/img280/6262/gbasp0035vp.jpg

[MegaDrive20XX]

Yeah, they even released the Pearl Blue GBA SP too with this feature.

This doesn't make sense to me, why release this so close to the GB Mirco?

Hell it's still the same price as a normal GBA SP! $79.99 and alot more tempting then some Mirco!

Nintendo, you are too silly. You need to make up your mind.

[Leroy]

Who knows. But the day my girlfriend got a DS and I saw Metroid Zero Mission on it.. I said "They need to rerelease the SP with this screen!" and here it is. My wish has been granted. Too bad I'll have to give up my NES SP though.

[jajaja]

Nice! :) How much is it?
I think ill stick with my old GBA tho, but maybe I get this too.

[DigitalSpace]

Nice to see that Nintendo didn't abandon the SP.

I wonder if there's a decrease in battery life due to the brighter screen?

[Muscelli]

Give me one good reason for a gameboy micro now

[MegaDrive20XX]

Nice! :) How much is it?
I think ill stick with my old GBA tho, but maybe I get this too.

$79.99, same price as a normal SP

[joshnickerson]

This doesn't make sense to me, why release this so close to the GB Mirco?

Hell it's still the same price as a normal GBA SP! $79.99 and alot more tempting then some Mirco!


Probably why Nintendo's made absolutely no mention of the new screens for the SP to the press or anything.

I might consider trading up for one though, if I get a good trade in value. Hell, I bought my SP on launch week, Nintendo should let me trade mine in for free! LOL

[Bratwurst]

Are these out yet or slated for release this weekend? Either way this is what I have been waiting for.

[PDorr3]

Well now Im definitly not getting a micro. The only selling point for me was the screen quality (which is still better than a DS i hear?) but now I am definitly holding off until I can get one dirt cheap.

[CocoVG]

Give me one good reason for a gameboy micro now

*waits for it*

*waits for it*

It's smaller?

*crickets chirp*

All I know is that I'm quite pleased with it. It's much more convenient to take with me on mass transit (which I'm stuck on a lot). No need for an adaptor to use headphones is a welcome change too. It's very discreet, and the screen is awesome. Basically, it has a different purpose than the SP.

[Sebastian]

Anyway - how can u tell this NEW sp apart from the old ones? Is there like a special name for it? or is it just like the new generation of SPs?

And where is this info from anyway?

[CocoVG]

The new SP comes in a different box.

See the pictures here (http://www.nintendogal.com/index.php?/archives/108-Backlit-GBA-SPs.html).

[RCM]

Is this for real? THe GBA SP is the ultimate for handheld gaming. I'm talking size and design. If this is true please give some links where I can buy one!

[walrusmonger]

Holy crap, that looks awesome! I didn't think that it would look that nice or I would have picked one up today (although I don't really play GBA, I did sell my famicom sp and am spless now).

We got 4 in today at my store, 2 blue + 2 black, so I'm sure most retailers will have them now or in the next week or so.

[Sebastian]

The new SP comes in a different box.

See the pictures here (http://www.nintendogal.com/index.php?/archives/108-Backlit-GBA-SPs.html).

I don't know about this guys:

1. How come to big N said nothing about this
and
2. Look at the pick with/ dr.Mario (last one) ...the puzzle pieces are exactly the same... it could just very well be photoshop.
3. the text on the new box looks very much photoshop created as well

u guys sure this is for real?

[Ninja Blacksox]

I'll stick with my Famicom-themed SP.

Looks are everything, after all.

-A Boy

[Mr.FoodMonster]

Well, looks like I'll have to be getting this. I'll probably wait awhile, but I'll have one in due time.

[CocoVG]

The new SP comes in a different box.

See the pictures here (http://www.nintendogal.com/index.php?/archives/108-Backlit-GBA-SPs.html).

I don't know about this guys:

1. How come to big N said nothing about this
and
2. Look at the pick with/ dr.Mario (last one) ...the puzzle pieces are exactly the same... it could just very well be photoshop.
3. the text on the new box looks very much photoshop created as well

u guys sure this is for real?

1. Nintendo wouldn't want to jeopardize the possible sales of the Micro.

2 & 3. Stores have these in stock right now, it's no fake. The only models with the screen are the new Graphite & Pearl Blue ones. I'm sure retailers everywhere where have them by the end of the week/beginning of next.

[MegaDrive20XX]

Is this for real? THe GBA SP is the ultimate for handheld gaming. I'm talking size and design. If this is true please give some links where I can buy one!

It's real man, I held one in my hands today at work (GameCrazy) It looks very nice!

[maxlords]

Dammit, I'm getting one of these and selling my old blue one...

DAMN YOU NINTENDO!

[Jibbajaba]

Well, I'm off to go buy one right now. I will report back to you guys as soon as I return!!!

Chris

[Gamereviewgod]

Wow. It makes the Micro 200% worthless.

[Jibbajaba]

Back. All I can say is holy shit. It's true. It's ALL true. My new SP makes my NES SP look like complete shit, and my NES SP had a better screen than my Onyx SP. Also, the graphite is dark grey, and is noticably different than the onyx.

Uploading pics now...

Chris

[mikeetler]

I saw them this afternoon in Target. Definitely caught me off guard.

-Mike

[Falcon]

Give me one good reason for a gameboy micro now

*waits for it*

*waits for it*

It's smaller?

*crickets chirp*

All I know is that I'm quite pleased with it. It's much more convenient to take with me on mass transit (which I'm stuck on a lot). No need for an adaptor to use headphones is a welcome change too. It's very discreet, and the screen is awesome. Basically, it has a different purpose than the SP.

Because of the size is the reason I do want one as well. I mean, its smaller than my cell phone and when Im bored, just pull it out and have fun.

[Damaramu]

Well shoot. That screen looks awesome. Looks like I have a good reason to pick up one up now.

[Jibbajaba]

I posted some pics in my blog, so go check em out if you want to see. They are a bit blurry but they get the point across.

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/weblog_entry.php?e=1271

With the trade-in deal that EB has going on right now, I would definitely reccommend the new SP to anyone who plays a lot of GB. I am extremely satisfied with my purchase.

Chris

[Pantechnicon]

Might have to spring for one of these myself. I have always been reluctant to get any SP just because I like the way my old GBS feels in the hands, but that screen is pretty sharp looking. Man...

[petewhitley]

Wow. It makes the Micro 200% worthless.

LOL

This is an awesome product. It's refreshed my interest in the platform.

[buttasuperb]

I'd get one, but I want to play the new Castlevania game, so I guess I'll have to get a DS instead.

Real weird that Nintendo would release this at the same time as the micro though.

[Chuplayer]

Wow. That's impressive. Too bad I'm broke. I'd snap one up in a heartbeat.

[Jagasian]

(double post deleted)

[Jagasian]

I posted some pics in my blog, so go check em out if you want to see.


The IGN article about the GBASP2 said that there is additional blurring for fast moving graphics, compared to the GBASP1. Do you notice any such thing? How many Game Boys do you have? Can you compare them all side-by-side to compare differences in blurring? If there are no motion blurring problems, I will get a GBASP2 sometime soon. The price is right, and I already love my GBASP1. Having another will be good for multiplayer games.

I also disagree with the comments regarding the Micro. Nintendo is giving you a choice to trade backwards compatibility and $20 for a smaller, more pocket friendly size.

[Cmosfm]

WHY would you spend 79.99 for this instead of 129.99 for a DS? To me, this seems like an absolutely foolish decision.

[Jibbajaba]

I posted some pics in my blog, so go check em out if you want to see.


The IGN article about the GBASP2 said that there is additional blurring for fast moving graphics, compared to the GBASP1. Do you notice any such thing? How many Game Boys do you have? Can you compare them all side-by-side to compare differences in blurring? If there are no motion blurring problems, I will get a GBASP2 sometime soon.

I will check this out when I get home and post about it. What would be some good, fast-moving games to try? I don't have any shmups, which would seem to work the best.


WHY would you spend 79.99 for this instead of 129.99 for a DS? To me, this seems like an absolutely foolish decision.

I don't really see the connection. Why does it have to be one or the other? Again I will point to backwards compatibility. GBC games look AWESOME on the new SP screen. I will end up getting a DS at some point as well, but right now there is nothing on the system that I am dying to play. In contrast, I play a buttload of GB and GBC games, and I want to play them on the best system possible.

So I understand what you are saying from the standpoint of playing GBA games, but it doesn't hold water when GB and GBC games are considered. After trading in my old SP, I got a new one for $40, so how is it a foolish decision? Thats like saying why buy a GC Game Boy Player for $50 when I can get an SP for $80. Apples and Oranges.

Chris

[THATinkjar]

What would be some good, fast-moving games to try?

Would Sonic Advance be a silly suggestion?

[Jibbajaba]

What would be some good, fast-moving games to try?

Would Sonic Advance be a silly suggestion?

No that's a pretty good suggestion, and my brother-in-law, who is sleeping on my couch, has that game. I'll pull it out of his GB and try it out on both of mine!

Chris

[captain nintendo]

WHY would you spend 79.99 for this instead of 129.99 for a DS? To me, this seems like an absolutely foolish decision.

Maybe because the Sp is smaller ? *shrugs*
I think I will eventually pick up another SP with the new screen. But I think I will wait untill they make another model I want. (you know they will) ;)

[Cmosfm]

WHY would you spend 79.99 for this instead of 129.99 for a DS? To me, this seems like an absolutely foolish decision.

I don't really see the connection. Why does it have to be one or the other? Again I will point to backwards compatibility. GBC games look AWESOME on the new SP screen. I will end up getting a DS at some point as well, but right now there is nothing on the system that I am dying to play. In contrast, I play a buttload of GB and GBC games, and I want to play them on the best system possible.

So I understand what you are saying from the standpoint of playing GBA games, but it doesn't hold water when GB and GBC games are considered. After trading in my old SP, I got a new one for $40, so how is it a foolish decision? Thats like saying why buy a GC Game Boy Player for $50 when I can get an SP for $80. Apples and Oranges.

Chris

You have a point, I guess considering that I haven't played a Game Boy/Game Boy Color game in about 6 years I only imagine people buying a SP for GBA games and GBA games alone.

[Nature Boy]

You have a point, I guess considering that I haven't played a Game Boy/Game Boy Color game in about 6 years I only imagine people buying a SP for GBA games and GBA games alone.

Some people might also just not be interested in the DS in any way, shape, or form. Why pay $50 extra when you don't plan on using the extra functionality?

(I used my DS as a GBA for awhile, but then it just seemed silly to carry around the extra size *plus* having to wait for that ridiculous title screen plus selecting the GBA game - it's minor but it *was* annoying).

I was considering a Micro until I heard the Supercard doesn't work well with it. Now I'm thinking the new SP might be a good idea (I just want the better screen in pure GBA format).

[Leroy]

From what I've read the blurring isn't as bad as on the PSP (which I had never even heard of to this point) and it's so small and insignificant but it IS there when compared to the first SP. I've read nothing but GUSHING praise for the new SP and I'll will have on in my hands this time tomorrow.

[NE146]

I actually never even noticed a difference in lighting from sp to ds.... and I play both regularly :hmm:

[ty896]

My question is why would anyone pay $80 for the old SP when for the same price you can get the new well lit model?

I figure this model was released now when someone at the big N realized that if they released this later (say in 6 months) anyone who got a micro just for the backlit screen would be screaming that they got ripped off when what they wanted was a backlit SP all along.

But the problem with sneaking it out like they did is that they are going to end up with a butt load of the old SP's that nobody wants, especially at the same price.

They should cut price for the old model in half to clear them out. I would get one.

[Jibbajaba]

My question is why would anyone pay $80 for the old SP when for the same price you can get the new well lit model?

I figure this model was released now when someone at the big N realized that if they released this later (say in 6 months) anyone who got a micro just for the backlit screen would be screaming that they got ripped off when what they wanted was a backlit SP all along.

But the problem with sneaking it out like they did is that they are going to end up with a butt load of the old SP's that nobody wants, especially at the same price.

They should cut price for the old model in half to clear them out. I would get one.

That's a really good point. Anyone who notices the ad on the box, or knows the difference is obviously not going to buy an older model. I would assume that either they are going to put the new technology into all new SPs (unlikely), or they have stopped producing all SPs except the two new colors (likely). I would also imagine that we will see the older style SPs being cleared out of a lot of stores, especially the big chains like BB, circuit city, and maybe TRU. The way EBGames is, they won't lower the price on them unless the price change comes directly from Nintendo, which I doubt will happen. What will happen at places like EB is that the old style SPs will sit in their back rooms until the price of ALL SPs drops to say $49, and then they will start selling after all of the newer style SPs are gone.

Chris

[DocRamon]

the 2 new colors aren't the ONLY ones with the brighter screen...

i saw the toys r us exclusive spongebob SP this afternoon... the box advertises the new brighter screen being in it as well.

[Jagasian]

They should cut price for the old model in half to clear them out. I would get one.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a slight price reduction for the GBASP1. Personally, I think that out of all of Nintendo's portables, the NDS was the bad move. I guess the felt like they needed to have a more powerful system to counter the PSP. But Nintendo should have known better. The Game Boy line is about good games and portability (size, weight, battery life). Processing power and eye candy are not what makes the Game Boys great.

Lets keep our fingers crossed and hope that Nintendo releases a GBASP3 :) Feature improvements that I would like to see ontop of the GBASP2:

1. two improved built-in speakers for stereo without headphones
2. built-in headphone jack
3. built-in wireless for multiplayer connectivity
4. improved battery life (for those really long flights)

Anybody have any other tweaks for a hypothetical GBASP3?

[Gemini-Phoenix]

Yeah, this thread was the first I heard about it. Is this a global thing, or just limited to the US?

Seems like Nintendo want to have as many formats open at the same time to battle the PSP. So now that makes thre GameBoy Advances to choose from, with two versions of the GBA SP, plus a whlole range of different colours and designs...

Any plans to re-release some of the other designs (Such as teh NES and Zelda ones) with this new screen? I also assume any future SP's from this date will also incorporate these new screens?

[Leroy]

Yeah, I'm going to miss my NES SP.. but I NEED this new screen.

[Jibbajaba]

Yeah, I'm going to miss my NES SP.. but I NEED this new screen.

Dude, don't trade in your NES SP! That would be a very bad thing to do. I will never part with mine. Just save up.

Chris

[Leroy]

Dude, don't trade in your NES SP! That would be a very bad thing to do. I will never part with mine. Just save up.

Chris
Oh, God no!! Never!

I meant I would miss playing it. I'm keeping it. It's just too cool to let go.

[boatofcar]

So now, can we officially say, as far as screen awesomeness goes,

GBASP2=GBM=DS?

[Jibbajaba]

So now, can we officially say, as far as screen awesomeness goes,

GBASP2=GBM=DS?

Well seeing as how the Micro has a smaller screen, I would say that the SP2 has a better screen. From the pics on the net, it looks like the SP2 screen is better even than a DS, but I would want to see a head to head comparison in person before I would be willing to make that call.

Chris

[MegaDrive20XX]

SP2=DS I agree on, but the mirco slips back because of the screen size like we just mentioned.

[Leo_A]

You guys haven't compared them yet then, this screen is even better than the DS's. I'd say its SP2>Micro>DS

SP2 wins because of the larger screen than the Micro has, otherwise they're equal.

[slip81]

Well since I don't have any intentions of buying a DS at this point, I'll probably pick one of these up when the price drops. The screen looks great, and it'll probably make playing games and seeing what's goining on a lot easier.

[Hollenscythe]

I saw them this afternoon in Target. Definitely caught me off guard.

-Mike

LOL, I also saw them yesterday at Target and I was completely caught off guard. And my name is Mike. X_x

But anyway, Nintendo is indeed a company that never fails to surprise me.

[Jibbajaba]

I fired up Sonic Advance in the system, and I don't see any blurring. Maybe the system has some level of blurring on certain games or something, but if so it is too subtle for me to detect.

Face it, the system rules. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe looks so freaking good. It's like playing SMB on a mini RGB monitor. GBC games in general look great. Even original GB games look awesome. I didnt think it could get any better than the SP, but B&W GB games on this new SP are even better.

Chris

[Jagasian]

I fired up Sonic Advance in the system, and I don't see any blurring. Maybe the system has some level of blurring on certain games or something, but if so it is too subtle for me to detect.
Chris

Can you post a side-by-side comparison picture of the SP1 and SP2 power adapters? I want to see just how much smaller the new adapter is. Personally, I wish they made the cable on the adapter auto-retract, like a tape-measure. Now that would be extremely portable :) Once you are done charging, just tug to start the auto-retract. It would also be nice if they made the adapter voltage/frequency switching, so that when traveling around the world, you don't need a different adapter for each country.

I will now return to praying for an SP3 :)

[IntvGene]

Yay! Another iteration of Gameboy hardware from Nintendo.

... and there was much rejoicing.

[Nature Boy]

SP2 wins because of the larger screen than the Micro has, otherwise they're equal.

Which leads me to my guess as to why the SP has a new screen in the first place. If they're gonna mass produce Micros with that screen, and continue to sell SPs, why not use the same technology in both? I'll bet is saves them money.

I bought the SP2 this morning and did my own comparision. Wow. Just wow. The SP2 default is to have the backlight off, and you'd never even know it it's so bright. It's like playing with my contact lenses out on the SP1 and having them in on an SP2. Just wow.

I'm gonna try to sell my SP1 for a decent price, but if I end up having both versions in the end, well, I *am* a collector after all :)

[Jagasian]

Can anybody with an SP2 comfirm whether or not their new GBASP2 has this defect:
http://www.pocketheaven.com/boards/viewtopic.php?p=21045

Basically the new D-pad is supposedly defective and lets you press two directions at the same time: LEFT and RIGHT or UP and DOWN. This causes glitches in some games and overall causes control problems. I am hoping this isn't an issue with all GBASP2's, and if it is a problem, I hope Nintendo fixes it fast.

[omnedon]

Time to pop one of these new screens into my NES version SP. LOL

[GarrettCRW]

Time to pop one of these new screens into my NES version SP. LOL

And you're going to do this for all of us, right? :D

[Nature Boy]

Can anybody with an SP2 comfirm whether or not their new GBASP2 has this defect:
http://www.pocketheaven.com/boards/viewtopic.php?p=21045

Basically the new D-pad is supposedly defective and lets you press two directions at the same time: LEFT and RIGHT or UP and DOWN. This causes glitches in some games and overall causes control problems. I am hoping this isn't an issue with all GBASP2's, and if it is a problem, I hope Nintendo fixes it fast.

I didn't have a game on but I tried pushing left and right at the same time and it doesn't seem to behave any differently than my SP1 does (I've got both right here and tried it on the SP1 as well)

[THATinkjar]

I'll laugh pretty hard if this second coming of the GBA SP outsells the Micro. They've both hit Stateside at roughly the same time, right?

[Jibbajaba]

I'll laugh pretty hard if this second coming of the GBA SP outsells the Micro. They've both hit Stateside at roughly the same time, right?

Same day.

Chris

[heybtbm]

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

[Leroy]

I got mine!! It's a work of pure beauty. It's SO bright and SO crisp.
It was TOTALLY worth buying yet ANOTHER Gameboy for. This is my fouth GBA and my third SP.

[Famidrive-16]

Stupid Imageshack pictures don't work on the first page.

Stupid, stupid, pooface Imageshack. I miss PaintedOver.

[ty896]

I'll laugh pretty hard if this second coming of the GBA SP outsells the Micro. They've both hit Stateside at roughly the same time, right?

I wonder how many people walked into the store expressly to by a micro and ended up walking out with a new SP when they discovered how cool it is. @_@

[Leo_A]

"Wow. Just wow. The SP2 default is to have the backlight off, and you'd never even know it it's so bright. It's like playing with my contact lenses out on the SP1 and having them in on an SP2. Just wow."

Doesn't here, I can pick between two levels of brightness for the backlight, but it's not off.

"Basically the new D-pad is supposedly defective and lets you press two directions at the same time: LEFT and RIGHT or UP and DOWN. "

One forum post doesn't mean the system is defective. I'd say he's either dreaming it up, or his system is defective. Mine performs normally.

"Can you post a side-by-side comparison picture of the SP1 and SP2 power adapters? I want to see just how much smaller the new adapter is."

What makes you think it's any different? I don't own a SP to check, but I think the SP/SP2/DS all have the same power adapters

[Jibbajaba]

Can you post a side-by-side comparison picture of the SP1 and SP2 power adapters? I want to see just how much smaller the new adapter is.

What makes you think it's any different? I don't own a SP to check, but I think the SP/SP2/DS all have the same power adapters

Because I posted saying that it was? The new SP adapter is smaller than the old SP adapter. I don't have a DS so I can't say what it is even like.

Chris

[DonMarco]

What was the official reason the original SP design didn't have a backlit screen? Was it that side lighting was cheaper, or battery problems or what? Because I remember everyone complaining about it and this reason, but I can't remember what it was exactly and Google wasn't too helpful.

[Bratwurst]

What was the official reason the original SP design didn't have a backlit screen? Was it that side lighting was cheaper, or battery problems or what? Because I remember everyone complaining about it and this reason, but I can't remember what it was exactly and Google wasn't too helpful.

Initially the official Nintendo mantra was that the original GBA was not lighted because it cut into battery time- which is kinda true, thing runs for 20 hours on 2 double A's, which is awesome. Except you can't see shit usually.

I'm somewhat convinced that the Portable Monopoly Afterburner fiasco showed Nintendo that people were willing to cut that time in half with the front light setup, hence the SP. Maybe Nintendo was planning it all along, who knows. The SP was announced a few months after the Afterburner kits started getting mailed out though, and Nintendo Corporate IPs were documented visiting the site.