Game Boy Advance options

[crazydean]

So, I picked up a Game Boy Pocket today, and I think I want to get a GBA. The biggest problem is that I like the shape of the original GBA better than the SP, but the screen isn't backlit. Has anyone tried a reproduction screen, or should I just buy an SP AGS-101? I definitely don't want to buy an original AGS-101 just to rip the screen out and shove it into the GBA. Also, are there better alternatives that you've found?

[Black Tiger]

I've played GBA games extensively on all models and on a couple DS models. When I decided to get a definitive playing unit, I bought a refurbed "brighter" SP system.

[Necromancer]

Because they're so cute and ultra portable (and a great screen), a micro would be tempting, but I'd go with a DS lite.  It seems more practical, better fitting for regular sized hands, and plays DS games too.

[SignOfZeta]

The Lite doesnt play 8 bit GB games.

I have a lot of different GBA compatible devices, probably most of them. My preference is the Micro and the GB Player. If you don't mind how dumb and ugly it is, the original DS is pretty cool too.

The Micro is small, but it's well designed. The OG GBA isn't. It's large enough that it should be comfortable but it isn't. It's also easy to drop, hard to find a good color, and almost impossible to see. IMHO, it sucks. The Micro on the other hand is beautiful. Like some LE Sony Walkman from the 90s, the all metal hand made in Japan ones. It's not actually that nice of course since it was only $100 but it's nice. And metal. Metal is good.

The color bias of various GBA screen changes a lot. So much so that some carts actually have a setting for it. The "better" screens on the Lite and GBASP2 have all their colors way out of whack. The OG SP had a blue tint to everything, but the Lite abd SP2 went totally in the opposite direction. I don't care for it.

The most neutral screen is probably the OG DS. It also plays Z80 games.

[Gypsy]

Yeah most DS systems I have come across have some kind of colour tint.

For GBA games I would agree that the player for Cube is quite nice. I've not tried a micro so I can't speak to that. I typically use the player or the 2nd model SP.

[jperryss]

I've played GBA games extensively on all models and on a couple DS models. When I decided to get a definitive playing unit, I bought a refurbed "brighter" SP system.

Same here. I love the design of the SP to this day and the original SP is the only Nintendo product I've ever purchased on launch day (I use a backlit 101 now).

I don't care for the proprietary headphone jack, though.

[SignOfZeta]

I use the original SP a lot. I guess I like the blue tint. It can be hard on your hands but the big screen and folding case make up for it. Maybe the single best portable ever. Mine is launch day and has zero problems. Even the original battery still runs long enough that I don't notice any deterioration of it. Nintendo sure can build em.

[Black Tiger]

I bought a Micro new when they came out and forced myself to play it a lot. The gimmick factor is neat, but the screen is a lower resolution than the games and poorer quality overall.

[SignOfZeta]

I bought a Micro new when they came out and forced myself to play it a lot. The gimmick factor is neat, but the screen is a lower resolution than the games and poorer quality overall.

...what?

[edit] is this a Turbo Express related joke?

[Necromancer]

I bought a Micro new when they came out and forced myself to play it a lot. The gimmick factor is neat, but the screen is a lower resolution than the games and poorer quality overall.

You sure about that?  I thought (and googlerins agrees) that it sported a smaller screen but the same resolution and uses a backlit screen equal to the ags-101.

[technozombie]

My vote goes for the AGS-101. The SP form factor is a bit cramped, but as Zeta said, the folding design is great. It easily fits in your pocket and you never have to worry about the screen. My launch SP is scratched to hell, but the screen is perfect. On a side note there is a Pot. screw behind the battery, on the orginal model that will adjust the contrast or brightness,can't remember which it is really. Anyways, my orginal SP was really washed out looking and I was able to adjust it for much better visibility.

[johnnykonami]

I also settled on the AGS-101 SP.  I remember seeing a backlight mod or two for the original GBA, but I'm pretty happy with my SP.  Managed to get a Graphite/Onyx gray or whatever color the dark 101 is in pretty great condition.  Been playing mostly original GB games on it, but I did do a run of Castlevania CotM last year around this time.

[SignOfZeta]

I bought a Micro new when they came out and forced myself to play it a lot. The gimmick factor is neat, but the screen is a lower resolution than the games and poorer quality overall.

You sure about that?  I thought (and googlerins agrees) that it sported a smaller screen but the same resolution and uses a backlit screen equal to the ags-101.

That was the point of the thing. It was to be a premium product. Shoving in some screen from wherever with the wrong resolution would be the opposite of that.

I'll try to get some macro shots showing just how laser crisp the Micro is later tonight if I remember.

[crazydean]

The DS doesn't play OG GB so that's a no go. I wish I could go with the micro but I have large hands and it would be way too cramped.

[Medic_wheat]

https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=UsaZ-32WFCc