Site Notice
  • We have a limited coverage policy. Please check our coverage page to see which articles are allowed.
  • Please no leaked content less than one year old, or videos of leaks.
  • Content copied verbatim from other websites or wikis will be removed.

Difference between revisions of "Game Boy Advance"

From NintendoWiki, your source on Nintendo information. By fans, for fans.
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Filling some missing infobox fields)
Line 7: Line 7:
 
| picture =  
 
| picture =  
 
| colorscheme = Game Boy Advance
 
| colorscheme = Game Boy Advance
| generation = [[6th Generation|6th]]
+
| generation = 6th
 
| predecessor = [[Game Boy Color]]
 
| predecessor = [[Game Boy Color]]
 
| successor = [[Nintendo DS]]
 
| successor = [[Nintendo DS]]
Line 32: Line 32:
 
* [[Game Boy]] games
 
* [[Game Boy]] games
 
* [[Game Boy Color]] games
 
* [[Game Boy Color]] games
 +
| forwards = [[Nintendo DS]] (early models only, games only)
 
| peripherals = <br />
 
| peripherals = <br />
* [[GBA Link Cable]]
+
* [[Link Cable|GBA Link Cable]]
* [[E-Reader]]
+
* [[e-Reader]]
* [[Game Boy Advance Video]]
+
* [[Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapater|GBA Wireless Adapter]]
* [[GBA Wireless Adapter]]
 
* [[Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance Cable]]
 
| forwards =
 
 
| services =  
 
| services =  
 
| span = 8 years
 
| span = 8 years
Line 49: Line 47:
 
}}
 
}}
  
The '''Game Boy Advance''' (often shortened to '''GBA''') (ゲームボーイアドバンス, ''Game Boy Advance'') is [[Nintendo]]'s 32-bit handheld gaming system that supplanted the Nintendo [[Game Boy Color]]. The Game Boy Advance was released in 2001. Not only did it look dramatically different (a semi trapezoidal shape compared to the rectangle shape of the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color), but it also contained a more powerful processor, allowing it to display SNES-caliber graphics and even play recorded sound samples. The Game Boy Advance was also capable of interaction with the [[Nintendo GameCube]].
+
The '''Game Boy Advance''' (ゲームボーイアドバンス, ''Game Boy Advance''), often shortened to '''GBA''', is [[Nintendo]]'s 32-bit handheld gaming system that supplanted the [[Game Boy Color]]. The Game Boy Advance was released in 2001. Not only did it look dramatically different (a semi trapezoidal shape compared to the rectangle shape of the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color), but it also contained a more powerful processor, allowing it to display SNES-caliber graphics and even play recorded sound samples. The Game Boy Advance was also capable of interaction with the [[Nintendo GameCube]] via a special [[Link Cable]].
  
The original model was eventually discontinued in favor of the [[#Game Boy Advance SP|Game Boy Advance SP]] and [[#Game Boy Micro|Game Boy Micro]], both of which function similarly. All versions save the Game Boy micro maintain the backwards compatibility function introduced with the classic Game Boy Advance. Backwards compatibility, through the inclusion of Game Boy Color hardware, allows Game Boy and Game Boy Color games to be played on the GBA. The Game Boy Color CPU is also used as a tone generator (which produces the classic 8-bit sound of Game Boy games) for Game Boy Advance games. Because the Game Boy Advance's screen is wider compared to its predecessors, an option to widen the display can be toggled with the L and R buttons.
+
The original model was eventually discontinued in favor of the Game Boy Advance SP and Game Boy micro, both of which function similarly. All versions save the Game Boy micro maintain the backwards compatibility function introduced with the classic Game Boy Advance. Backwards compatibility, through the inclusion of Game Boy Color hardware, allows Game Boy and Game Boy Color games to be played on the GBA. The Game Boy Color CPU is also used as a tone generator (which produces the classic 8-bit sound of Game Boy games) for Game Boy Advance games. Because the Game Boy Advance's screen is wider compared to its predecessors, an option to widen the display can be toggled with the L and R buttons.
  
==Versions==
+
==Peripherals==
===Game Boy Advance SP===
+
===Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable===
The '''Game Boy Advance SP''' (as in "'''sp'''ecial") (ゲームボーイアドバンスSP, ''Game Boy Advance SP'') is the second version of the [[Game Boy Advance]]. The Game Boy Advance was redesigned with a front-light screen, so that players can see the screen more easily in the dark, as well as a physical redesign giving the system a clamshell design protecting the screen from damage and also adding a rechargeable battery (rather than requiring AA's). The only major drawback was the absence of a standard headphone jack; the headphones made specifically for the SP plugged into the charging port.
+
{{main|Game Link Cable}}
 +
The '''Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable''' is the third model of the Game Link Cable released, specifically for use with Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP systems as well as the [[Game Boy Player]]. Although similar in design to the Game Boy Color Game Link Cable, the Game Boy Advance version is given a small protrusion to keep it from being used with older systems. This version of the link cable also features a small hub through which an additional link cable can be connected, allowing for up to four players to play simultaneously.
 +
 
 +
Another type of Game Link Cable, the Nintendo GameCube - Game Boy Advance link cable, allows for a Game Boy Advance to be connected to a Nintendo GameCube console, allowing for the Game Boy Advance to be used as a second screen in games, for content to be unlocked in compatible games, or for the Game Boy Advance to be used as a controller.
 +
 
 +
===e-Reader===
 +
{{main|e-Reader}}
 +
The '''e-Reader''' is an accessory that allows for additional content to be unlocked in compatible games. The peripheral connects to the system through the cartridge slot. The e-Reader has a scanner through which players can scan e-Cards by swiping them across, allowing it to both unlock content in games and access games.
 +
 
 +
The e-Reader+ released in Japan features a pass-through for the Link Cable connector that the original model lacked; in Australia and North America this was the version of the e-Reader that was released, and as such as simply called "e-Reader". The e-Reader was never released in Europe.
  
The SP was re-released some time after the [[Nintendo DS]] came out, with a new back-lit screen, as a brighter alternative to the previous front-lit design. The new back-light version offered a similar visual quality to the Nintendo DS.
+
===Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter===
 +
{{main|Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter}}
 +
The '''Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter''' is a special adapter allowing for local multiplayer without using a link cable. The adapter plugs into the link cable connector, but is not compatible with all games that support link cables, only those that are programmed to support the adapter.
  
===Game Boy Micro===
+
Because of the new Link Cable port used on Game Boy micro, a Game Boy micro Wireless Adapter was produced specifically for the system, since the standard Wireless Adapter is incompatible.
Introduced at [[E3 Media & Business Summit|E3]] 2005, the '''Game Boy micro''' (ゲームボーイミクロ, ''Game Boy Micro'') is the third design of the GBA. At a size of only four inches wide, two inches tall, less than an inch deep, and a weight of 2.8 ounces, it is smaller than any other system in the Game Boy line. Its screen is slightly smaller than that of the GBA and SP, but it maintains the same resolution.
 
  
It includes such features as:
+
===Game Boy Advance Video===
*The sharpest screen resolution seen at the time in a [[Nintendo]] handheld.
+
{{main|Game Boy Advance Video}}
*A very compact and sleek design, making it truly a "portable" gaming device.
+
'''Game Boy Advance Video''' is a series of cartridges produced as a platform for presenting full-length episodes of cartoon shows and movies and allowing them to be viewed on the system. Produced by Majesco Entertainment, the cartridges were incompatible with the Game Boy Player due to copyright reasons.
*It also includes an interchangable faceplate, so the look of the Game Boy micro can be customized to the user's liking.
 
*Adjustable backlight for playing in the dark.
 
  
Unfortunately, the system was not very well supported by Nintendo and several factors led to its early retirement. Due to size constraints (no room for necessary hardware), the micro will not play [[Game Boy]] or [[Game Boy Color]] games. The system is also incompatible with the Game Boy Advance's link cables, requiring an adapter to interact with a Game Boy Advance or Game Boy Advance SP. Finally, the console was released about a year after the [[Nintendo DS]], further hindering potential sales.
+
==Hardware revisions==
 +
===Game Boy Advance SP===
 +
The '''Game Boy Advance SP''' (as in "'''sp'''ecial") (ゲームボーイアドバンスSP, ''Game Boy Advance SP'') is the second version of the [[Game Boy Advance]]. The Game Boy Advance was redesigned with a front-light screen, so that players can see the screen more easily in the dark, as well as a physical redesign giving the system a clamshell design protecting the screen from damage and also adding a rechargeable battery (rather than requiring AA's). However, the redesign removes the headphone jack seen on the original model.
  
====Incompatibilities====
+
The SP was re-released some time after the [[Nintendo DS]] came out, with a new back-lit screen, as a brighter alternative to the previous front-lit design. The new back-light version offered a similar visual quality to the Nintendo DS.
* The Game Boy micro is incompatible with any Game Boy or Game Boy Color games because it lacks the necessary hardware to run them. However, the Micro still includes the Game Boy/Game Boy Color CPU as a tone generator to maintain compatibility with Game Boy Advance games that used that feature.
 
* The Game Boy micro is not compatible with the Game Boy Advance's link cable, requiring an adapter to communicate with a Game Boy Advance or Game Boy Advance SP. The adapter's size prevents it entirely from linking with the [[Game Boy Player]] accessory.
 
* The Game Boy micro is incompatible with the original Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter, so a compatible model was created and released by Nintendo.
 
  
==See Also==
+
===Game Boy micro===
*[[Link Cable]]
+
Introduced at E3 2005, the '''Game Boy micro''' (ゲームボーイミクロ, ''Game Boy Micro'') is the third design of the GBA. At a size of only four inches wide, two inches tall, less than an inch deep, and a weight of 2.8 ounces, it is smaller than any other system in the Game Boy line, and the smallest handheld system ever produced. Its screen is slightly smaller than that of the GBA and SP, but it maintains the same resolution. Like the SP the Game Boy micro also features a built-in backlight, as well as a headphone jack like on the original model. The micro also has a removable face plate that can be swapped out with another one, allowing for customization.
*[[E-Reader]]
 
*[[Game Boy Advance Video]]
 
*[[GBA Wireless Adapter]]
 
  
 +
Unfortunately, the system was not very well supported by Nintendo and several factors led to its early retirement. Due to size constraints (no room for necessary hardware), the micro will not play [[Game Boy]] or [[Game Boy Color]] games. The system is also incompatible with the Game Boy Advance's link cables, requiring an adapter to interact with another Game Boy Advance system; the Wireless Adapter is also incompatible with the Game Boy micro, leading to Nintendo releasing a new model specifically compatible with the micro. Finally, the console was released about a year after the [[Nintendo DS]], further hindering potential sales.
 +
{{-}}
 
{{Game Boy Advance}}
 
{{Game Boy Advance}}
 
{{Nintendo console}}
 
{{Nintendo console}}

Revision as of 19:27, 8 June 2015

Game Boy Advance (GBA)
ゲームボーイアドバンス Game Boy Advance
GBA logo.png

Games
No. of games Approx. 1600
No. of launch titles {{{launch_games}}}
Best-selling game Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (16.22 million)
Last game
  • Final Fantasy VI Advance (Japan)
  • The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night (Europe)
  • Samurai Deeper Kyo (USA)
Technical details
Media Game Boy, Game Boy Color, & Game Boy Advance cartridges
Storage capacity 32KB (CPU), 256KB (DRAM)
Up to 32MB
CPU 16.8 MHz 32-bit ARM7TDMI
8 or 4 MHz 8-bit Z80 for GB/C backwards compatibility
Model no. {{{model}}}
Compatibility
Can connect with Nintendo GameCube
Input D-Pad, two face buttons, two shoulder buttons, Start, Select
Backwards compatible with
Services provided
Time
Launch date
  • NA: June 11, 2001
  • JP: March 21, 2001
  • EU: June 22, 2001
  • AUS: June 22, 2001
Discontinue date
  • 2006 (Japan)
  • 2007 (Europe)
  • 2008 (USA)
Units sold 81.51 million
Lineage
Predecessor Successor
Game Boy Color Nintendo DS

The Game Boy Advance (ゲームボーイアドバンス, Game Boy Advance), often shortened to GBA, is Nintendo's 32-bit handheld gaming system that supplanted the Game Boy Color. The Game Boy Advance was released in 2001. Not only did it look dramatically different (a semi trapezoidal shape compared to the rectangle shape of the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color), but it also contained a more powerful processor, allowing it to display SNES-caliber graphics and even play recorded sound samples. The Game Boy Advance was also capable of interaction with the Nintendo GameCube via a special Link Cable.

The original model was eventually discontinued in favor of the Game Boy Advance SP and Game Boy micro, both of which function similarly. All versions save the Game Boy micro maintain the backwards compatibility function introduced with the classic Game Boy Advance. Backwards compatibility, through the inclusion of Game Boy Color hardware, allows Game Boy and Game Boy Color games to be played on the GBA. The Game Boy Color CPU is also used as a tone generator (which produces the classic 8-bit sound of Game Boy games) for Game Boy Advance games. Because the Game Boy Advance's screen is wider compared to its predecessors, an option to widen the display can be toggled with the L and R buttons.

Peripherals

Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable

NintendoWiki logo.png  Main article: Game Link Cable 

The Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable is the third model of the Game Link Cable released, specifically for use with Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP systems as well as the Game Boy Player. Although similar in design to the Game Boy Color Game Link Cable, the Game Boy Advance version is given a small protrusion to keep it from being used with older systems. This version of the link cable also features a small hub through which an additional link cable can be connected, allowing for up to four players to play simultaneously.

Another type of Game Link Cable, the Nintendo GameCube - Game Boy Advance link cable, allows for a Game Boy Advance to be connected to a Nintendo GameCube console, allowing for the Game Boy Advance to be used as a second screen in games, for content to be unlocked in compatible games, or for the Game Boy Advance to be used as a controller.

e-Reader

NintendoWiki logo.png  Main article: e-Reader 

The e-Reader is an accessory that allows for additional content to be unlocked in compatible games. The peripheral connects to the system through the cartridge slot. The e-Reader has a scanner through which players can scan e-Cards by swiping them across, allowing it to both unlock content in games and access games.

The e-Reader+ released in Japan features a pass-through for the Link Cable connector that the original model lacked; in Australia and North America this was the version of the e-Reader that was released, and as such as simply called "e-Reader". The e-Reader was never released in Europe.

Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter

NintendoWiki logo.png  Main article: Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter 

The Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter is a special adapter allowing for local multiplayer without using a link cable. The adapter plugs into the link cable connector, but is not compatible with all games that support link cables, only those that are programmed to support the adapter.

Because of the new Link Cable port used on Game Boy micro, a Game Boy micro Wireless Adapter was produced specifically for the system, since the standard Wireless Adapter is incompatible.

Game Boy Advance Video

NintendoWiki logo.png  Main article: Game Boy Advance Video 

Game Boy Advance Video is a series of cartridges produced as a platform for presenting full-length episodes of cartoon shows and movies and allowing them to be viewed on the system. Produced by Majesco Entertainment, the cartridges were incompatible with the Game Boy Player due to copyright reasons.

Hardware revisions

Game Boy Advance SP

The Game Boy Advance SP (as in "special") (ゲームボーイアドバンスSP, Game Boy Advance SP) is the second version of the Game Boy Advance. The Game Boy Advance was redesigned with a front-light screen, so that players can see the screen more easily in the dark, as well as a physical redesign giving the system a clamshell design protecting the screen from damage and also adding a rechargeable battery (rather than requiring AA's). However, the redesign removes the headphone jack seen on the original model.

The SP was re-released some time after the Nintendo DS came out, with a new back-lit screen, as a brighter alternative to the previous front-lit design. The new back-light version offered a similar visual quality to the Nintendo DS.

Game Boy micro

Introduced at E3 2005, the Game Boy micro (ゲームボーイミクロ, Game Boy Micro) is the third design of the GBA. At a size of only four inches wide, two inches tall, less than an inch deep, and a weight of 2.8 ounces, it is smaller than any other system in the Game Boy line, and the smallest handheld system ever produced. Its screen is slightly smaller than that of the GBA and SP, but it maintains the same resolution. Like the SP the Game Boy micro also features a built-in backlight, as well as a headphone jack like on the original model. The micro also has a removable face plate that can be swapped out with another one, allowing for customization.

Unfortunately, the system was not very well supported by Nintendo and several factors led to its early retirement. Due to size constraints (no room for necessary hardware), the micro will not play Game Boy or Game Boy Color games. The system is also incompatible with the Game Boy Advance's link cables, requiring an adapter to interact with another Game Boy Advance system; the Wireless Adapter is also incompatible with the Game Boy micro, leading to Nintendo releasing a new model specifically compatible with the micro. Finally, the console was released about a year after the Nintendo DS, further hindering potential sales.

click for the Page "Game Boy Advance"
Nintendo logo.png
Home consoles
NES logo.png SNES logo.png N64 logo.png GameCube logo.png Wii logo.png Wii u Logo.png Nintendo Switch logo.png
Handhelds
Game and Watch logo.png GameBoy logo.png VirtualBoy logo.png GBC logo.png GBA logo.png DS logo.png 3DS logo.png
Other
Standalone consoles Arcade Pokémon Classics Cancelled

de:Game Boy Advance