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Difference between revisions of "Game Boy Advance"

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{{Console infobox
 
{{Console infobox
−
| name = Game Boy Advance (GBA)
+
| name = Game Boy Advance
 
| name_text = Game Boy Advance
 
| name_text = Game Boy Advance
 
| jpkana = ゲームボーイアドバンス
 
| jpkana = ゲームボーイアドバンス
 
| jpname = Gēmu Bōi Adobansu
 
| jpname = Gēmu Bōi Adobansu
−
| logo = [[File:GBA_logo.png|333px]]
+
| logo = [[File:GBA_logo.png|270px]]
−
| picture =
+
| picture = [[File:GBA Indigo.png|200px]]
−
| generation = [[6th Generation|6th]]
+
| colorscheme = Game Boy Advance
 +
| generation = Sixth
 
| predecessor = [[Game Boy Color]]
 
| predecessor = [[Game Boy Color]]
 
| successor = [[Nintendo DS]]
 
| successor = [[Nintendo DS]]
−
| ancestor = [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
+
| cpu = 16.8 MHz 32-bit ARM7TDMI<br />8 or 4 MHz 8-bit Z80 for GB/C backwards compatibility
−
| descender = [[Game Boy Advanced SP]]
+
| memory= 32KB (CPU), 256KB (DRAM)<br />Up to 32MB
−
| manufacturer =  
+
| model = AGB-001
−
| launch = <br/>
+
| launch_games = 17
−
*NA: June 11, 2001
+
| games = Approx. 1600
−
*JP: March 21, 2001
+
| best_games = ''[[Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire]]'' (16.22 million)
−
*EU: June 22, 2001
+
| last ='''JP:''' ''[[Final Fantasy VI Advance]]'' (11/30/2006)<br>'''NA:''' ''Samurai Deeper Kyo'' (02/12/2008)<br>'''EU:''' ''{{wp|The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night}}'' (11/02/2007)
−
*AUS: June 22, 2001
 
−
| bundle = ''[[Super Mario Advance]]''
 
−
| games =
 
−
| last =
 
 
| connects = [[Nintendo GameCube]]
 
| connects = [[Nintendo GameCube]]
−
| backwards = <br />
+
| input = D-Pad, face buttons, shoulder buttons, Start, Select
−
* [[Game Boy]] games
+
| backwards = [[Game Boy]] / [[Game Boy Color]]
−
* [[Game Boy Color]] games
+
| forwards = [[Nintendo DS]]/[[Nintendo DS Lite|DS Lite]]
−
| peripherals = <br />
+
| services = N/A
−
*[[GBA Link Cable]]
+
| launch = '''NA:''' June 11, 2001<br>'''JP:''' March 21, 2001<br>'''PAL:''' June 22, 2001
−
*[[E-Reader]]
+
| span = 7 years
−
*[[Game Boy Advance Video]]
+
| discontinue = {{refneeded}}'''JP:''' 2008<br>'''NA:''' 2009<br>'''PAL:''' 2009
−
*[[GBA Wireless Adapter]]
 
−
*[[Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance Cable]]
 
−
| forwards = <br />
 
−
* [[Nintendo DS]] (up to [[Nintendo DSi]])
 
−
| services = false
 
−
| discontinue = 2008
 
 
| media = [[Game Boy]], [[Game Boy Color]], & Game Boy Advance cartridges
 
| media = [[Game Boy]], [[Game Boy Color]], & Game Boy Advance cartridges
 +
| sold = '''Total (WW):''' 81.51 million<ref name="IR">[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1512.pdf Consolidated Sales Transition By Region]. Nintendo (February 13, 2016). Retrieved April 16, 2016.</ref><br>'''NA:''' 41.64 million<ref name="IR"/><br>'''JP:''' 16.96 million<ref name="IR"/>
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
The '''Game Boy Advance''' (often shortened to '''GBA''') (ゲームボーイアドバンス, ''Gēmu Bōi Adobansu'') 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 powerful processor, allowing it to display SNES-caliber graphics and even play voices. 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]] 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 allows Game Boy and Game Boy Color gamepacs to be played on the GBA. 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 Game Link Cable===
 +
{{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.
 +
 
 +
===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.
 +
 
 +
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===
 +
{{main|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.
 +
 
 +
===Play-Yan===
 +
{{main|Play-Yan}}
 +
'''Play-Yan''' is a line of cartridges that can play audio and videos downloaded onto an SD Card through the Game Boy Advance. Although designed for later iterations of the hardware, the cartridges are fully compatible with all Game Boy Advance systems and Nintendo DS. Play-Yan was discontinued in September 2005, only to relaunch with the redesigned Play-Yan micro alongside the Game Boy micro.
 +
 
 +
==Hardware revisions==
 
===Game Boy Advance SP===
 
===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, ''Gēmu Bōi Adobansu Esupi'') 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 flip-book design protecting the screen from damage and adding also a rechargeable battery (rather than requiring AA's). The only major drawback was the absence of a headphone jack.
+
{{main|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 system was completely redesigned to give it a clamshell design, protecting the screen from damage and also adding a rechargeable battery (rather than requiring AA batteries). The system was also given a front-lit screen so that players can see the screen more easily in the dark, as well as an additional button to toggle it on and off. However, the SP removes the headphone port 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 it was a brighter alternative to the previous front-lit design. The new back-light version became standard and shares a similar screen quality to the Nintendo DS.
+
The Game Boy Advance SP was later re-released some time after the [[Nintendo DS]] came out. While the system design was unchanged, this re-release, known as the "AGS-101" (in contrast to the original release's model number of "AGS-001") features a back-lit screen like the Nintendo DS, as a brighter alternative to the previous front-lit design. This model still features the button to toggle the backlight on and off.
  
 
===Game Boy Micro===
 
===Game Boy Micro===
−
Introduced at [[E3 Media & Business Summit|E3]] 2005, the '''Game Boy micro''' (ゲームボーイミクロ, ''Gēmu Bōi Mikuro'') 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.
+
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 second release of the SP the Game Boy Micro also features a built-in backlight, the brightness of which can be adjusted by holding down L and sliding the volume slider, as well as a headphone port like on the original model. The micro also has a removable face plate that can be swapped out with another one, allowing for customization.
−
 
 
−
It includes such features as:
 
−
*The sharpest screen resolution seen in a [[Nintendo]] handheld.
 
−
*A very compact and sleek design, making it truly a "portable" gaming device.
 
−
*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 the proper processor), 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.
 
  
−
====Incompatibilities====
+
Unfortunately, the system was not very well supported by Nintendo and several factors led to its early retirement. Due to size constraints, the micro will not play [[Game Boy]] or [[Game Boy Color]] games since it does not have the hardware built-in to do so. The system is also incompatible with the Game Boy Advance's standard 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. Other accessories, such as the [[e-Reader]], due to design issues are also incompatible with the micro. Finally, the console was released about a year after the [[Nintendo DS]], further hindering potential sales.
−
* The Game Boy micro is incompatible with any Game Boy or Game Boy Color games because it lacks the processor to run them.
 
−
* 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==
+
==External links==
−
*[[Link Cable]]
+
*{{wp|Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance on Wikipedia}}
−
*[[E-Reader]]
+
*{{bp|Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance on Bulbapedia}}
−
*[[Game Boy Advance Video]]
+
*{{smw|Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance on Super Mario Wiki}}
−
*[[GBA Wireless Adapter]]
+
*{{zw|Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance on Zelda Wiki}}
 +
*{{pw|Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance on Pikipedia}}
 +
*{{few|Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance on Fire Emblem Wiki}}
 +
*{{fzw|Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance on F-Zero Wiki}}
 +
*{{gsu|List of Consoles#Game Boy Advance|List of consoles on Golden Sun Universe}}
 +
*{{np|Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance on Nookipedia}}
 +
*{{starfy|Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance on Starfy Wiki}}
 +
*{{wb|Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance on WikiBound}}
 +
*{{wk|Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance on WiKirby}}
 +
*{{sw|Category:Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance on StrategyWiki}}
  
 +
==References==
 +
<div class="references-small">
 +
<references/>
 +
</div>
 +
{{-}}
 
{{Game Boy Advance}}
 
{{Game Boy Advance}}
 
{{Nintendo console}}
 
{{Nintendo console}}
 
[[Category:Consoles]]
 
[[Category:Consoles]]

Latest revision as of 01:39, 28 August 2023

Game Boy Advance
ゲームボーイアドバンス Gēmu Bōi Adobansu
GBA logo.png
GBA Indigo.png
Games
No. of games Approx. 1600
No. of launch titles 17
Best-selling game Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (16.22 million)
Last game JP: Final Fantasy VI Advance (11/30/2006)
NA: Samurai Deeper Kyo (02/12/2008)
EU: The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night (11/02/2007)
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. AGB-001
Compatibility
Can connect with Nintendo GameCube
Input D-Pad, face buttons, shoulder buttons, Start, Select
Backwards compatible with Game Boy / Game Boy Color
Services provided N/A
Time
Launch date NA: June 11, 2001
JP: March 21, 2001
PAL: June 22, 2001
Discontinue date [citation needed]

JP: 2008
NA: 2009
PAL: 2009

Units sold Total (WW): 81.51 million[1]
NA: 41.64 million[1]
JP: 16.96 million[1]
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.

Play-Yan

NintendoWiki logo.png  Main article: Play-Yan 

Play-Yan is a line of cartridges that can play audio and videos downloaded onto an SD Card through the Game Boy Advance. Although designed for later iterations of the hardware, the cartridges are fully compatible with all Game Boy Advance systems and Nintendo DS. Play-Yan was discontinued in September 2005, only to relaunch with the redesigned Play-Yan micro alongside the Game Boy micro.

Hardware revisions

Game Boy Advance SP

NintendoWiki logo.png  Main article: 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 system was completely redesigned to give it a clamshell design, protecting the screen from damage and also adding a rechargeable battery (rather than requiring AA batteries). The system was also given a front-lit screen so that players can see the screen more easily in the dark, as well as an additional button to toggle it on and off. However, the SP removes the headphone port seen on the original model.

The Game Boy Advance SP was later re-released some time after the Nintendo DS came out. While the system design was unchanged, this re-release, known as the "AGS-101" (in contrast to the original release's model number of "AGS-001") features a back-lit screen like the Nintendo DS, as a brighter alternative to the previous front-lit design. This model still features the button to toggle the backlight on and off.

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 second release of the SP the Game Boy Micro also features a built-in backlight, the brightness of which can be adjusted by holding down L and sliding the volume slider, as well as a headphone port 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, the micro will not play Game Boy or Game Boy Color games since it does not have the hardware built-in to do so. The system is also incompatible with the Game Boy Advance's standard 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. Other accessories, such as the e-Reader, due to design issues are also incompatible with the micro. Finally, the console was released about a year after the Nintendo DS, further hindering potential sales.

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Consolidated Sales Transition By Region. Nintendo (February 13, 2016). Retrieved April 16, 2016.


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