Game Boy Advance

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 surpassed 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 original model was eventually discontinued in favor of the Game Boy Advance SP and Game Boy micro, both of which function similarly.

Versions

Game Boy Advance SP

The Game Boy Advance SP was an upgraded version of the original GBA. It featured a new design, with a clamshell style and front-lit screen. It also came with a rechargeable battery, rather than requiring AA's. The only major drawback was the absence of a headphone jack. The "SP" stands for "Special". Later Nintendo also released a back-lit version.

Game Boy Micro

The 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. It's screen is slightly smaller than that of the GBA and SP, but it maintains the same resolution. It is not backwards compatible. It comes with an adjustable backlight for playing in the dark.

See Also

• Link Cable
• E-Reader
• Game Boy Advance Video
• GBA Wireless Adapter