2003
NINTENDO

GAME BOY ADVANCE SP

PORTABLE
GAME BOY ADVANCE SP

📜 History & Legacy

The Game Boy Advance SP (GBA SP), released by Nintendo in 2003, was a significant evolution in handheld gaming. Building upon the success of the original Game Boy Advance, the SP introduced a clamshell design, addressing a major criticism of its predecessor: the lack of a built-in screen protector. This design made the SP more pocket-friendly and durable, instantly appealing to a wider audience. The SP also featured a frontlit screen (later models featured a backlit screen), a vast improvement over the unlit screen of the original GBA, allowing for gameplay in various lighting conditions. The introduction of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery was another welcome change, eliminating the need for disposable batteries and offering a more convenient and eco-friendly gaming experience.

The Game Boy Advance SP was more than just a hardware revision; it cemented the GBA's dominance in the handheld market. Its design innovations, combined with the GBA's already impressive library of games, made it a must-have for gamers of all ages. The SP's success paved the way for future Nintendo handhelds, demonstrating the importance of addressing user feedback and continuously improving upon existing designs. It remains a beloved console among retro gamers and collectors, a testament to its lasting impact on the gaming industry. It continued the Game Boy's legacy of portable gaming, bringing enhanced visuals and a more refined form factor to the masses.

⚙️ Specifications

  • ❖ CPU: 16.8 MHz 32-bit ARM7TDMI
  • ❖ GPU: Custom chip with Mode 0-5 support for tiled backgrounds, scaled/rotated backgrounds, and sprites
  • ❖ RAM: 32 KB WRAM + 96 KB VRAM (internal)
  • ❖ Storage: Game Boy Advance Game Pak cartridges
  • ❖ Media: Game Boy Advance Game Pak cartridges
  • ❖ Screen: 2.9-inch TFT color LCD, 240 × 160 pixels (Frontlit or Backlit depending on the model)
  • ❖ Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
  • ❖ Dimensions: 84.6 mm x 82 mm x 24.3 mm (folded)
  • ❖ Weight: Approximately 142 grams

🎮 Top 10 Games

  • ★ The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
  • ★ Metroid Fusion
  • ★ Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
  • ★ Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
  • ★ Fire Emblem
  • ★ Advance Wars
  • ★ Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
  • ★ Final Fantasy VI Advance
  • ★ Golden Sun
  • ★ Wario Ware, Inc.: Mega Microgames!

💡 Curiosities

  • ? Curiosity 1: The 'SP' in Game Boy Advance SP stands for 'Special'.
  • ? Curiosity 2: The GBA SP was available in a variety of colors, including Onyx, Cobalt, Pearl Blue, Pearl Pink, and even a limited-edition Pikachu yellow.
  • ? Curiosity 3: The GBA SP is backwards compatible with original Game Boy and Game Boy Color games.
  • ? Curiosity 4: Nintendo released a backlit version of the GBA SP (model AGS-101) later in its lifespan, addressing complaints about the original frontlit screen.
  • ? Curiosity 5: The GBA SP uses a proprietary charging port, which is different from other Nintendo handhelds.
  • ? Curiosity 6: An adapter was available to allow the GBA SP to use standard headphones, as it lacked a headphone jack by default.
  • ? Curiosity 7: The clamshell design of the GBA SP was inspired by the Game & Watch series.
  • ? Curiosity 8: The GBA SP was the first Game Boy to feature a rechargeable battery.
  • ? Curiosity 9: The GBA SP was sold alongside the original GBA for a period of time, catering to different preferences.
  • ? Curiosity 10: The GBA SP's compact design made it a popular choice for travel and on-the-go gaming.