Gameboy Advance SP Impressions

03/23/03

Nintendo’s newest piece of Hardware has hit the market. The Gameboy Advance SP is here!

I got my hands on one of these beauties yesterday after laying down a reasonable $150 (Canadian) and here are some quick impressions

Also note that I know it isn’t a huge deal. I just think it's cool when you find something extra on one of the best games ever made, so I decided to share it with everyone.

The first thing that struck me was how thin the unit looks when folded up. We’ve all seen the pictures, but this was the first time I’d seen it and held it, add to that an incredibly nice looking paintjob (cobalt) and you’ve got yourself one of the sleekest little gadgets ever invented.

Once I unfolded the unit and wrapped my hands around it, I was a bit surprised. I’m used to the Horizontal style of the GBA so at first I kind of had doubts. However, after spending some time with it, I’m in love all over again. It feels absolutely perfect. Pushing the L and R buttons is even easier than before, their size has been reduced drastically, but it works out fine, since you can do quick taps with the middle of your fingers as opposed to the tips. Other changes are the face buttons and D pad. They are all slightly lowered i nto the face itself (so as not to scratch the screen when folded) they are also a bit more resistant and quite a bit more “clicky” which again, I really like. Overall it looks like Nintendo realized that comfort is paramount for a handheld, and they succeeded big time with the SP.

Other noteworthy items are of course the light, which is the perfect addition, and most likely, the reason why these things will sell like hotcakes.

I’m so used to having to find a good light source in order to play my GBA, so at first it seemed like the light didn’t do much. But once I moved elsewhere, it became apparent. Try playing with your SP in a normally lit or dim room with the light on. After a few minutes, turn the light off and you’ll see the difference. The entire screen looks as if it’s gone away. Nintendo’s front-lit light is perfect, and games look a lot crisper and sharp with it enabled.

The clamshell design is also a wise move. I’m very picky about the state of my GBA screen, so I more or less never carried it around in my pocket. But since the SP allows you to fold the screen down, it’s even more portable than before. Stick the sexy fellow in your pocket and you’ll be good to go. No worries.

Another huge plus is the built in battery pack. It allows you to play for around 18 hours on a full charge or 10 hours with the light on. It also comes with a nice little charger, which takes only 3 hours to complete its job.

Overall. I’m in love. The SP is simply too wicked to deny. Anyone who doesn’t have a GBA should go out and Get the SP right away. And anyone with the first edition GBA should most definitely think about getting this. There are enough additions and changes to warrant a purchase, and it just looks so damn sexy.

Written By Dan Chubaty