old gameboy advance vs. gameboy advance SP. EDIT: got the SP and a couple games, thanks
- Thread starter DT4K
- Start date
- Nov 27, 1999
- 65,165
- 399
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As an owner of the old GBA, I'd definitely spent the added $30.00 premium for the back-lit screen and rechargeable battery IMO 
Here's more info: http://www.nintendo.com/consumer :beer:
Here's more info: http://www.nintendo.com/consumer :beer:
Old GBA and GBASP are the same with respect to what they do.
With $30 more you get:
Backlight (worth this price alone because you're gonna need a light for the old SP, and decent ones run $10 or so)
Rechargeable battery (pays for itself, quick to recharge, recharger is compact - original GBA uses two AA batteries)
More compact, screen-protecting folding form (self-explanatory - you don't need to haul around a million different accessories
The SP is worth every single penny more. I was at Walmart on Friday and they were selling the SP for $85 - I'm not sure if the sale is still going on, though. Good luck.
You might also want to pick up a protective case for like 10 bucks while you're at it, too.
Edit: the Platinum and Flame colors scratch easily, from what I hear. I own a Cobalt and have for around a year, since they came out - it has the crap scuffed out of parts of it. You can barely see them when viewing the unit casually, though.
GBA Rocks.
With $30 more you get:
Backlight (worth this price alone because you're gonna need a light for the old SP, and decent ones run $10 or so)
Rechargeable battery (pays for itself, quick to recharge, recharger is compact - original GBA uses two AA batteries)
More compact, screen-protecting folding form (self-explanatory - you don't need to haul around a million different accessories
The SP is worth every single penny more. I was at Walmart on Friday and they were selling the SP for $85 - I'm not sure if the sale is still going on, though. Good luck.
You might also want to pick up a protective case for like 10 bucks while you're at it, too.
Edit: the Platinum and Flame colors scratch easily, from what I hear. I own a Cobalt and have for around a year, since they came out - it has the crap scuffed out of parts of it. You can barely see them when viewing the unit casually, though.
GBA Rocks.
The Old GBA felt better to hold but without the back lit screen it was impossible to play games, you'd have to angle it in such a position to see so I hardly used my GBA. After I got my GBA Sp I started playing GBA a lot more.
There's no substitute for the SP's lighted screen. The original GBA was much nicer to hold, but you get used to the SP, and the battery and light are awesome. It's also very chic and easy to carry in your pocket. Also, I like the clicky buttons.
As for scratches, I've seen the platinum get extremely scuffed up in a short time. I have a flame one, and it still looks perfect. No scratches, and no fading or anything.
As for scratches, I've seen the platinum get extremely scuffed up in a short time. I have a flame one, and it still looks perfect. No scratches, and no fading or anything.
masterxfob
Diamond Member
- May 20, 2001
- 7,366
- 3
- 81
I used to have a GBA but I got tired of the lighting issues that I had with it. I just recently purchased an Onyx&Platinum GBA SP and I'm very happy with it. It takes a little bit getting used to the different grip than the regular GBA but otherwise it's great.
The SP is well worth it. Sure you can buy the AfterBurner (backlight mod) for the original Advanced but it's just as expensive and it takes a LOT of work to install.
The SP doesn't have a built in headphone jack. You'll have to buy a $10 or $15 adapter cable that gives you a headphone jack.
- Jan 21, 2002
- 6,944
- 3
- 81
Cool, thanks guys.
I've never used either so I wasn't sure how much of a difference the backlight made. Sounds like it's a definite improvement.
I checked Walmart, but they were $99.99.
I might get this bundle at Costco for $129.99.
Seems like a decent deal.
Thanks again.
My 9 year old son will be very happy on his B-day (Tuesday).
I've never used either so I wasn't sure how much of a difference the backlight made. Sounds like it's a definite improvement.
I checked Walmart, but they were $99.99.
I might get this bundle at Costco for $129.99.
Seems like a decent deal.
Thanks again.
My 9 year old son will be very happy on his B-day (Tuesday).
Yes, definitely get the SP... And I got that bundle for my 9-year old son for Xmas. He loves it, as I'm sure your son will.
FeathersMcGraw
Diamond Member
- Oct 17, 2001
- 4,041
- 1
- 0
I prefer the SP form factor, particularly since the clamshell can be shut so I can cram it in a pocket and not worry about the screen getting scratched. And as others have noted, the light and built-in rechargeable battery are great features.
I do find that it's hard to hold for very long periods of time (and my hands aren't particularly large), so that might be a good argument for classic GBA if you're big and/or tall. Also, the small form factor didn't permit the inclusion of a standard headphone jack, so you're going to need to get a dongle of some sort if quiet-mode playing is one of your requirements.
FWIW, I was at Target sometime last week and they were selling SPs for $88. Not sure if that was for a particular color.
I do find that it's hard to hold for very long periods of time (and my hands aren't particularly large), so that might be a good argument for classic GBA if you're big and/or tall. Also, the small form factor didn't permit the inclusion of a standard headphone jack, so you're going to need to get a dongle of some sort if quiet-mode playing is one of your requirements.
FWIW, I was at Target sometime last week and they were selling SPs for $88. Not sure if that was for a particular color.
Demon-Xanth
Lifer
- Feb 15, 2000
- 20,551
- 2
- 81
The SP makes for a MUCH more entertaining experience. The flip open design is nice because it protects the screen from scratches too.
if you don't mind modding, get an afterburner installed on your gameboy advance. If done professionally, the backlight on your old gameboy will look just as good as an SP. The only difference now b/w the SP and original gameboy is the clamshell design and rechargeable battery. True, the lithium Ion battery is nice. However, I think rechargeable AA batteries work just as well. The clamshell design is more of a preference. It's kinda neat to be able to flip open and plus it protects the screen. However, the tiny design cramps up my hands and becomes an annoyance. I prefer the Snes controller sized original GBA model. I have to give my vote to a gba w/ afterburner installed. if you decide not to get an afterburner, go w/ the SP all the way. No point playing the GBA if you can't see what's goin on = )
Depends on your needs. My GBA very rarely leaves my bedside where I've got adequate lighting and an AC adapter. I rarely have need for batteries or a light. If this is you, you may consider saving the $30 and getting the new Metroid game instead
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