In the past, GBA users had to buy one of several external, clip-on lighting accessories if they wanted to play games in poorly lit environments.
As noted, there's a built-in backlight that can be toggled on and off via a tiny button just below the screen hinge-a big plus and a major selling point. The SP has two new features but omits one that we liked on the original GBA. Still, all things considered, we much prefer the new design to the old. Little kids won't mind, but others may find this setup a tad less comfortable. Since the SP is much narrower than the original model at 3.23 inches wide, the unit feels a little cramped at first. The control positioning is similar to that of the original GBA, but the left- and right-shoulder buttons are smaller. Another plus: Because the 5.6-ounce (with cartridge installed) SP is more compact than the original, it's also more pocket-friendly but retains the same 1.61-by-2.41-inch screen. The clamshell design allows you to easily adjust the angle of the screen to cut down on glare, as well as protect the LCD by simply flipping the unit closed. (Nintendo periodically adds special "limited edition" color schemes to the line-up as well.) When it's closed, the SP is an almost perfect square and looks like a supertiny laptop. The GameBoy Advance SP is available in several colors, including silvery Platinum, metallic blue Cobalt, Flame, and Onyx. And the whole package comes in a more compact, mature, flip-screen design that should appeal to both kids and adults. Well, Nintendo listened to the critics, and with the $80 SP edition, the company has not only included a front-lit screen but has added a rechargeable, lithium-ion battery as well.
But anyone who has ever played with the original version has lamented-and probably even cursed-the fact that the portable device doesn't have an illuminated display. One can't argue with the success of the original Game Boy Advance, which has sold millions of units around the world. A review of the current version of the GBA SP (which includes a much brighter screen but is otherwise identical) can be found here. If I couldn't tell when the system was done charging that would be even more annoying.Editors' note: This review refers to an older version of the Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP that is no longer produced. Besides, I was thinking, even with a schematic I wouldn't want to mess up my charge light because it still works just dandy. However, based on what has been said in this thread it doesn't sound like such a good idea, especially considering I'm inexperienced. I was planning on maybe trying to mess around inside my sp and if I broke it just shrug it off and pick up a SP2. at least not without the opportunity cost of obtaining an SP2. It was my favorite color because it reminds of an old MacBook.As much as I'm tempted there are tons of things I would love to buy and I don't really have the money to spend right now. On a related color note, I wish the original Polar white DS Lite wasn't so hard to come by. (I have a pearl blue a gray and a PAL Surf Blue) The screen looks really nice and the backlight is a dream.ĭownside is that the US releases all came in dumb colors except maybe the charcoal gray. I got rid of my original and SP1 and now have three SP2's. As it is it's useless anyway and just an annoyance. I don't want to wreck it but I was wondering if anybody had any ideas about either repairing the light, or if that can't be done, simply disabling the dang thing. The only thing about that is that I've taken very good care of my GBA, so the buttons are all still in excellent shape. So not only do I have no idea how much battery life is left, I have the annoyance of the light changing every hour or so.Īn official repair would cost me $55 so I'm none too keen on that when I can get a used one for less. I thought my gameboy's battery was simply dying but I've since replaced it and I'm still having trouble with the indicator light.īasically it just decides to turn red or green whenever it feels like it and I've had it die on me with the battery run out with the indicator light still displaying green. I've had it turn red to indicate low battery within one hour of a charge. Currently the battery charge light on my game boy advance is erratic to say the least. I know it's bad form to start another thread when you already have one going, but that issue is basically resolved (mostly) and I'm quite curious about this.