SNES Goes Portable...

...without having to carry around a backbreaking combination of portable generator, television, and SNES console. Nintendo has once again proven why they are the undisputed kings of handheld gaming. Almost considered a light years jump from the original, the Game Boy Advance is a strikingly powerful and good system with a greater potential than the original for greatness.

Over the past decade, Nintendo really hasn't given us much new with the Game Boy system. They have all been tweaks to the original system. Game Boy Pocket was smaller, Game Boy Color just added a paltry few colors. That is why I am surprised with the Game Boy Advance. It is a totally new system, seemingly from the ground up. Let’s see why:

First and foremost, how are the graphics?

To use the now almost cliche comparison, the Game Boy Advance is almost like having a Super Nintendo Entertainment System in your left front pocket. Almost. In fact, I have found that the games that were ported over or had comparisons on the older stationary system (i.e. F-Zero, Castlevania) are actually better than what the SNES could ever produce. Think of it more of what the PlayStation would have been without a 3D processor. Another huge advancement in the graphics would be the brand new screen aspect. The original Game Boy had a screen that was pretty much like a square, you are able to see as much in each direction from the center. The GBA has its screen set up just like a television. It is a bit taller than the original Game Boy screen, but it is about twice as wide. That offers higher resolutions and the ability to put more into the game view.

How about the portability?

The GBA is a bit more portable than the GBC. First and foremost, it is about the exact same size as the Color version. Second, the system is MUCH lighter, about half the weight of the first one.

So, I take it runs on batteries, but how long does it last?

It really depends on a few factors, like whether or not you have the sound on or what brand of batteries you use. You can get anywhere from 15-20 hours out of a pair of double A batteries, not too shabby, but a bit less than the Color.

One thing that annoyed my about the Game Boy and its two incarnates were the "beep boop" sound effects, will that be here?

Certainly not! Nintendo has ramped up the sound processor and speakers on the GBA. A good example of its sound power would be when playing Castlevania: Circle of the Moon. The opening screen has a chilling choral ensemble as well as top quality sound throughout. The sound is MUCH better represented with headphones, since the GBA has stereo sound capabilities.

How much does it cost?

I purchased my GBA for $89 plus local (exorberant) taxes. It is a refreshing cost in terms of the other consoles out there (i.e. $300) and offers just as much fun as the rest. The games are on average about $35. Not too shabby.

Does it come in different colors?

Yes, it sure does. Not plain boring colors like the GBC, but some interesting ones. The GBA currently sports a white, a purple, and a see through blue version with a pink and possibly platinum and gold version down the road. The color won't embarrass you out in public, don't worry.

Do I have to keep my old Game Boy to play the older games?

Certainly not! The GBA is 100% backward compatible with all older Game Boy games. But, I personally would NOT recommend you chuck the older system. The problem with playing older games on the GBA comes in the form of the GBA's much larger screen, as well as smaller pixels. The GBA has two modes to play older Game Boy games in. First, there is the original aspect. This gives the gamers a tiny square box in the center of the screen. The game is hard to see and any text is nearly impossible to read. The second mode would be full screen. This mode stretches and skews the on-screen graphics to an ugly and unbearable rectangular version of its original self. Keep your GBC, you will need it. The GBA is not a good system to play the older games on. Besides, the GBA looks silly with a huge cartridge sticking out on top.

What about the size of the game carts?

The game carts in space are impressive. They hold about as much as your average N64 game. But the problem I have comes in the form of the cartridge's physical size. They are TINY! About half the height of the original Game Boy games. This and the lack of the plastic cases that the originals came in make these things easy to lose. I have to keep them in the original box, and that takes up a bit of space more than the Game Boy games.

I heard the GBA can get a bit dark, is that true?

Yes, it is. But, the majority of the reports are grossly exaggerated, with reports telling us of total darkness in bright sunlight (exaggeration on my part). I have found that anything down to an ordinary reading lamp (single) is more than enough to play the game. Still, I would have still preferred a backlight. I know, Nintendo did not put this in because it would suck the battery life, but why not add a separate switch to turn the backlight on and off when needed?

How is the control scheme?

It is a bit hard sometimes, especially games that make constant use of the shoulder triggers. I found that the use of the shoulder triggers as a major button game my hands cramps. But, as long as the triggers on the shoulders are used sparingly, the GBA is easy to use.

Bottom Line

The Game Boy Advance is a must have for any gamer on the planet. With strong graphics and sound and an already strong game library, the GBA will be even better than the venerable Game Boy was over the last decade.