{"id":2786,"date":"2026-01-18T03:03:55","date_gmt":"2026-01-18T03:03:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vintage.bohemiancave.org.uk\/?p=2786"},"modified":"2026-01-20T01:00:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T01:00:44","slug":"nintendo-game-boy-advance-sp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vintage.bohemiancave.org.uk\/index.php\/nintendo-game-boy-advance-sp\/","title":{"rendered":"Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"GameBoy\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Nintendo enjoyed such enormous success with their first Game Boy<\/a> that they eventually decided to release a sequel. This was not that, that was the Game Boy Pocket. Then they had such success with the Pocket that they released a sequel to it. This was also not that. That was the Game Boy Color (yes that’s how it’s spelt even here in the UK). Then they did it again with the Advance (again not this) and then after that, the Advance SP – yes, this model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Game Boy Advance SP, and all other Game Boy models (except the Micro), can play all the games of all the Game Boy models that went before… only with a better screen each time. That’s still not as good as a modern screen, of course.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hardware<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Game Boy Advance SP is the first and only in the Game Boy line with a clamshell form factor providing protection of the screen and keyboard from keys in a pocket. It’s pretty much the first of the Game Boy lineup that can actually fit comfortably in a pocket.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The battery is now a rechargeable Li-Ion cell, but the charge connector is proprietary. Since it takes 5V it’s an easy job to wire it to USB and you can buy can buy such cables online from the likes of Amazon and eBay – which is good since consoles tend to often sell on eBay without a charger.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Game Boy Advance introduced an ARM processor (in addition to its Sharp SM83) and more memory. It also improved audio quality with stereo DACs which can be fed from samples or CPU-generated data. It retains compatibility with the old sound system, too. The main noticeable missing feature, though, is the headphone jack. In order to get stereo, even, you have to use an adapter. This connects to the same socket that is used for charging the battery, meaning you can’t use both at the same time. The adapter is readily available online, though, at such places as Amazon or eBay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The screen on the Advance SP is the best of any of the Game Boy range. Apart from the Japan-only Light, it’s the only on with an illuminated screen built-in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On mine, there is a button to disable it, as model I have is the earlier AGS-001 which has a front-lit reflective screen. It works without it in good light, saving some battery. A later version of the SP (the AGS-101) came with a back light. This is an big improvement in quality.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"GameBoy\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The graphics processing is a big leap forward too. More colours can appear at the same time and 3D animation is possible (although it is much better at 2D).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The buttons on the Game Boy Advance are essentially the same as all previous models, with the exception of the two new shoulder triggers. In older games these only serve to change the aspect ratio of the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is, also, a button at the top to turn on and off the screen light.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Summary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n