Game Boy Advance: Difference between revisions

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{{System-Infobox
{{unreferenced|more=yes|Discontinuation dates}}
|Image=[[Image:GameBoyAdvance.jpg|300px]]
{{about|the handheld gaming system|the gamebook series of the same name|[[Game Boy Advance (book series)]]|the treasure from [[Wario World]]|[[List of treasures in Wario World#Beanstalk Way|List of treasures in Wario World § Beanstalk Way]]}}
|Rel={{releasedate|Japan|March 21, 2001|USA|June 11, 2001|Australia|June 22, 2001|Europe|June 22, 2001}}
{{system infobox
|Dis=2008
|image=[[File:GBA Handheld.png|300px]]
|Bit=32
|generation=Sixth
|Pre=[[Game Boy Color]]
|release='''Game Boy Advance:'''<br>{{release|Japan|March 21, 2001<ref>{{cite|author=IGN Staff|date=August 23, 2000|url=http://ca.ign.com/articles/2000/08/24/game-boy-advance-its-finally-unveiled|title=Game Boy Advance: It's Finally Unveiled|publisher=IGN Canada|language=English|archive=https://archive.ph/20140725221846/http://ca.ign.com/articles/2000/08/24/game-boy-advance-its-finally-unveiled|accessdate=June 8, 2024}}</ref>|South Korea|June 2001<ref>{{cite|author=Dailygame co, Ltd.|date=Apr 17, 2001|url=www.dailyesports.com/view.php?ud=200104172217360003012|title=대원씨아이, 닌텐도 게임보이 어드밴스 수입|language=ko|publisher=데일리e스포츠|accessdate=August 29, 2021}}</ref>|USA|June 11, 2001<ref>{{cite|author=Lauren Fielder|date=May 16, 2001|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2001-nintendo-unleashes-gamecube-software-a-new-miyamoto-game-and-more/1100-2761390/|title=E3 2001: Nintendo unleashes GameCube software, a new Miyamoto game, and more|publisher=GameSpot|language=English|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115110938/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2001-nintendo-unleashes-gamecube-software-a-new-miyamoto-game-and-more/1100-2761390/|accessdate=June 8, 2024}}</ref>|Europe|June 22, 2001<ref>{{cite|author=Tom Bramwell|date=March 21, 2001|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_30377|title=GBA Day: June 22nd|publisher=Eurogamer|language=English|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628115634/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_30377|accessdate=June 8, 2024}}</ref>|Australia|June 22, 2001<ref>{{cite|language=en-au|author=@NintendoAUNZ|date=June 22, 2021|url=x.com/NintendoAUNZ/status/1407168092505993223?s=20|title=On this day 20 years ago, the Game Boy Advance was released in Australia and New Zealand. What's your favourite memory of this handheld console?|publisher=X|accessdate=June 22, 2021}}</ref>|South Africa|November 2002<ref>{{cite|author=Rogers, Joshua Alexander|date=April 16, 2020|url=www.linkedin.com/pulse/video-games-around-world-south-africa-joshua-rogers|title=Video Games around the World|publisher=LinkedIn|archive=web.archive.org/web/20220925153658/https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/video-games-around-world-south-africa-joshua-rogers|accessdate=March 23, 2024}}</ref>|China|June 8, 2004}} '''Game Boy Advance SP:'''<br>{{release|Japan|February 14, 2003|Europe|March 23, 2003|Mexico|March 23, 2003<ref>{{cite|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20030401062006/http://nintendo.com.mx/|title=Bienvenidos a Nintendo en México|publisher=Nintendo of Mexico|language=es-mx|accessdate=November 28, 2022}}</ref>|USA|March 28, 2003|South Korea|April 2, 2003<ref>{{cite|author=국, 순신|date=Apr 1, 2003|url=news.naver.com/main/read.naver?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=105&oid=031&aid=0000020900|title=닌텐도 게임보이 어드밴스SP 국내 출시|publisher=아이뉴스24|accessdate=August 29, 2021}}</ref>|Australia|April 10, 2003|China|October 27, 2004}} '''Game Boy Micro:'''<br>{{release|Japan|September 13, 2005|USA|September 19, 2005|Australia|November 3, 2005|Europe|November 4, 2005|South Korea|December 20, 2005<ref>{{cite|author=박, 진호|date=December 14, 2005|url=www.gamemeca.com/view.php?gid=57332|title=대원씨아이, 게임보이 마이크로 20일 국내 발매|publisher=게임메카|language=ko|accessdate=August 29, 2021}}</ref>|China|March 23, 2006}}
|Suc=[[Nintendo DS]]
|discontinued={{release|Japan|November 2008{{ref needed}}|Europe|October 16, 2009{{ref needed}}|USA|December 9, 2009{{ref needed}}|South Korea|2009{{ref needed}}}}
|predecessor=[[Game Boy Color]]
|successor=[[Nintendo DS]]
}}
}}
{{quote|Who are you?|The Game Boy Advance slogan}}
[[File:GBAlogo.svg|left|250px]]
The '''{{wp|Game Boy Advance}}''' (also abbreviated as '''GBA''') is a 32-bit handheld game system created by [[Nintendo]]. It is the third and final system in the Game Boy series and is Nintendo's fourth handheld system. It has backwards compatibility with [[Game Boy]] and [[Game Boy Color]] games (making it the only Nintendo console to be backwards compatible with more than one system) and its accessories but no support for the GBC's IR Communication. The palette options are exactly the same as they are on the Game Boy Color. The Game Boy Advance line has sold 81.5 million units worldwide, according to Nintendo, and it was discontinued in 2008. The console's button configuration inherits the {{button|gba|A}}, {{button|gba|B}}, {{button|gba|start}}, and {{button|gba|select}} buttons as well as {{button|gba|Pad}} from the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color, but it introduces two additional buttons: the {{button|gba|L}} and {{button|gba|R}} buttons. Unlike [[Nintendo DS|its successor]], the standard Game Boy Advance does not have a backlit screen, so the player cannot see the screen in the dark without the use of external devices. The standard Game Boy Advance is the last handheld to require two AAs, as well as the last Nintendo handheld (along with its [[#Game Boy Micro|Game Boy Micro]] counterpart) until the [[nwiki:Nintendo 2DS|Nintendo 2DS]] not to have a clamshell design. Conversely, it was Nintendo's first handheld and first system to be distributed in South Korea by {{wp|Daewon Media}} rather than {{wp|SK Hynix|Hyundai Electronics}} (who previously released the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Nintendo 64]], and Game Boy as the Comboy line of products). Daewon would also handle the South Korean releases of the [[Nintendo GameCube]] (of which it was the handheld counterpart) and [[Nintendo DS]].<ref>{{cite|url=scanlines16.com/en/blog-3/retro-gaming/game-cube/gamecube-korean-master-list|title=Gamecube : Korean Master-List !|publisher=Scanlines16.com|accessdate=January 5, 2024}}</ref>


The '''Game Boy Advance''' is a handheld game system created by [[Nintendo]]. It was the fourth system in the Game Boy series. It is backwards compatible, meaning it can play games from the [[Game Boy]] and [[Game Boy Color]].
==Models==
===Game Boy Advance SP===
[[File:Game Boy Advance SP.jpg|thumb|left|The Game Boy Advance SP]]
The '''{{wp|Game Boy Advance SP}}''' ('''Game Boy Advance Special''') is an upgraded model first released in 2003. The serial code was AGS-001. It featured a new design, with a clamshell style and frontlit screen. It also came with a rechargeable battery for the first time. Although it lacks a headphone jack, official or third-party adapters can be inserted into the charging port to use headphones. In 2005, Nintendo also released upgraded backlit versions colored Pearl Blue and Pearl Pink. This upgraded backlit model had the serial code AGS-101, unlike the former Game Boy Advance SP. The Game Boy Advance SP sold 43.55 million units worldwide. This system also had backwards compatibility with the Game Boy and the Game Boy Color while the palette options found on the Game Boy Color can be used on original Game Boy games. There is a special version of the SP that looked like a Nintendo Entertainment System. It was also the last handheld to have backwards compatibility with the Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. The Game Boy Advance SP was discontinued in 2008.
{{br}}


== Game Boy Advance SP ==
===Game Boy Player===
[[Image:GBASP.jpg|thumb|left|The SP, open and closed.]]
{{main|Game Boy Player}}
The '''Game Boy Advance SP''' was an upgraded version of the original GBA. It featured a new design, with a clamshell style and front-lit screen. It also came with a rechargeable battery, rather than requiring AA's. The only major drawback was the absence of a headphone jack. The "SP" stands for "'''Sp'''ecial". Later Nintendo also released a back-lit version.
[[File:GB_Player.jpg|thumb|A Game Boy Player]]
<br clear=all>
The '''Game Boy Player''' was an add-on accessory for the [[Nintendo GameCube]] which allowed players to play Game Boy Advance games on their televisions and thus functioned similarly to the [[Super Game Boy]]. It also has backwards compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games and the palette options are still the same as they are on the Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP. A few games had a rumble feature which took effect only when they were played with a standard GameCube controller.
== Game Boy Micro ==
{{br}}
[[Image:GameBoyMicro.jpg|thumb|A Game Boy Micro.]]  
The '''Game Boy Micro''' is the third design of the GBA. At a size of only four inches wide, two inches tall, less than an inch deep, and a weight of 2.8 ounces, it is smaller than any other system in the Game Boy line. It's screen is slightly smaller than that of the GBA and SP, but it maintains the same resolution. It is not backwards compatible. It comes with a backlight for playing in the dark.


== Game Boy Player ==
===Game Boy Micro===
[[Image:GameBoyPlayer.jpg|thumb|left|A Game Boy Player, along with a GameCube.]]
[[File:GameBoyMicro.jpg|thumb|left|A Game Boy Micro]]
The '''[[Game Boy Player]]''' was not an actual system. Instead, it was an add-on accessory for the [[Nintendo GameCube]] which allowed players to play Game Boy Advance games on their televisions, much like the [[Super Game Boy]]. A few games had a rumble feature which took effect only when they were played with a standard GameCube controller.
The '''Game Boy Micro''' is the third design of the GBA that was first released in 2005. At a size of only 10 cm (4 inches) wide, two inches tall, less than an inch deep, and a weight of 79 grams (2.8 ounces), it is smaller than any other system in the Game Boy line, about the size of a [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] controller. Its screen is slightly smaller than that of the GBA and SP, but it maintains the same resolution. Unlike its predecessors, it is not backwards-compatible with the Game Boy or the Game Boy Color. It came with an adjustable backlight for playing in the dark, and players could buy plastic "skins" in addition to those with which it was packaged in order to change the Game Boy Micro's appearance. A 20th anniversary edition was released to honor the anniversary of the NES. The Game Boy Micro did not sell well, having only sold 2.42 million units worldwide in contrast to the Game Boy Advance SP having sold 34.32 million units worldwide as of mid-2005.
<br clear=all>
==Trivia==
*In ''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'', there's a [[Boo]] called "Gameboo Advance".
*The [[Game Boy Horror SP]] is a pun off the GBASP.
<br clear=all>


==Game Gallery==
The Game Boy Micro would be the final single-screen handheld produced by Nintendo until the [[Nintendo Switch#Nintendo Switch Lite|Nintendo Switch Lite]], released fourteen years later.
''<center><gallery>
 
Image:ClassicNES DK.jpg|<center>[[Classic NES Series: Donkey Kong]]
In 2008, the Game Boy Micro was discontinued.<ref>{{cite|author=Vega, Nick|date=March 13, 2017|url=www.businessinsider.com/game-boy-micro-nintendo-console-time-forgot-photos-2017-3|title=A look back at the Game Boy Micro, the Nintendo console that time forgot|publisher=Business Insider|accessdate=December 16, 2019}}</ref>
Image:ClassicNES DRMario.jpg|<center>[[Classic NES Series: Dr. Mario]]
{{br}}
Image:Dkkos.jpg|<center>[[DK: King of Swing]]
 
Image:DKC_GBA_Cover.jpg|<center>[[Donkey Kong Country]]
===Visteon Dockable Entertainment System===
Image:DKC2_GBA_Cover.jpg|<center>[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong's Quest]]
[[File:Dockable entertainment 34.jpg|thumb]]
Image:DKC3_GBA_Cover.jpg|<center>[[Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble]]
The '''{{wp|Visteon Dockable Entertainment|Visteon Dockable Entertainment System}}''' is a portable DVD player capable of playing Game Boy Advance games from a specialized cartridge slot. The product was a result of when Visteon partnered with [[Nintendo]] to announce the product at CES 2006. The Visteon Dockable Entertainment System was sold at car dealerships, and ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' content appeared in many of its promotions.
Image:Drmariogba.jpg|<center>[[Dr. Mario & Puzzle League]]
 
Image:Gandw4.jpg|<center>[[Game & Watch Gallery 4]]
<gallery>
Image:Superstars.PNG|<center>[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]
Dockable entertainment controller.jpg|Controller
Image:Mariogolfgba.jpg|<center>[[Mario Golf: Advance Tour]]
Mario playing Visteon.jpg|Mario playing a Visteon Dockable Entertainment System
Image:MKSC.jpg|<center>[[Mario Kart Super Circuit]]
</gallery>
Image:MariopartyGBA.jpg|<center>[[Mario Party Advance]]
{{br}}
Image:Mariop.jpg|<center>[[Mario Pinball Land]]
 
Image:Power Tour Cover Art.jpg|<center>[[Mario Power Tennis (GBA)|Mario Power Tennis]]
==Accessories==
Image:Mvd.jpg|<center>[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]
===AC Adapter===
Image:SMA.jpg|<center>[[Super Mario Advance]]
[[File:GBA AC Adapter.jpg|thumb]]
Image:Super Mario Advance 2 Box Art.jpg|<center>[[Super Mario Advance 2]]
To use AC power, the first model had a special adapter that goes over the battery compartment. This was obsoleted with the release of the Game Boy Advance SP and its rechargeable battery and AC adapter.
Image:Super Mario Advance 4 Box Art.jpg|<center>[[Super Mario Advance 4]]
{{br}}
Image:Wl1.jpg|<center>[[Wario Land 4]]
 
Image:WWMM boxart.jpg|<center>[[WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!]]
===Game Link Cable===
Image:Wwt.jpg|<center>[[WarioWare: Twisted!]]
[[File:GBA Link Cable.jpg|thumb|left|Game Link Cable]]
Image:YTTboxart front.jpg|<center>[[Yoshi's Universal Gravitation]]
The Game Link Cable was the primary way to connect 2-4 Game Boy Advances, allowing them to communicate with each other. The purple connector establishes which device is P1, the grey connector establishes which device is P2, while the purple box in the middle of the cable's length allows for a P3 and P4 to connect using additional Game Link Cables where only the purple connector fits. Many ''Super Mario'' games support single pak and multi pak game link modes, such as games from the [[Super Mario Advance (series)|''Super Mario Advance'' series]] where players can play a competitive 4-way ''[[Mario Bros. (game)|Mario Bros.]]'' game, even with ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'' and its copy of ''Mario Bros.'', although not all games required each player to have a Game Pak. The Game Link Cable can also be used with an [[e-Reader]], such as a primitive form of DLC for ''[[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' with the use of [[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 e-Reader cards|compatible cards]].
Image:Super Mario Advance 3 Box Art.jpg|<center>[[Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3]]
 
</gallery></center>
The extension port used to link two Game Boy Advances together is physically missing in the [[Nintendo DS]].
<br clear=all>
{{br}}
{{Consoles}}
 
===Wireless Adapter===
[[File:GBA Wireless Adapter.jpg|thumb|Wireless Adapter]]
This allows wireless communication between multiple Game Boy Advance units, only between compatible games including [[Classic NES Series]], ''[[Mario Golf: Advance Tour]]'', and ''[[Mario Tennis: Power Tour]]''. One came bundled with each copy of [[Bulbapedia:Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|''Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen'']], excluding [[Player's Choice]] re-releases. If no cartridge is inserted (or {{button|GBA|Select}} + {{button|GBA|Start}} are held) during the BIOS boot sequence, special software will boot. This software works similarly to local game lobbies by finding and listing all lobbies within range, similarly to the successor [[Nintendo DS]].
{{br}}
 
===Nintendo GameCube–Game Boy Advance Link Cable===
{{main|Nintendo GameCube#Nintendo GameCube–Game Boy Advance Link Cable}}
[[File:GCN-GBA Cable.jpg|thumb|left|The cable]]
This cable connects a Game Boy Advance to the [[Nintendo GameCube]]. The kind of set up is the successor to the [[Transfer Pak]] of the [[Nintendo 64]]. The [[Game Boy Player]] is compatible with it, making the attached Game Boy Advance serve as a controller for the GameCube running in Game Boy Advance mode. Some games utilize data transfer between a GameCube and Game Boy Advance games, such as connecting games ''[[Mario Golf: Advance Tour]]'', ''[[Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour]]'', and ''[[Nintendo Puzzle Collection]]''.
{{br}}
 
===e-Reader===
{{main|e-Reader}}
[[File:E-reader-1-.jpg|thumb|e-Reader]]
The e-Reader is an add-on device for the Game Boy Advance released in 2002. It can scan cards to add new features to Game Boy Advance games and had some classic games as well. However, in 2004, it was discontinued outside Japan due to poor sales.
 
==Appearances in the ''Super Mario'' franchise==
===''Luigi's Mansion''===
In ''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'', there is a [[Boo]] called "Game Boo" and another that asks if Luigi wants to play "GameBoo Advance."
 
===''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga''===
The [[Game Boy Horror SP]] appears in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'' as an item given to Mario and Luigi by [[Professor Elvin Gadd|Professor E. Gadd]]. It is a parody of the Game Boy Advance SP, and a reference to the [[Game Boy Horror]] from ''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'', which was modeled after the [[Game Boy Color]]. In addition, [[Bowletta]] sends messages to Beanbean Castle on original Game Boy Advance systems capable of projecting her image (purple the first time and orange the second time); the game's [[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions|3DS remake]] replaces these with [[Nintendo 3DS]] systems, which have the same function.
 
===''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''===
[[File:Mario Koops and Mailbox SP.png|thumb|The [[Mailbox SP]] as it appears in ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'']]
In ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'', a Game Boy Advance is used as the terminal at the [[Glitz Pit]], where Mario and his party set up their matches. In the [[Nintendo Switch]] [[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch)|remake]], the Game Boy Advance's startup sound plays when the terminal is interacted with. Additionally, Mario carries with him an e-mail device called the "[[Mailbox SP]]," which resembles a Game Boy Advance SP. An in-dialogue reference is made by [[Pennington]] if Mario asks his opinion on what [[Bub]] wants for his birthday; the [[Bumpty]] confidently assumes it is a Game Boy Advance, being "what young children his age crave above all things!" A [[Toad (species)|Toad]] in [[Petalburg]] says he has been playing a game called ''[[fireemblem:Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade|Fire Emblem]]'' on his GBA, a reference to another game series also developed by [[Intelligent Systems]].
{{br}}
 
===''Wario Land 4''===
[[File:WL4-Flashback7.png|frame|[[Wario]] holding a box filled with Game Boy Advance consoles]]
In ''[[Wario Land 4]]'', many images of [[Gallery:Wario Land 4#Flashbacks|artwork]] appear in the game's ending credits. One of these images shows [[Wario]] with boxes full of Game Boy Advance consoles.
{{br}}
 
===''Wario World''===
In ''[[Wario World]]'', one of the treasures [[Wario]] needs to get out the Pink Chest located in [[Beanstalk Way]] is a Game Boy Advance.
 
===''WarioWare'' series===
====''WarioWare: Twisted!''====
In ''[[WarioWare: Twisted!]]'', the Game Boy Advance makes an appearance at the beginning and end. In the intro cutscene, [[Wario]] plays on his Game Boy Advance, before taking it to [[Dr. Crygor]] to fix it, and in the intro of [[Wario-Man]]'s story, one of the many objects on the conveyor belt is a Game Boy Advance.
 
====''WarioWare: Touched!''====
In ''[[WarioWare: Touched!]]'', the Game Boy Advance makes various appearances. Both a Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP are stolen by Wario in the opening, a monitor shown during [[Mona]]'s stage resembles a Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advances are thrown by the audience at [[Vanessa]] when she tries to disguise herself as [[Mona]], and a Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP appear in [[9-Volt]]'s intro cutscene. The microgame [[Stylus Hunt|Pushing Buttons]] contains a Game Boy Advance and a Game Boy Advance SP and [[Gold Digger]] features a pink Game Boy Advance.
 
====''WarioWare Gold''====
The Game Boy Advance is a [[List of souvenirs in WarioWare Gold|souvenir]] in the Nintendo collection in ''[[WarioWare Gold]]''.
 
==Gallery==
===System===
<gallery>
GBAlogoblack.svg|Game Boy Advance logo (black)
Game Boy Advance Logo JP.png|Japanese logo
GBA Group.jpg|Different colors of the Game Boy Advance
GCN-GBA Cable.jpg|GBA connected to the [[Nintendo GameCube|GameCube]]
GBA connected GCN.png|GBA and GameCube controller connected to the GameCube
Purple GBA.jpg|A purple GBA
MARIOGBA.gif|A ''Super Mario''-themed GBA
Game-Boy-Advance-SP-Mk1-Blue.jpg|A Cobalt Blue Game Boy Advance SP
Gameboy-Advance-SP-Mk2.jpg|An Ice Blue Game Boy Advance SP
Mario Commemorate Version iQue GBASP.jpg|A ''Super Mario''-themed [[iQue]] GBA SP released as part of the ''Super Mario'' 20th anniversary
DiddyDixie.jpg|Diddy and Dixie playing a Game Boy Advance SP
GBA Startup.gif|Startup screen of the GBA. If no game is inserted, the "Nintendo" text will not appear.
SMA2 GBA bundle EU.jpg|European bundle, with ''[[Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2]]'' included
GBASPFamicomcolorverartbox.jpg|[[Game Boy Advance#Game Boy Advance SP|Game Boy Advance SP]] [[Family Computer|Famicom]] color version box art (Japanese)
GBMFamicomverboxart.png|[[Game Boy Advance#Game Boy Micro|Game Boy Micro]] Famicom version box art (Japanese)
GBAFamicomverback.jpg|Game Boy Micro Famicom version back (Japanese)
GBASP UK Mario Edition Box.jpg|The front of the box of the Mario Edition version of the Game Boy Advance SP (British)
</gallery>
 
===Games===
<gallery>
ClassicNES DK.jpg|''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Classic NES Series: Donkey Kong]]''
ClassicNES DRMario.jpg|''[[Dr. Mario (game)|Classic NES Series: Dr. Mario]]''
ClassicNES SMB.jpg|''[[Super Mario Bros.|Classic NES Series: Super Mario Bros.]]''
Densetsu no Starfy 3 Cover.jpg|''[[Densetsu no Starfy 3]]''
DKKoS cover art.jpg|''[[DK: King of Swing]]''
DKC GBA Cover.jpg|''[[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Advance)|Donkey Kong Country]]''
DKC2 GBA Cover.jpg|''[[Donkey Kong Country 2 (Game Boy Advance)|Donkey Kong Country 2]]''
DKC3 GBA cover art.jpg|''[[Donkey Kong Country 3 (Game Boy Advance)|Donkey Kong Country 3]]''
Drmariogba.jpg|''[[Dr. Mario & Puzzle League]]''
Famicom Mini Mario Bros cover.jpg|''[[Mario Bros. (game)|Famicom Mini: Mario Bros.]]''
Famicom Mini Super Mario Bros 2J cover.jpg|''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels|Famicom Mini: Super Mario Bros. 2]]''
Famicom Mini Wrecking Crew cover.jpg|''[[Wrecking Crew|Famicom Mini: Wrecking Crew]]''
G&WGA-BoxCover.jpeg|''[[Game & Watch Gallery 4]]''
Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga Box NA.png|''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]''
Mariogolfgba.jpg|''[[Mario Golf: Advance Tour]]''
MKSC Box Art.jpg|''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''
MariopartyGBA.jpg|''[[Mario Party Advance]]''
MarioParty-e.jpg|''[[Mario Party-e]]''
MPL American Boxart.jpg|''[[Mario Pinball Land]]''
Power Tour Cover Art.jpg|''[[Mario Tennis: Power Tour]]''
Mvd.jpg|''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]''
SMA.jpg|''[[Super Mario Advance]]''
Box Art NA - Super Mario World Super Mario Advance 2.jpg|''[[Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2]]''
Super Mario Advance 3 Box Art.jpg|''[[Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3]]''
Super Mario Advance 4 Box.png|''[[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3]]''
Box NA - Wario Land 4.png|''[[Wario Land 4]]''
Wario-ware-inc-mega-microgamesUSA.jpg|''[[WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!]]''
Wwt.jpg|''[[WarioWare: Twisted!]]''
YTTboxart front.jpg|''[[Yoshi Topsy-Turvy]]''
</gallery>
 
==Media==
{{media table
|file1=GBA BIOS.oga
|title1=GBA startup screen theme
}}
 
==References==
{{NIWA|Bulbapedia=1|FZeroWiki=1|FireEmblem=1|GoldenSun=List of Consoles#Game Boy Advance|MetroidWiki=1|NWiki=1|Nookipedia=1|StarfyWiki=1|StrategyWiki=Category:Game Boy Advance|WarsWiki=1|WiKirby=1|WikiBound=1|ZeldaWiki=1}}
<references/>
 
{{GBA}}
{{Systems}}
[[de:Game Boy Advance]]
[[it:Game Boy Advance]]
[[Category:Systems]]

Revision as of 13:06, September 9, 2024

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This article is about the handheld gaming system. For the gamebook series of the same name, see Game Boy Advance (book series). For the treasure from Wario World, see List of treasures in Wario World § Beanstalk Way.
Game Boy Advance
Game Boy Advance
Generation Sixth generation
Release date Game Boy Advance:
Template:Release Game Boy Advance SP:
Template:Release Game Boy Micro:
Template:Release
Discontinued Template:Release
Predecessor Game Boy Color
Successor Nintendo DS
“Who are you?”
—The Game Boy Advance slogan
The logo of the Game Boy Advance

The Game Boy Advance (also abbreviated as GBA) is a 32-bit handheld game system created by Nintendo. It is the third and final system in the Game Boy series and is Nintendo's fourth handheld system. It has backwards compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games (making it the only Nintendo console to be backwards compatible with more than one system) and its accessories but no support for the GBC's IR Communication. The palette options are exactly the same as they are on the Game Boy Color. The Game Boy Advance line has sold 81.5 million units worldwide, according to Nintendo, and it was discontinued in 2008. The console's button configuration inherits the A Button, B Button, Start Button, and Select Button buttons as well as +Control Pad from the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color, but it introduces two additional buttons: the L Button and R Button buttons. Unlike its successor, the standard Game Boy Advance does not have a backlit screen, so the player cannot see the screen in the dark without the use of external devices. The standard Game Boy Advance is the last handheld to require two AAs, as well as the last Nintendo handheld (along with its Game Boy Micro counterpart) until the Nintendo 2DS not to have a clamshell design. Conversely, it was Nintendo's first handheld and first system to be distributed in South Korea by Daewon Media rather than Hyundai Electronics (who previously released the Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy as the Comboy line of products). Daewon would also handle the South Korean releases of the Nintendo GameCube (of which it was the handheld counterpart) and Nintendo DS.[1]

Models

Game Boy Advance SP

The Game Boy Advance SP

The Game Boy Advance SP (Game Boy Advance Special) is an upgraded model first released in 2003. The serial code was AGS-001. It featured a new design, with a clamshell style and frontlit screen. It also came with a rechargeable battery for the first time. Although it lacks a headphone jack, official or third-party adapters can be inserted into the charging port to use headphones. In 2005, Nintendo also released upgraded backlit versions colored Pearl Blue and Pearl Pink. This upgraded backlit model had the serial code AGS-101, unlike the former Game Boy Advance SP. The Game Boy Advance SP sold 43.55 million units worldwide. This system also had backwards compatibility with the Game Boy and the Game Boy Color while the palette options found on the Game Boy Color can be used on original Game Boy games. There is a special version of the SP that looked like a Nintendo Entertainment System. It was also the last handheld to have backwards compatibility with the Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. The Game Boy Advance SP was discontinued in 2008.

Game Boy Player

Main article: Game Boy Player
Nintendo GameCube being attached to Game Boy Player.
A Game Boy Player

The Game Boy Player was an add-on accessory for the Nintendo GameCube which allowed players to play Game Boy Advance games on their televisions and thus functioned similarly to the Super Game Boy. It also has backwards compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games and the palette options are still the same as they are on the Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP. A few games had a rumble feature which took effect only when they were played with a standard GameCube controller.

Game Boy Micro

A Game Boy Micro

The Game Boy Micro is the third design of the GBA that was first released in 2005. At a size of only 10 cm (4 inches) wide, two inches tall, less than an inch deep, and a weight of 79 grams (2.8 ounces), it is smaller than any other system in the Game Boy line, about the size of a NES controller. Its screen is slightly smaller than that of the GBA and SP, but it maintains the same resolution. Unlike its predecessors, it is not backwards-compatible with the Game Boy or the Game Boy Color. It came with an adjustable backlight for playing in the dark, and players could buy plastic "skins" in addition to those with which it was packaged in order to change the Game Boy Micro's appearance. A 20th anniversary edition was released to honor the anniversary of the NES. The Game Boy Micro did not sell well, having only sold 2.42 million units worldwide in contrast to the Game Boy Advance SP having sold 34.32 million units worldwide as of mid-2005.

The Game Boy Micro would be the final single-screen handheld produced by Nintendo until the Nintendo Switch Lite, released fourteen years later.

In 2008, the Game Boy Micro was discontinued.[2]

Visteon Dockable Entertainment System

Visteon Dockable Entertainment System

The Visteon Dockable Entertainment System is a portable DVD player capable of playing Game Boy Advance games from a specialized cartridge slot. The product was a result of when Visteon partnered with Nintendo to announce the product at CES 2006. The Visteon Dockable Entertainment System was sold at car dealerships, and Super Mario content appeared in many of its promotions.

  • Controller

    Controller

  • Mario playing a Visteon Dockable Entertainment System

    Mario playing a Visteon Dockable Entertainment System

Accessories

AC Adapter

AC adapter for Game Boy Advance first model

To use AC power, the first model had a special adapter that goes over the battery compartment. This was obsoleted with the release of the Game Boy Advance SP and its rechargeable battery and AC adapter.

Game Link Cable

Link Cable for Game Boy Advance
Game Link Cable

The Game Link Cable was the primary way to connect 2-4 Game Boy Advances, allowing them to communicate with each other. The purple connector establishes which device is P1, the grey connector establishes which device is P2, while the purple box in the middle of the cable's length allows for a P3 and P4 to connect using additional Game Link Cables where only the purple connector fits. Many Super Mario games support single pak and multi pak game link modes, such as games from the Super Mario Advance series where players can play a competitive 4-way Mario Bros. game, even with Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga and its copy of Mario Bros., although not all games required each player to have a Game Pak. The Game Link Cable can also be used with an e-Reader, such as a primitive form of DLC for Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 with the use of compatible cards.

The extension port used to link two Game Boy Advances together is physically missing in the Nintendo DS.

Wireless Adapter

Wireless Adapter for Game Boy Advance
Wireless Adapter

This allows wireless communication between multiple Game Boy Advance units, only between compatible games including Classic NES Series, Mario Golf: Advance Tour, and Mario Tennis: Power Tour. One came bundled with each copy of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, excluding Player's Choice re-releases. If no cartridge is inserted (or Select Button + Start Button are held) during the BIOS boot sequence, special software will boot. This software works similarly to local game lobbies by finding and listing all lobbies within range, similarly to the successor Nintendo DS.

Nintendo GameCube–Game Boy Advance Link Cable

Main article: Nintendo GameCube § Nintendo GameCube–Game Boy Advance Link Cable
GCN-GBA Cable
The cable

This cable connects a Game Boy Advance to the Nintendo GameCube. The kind of set up is the successor to the Transfer Pak of the Nintendo 64. The Game Boy Player is compatible with it, making the attached Game Boy Advance serve as a controller for the GameCube running in Game Boy Advance mode. Some games utilize data transfer between a GameCube and Game Boy Advance games, such as connecting games Mario Golf: Advance Tour, Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour, and Nintendo Puzzle Collection.

e-Reader

Main article: e-Reader
e-Reader

The e-Reader is an add-on device for the Game Boy Advance released in 2002. It can scan cards to add new features to Game Boy Advance games and had some classic games as well. However, in 2004, it was discontinued outside Japan due to poor sales.

Appearances in the Super Mario franchise

Luigi's Mansion

In Luigi's Mansion, there is a Boo called "Game Boo" and another that asks if Luigi wants to play "GameBoo Advance."

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

The Game Boy Horror SP appears in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga as an item given to Mario and Luigi by Professor E. Gadd. It is a parody of the Game Boy Advance SP, and a reference to the Game Boy Horror from Luigi's Mansion, which was modeled after the Game Boy Color. In addition, Bowletta sends messages to Beanbean Castle on original Game Boy Advance systems capable of projecting her image (purple the first time and orange the second time); the game's 3DS remake replaces these with Nintendo 3DS systems, which have the same function.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Mario and Koops from Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door with the Mailbox SP.
The Mailbox SP as it appears in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

In Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, a Game Boy Advance is used as the terminal at the Glitz Pit, where Mario and his party set up their matches. In the Nintendo Switch remake, the Game Boy Advance's startup sound plays when the terminal is interacted with. Additionally, Mario carries with him an e-mail device called the "Mailbox SP," which resembles a Game Boy Advance SP. An in-dialogue reference is made by Pennington if Mario asks his opinion on what Bub wants for his birthday; the Bumpty confidently assumes it is a Game Boy Advance, being "what young children his age crave above all things!" A Toad in Petalburg says he has been playing a game called Fire Emblem on his GBA, a reference to another game series also developed by Intelligent Systems.

Wario Land 4

Wario with a box full of Game Boy Advance consoles
Wario holding a box filled with Game Boy Advance consoles

In Wario Land 4, many images of artwork appear in the game's ending credits. One of these images shows Wario with boxes full of Game Boy Advance consoles.

Wario World

In Wario World, one of the treasures Wario needs to get out the Pink Chest located in Beanstalk Way is a Game Boy Advance.

WarioWare series

WarioWare: Twisted!

In WarioWare: Twisted!, the Game Boy Advance makes an appearance at the beginning and end. In the intro cutscene, Wario plays on his Game Boy Advance, before taking it to Dr. Crygor to fix it, and in the intro of Wario-Man's story, one of the many objects on the conveyor belt is a Game Boy Advance.

WarioWare: Touched!

In WarioWare: Touched!, the Game Boy Advance makes various appearances. Both a Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP are stolen by Wario in the opening, a monitor shown during Mona's stage resembles a Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advances are thrown by the audience at Vanessa when she tries to disguise herself as Mona, and a Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP appear in 9-Volt's intro cutscene. The microgame Pushing Buttons contains a Game Boy Advance and a Game Boy Advance SP and Gold Digger features a pink Game Boy Advance.

WarioWare Gold

The Game Boy Advance is a souvenir in the Nintendo collection in WarioWare Gold.

Gallery

System

  • Game Boy Advance logo (black)

    Game Boy Advance logo (black)

  • Japanese logo

    Japanese logo

  • Different colors of the Game Boy Advance

    Different colors of the Game Boy Advance

  • GBA connected to the GameCube

    GBA connected to the GameCube

  • GBA and GameCube controller connected to the GameCube

    GBA and GameCube controller connected to the GameCube

  • A purple GBA

    A purple GBA

  • A Super Mario-themed GBA

    A Super Mario-themed GBA

  • A Cobalt Blue Game Boy Advance SP

    A Cobalt Blue Game Boy Advance SP

  • An Ice Blue Game Boy Advance SP

    An Ice Blue Game Boy Advance SP

  • A Super Mario-themed iQue GBA SP released as part of the Super Mario 20th anniversary

    A Super Mario-themed iQue GBA SP released as part of the Super Mario 20th anniversary

  • Diddy and Dixie playing a Game Boy Advance SP

    Diddy and Dixie playing a Game Boy Advance SP

  • Startup screen of the GBA. If no game is inserted, the "Nintendo" text will not appear.

    Startup screen of the GBA. If no game is inserted, the "Nintendo" text will not appear.

  • European bundle, with Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 included

    European bundle, with Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 included

  • Game Boy Advance SP Famicom color version box art (Japanese)

    Game Boy Advance SP Famicom color version box art (Japanese)

  • Game Boy Micro Famicom version box art (Japanese)

    Game Boy Micro Famicom version box art (Japanese)

  • Game Boy Micro Famicom version back (Japanese)

    Game Boy Micro Famicom version back (Japanese)

  • The front of the box of the Mario Edition version of the Game Boy Advance SP (British)

    The front of the box of the Mario Edition version of the Game Boy Advance SP (British)

Games

Media

Audio.svg GBA startup screen theme
File infoMedia:GBA BIOS.oga
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Help:Media • Having trouble playing?

References

Game Boy Advance coverage on other NIWA wikis:
  1. ^ Gamecube : Korean Master-List !. Scanlines16.com. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  2. ^ Vega, Nick (March 13, 2017). A look back at the Game Boy Micro, the Nintendo console that time forgot. Business Insider. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
[Edit]
Game Boy Advance games
Super Mario franchise Super Mario Advance (2001) • Mario Kart: Super Circuit (2001) • Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 (2001) • Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 (2003) • Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (2003) • Mario Golf: Advance Tour (2004) • Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2004) • Mario Pinball Land (2004) • Mario Party Advance (2005) • Dr. Mario & Puzzle League (2005) • Mario Tennis: Power Tour (2005)
Donkey Kong franchise Donkey Kong Country (2003) • Donkey Kong Country 2 (2004) • DK: King of Swing (2005) • Donkey Kong Country 3 (2005)
Yoshi franchise Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3 (2002) • Yoshi Topsy-Turvy (2004)
Wario franchise Wario Land 4 (2001) • WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! (2003) • WarioWare: Twisted! (2004)
Classic NES series Classic NES Series: Donkey Kong (2004) • Classic NES Series: Super Mario Bros. (2004) • Classic NES Series: Dr. Mario (2004)
Famicom Mini series Famicom Mini: Mario Bros. (2004) • Famicom Mini: Wrecking Crew (2004) • Famicom Mini: Super Mario Bros. 2 (2004)
e-Reader Donkey Kong Jr.-e (2002) • Pinball-e (2002) • Donkey Kong-e (2002) • Mario Bros.-e (2002) • Mario Party-e (2003) • Donkey Kong 3-e (2003) • Golf-e (2003)
Other Game & Watch Gallery 4 (2002) • Densetsu no Starfy 3 (2004) • Donkey Kong Coconut Crackers (canceled) • Diddy Kong Pilot (2001/2003) (canceled)
[Edit]
Video game systems and add-ons
Nintendo home consoles Family Computer/Nintendo Entertainment System (Family BASIC, Family Computer Disk System) • Super Famicom/Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Satellaview, Super Game Boy) • Nintendo 64 (Nintendo 64DD) • Nintendo GameCube (Game Boy Player) • Wii (Virtual Console, WiiWare) • Wii U (Virtual Console) • Nintendo Switch
Nintendo handhelds Game & Watch • Game Boy • Virtual Boy • Game Boy Color • Game Boy Advance • Nintendo DS (Nintendo DSi, DSiWare) • Nintendo 3DS (Virtual Console) • Nintendo Switch
Other MS-DOS • VS. System • Nintendo PlayChoice-10 • Nintendo Super System • Nelsonic Game Watch • Super Mario Bros. Watch • Gamewatch Boy • Philips CD-i • Mini Classics • Triforce • Visteon Dockable Entertainment System • Classics • LodgeNet • Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo
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