Who's got their GBA SP - sign in here

[slop101]

My local game store got them in last night - but they were only selling them bundled with 2 sh*t games for $130.

I had to pass.

I'm gonna try ToysRUs today - it's the only place left that doesn't force a bundle deal on you.

Isn't a bundle illegal, anyways - I kind of want to call the game store and tell them that they are not supposed to do that.

[rawer]

Picked up my Platinum SP at the Orem, UT Toys R Us last night. They had just gotten them in (but no headphone adapters).

Now if I can only find a good case to keep it from getting dinged...

[T-Wolves]

Grabbed one (Platinum) at my local Toys 'R Us this morning. The girl said they had gotten in 12 of each color yesterday. I only saw 2 or 3 left on the shelf.

I'm very glad I didn't pre-order. -smile-

[mljones99]

I'm getting a black one from a friend in Japan. I'll have it later this month when I get Soul Calibur 2 and the Soul Calibur 2 arcade stick from him as well.

[PixyJunket]

Might have to wait until next weekend.. :(

[db27]

fye has them available. you did not have to preorder them to get one and there is no bundle.

also want to mention that after holding one, it feels exactly like a gameboy color that folds in half with a bigger better screen.

they through the ergonomics out the window and it feels bad in my hands. looks cool as hell though.

[MWB]

Originally posted by slop101
Isn't a bundle illegal, anyways - I kind of want to call the game store and tell them that they are not supposed to do that.

Nah, they're the store's property, and the store can pretty much do what they want with 'em. They could charge $800 for them if they wanted to.

Shitty, but that's the way it is.

[slop101]

CompUSA has a good bundle deal - you get the GBA SP for $69, but you have to buy the GBA game Guilty Gear with it (which is supposed to be a decent fighting game) for $30 - which comes out to $100 - so you basically pay MSRP for the SP and get Guilty Gear for free.

[bcbaum]

Got mine (platinum) this morning at the Beavercreek, OH TRU. They said they got in 12 of each color. $99.99.

[PrincessT]

I got my Platinum one from Best Buy today in Lombard/Downers Grove. They had them in the back & are not supposed to release them, but hey, when you've got the $$$, they'll sell.

[slop101]

I just got back from TRU (got a platinum one).

They had a bout 10 of each color, and the employee said they were getting about 50 more in, later today - but it probably wouldn't last them through the weekend.

But they'll get even more on Monday.

[importplayer]

Got mine from the Best Buy I work at . We have about 40 of each color right now since most people think it will be released Sunday. 10 of each are on the floor the other 30 are in the back. I am pretty sure by the end of the weekend all of them will be gone.

That CompUSA deal looks very good I may just pick myself another one.

[jrutz]

That stinks - the CrapUSA deal is indeed a good one, but the stupid General Manager says they have a street date so he won't sell them.

Figures, and when I go there on Sunday they'll probably have changed their tune by then and it'll be sold out.

BTW, that's the CompUSA in NYC on 32nd and 6th, for anyone who had hoped to pick one up before Sunday...

Jeremy

[GizmoDVD]

Ill be getting a Coblat one in a few short minutes from my work...

[jediwicz]

These things are frickin' awesome. Now if the would just sell a travel case that holds Sp, games, e-reader & cards, and cables. A little of the subject, but does anyone know if at E3 Nintendo will unveil a better LCD screen for the cube? Last year they showed a Panasonic (if I'm not mistaken) 7 inch screen that looked nice but never heard anything else. Gamecube and SP on the go would be real nice.

[kaiyouske]

Yup, I got my Pearl White GBA SP from Japan finally. I thought the color was going to be cheesy, but it doesn't look too shabby at all. Might give the platinum a run for its money...

[Li]

If I want to use the $30 gift card I have from Circuit City, I guess I'll have to wait until Sunday.

I tried calling to see if they'd be letting them out early, but I kept getting transferred to the wrong departments and eventually got hung up on...

[UncleGramps]

Got mine this morning at Walmart.

Has anyone spotted any headphone adapters, first or third party?

[rarebucky]

I've had my Pearl White one for a few weeks now...cool little gadget.

[huh?]

got mine at toy R us today.

very sweet. i love it.

[kaiyouske]

Originally posted by MaxF
Has anyone spotted any headphone adapters, first or third party? [/B]

Nope, and the funny thing is, I checked EBgames.com and Gamestop and neither stores are even carrying a list date for them. I find this kind of odd. I guess the only choice now is to import one...for about $9.

[the_dude8]

how many colors are there for the GBA SP?

[goLUCKY]

two in the US. platinum and cobolt blue.

[slop101]

Japan's also got white & black - and I think others, but I'm not sure.
Platinum & cobalt are easily the coolest looking ones - I had a hard time deciding.

[kaiyouske]

Originally posted by slop101
Japan's also got white & black - and I think others, but I'm not sure.
Platinum & cobalt are easily the coolest looking ones - I had a hard time deciding.

The pearl white color was only limited to 10,000 with the FFTA pack from what I hear. So basically Japan only has black as the other unavaliable US color.

[BigDaddy]

I got my Platinum one today at Best Buy. I like it my only gripe is why the need to buy a headphone adapter.

[importplayer]

Looks like the only place that has the headphone adapter right now is Nintendo's own website. It even says in the GBA SP instruction booklet to go online or call to order one. They may decide to only sell them exclusively just like the Component cable for the Gamecube, but who knows.

By the way the adapter costs $4.25 if anyone wants to know.

[Exzavier00]

Why does the top have 2 ports that looks like the link cable but one is larger then the other.

Were I used to work is saving a silver one for me for sunday.

yah why couldnt they just include the headphone jack like every other game boy.

[MWB]

One jack is for the link cable; the other is for the AC Adapter/headphone adapter (the one that has the notch on the bottom).

[packaok]

I got my cobalt one at Toys R Us this evening. I wanted platinum, but they only had 1 in stock and it was cobalt. After looking at it up close, I'm glad that they did not have the platinum. I really like the cobalt color...

[eatntae]

does anybody know how much it costs to buy a gba sp in japan (converted to US$)? more specifically, how much does it cost at a store, not the import price. i have relatives coming from japan in may, and i might ask them to buy a black gba sp for me.

[goLUCKY]

Just pickup mine (blue)@ Best Buy. I pricematched the Compusa Ad GBA-sp($69) + Guilty Gear X($29.99) for $99 bucks. They didn't have Guilty Gear X in stock, so they let me have Zelda, four swords in exchange!!!!!!

[Quake1028]

Got mine today at Best Buy. Picked up a third party headphone adapter w/ earbud headphones included for $7.99.

[kaiyouske]

Originally posted by eatntae
does anybody know how much it costs to buy a gba sp in japan (converted to US$)? more specifically, how much does it cost at a store, not the import price. i have relatives coming from japan in may, and i might ask them to buy a black gba sp for me.

The MSRP of GBA SPs in Japan is 12,500 Yen. This converts to about $103 at the current exchange rates excluding tax. On a note, the GBA SP was last known to be sold out when I last checked. Depending on when your relatives will be coming, they still might be sold out.

[mljones99]

Originally posted by eatntae
does anybody know how much it costs to buy a gba sp in japan (converted to US$)? more specifically, how much does it cost at a store, not the import price. i have relatives coming from japan in may, and i might ask them to buy a black gba sp for me.

mine cost 13020 yen (around 108 us dollars) with tax.

[karnblack]

I picked up my Cobalt GBA:SP today on the way home from work. I called EB where I had it preordered and they told me I could come in and pick it up.

[diespine]

$4.25 for headphone adaptor, $5.00 for shipping and handling, why couldn't nintendo just included the adaptor, and charged $105 for the sp, this is $#@%$ ridiculous..... i have not ordered one, someone please tell me shipping is free

[darkside]

For those that picked up the Cobalt, does it really look Blue? I've seen the Japanese Indigo and its very Purple. I was wondering if the Cobalt unit really was a different color from the Japanese Indigo unit.

[darqleo]

I just got 2 platinum GBA SPs at my local Best Buy. I guess they did put them out early. They only had 2 Cobalts and 1 Platinum out on the floor when I got there, but one of the employees was cool enough to go get me another Platinum from the back.

Odd that earlier today the local K-B Toys was advertising that they were going to sell the GBA SP on Monday. My local GameStop got their GBA SPs in, but the entire shipment was only for pre-orders.

I'm glad I can finally play GBA games again after selling my GBA on eBay 2 months ago to recoup my money for this. My GBA SP is charging as I type this.

[darqleo]

Originally posted by diespine
$4.25 for headphone adaptor, $5.00 for shipping and handling, why couldn't nintendo just included the adaptor, and charged $105 for the sp, this is $#@%$ ridiculous..... i have not ordered one, someone please tell me shipping is free

That sucks! If anyone sees the adaptor in the stores, let me know. I don't need it right away but it would be nice to have.

[MrKen]

I saw a headphone adapter by Hip Gear in the EB today. I didn't note the price, but it included the adapter AND a set of headphones...

[packaok]

Originally posted by darkside
For those that picked up the Cobalt, does it really look Blue? I've seen the Japanese Indigo and its very Purple. I was wondering if the Cobalt unit really was a different color from the Japanese Indigo unit.

To me, it looks like a metallic blue. However, sometimes when the light hits it just right, it can indeed look purple. But, in my opinion, it is definitely more blue than purple...

[MrSneis]

wow golucky you got a great deal! I paid 100 + tax for mine today at gamecrazy, got the cobalt blue~ for those who think it's too purplish you're WRONG! At first I thought the system would be too small for my hands but surprisingly enough it's not! The screen feels bigger~ even though it's not; the new d-pad and buttons take 2 minutes to get used to, overall I love it~ now only if I could get a damn headphizzone adaptizzor for chizneep and none of that 3rd pizzarty shizznit!

[Joshic]

Picked up a GBA SP platinum from Wal-Mart last night (south suburbs of Chicago). They had about 10 of each color - platinum & cobalt. Same thing at Best Buy - about 10 of each color on the floor. Circuit City & Target were not selling them yet.

Looking forward to playing Zelda & Advance Wars now on my daily commute to/from work! This is my first Nintendo console purchase ever.

[drmoze]

Does the finish on the platinum SPs still scratch easily, like the early imports did?

[slop101]

At first I thought that the screen was actually a little TOO bright, as most games looked rather "washed out".

But since I was looking at the screen straight-on, I noticed that if I look at it at a little bit of an angle it looks almost perfect.

[darqleo]

Originally posted by drmoze
Does the finish on the platinum SPs still scratch easily, like the early imports did?

I couldn't tell you, I always put it back into it's 3rd-party protective case after use.

[darqleo]

Originally posted by slop101
At first I thought that the screen was actually a little TOO bright, as most games looked rather "washed out".

But since I was looking at the screen straight-on, I noticed that if I look at it at a little bit of an angle it looks almost perfect.

I noticed this too, but I would rather have it too bright than too dark. Oh well, what do you want from a portable game system anyway?
:)

[Outlaw]

This is one expensive week with Pokemon Sapphire, the GBA SP, AND Zelda coming out.

I'm looking forward to trying a GBA SP out!

[a123slonky]

Picked mine up last night at the FuncoLand in Niles, Ohio. Think they only had enough to cover some pre-orders though.

[Draven]

Picked up a Cobalt from the Richfield Best Buy. They had about 7 or 8 on the shelves. Platinum was sold out.

They didn't have a very good game selection though (lots of blank spaces...guess they got cleaned out) so we picked up Zelda and Namco Museum (for the wife, though she's playing Zelda now).

I love it! It's very slick. I missed Zelda...

[Copenhagen]

I picked mine (platnium) up on Thurs night from Babbages and am very pleased with it so far.

[Homer Simpson]

My platinum is charging on the floor as I type, hopefully it's only another hour to go. Got it today at TRU (free thanks to TRU Visa) along with a Mem Card 251 to prepare for Wind Waker. They had lots of Cobalt but I got the last platinum, fortunately I called ahead and they had it behind the counter waiting for me.

[kaiyouske]

How come you guys are all charging your GBA SPs? Was I the only one that got mine pre-charged? Hmmmm...

[Copenhagen]

Mine came pre-charged. The clerk made it a point to tell me that it was that way when I picked mine up.

[Homer Simpson]

Originally posted by kaiyouske
How come you guys are all charging your GBA SPs? Was I the only one that got mine pre-charged? Hmmmm...
That's odd, I didn't try it before I charged it, but the instructions say to charge it before you use it and the LED goes off once it's charged. It took just short of 3 hours as the instructions said it would. I guess I'll never know...

[Y2K Falcon]

Wow...

Great thread, all! THANKS!!!!

I spend most of Wednesday night going from game store to game store only to be told:

1) Sorry, our initial order is all sold out with pre-orders, but you can turn in your GBA now, and you will get one the following week (or so) - Funcoland/Gamestop, EB

or

2) We have no idea WHEN we will be getting them, but wanna buy this import for $169?

I didn't consider Wal-mart until seeing others post about it, but lo and behold the one at IH-35 and 1325 in North Austin/South Round Rock has about 10 cobalt and about 7 platinum in the glass case in electronics! ($99) The lady said there was "one more box of each" (another case?) in the back but that they "didn't get that much".

Just in time for my daughter's 10 year birthday party Sunday afternoon! (birthday is 3/25) My wife thinks I'm a freak for this, but I didn't see this thread till 3am!

Now tomorrow, I'll see if I can still get the $40 credit for the GBA at EB. ;)

[JaxComet]

K-Mart was more than happy to sell me one on Saturday. I went with the Platinum. They had about 4 or 5 of each....

[darkside]

Picked up a Platinum at Target just now and got Driver II free. I also had a 10% off coupon I was saving so everything was $96 with tax.

I'm glad I didn't preorder. They had 20 of each, but it looks like everyone is buying the Platinum as they were almost gone and the Cobalt was untouched.

Now I have to wait for it to finish charging.

[Apocrypha]

our stinking Target didn't have the FREE DRIVER shipment arrive with the units so I got put on a list for the free game.
Anyway I got COBALT(reminds me of the box in MULHOLLAND DR.) and there were probably 6 platinums and 2 cobalts left after 3 had sold. Now to trade some DVDs for games.

[Courtjester]

Got mine on Friday at Gamestop (pre-ordered).

[jediwicz]

The battery is like a cell phone battery and if you don't charge it to its full capacity first the battery will "remember" where you started playing and will only charge to that point. The SP needs to be charged before playing.

[collven]

Originally posted by jediwicz
The battery is like a cell phone battery and if you don't charge it to its full capacity first the battery will "remember" where you started playing and will only charge to that point. The SP needs to be charged before playing.

Lithium batteries don't have that problem. Only nickel cadmium and, to some point, nickel metal hydride batteries do. That's one of the reasons why lithium batteries are becoming so predominant.

[Apocrypha]

I think it is wise with ANY rechargable battery to FULLY charge and DRAIN it the first time it is used.

[Daryl]

got mine at Target this morning. 10 people waiting, they got 60 in. They had it set up so we were randomly given a color based on our ticket number, but since there were so few people in line, we got to pick our color. Got Driver II for free.

[gkrykewy]

I've noticed that when playing some games on my GBA SP (especially old, original gameboy games like Tetris) with the sound volume on high, I get a background hissing sound through the speaker that is fairly pronounced when there is no sound from the game. This also occurs during the bootup screen, even for Gameboy advance games. I do not experience this sound with my original Gameboy advance. I haven't tried my SP with headphones, as I don't have the headphone adaptor. I was
just wondering if this is normal, or if I need to have my system repaired or exchanged. It doesn't happen on most GBA games, so I don't think it's really a hardware issue, but I wanted to make sure if I could. Thanks!

[darkside]

I've got the sound thing too. Only notice it with the sound all the way up and its probably just a limitation of the small speaker. I wouldn't worry about it.

[BartleyR7]

Originally posted by kaiyouske
How come you guys are all charging your GBA SPs? Was I the only one that got mine pre-charged? Hmmmm...

When I brought my cobalt (great color) SP home, I pluged it in and, in a little over a minute, the charge light went out. Guess mine came pre-charged as well.

[William Wallace]

I just got a GBA SP + Metroid Fusion + carrying case at Best Buy all for just $69.99!!

I took the Comp USA ad which said you can get a GBA SP for 69.99 with the purchase of Gulty Gear for $30. The BB clerk misread it and thought it meant that you get a GBA SP for $70 and a free $30 game. lol.

[UKingdom]

anyone check carefully to make sure there's no dust UNDER the screen? i have a small tiny speck in the black border around the screen but that already bothers me a lot; i bought it at gamestop; you think they'll be able to exchange it for another?

[darkside]

Originally posted by UKingdom
anyone check carefully to make sure there's no dust UNDER the screen? i have a small tiny speck in the black border around the screen but that already bothers me a lot; i bought it at gamestop; you think they'll be able to exchange it for another?

This is a drawback to a front lighted screen, but if you are already seeing it I would exchange it. In time dust will work its way in, but if Nintendo did a good job of sealing the screen it will hopefully be minor. These dust problems have been a common problem in the Palm and Pocket PC world for years.

[lordzeppelin]

I picked mine up this morning with the free Driver 2 @ Target...

It's sweet. BUT, there's this dust spec right under the lens on the screen, and I can't get rid of it no matter what, so I'm contemplating returning it for another...anyone care to chime in? Should I or shouldn't I...

[Joshic]

The battery is like a cell phone battery and if you don't charge it to its full capacity first the battery will "remember" where you started playing and will only charge to that point. The SP needs to be charged before playing.

I think it is wise with ANY rechargable battery to FULLY charge and DRAIN it the first time it is used.

These are both false statements. You can do whatever you want with lithium-ion batteries, and they won't lose their charging capacity. This is why they are the best rechargeables and are used in laptop PCs. Unfortunately lithium-ion batteries are also the most expensive rechargeables.

[Justin00787]

my mom bought mine for me but I cant play it untill I get enough money to pay her back

[sniper308]

Originally posted by Daryl
got mine at Target this morning. 10 people waiting, they got 60 in. They had it set up so we were randomly given a color based on our ticket number, but since there were so few people in line, we got to pick our color. Got Driver II for free.

I didn't pick one up, but my local Target looked like they had at least 60 or so in this afternoon and still had the Driver II games as well.

[darqleo]

Now all we need is a Poll asking "Did you get Cobolt or Plantinum?"

[Bruce_S]

I got a Platinum GBASP with Guilty Gear X at Compusa! woo hoo!

I'm ready to go!

bruce

[victant]

Got my platinum! ;)

[darkside]

Originally posted by Joshic
These are both false statements. You can do whatever you want with lithium-ion batteries, and they won't lose their charging capacity. This is why they are the best rechargeables and are used in laptop PCs. Unfortunately lithium-ion batteries are also the most expensive rechargeables.

This is true, but every Li-ion device I've ever bought (Palms an such) still recommend fully charging before the first use for maximum battery life.

[Beritolam]

I had to wait until today. I was holding out for platinum and all I found were cobalts. Today I came across 4 platinums at Walmart and I must say so far I'm impressed. Now to spend most of night playing my kid's games.

[dasmooth1]

Gamestop has jerked me around, After trading in my 2 month old black GB, first they told me that I would have the SP this past Friday. Called on friday, was told "I was not on the initial shipment, check back sunday". Went in on sunday, was told "you're do to get yours on monday". called on monday, was told "our shipment didn't come in, check back tuesday" after hearing this, i told them that if i didn't get it on tuesday, I would come in and pick up either $40 cash, or the GB i traded in, they responded with "we only issue store credit".

Lets just hope this thing comes in today, or else its gonna get ugly in there. They can't take my GB and not give it back when they don't fulfill their end of the bargain!!!!

[mikeyboy]

Just got mine yesterday.

[drmoze]

Mine arrived (Cobalt) and it is damned sweet. *First* handheld of any kind (incl. previous GB/GBA versions) that beats out the TurboExpress as best handheld ever!

Screen looks great and I can finally see (and play) my GBA games in all lighting conditions!

[PixyJunket]

Originally posted by dasmooth1
Gamestop has jerked me around, After trading in my 2 month old black GB, first they told me that I would have the SP this past Friday. Called on friday, was told "I was not on the initial shipment, check back sunday". Went in on sunday, was told "you're do to get yours on monday". called on monday, was told "our shipment didn't come in, check back tuesday" after hearing this, i told them that if i didn't get it on tuesday, I would come in and pick up either $40 cash, or the GB i traded in, they responded with "we only issue store credit".

Lets just hope this thing comes in today, or else its gonna get ugly in there. They can't take my GB and not give it back when they don't fulfill their end of the bargain!!!!
That sucks, your first mistake however was going to Gamestop in the first place. Gamestop is the worst thing to ever happen to video gamers, period.

[dasmooth1]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by dasmooth1
Gamestop has jerked me around, After trading in my 2 month old black GB, first they told me that I would have the SP this past Friday. Called on friday, was told "I was not on the initial shipment, check back sunday". Went in on sunday, was told "you're do to get yours on monday". called on monday, was told "our shipment didn't come in, check back tuesday" after hearing this, i told them that if i didn't get it on tuesday, I would come in and pick up either $40 cash, or the GB i traded in, they responded with "we only issue store credit".

Lets just hope this thing comes in today, or else its gonna get ugly in there. They can't take my GB and not give it back when they don't fulfill their end of the bargain!!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


That sucks, your first mistake however was going to Gamestop in the first place. Gamestop is the worst thing to ever happen to video gamers, period.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

yeah, i'm starting to realize that, i haven't had problems with them in the past and they were the only ones still taking trade ins for the SP.

I just called and was told "if we don't get them in today (tuesday) then we'll have them wednesday", well no fukcing sh*t, does that also mean that if i'm not here, i must be somewhere else?
I hate these 17 year olds giving me an attitude. I'm sure they all have their SP's and could care less about the actual customers who pre-ordered.

[Zodo]

Well, after reading that the battery pack IS replaceable, I'm now really tempted to get rid of my gba and get a gba SP.

Problem is, I have a bunch of junk like the 'shock and rock' and other stuff for the gba that i would have to get rid of too.
How would you guys suggest doing this? Selling the whole package on ebay, or just going to gamestop or something?

[PixyJunket]

Originally posted by Zodo
Well, after reading that the battery pack IS replaceable, I'm now really tempted to get rid of my gba and get a gba SP.

Problem is, I have a bunch of junk like the 'shock and rock' and other stuff for the gba that i would have to get rid of too.
How would you guys suggest doing this? Selling the whole package on ebay, or just going to gamestop or something?
Gamestop is the devil. You'll get like, $20 for all of it. And then only Store Credit to pay for thier higher than retail merchandise.

eBay is the idea way to go.. you'll easily get much more than selling it at Gamestop and it'll be hard cizzie, which can be used for anything.

[darkside]

Unless your getting something free for ordering or you can't go to a store on the launch day I really don't understand preordering game systems at places like Gamestop or EB.

They sometimes try to screw you with a bundle you don't want, the employees and their friends get their stuff first and sometimes you end up waiting even though you preordered, they get smaller shipments than major stores, and they are more expensive or don't match the offers of major retailers (like the free games with SPs).

Everytime one of these game store employees tells me I won't get my console or handheld unless I preorder with them I laugh in their face. I didn't preorder my Dreamcast, PS2, GameCube, or GBA SP and I bought it on launch day. Simply by walking in Target on the launch day and buying one. Don't believe they lies these Game Stores tell you.

[PixyJunket]

Okay..

I got my GBA:SP last night..

I think I'm having serious thoughts on taking it back. :(

[BigDave]

My wife and I went by Sam's Club to do some grocery shopping last night. I walked by the gaming row and they had it bundled with Zelda and a guide.

I looked at it and my said we don't need it, you already have a GBA. I agree and we do our shopping. Before we're done, she says I should go ahead and get it since she knows I'll get it eventually.

Once we got home, my wife opened it up before I could even get to it. She really liked that she could see the screen compared to the original GBA. Hopefully I'll have a chance to play it. :)

[slop101]

Originally posted by pixyboi
Okay..

I got my GBA:SP last night..

I think I'm having serious thoughts on taking it back. :(

May I ask why?

[dasmooth1]

quote:
Unless your getting something free for ordering or you can't go to a store on the launch day I really don't understand preordering game systems at places like Gamestop or EB.

They sometimes try to screw you with a bundle you don't want, the employees and their friends get their stuff first and sometimes you end up waiting even though you preordered, they get smaller shipments than major stores, and they are more expensive or don't match the offers of major retailers (like the free games with SPs).

Everytime one of these game store employees tells me I won't get my console or handheld unless I preorder with them I laugh in their face. I didn't preorder my Dreamcast, PS2, GameCube, or GBA SP and I bought it on launch day. Simply by walking in Target on the launch day and buying one. Don't believe they lies these Game Stores tell you.
____________________________________________________

I completely agree, these stores are completely useless and make their money off of a high demand. the only reason I pre-ordered at Gamestop was because I figured getting $40 for the old gameboy was the best I could do. Now i've been waiting since sunday for my pre-order which i'm told "can come in anytime between now and friday". so I lost my old gameboy, have no new gameboy and i'm stuck with a $40 credit for a store I have no desire in purchasing anything in...i'm screwed..

[PixyJunket]

Originally posted by slop101
May I ask why?
Compared to the original GBA, this unit is HIGHLY uncomfortable to hold. Everybody is all up in arms about "Oh yes, this is the 'adult' version of the Gameboy!", but they forgot to mention that the thing is fitted to a 10 year old's hands (or a japanese man's, which incidently, are the same size).

I think the big problem is how you have to place your fingers to access the L and R buttons. Having your thumb and forefinger in that G position for more than a couple of minutes is quite uncomfortable. On top of that, the control pad and buttons are recessed, making them much less responsive for action games. Even having full faith that Nintendo products have never and will never break.. the L and R buttons still seem like they can pop off any second.

But I can't ignore the fact that the new one's ability to fold up is pretty cool.. and the light, which is nice even if it washes the colors a little much.. and the biggest draw for me, never having to buy batteries again.. I'll just have to see if I can get used to it, cause I'd rather keep it.

[drmoze]

Are you using your fingertips for the shoulder buttons? I have very large hands (9.5" thumbtip to pinkie tip) and it's comfortable for me. I use the inside of the first knuckle on each index finger to press the shoulder buttons. Also, at least one company is making grips for the lower case corners so it wuill sit easier in larger hands.

As for the colors washing out, be sure to hold the SP horizontally, rather than tilting it up towards you. The colors will then be more saturated.

[stingo]

I just think it's ironic that for $50 more you could get a Gamecube... Just a thought...

[slop101]

drmoze is right - you should NOT be using your fingertips on the shoulder buttons. The inside of your index fingers' knuckles work fine.

also,stingo:
how is it ironic? The SP has it's own color screen which easily eats up a huge chunk of it's cost - you should actually compare it to a color PDA, which are much more expensive than the GBA SP.

[PixyJunket]

Originally posted by drmoze
Are you using your fingertips for the shoulder buttons? I have very large hands (9.5" thumbtip to pinkie tip) and it's comfortable for me. I use the inside of the first knuckle on each index finger to press the shoulder buttons. Also, at least one company is making grips for the lower case corners so it wuill sit easier in larger hands.

As for the colors washing out, be sure to hold the SP horizontally, rather than tilting it up towards you. The colors will then be more saturated.
The funny thing is, I don't have large hands!! I'll have to experiment to see what's more comfortable to me.. when I'm playing Pokemon it's cool cause you don't use them and you can hold the machine like the older Gameboys, index fingers underneath.

I know how to hold it properly to get optimal viewing.. it's still washed out. Not enough to really complain about, but it's worth a mention.

[stingo]

Originally posted by slop101
also,stingo:
how is it ironic? The SP has it's own color screen which easily eats up a huge chunk of it's cost - you should actually compare it to a color PDA, which are much more expensive than the GBA SP. [/B]

As I sent the post I thought ironic was not the word to use there - interesting or amusing is probably more appropriate. And as for comparisons, I was comparing it to its "big brother", not other hand held devices. Don't get me wrong, I think both are great systems (I will end up getting both eventually - already have a GBA that I don't play because of lighting issues), it was just amusing to me that the "big" game system (Gamecube) and the "little" game system (GBA SP) were so close in price.

Cheers.

[Scotts35]

"My wife and I went by Sam's Club to do some grocery shopping last night. I walked by the gaming row and they had it bundled with Zelda and a guide."

How much did the bundle go for?

[musick]

Originally posted by stingo
I just think it's ironic that for $50 more you could get a Gamecube... Just a thought...
what is ironic?
fyi...yes, one pays an extra 50 spot once for the hardware but then pays approx $20 extra dollars every time they want software (which is not 'portable')

Love my Cobalt SP, just too bad Nintendo couldn't do it right the first time (light).

[William Wallace]

A Gamecube is $150, with a FREE $50 value game at most stores.

A GBA is $100.

If you buy a GC, you can easily take the free game and exchange it for store credit or a different game at some stores. So the GC ends up being $100.

[karnblack]

Originally posted by William Wallace
A Gamecube is $150, with a FREE $50 value game at most stores.

A GBA is $100.

If you buy a GC, you can easily take the free game and exchange it for store credit or a different game at some stores. So the GC ends up being $100.

Hey. Could you trade in the free game and exchange it for credit to use on the GBA:SP? You could get the GC and the GBA:SP for $200 that way. Ask them to throw in a link cable and it's a done deal.

[mrmagoo]

I have seen a TON of questions on here about the headphone adapters, I have seen a few on Ebay for about 7.99 (new of course), but I have a dumb question.

All the versions of the headphone adapter I have seen is just that, an adapter for the headphones....end of story. Would it be possible to have a "2 pronged" one, like a Y adapter type one, so you can have it plugged in AND listen to the SP with headphones at the same time???? Thanks...

[CaptainMarvel]

I picked mine up at Sam's, with the Zelda bundle. I'm going to make use of it tomorrow night while I'm waiting in a parking lot for three hours.

[drmoze]

Someone (Interact?) is making such a Y-adapter for headphones+charger. I saw it on a webpage.

[sye46]

Originally posted by William Wallace
A Gamecube is $150, with a FREE $50 value game at most stores.


It is $129 + a free game (Metroid, Resident Evil.. and a few other games to pick from) at Circuit City

[fujishig]

Is anyone having trouble finding these? I got mine last Saturday, because I knew that people didn't know that they were released yet and I was fearful of trying to fight through Sunday crowds to get one. But I went to Target today and they were restocking with dozens of them. Is it the war? The fact that it's not really a "new" system? The price compared to Gamecube? The fact that Nintendo oddly decided to release Zelda in the same week (though that, too, isn't selling as briskly as I would've thought)?

[Jtnguyen12]

I got 2 Planitium GBA SP 2 days from now & Plantium GC on the Side :)

Now........ I Need Only GameBoy Player :)

[Deadpool]

Had mine since Monday. I wasn't going to get one, but when I held the demo they had about 3 weeks ago, I put down my money :) Still adjusting to the feel of it, mainly the shoulder buttons, but the light is worth it. I'll have to eventually get one for my 3 year old. When he sees this, he'll flip. Still have my AB GBA. Haven't really compared them yet. Maybe this weekend I'll do my own little comparo.

[GizmoDVD]

Zelda is the #1 Most pre-ordered game ever...so it IS selling.

[JNielsen]

Quick question, I apoligize if it has been asked before:

Does anyone here have the official Nintendo link cable, and does it work with your SP?

I have the 3rd party Nyko one and its a bit to long and when you put it on, it presses both of the trigger buttons in.

[PixyJunket]

Originally posted by JNielsen
Quick question, I apoligize if it has been asked before:

Does anyone here have the official Nintendo link cable, and does it work with your SP?

I have the 3rd party Nyko one and its a bit to long and when you put it on, it presses both of the trigger buttons in.
I never buy 3rd party products. I have the official Link cable and have played very much Pokemon with it the last few days..

[JNielsen]

Originally posted by pixyboi
I never buy 3rd party products. I have the official Link cable and have played very much Pokemon with it the last few days..
:confused:
So does it press the trigger buttons when you put it on or not?

[duy37]

i just got my GBA SP blue

nice!!!

i picked up Advance Wars based on reviews...so far I really like it. this will totally keep my occupied while i wait for the bus

[kaiyouske]

I have the official Nintendo link cable and I'm happy to inform that they fit perfectly on the SP. Doesn't press the trigger buttons. ^_^

[chess]

platinum

[darkside]

Originally posted by GizmoDVD
Zelda is the #1 Most pre-ordered game ever...so it IS selling.

Did it really pre order more than Vice City? Not doubting you, but I thought that game pre ordered like a million or something.

[Alvis]

Got mine yesterday at Circuit City along with Earthworm Jim for free. I wasn't going to get one but then decided to sell first GBA on Half. I love the look and feel and the light. Only one problem which I was having with my first one. I think I'm going to have to get a magnifier as the screen is just a bit hard on my eyes. :(

[Ghym]

I finally broke down and bought one. I picked up a cobalt one at Fry's. Also, picked up Metroid Fusion, Zelda, and Namco Museum for it. This is the first Gameboy I've owned since I got the original Gameboy back in 1989, or whenever it came out. I still have it, so I also put a few of my old Gameboy games in the GBA and played around with them. I haven't played most of these games in about 10-12 years. They're still fun. I'll have to check out the $10 GBA games thread and see if there is anything in there that interests me.

[Ginwen]

I saw a coupon in EGM for GBA SP 59.99 with trade-in of GBA at EB. I may do this, since I'd really like to have the lighted version (plus, although I haven't had my GBA too long, it came with free Yoshi's Island, so getting $40 credit for it wouldn't be too bad at this point).

[ChemDoc]

Just got mine yesterday. Platinum.

This is the first handheld I've had since I picked up a GameGear and a cartridge with 120 arcade games on it in Taipei in 1996.

Got Zelda, MarioAdvance, Namco Museum, Tetris Worlds, and am looking for Ultimate Brain Games and Snood.

Cool Stuff for a little system.

-doc

[keyed]

Originally posted by darkside
Did it really pre order more than Vice City? Not doubting you, but I thought that game pre ordered like a million or something. Maybe he's referring to the GC Zelda. If you preordered it, you also received the N64 Zelda on another disc. Hell, I don't even own a GC but I was thinking about buying one just to preorder Zelda.

I hope he's not referring to Zelda 4 Swords. Isn't it just the SN Zelda with added multiplayer in it?

[Ralph Wiggum]

I've had my Platinum for 5 days now and I love it. :D

I sold my original Glacier GBA a few months ago after not touching it for months.

The SP is just fantastic. I can't get enough of Advance Wars and Metroid Fusion. So many excellent games and I can actually see them now!