I just got my nephew the GBA SP ($59 after MIR at Twec stores) to replace his older Gameboy. I thought long an hard about the DS but given the price points and how he uses his current gameboy, the SP was a good choice.

I see a lot of the start packs and kits and was wondering if there are any suggestions on ones that are better than others?

The main things I'm looking for are:
1. a simple carry case that is not too bulky and can hold the SP as well as a couple of carts.

2. a 12V charger for charging the battery in the car

Is there a need for the "10-hour" battery? What's the span on the battery that comes with the SP?

Thanks everyone in advance!

Just get the case, there are a couple of nice cases at Best Buy, some with Pokémons on them. They're the size of the SP and can hold 2 carts (I think).

A car charger is useless unless you plan on taking 15+ hour car trips (and then, that's if the kid plays the machine for 15 hours straight).

Replacement battery is even more useless. The battery life is 10+ with light on, 20+ with light off.

Thanks for the quick input PixyJunket!

how about a headset or headset adapter.

I have one (got it for free) and have rarely used it. It really removes a whole level of portability from the device, especially since the headphone are larger than the GBA-SP closed, and has wires. The added clarity and stereo sound is nice though. Would be excellent for long trips I'd imagine. If I find myself on a plane again I'll probably make use of them.. but my day-to-day GBA use is throwing it in my pocket and enjoying on my breaks at work.

Although I agree with you for the most part about the headphones, Pixy. In fact, I used to turn the sound all the way down on my original GBA to squeeze a little more battery life out of it.

But the sound is 10x better with the headsets, and it allows the nephew to play it with the sound on without bothering his parents, which in and of itself is worthwhile. You really just need the connector though... after you get that, you can use the same headsets you use for a cd player or radio...

Just so that I'm clear...the SP does NOT have a stardard headphone jack, correct? The adapter for the standard pin on most headphones is specific to the SP?

I thought about the headphones and didn't know just how much he would use them. I guess the parents would appreciate the headphones being used! ; )

Yes, you need to get a connector that plugs into the same slot as the AC Adapter, and converts it into a standard headphone jack... I think 3rd party ones work just as well as Nintendo branded ones...

The best case for the SP isn't sold at Best Buy. They have them at Target and Circuit City. It comes in silver, slate, indigo, and sometimes red, but it's rare. It's durable with good padding (especially for such a small case) and looks pretty sharp, with nice trim. It can be worn on a belt or used with an accompanying strap. It holds the SP and three carts in the front pocket. You can keep one in the unit and one more by laying it on top for five total. A flap comes over the top and secures with velcro. Sells for around $6 or $7, generally. I have two SPs and got one for each. Don't confuse it with the ones at Best Buy which don't hold as many carts and hold the SP in a less convenient way.

Here's a link:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/ALS-C...oductDetail.do

BeckysBoy, that looks like the case that would be great for him! Thanks!

Thanks Fujishig for clarifying the Headphone question!

I got a 3rd party and it didn't work that well, you had to get it just right to get rid of static. So I broke down and ordered an official one. YMMV

I really like the SP glove. I think pelican makes it. It isn't a case but the best leather cover I have ever seen out of any electronic equipment.

I second the Pelican SP glove... although the leather isn't top quality, it does protect the case (I scratched my silver SP in my pocket a lot before I got this). It also fits well for a third party accessory, and you can just leave it on: all the buttons are unblocked. However, if you get this it will no longer fit in most traditional SP cases...