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There's no doubt that the original Game Boy Advance is a fantastic piece of kit, with the power of a 32-bit processor compacted into such a small, neat package. However, since it's arrival a couple of years ago there has been one small problem that has cursed the system; the screen. Sure, the resolution is fantastic and the colours are vibrant, but the fact that it wasn't backlit meant that many games could only be played in direct sunlight. Fortunately, last year rumours were rife about Nintendo's hardware department experimenting with designs for a Game Boy Advance with a backlight, and this week they turned out to be completely true, although possibly not as you might have expected.
Instead of simply integrating a light into the current GBA design, Nintendo have completely redesigned the console's casing, and reverted it back more to the style of the original Game Boy. The new design also seems to borrow from mobile phones by sporting a 'clamshell' style design that allows it to be tiny when in your pocket but unfolded for use. For those who hate having to buy new batteries for handhelds, this design contains a rechargable battery too, which lasts for 10 hours of continuous play with the backlight on, and 18 hours with it off. Of course, the console still retains all the features of the original Game Boy Advance, such as the ability to play games released across all Game Boy platforms, and the internal specifications remain the same despite the smaller packaging.
The Game Boy Advance SP is indeed a sleek looking handheld, and if it delivers on its promises to put right the wrongs of the original console then we could well have the perfect portable gaming system (well, until the next Game Boy). To add to the good news, this isn't something we'll have to wait too long for, with the European release date set for the 28th March! On that date, the tiny marvel will be available in three metallic colours; silver, blue and black, and will retail for around €129 - €139 (which is about £85). We hope to have more information on this great new device soon, but until then why not check out the first images of it below!
Marc Hull
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