View Feedback | Send this Article | Published 4/18/03

Graphic By: Jonelle Thackston

Nintendo has finally announced a new Gameboy Advance in answer to complaints about the GBA and Gameboy in general. A major complaint is that the GBA isn't backlit. When it came out, everyone wondered why it wasn't built like the Sega Gamegear. Nintendo officials have said that if it were backlit, it would have cost more to produce, cost more for consumers, and would have been a terrible drain on batteries. Numerous 3rd-party companies tried to solve the lighting problem, but nobody's solution seemed adequate.

Nintendo has solved this problem by introducing the GBA SP on March 23. This new GBA works just like the current one, only better. It is compatible with GBA, Gameboy Color, and old-school Gameboy games. It uses new "front-lit" technology and will be powered by a rechargeable battery.

Not only does the new GBA have hardware upgrades, it also has a cosmetic change. It folds in half, making it easier to carry around and more protected against scratches.

This new GBA doesn't come cheap. It's retails about $100, but it won't be so expensive after trading in that old GBA you have now. For more details check out Nintendo.

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