gba screen

[rscaramelo]

I just got a gba for my kid tonight. I'm trying to figure out what the deal is with the screen's lack of brightness. Now I know not to expect anything like the sp or the ds screens but shouldn't I be able to see the screen in the dark? Do I need one of those flip on things?

thanks in advance for helping with this dumb question...

RC

[MusicNoteLess]

Not much you can do about lighting except getting an external light accessory for it.

[Ziv]

http://www.gamesterusa.com/gbafloodlight.html

The Gamester Floodlight was my favorite because it wasn't just a crappy LED. It was a small flourescent light bulb that was more than bright enough. Sure it took it's own batteries, but it was top notch. Cost me like $10 a few years back. I don't know where you can find one though. Look on ebay I suppose.

[Like A Breath]

The GBA is not backlit so you won't be able to see it in the dark unless you're an owl. The SP made it SO much easier...I would highly reccomend picking it up so you can see the screen without straining your eyes. I bought the floodlight and it was way too heavy and it produced too much glare on the screen for my liking.

[espy605]

I just got a gba for my kid tonight. I'm trying to figure out what the deal is with the screen's lack of brightness. Now I know not to expect anything like the sp or the ds screens but shouldn't I be able to see the screen in the dark? Do I need one of those flip on things?


Actually, you shouldn't expect to see the screen in the dark because there is no light built into the original GBA. That was one of the biggest criticisms against it.

There are lighting solutions but they are cumbersome and pale in comparison to a GBA with a built-in lit screen.

My recommendation is to return the GBA, and drop the extra money on a GBA Micro or a GBA SP. Not only do they have built in lights, they also come with a rechargable battery pack. You'll also save your kid from some extensive eye strain.

[Vegan]

My recommendation is to return the GBA, and drop the extra money on a GBA Micro or a GBA SP. Not only do they have built in lights, they also come with a rechargable battery pack. You'll also save your kid from some extensive eye strain.

This is a very good point. You'll save a TON of money on batteries and glasses.

[espy605]

I wasn't thinking too much about glasses, more about the fact that eye strain causes headaches and fatigue. While the average CAG might put his own health at risk to save a few bucks, I'd recommend against it when it's your kid's.

[rscaramelo]

:) I should have researched this a bit. I did get it cheap. It's for my 4 yo son to play Disney type of stuff. I'll grab one of those light things. Which is the best?

RC

[Arkay Firestar]

:) I should have researched this a bit. I did get it cheap. It's for my 4 yo son to play Disney type of stuff. I'll grab one of those light things. Which is the best?

RC

My compusa has the Micro for 60 bucks new. You'd be foolish not to consider it, methinks. The add on lights all suck. The GBA had such a poorly thought out screen that often it was unplayable outdoors during the day. I second the earlier suggestion that you get a backlit SP or Micro. You really, really won't regret it...and your child's whimpers in the backseat of your car as you take him/her from one place to another will be highly diminished or erased entirely...otherwise you'll have to put up with "dad, can I turn the light on in the car?"

Edit: I might have a worm light from my GBA days lying around. From what I recall it was the best addon light at the time, although super bright LEDs might be available now. Let me see if I can find it.

[espy605]

I think the GBA SP is better for a kid than a Micro. The screen is bigger and easier on his eyes. Plus he can put it in his pocket without worrying about scratching the screen.

[rscaramelo]

I'm probably going to go grab a used sp at the gamestop this weekend instead. I'll return the regular gba for credit. I bought it there for $25 earlier this week. By the time I buy a light for the thing, I'll be close to the sp in price.

thanks,

RC

[espy605]

It'll be more than the SP in price when you factor in a light and batteries.

[Ace Harding: Private Eye]

I grew up playing the original Gameboy and each of its un-lit iterations thereafter.
I don't wear glasses.
Your kid doesn't need a backlight. Make a man out of him instead of some namby-pamby.

[Arkay Firestar]

The original gameboy, and the pocket and color iterations were FAR easier to see in non-optimal lighting conditions than the GBA...whether it has to do with the larger amount of colors on screen, the higher resolution, or whatever...there's no comparison even there.