GameBoy MICRO Discussion Thread

[javeryh]

Game Boy Micro Press Release
posted 5.17.2005 | 1:56pm

Nintendo's Game Boy Micro Projects a Dynamic New Image

Best-Selling Video Game System Sports a Striking New Look

LOS ANGELES, May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The original Game Boy(R) Advance fits comfortably into the pocket of a backpack. The retooled Game Boy(R) Advance SP fits into a coat pocket. Now Nintendo takes aim at the pocket of your tightest jeans with the tiny Game Boy(R) Micro system, quite simply the smallest and sleekest Game Boy(R) product that Nintendo has ever created. It's thinner than a cell phone, as chic as an MP3 player and as fun as a Game Boy. In an instant it attracts attention and positions the image-conscious player as someone on the cutting edge of cool.

http://www.storyhost.com/~dojomed2//media/Hardware/GBA_SP/gbmicro.jpg

The sporty, silver metal Game Boy Micro measures a mere 4 inches wide, 2 inches tall and 0.7 inches deep, allowing it to sit comfortably alongside today's hippest technological gadgets. It weighs an astonishing 2.8 ounces, or about the weight of 80 paper clips. Yet Game Boy Micro has the same processing power and plays the same games as Game Boy Advance SP models, complete with standard face controls and gleaming shoulder and Start/Select buttons that literally shine.

With Game Boy Micro, everyone plays with style. A removable face plate gives owners the option to buy replacements to customize the look of their systems again and again with new colors and designs. Most notably, its 2-inch backlit screen shines with incredible power, rendering games in startling clarity with fantastic colors on the best Game Boy screen ever. For the first time, users can adjust the brightness of the screen to adapt to indoor lights or outdoor sunshine.

"We're making the gorgeous Game Boy Micro for image-conscious folks who love video games, the ones who want the look of their system to be as cool as the games they play on it," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Because of its diminutive size and industrial-hip look, Game Boy Micro immediately identifies the person playing it as a trendsetter with discriminating style."

Game Boy Micro represents the latest evolution in the image of the Game Boy Advance line, but it is not a successor to any current system. Game Boy Micro will be released this fall. The system comes with a built-in, rechargeable lithium-ion battery and supports standard headphones. The Game Boy Advance line remains tied for the most popular video game system of this generation. More than 28 million units have sold in the United States, yet Game Boy Advance launched a full eight months after PlayStation 2. Video game fans clearly appreciate great game play and portability. Nearly 700 games are now available for Game Boy Advance.

This thing looks super SWEET! If they can hit $50-$60 with this then I'm sold. Anyone know if the screen is going to be the same size as the original one?

[seanw]

During E3 they had a slide showing all three GBAs side-by-side, and I would say that the Micro's screen looked way smaller than the original GBA's. If the whole thing is 4" wide, then the screen is only 2" wide, and the GBA was a little under 3" wide.

[PsyClerk]

The whole system is only four inches wide and two inches tall. I'm thinking this could fit inside a regular SP screen.

[Jaket]

it will never be 50-60 at launch...

it will be AT LEAST 100 i bet

[phatbunbao]

size is a gimmick, who need another gba unless its a totally improved system

[judyjudyjudy]

Just looking at the picture in the article, isn't the screen smaller than the cart? I'm assuming that's the cart on the bottom of that thing.

[PsyClerk]

Just looking at the picture in the article, isn't the screen smaller than the cart? I'm assuming that's the cart on the bottom of that thing.

Jesus...if that's true, why even bother? The SP already fits in a pocket just fine.

[Purkeynator]

I think releasing another GBA this late in its life is hella-gay

[phatbunbao]

OMG!!! It's the new improved talking Malibu Stacey...and she's got a hat!!!

[seanw]

Marketed properly, it will do very well. The question is whether they chase the $50 price point or the $100 price point.

[Grave_Addiction]

It looks like the screen is about three/fourths the length of a GBA cart.

[Purkeynator]

I bet it will be about $80 and they will drop the GBA SP to $50. Thats about what they always do when the next gameboy comes out.

[Grave_Addiction]

http://img.engadget.com/common/images/1387485638540373.JPG

Here's a hi-res pic.

http://www.pro-g.co.uk/images/pub/misc/micro2_lrg.jpg

This pic confirms that the screen is smaller than a GBA cart. IMO, it might be too small to really play any text-heavy games.

[epobirs]

I'm pretty sure this will be priced to fill in the gap between the SP and DS. The target market is older than typical GBA. They won't blink at anything under $100 if it has a cool factor going for it.

[javeryh]

http://img.engadget.com/common/images/1387485638540373.JPG

Using the d-pad as a size reference, that is one seriously small screen.

[Mr Unoriginal]

This is a worse gimmick than productivity. I'm sure the exposed screen will hold up REAL good in your pocket.

[Quackzilla]

Well, hopefully the GBA is far from dead. Being the best handheld ever, I hope the games stay fresh for a few more years.

[CaseyRyback]

this is a great idea. The D-pad is not going to be shitty like it is on the SP.

Great D-Pad + lighted screen = SSFII is going to be awesome

Also there is no way they shrink the screen. It would fuck everything up. The screen has been the same size for all GBA's and there is no way they deviate from that

[Grave_Addiction]

It would have been cool if they added an SD slot and have mp3 playback ability. That way, you could use it as an MP3 player and a GBA. I doubt it really would have cost much more.

Unless this system is around $50, I don't see why anyone wouldn't spend the extra bucks to get an SP. The screen is bigger, and it's clamshell case protects the screen when you're not playing it.

I just don't see this thing being a big hit.

[cthcky33]

im dissapointed with this. unless it $50, then its completely useless, i was hoping for a new gameboy....

[Quackzilla]

It will make Mawaru Made in Wario a lot more fun than with the SP.

[zewone]

I was thinking about getting one until I realize how small the screen was. I'll stick with my NES SP.

[Quackzilla]

The screen has the same resolution as the GBA, right?

[heavy liquid]

Seems pretty cool, but I'm pretty happy with my SP. If the screen is as good as the DS, then I *might* consider it.... if it drops to around $50 bucks.

[Alpha2]

The screen if it's only 2 inches diagonally it's retarded. The SPs screen was 3in diag. the only thing this offers is a brighter screen but its so tiny you'll have to hold it 3 inches from your face to see anything in detail. Also Nintendo already had a MP3/video player cart for the GBA that you could plug XD cards into but it's either not out yet or only in japan. but it wouldnt matter since the screen is so damn small on this thing.

Under 50 is the ONLY way they'll sell it.

[strebor]

The size is nice, and I like the look-- but the big thing for me was that the SP flipped closed, so I wouldn't have to worry about scratching the screen. Judging from the size, the screen is probably going to be quite a bit smaller.

Also, is it backlit? That's a huge plus, I can't play games that aren't backlit anymore because I'm spoiled by it. :)

[Admiral Ackbar]

OMG!!! It's the new improved talking Malibu Stacey...and she's got a hat!!!

:rofl:

[Admiral Ackbar]

You know what micro is missing. A keychain ring.

[spoo]

I just watched the Nintendo Press Conference and I would be suprised if it is more then $39.99. When Reggie took it out of his pocket it looked like a keychain.

[Gameboy415]

Personally I think it looks badass. And the Customization features are kinda cool.

One question I have, however, is can it play GB/GBC games too?
I mean I'm assuming it will be able to, but I can't recall this feature being mentioned during the conference....

[Admiral Ackbar]

I don't know why but it reminds me of the Tomigachi or whatever those little digital pets were called.

[Grave_Addiction]

The handheld itself looks good, but the screen is just too small to play anything.

[PsyClerk]

One question I have, however, is can it play GB/GBC games too?
I mean I'm assuming it will be able to, but I can't recall this feature being mentioned during the conference....

Putting a regular GB game into this thing will quadruple it's size.

[radjago]

Personally I think it looks badass. And the Customization features are kinda cool.

One question I have, however, is can it play GB/GBC games too?
I mean I'm assuming it will be able to, but I can't recall this feature being mentioned during the conference....
The hardware is the same, so it should be possible.

[j.elles]

Did anyone here see the part that said, the actual system will be even smaller. Wait and see is the only thing I can say, during the actual E3 show they should reveal more information. Wait and see more is what i'm doing. And pray to god that's a concept tech moch up. Hopefully a flip screen, or some such thing will we inserted.

[Grave_Addiction]

Did anyone here see the part that said, the actual system will be even smaller. Wait and see is the only thing I can say, during the actual E3 show they should reveal more information. Wait and see more is what i'm doing. And pray to god that's a concept tech moch up. Hopefully a flip screen, or some such thing will we inserted.

They were talking about the Revo, not the GBAM.

[jkam]

Portability is cool but I don't want to go blind from a smaller screen.

[seanw]

Personally I think it looks badass. And the Customization features are kinda cool.

One question I have, however, is can it play GB/GBC games too?
I mean I'm assuming it will be able to, but I can't recall this feature being mentioned during the conference....

I'm guessing no. They specifically said it would play GBA games ... the DS doesn't play GB/GBC games, either.

[FriskyTanuki]

It's impressive that they got the damn thing this small, but would I buy it? Hell no, I love my SP at it's current size and I don't need a small version of it.

[Quillion]

At that size, people will eat it up. They can probably also manufacture it pretty cheap with the smaller screen. I like it. I probably wont buy it, because I don't have time to use a handheld, but I definitely think it will appeal to the "Image Concious" consumer.

[Zoglog]

dunno, I think this thing is worthless unless it has a decent price point like you guys say at 50 dollars. otherwise it's just another traditional nintendo attempt to jack your money ;)

[Alpha2]

I'm guessing no. They specifically said it would play GBA games ... the DS doesn't play GB/GBC games, either.

You are incorrect in your assumption, the GBA-M is just a smaller GBA-SP with a backlit screen there's no reason why it shouldn't play the older GBA games. The DS dosent because as a separate arm of development it would be redundant to have two systems that play outdated GBC games.

The one thing I have to say about the GBA-M that I like is how it's remanicant of an old NES controller, but the size of that screen will prevent me from trading in my SP for a M... maybe if it's under 50 and I can get more than 5 bucks trade in on my original GBA I might but otherwise it can stay in the store.

[javeryh]

At that size, people will eat it up. They can probably also manufacture it pretty cheap with the smaller screen. I like it. I probably wont buy it, because I don't have time to use a handheld, but I definitely think it will appeal to the "Image Concious" consumer.

I agree - I think "image conscious" consumers are all morons. Who gives a shit what it looks like when you are playing or what others may think? People are so worried about what everyone else thinks...

[Snake2715]

I agree - I think "image conscious" consumers are all morons. Who gives a shit what it looks like when you are playing or what others may think? People are so worried about what everyone else thinks...

The kids still in school mainly. They are all one big flock.

So if it is "in" within that crowd then its going to be a hot seller.

[pumbaa]

I think this is Nintendo's bid to get into your pocket. Right now I carry with me ALWAYS my cellphone, my wallet, my keys, and my iPod. I think Nintendo's goal for the Game Boy Micro is for me to add it to that list. The more I think about it the more it makes sense. If the price is right... I'd trade in my SP for this thing. I've got a DS for when I KNOW I'm giong to be playing games on the road... this would be the kind of thing that I would always have just in case. It's like Nintendo's response to cellphone games. They should throw in MP3 support... but I don't know if it possible in something this size.

[rywateska]

If it's that small then there is no reason why it should be expensive.

[humidore]

Someone mentioned how cool it'd be to play Street Fighter on this, but I don't even want to imagine how small the life meters will look on this. Forget about names underneath, or points or anything (you don't need them to play anyway, fine), I just don't think it'd be much fun. I'm disappointed with this thing, is the the "new Gameboy"? No actual new system?...Just headaches playing on bus/in the car?

At least SP's might drop in price so I can upgrade to one of those maybe.

[Mr Unoriginal]

If it's that small then there is no reason why it should be expensive.

Yes, size is proportional to price, everyone knows that.

[1SwtDeception]

Everything on Nintendo is just smaller and smaller. Sure it may be convinent, but think of the gaming. From what I've seen the SP is the greatest portable ever. Sure it maybe not have MP3 or movies on it like PSP, but I prefer that kinda stuff to just stick on its original purpose: to play games on.. with a convinent sense. This is small and nice and all I guess, but don't make everyone go blind. I'll wait also for an SP price drop.. hopefully.

[neonglow]

Since mp3 playback isn't supported initially, Nintendo should sell a mp3 player add-on the size of a GBA cartridge.

[Zmonkay]

it sure is purty, but I already have both the Advance and SP, and will eventually get a DS. Why would I need this thing. I really don't understand the logic behind putting out a new version of an outdated system that they'll prolly stop making games for pretty soon

[peteyrose]

If it's that small then there is no reason why it should be expensive.

Really? The smaller things get, the more expensive it is. This isn't the 80s, man.

[RelentlessRolento]

wel, the best thing about this system is that the fighting games will (hopefully) be easyer to play.

[hiccupleftovers]

I like the SP more so far. I don't own a SP yet, but comparing them, this one doesn't look that great. Unless I get this GBA Micro on the cheap, I don't plan on ever really getting one. I never thought there was an image problem with the GBASP so I don't understand what need there is for this one. IMO, the GBASP looks fine and reminds me of a cell phone. Hopefully this one comes out at $80-100 so they'll drop the price on the SP to $50 so I can pick one up.

[Aleryn]

Meh. I can see why some might like it, but me? I was worried that I wasted my $80 when I bought a GBA SP last year, now I'm happy I did.

They should just release a gameboy that has a built in mp3 player that allows you to simultaneously listen to music, and hear a game's sound effects/music/etc. THAT would be cool =)

[javeryh]

http://media.nintendo.com/mediaFiles/82821f02-4142-4401-bcb2-a3bb122cc86f.jpgBigger pic...

[2poor]

is that the volume switch on the lower left corner?

[Grave_Addiction]

is that the volume switch on the lower left corner?

I bet that's the brightness switch. They said we'd be able to control how bright the screen is.

[pumbaa]

It seems to be about the size of an iPod Mini. Also of note... the bottom start and select lights light up blue... seems like blue lights are Nintendo's new thing.

http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/615/615202p1.html

[clockworkvictim]

I agree with most of you guys about picking it up at $50. However, I really agree with pumbaa that it would be great to always be able to carry this thing around. I mean, if the PSP were this small, it would always be in my pocket, or the ds for that matter. But, the fact is they aren't. I traded in my SP for a DS but now I don't really have a portable I can throw in my pocket. This is good news for me although I wish they had announced a new Gameboy with GC graphics :(.

[Apossum]

Screw price...i'd be worried about being able to see the action. This just seems like a waste of nintendo's energy.

[Moxio]

How disappointing. I really wanted a new GameBoy system, not some knock-off GameBoy. Nintendo, you've done it again.

[62t]

A few points few people noticed.
* This would show thrid parties there is still support for GBA. This is a huge plus for those that dont have a DS or PSP.
* As long as the screen size is same or bigger than the gameboy color I am buying one. The GBC has a smaller screen and it is still playable.

[Mr Durand Pierre]

Just think of it this way: Cheaper SPs!!!

[magilacudy]

Give Nintendo some credit... at least its not a Virtual Boy. OTOH, being too conservative with their projects might hurt them as well.

[alongx]

This thing looks super SWEET! If they can hit $50-$60 with this then I'm sold. Anyone know if the screen is going to be the same size as the original one?

The text you quoted confirms a 2" screen, which is significantly smaller than the current GBAs.

[GizmoGC]

Its so mine. I expect it to be $49.99. Maybe a freebie with a Revolutuon purchase...?

[whiteboy]

I love Nintendo but GBA, GBA Player, GBA SP, Nintendo DS, and now the MICRO? How many times does the consumer need to buy a system that plays GBA games? I only have had the GBA and DS but I know people who have had or still have all of the afore mentioned systems. This will tank unless its 60 dollars or less.

[BIG5]

If I get another GBA, it will be a DS.

[Quackzilla]

Well, if the resolution stays the same there shouldn't be any problem viewing it.

It would be smaller but sharper.

Like watching movies on the PSP instead of the TV.

[Jaket]

mmm pretty sig

[Grugger]

This is the worst move Nintendo could make with the new GBA. Whatever happened to the GBA successor? This is just an extremely useless downgrade to an already proven handheld, the GBA SP. Why would they do this?

[Tom]

This sucks for me, I was finally going to buy a GBA SP when I got the cash, but now I want to wait for this GBA, since it looks so secksay.

EDIT: Yep, I still have a santa hat on my avatar 5 months after christmas.

[Mattte]

This would be great for in class. Its kind of hard to hide the SP and not look obvious. It will be mine if its less than $50.

[SevereTireDamage]

This sucks for me, I was finally going to buy a GBA SP when I got the cash, but now I want to wait for this GBA, since it looks so secksay.

EDIT: Yep, I still have a santa hat on my avatar 5 months after christmas.I don't know. The SP is still only $80, brand new. I certainly haven't regretted my SP purchase over a year ago, and this looks like it'll actually be inferior.

[Chris in Cali]

It would have been so much better if they just made the sp with a backlight, headphone jack, and new colors then come out with this.

[CaseyRyback]

why does everyone think it would be smart for them to come out with a new GBA?

I just want to know how people think they could work on two consoles and three handhelds?

[pumbaa]

Everyone seems to forget exactly how long the original GameBoy lasted... it defied normal console cycles and went through at least 3 itenerations (GB, GB:P, GB:Light in Japan, GBC could be considered part of the GB line as well). I'm pretty sure the GBA is here to stay for the long haul. Especially if thing sells well... that'll send a pretty nice signal to developers that the GBA brand still has legs.

[mykevermin]

With no real understanding or experience in pricing, I'd be surprised to see this go higher than $30-$40. I think what they want to do is make GBA even more accessible to defend against the PSP's potential market share. Sony has a *long* way to go.

This will, hypothetically, create a small cost of entry into portable gaming; by the look of it, I can't tell if they're going after an older crowd (traditionally outside the range of GBA users) or a younger crowd (y'know, small people and all).

It will keep GBA titles selling like hotcakes for awhile, as if it needed any help.

myke.
...if they bring the play-yan stateside, you can use memory cards to watch movies on the thing (yeah, small screen, I know).

[clockworkvictim]

I was thinking about it and this is actually a good move for nintendo... I mean Sony has the interest of most people looking for a handheld right now, at least in America. The only way Nintendo will continue selling more than Sony is through their loyal fans and appealing to a wider audience. Since sony has the same things to think about, they made a system with movie, picture, internet, etc. So all the techies are happy. But the average person, who is not obsessed with videogames, might want a small, cheap system, like this one, and would readily pick it up at a good price. So, Nintendo gets new customers, has the DS which can battle out with the PSP, and comes out with something spiffy.

[clockworkvictim]

With no real understanding or experience in pricing, I'd be surprised to see this go higher than $30-$40. I think what they want to do is make GBA even more accessible to defend against the PSP's potential market share. Sony has a *long* way to go.

This will, hypothetically, create a small cost of entry into portable gaming; by the look of it, I can't tell if they're going after an older crowd (traditionally outside the range of GBA users) or a younger crowd (y'know, small people and all).

It will keep GBA titles selling like hotcakes for awhile, as if it needed any help.

myke.
...if they bring the play-yan stateside, you can use memory cards to watch movies on the thing (yeah, small screen, I know).

Sorry i just posted the same thing, sort of, while you were. Oh well :).

[Kayden]

Stupidest. Fucking. Gimic. EVAR.

[mykevermin]

Sorry i just posted the same thing, sort of, while you were. Oh well :).

Y'know...great minds and all.

[CouRageouS]

Nintendo of Japan's website has pics of all the different faceplates that will be coming.
http://nintendo.co.jp/n10/e3_2005/micro/index.html
Theres a link to click after the fourth listing.

[Monsta Mack]

I'll actually buy this if this places the old gbc and gba games, and is $30 or less.

At $30 Nintendo could reach EVERYONE who has ANY interest in gaming whatsoever.

Although yeah this isn't exactly the best thing on earth, thank god it wasnt a whole new handheld already, save that for another two years.

[Wander2045]

In the pictures it doesn't look like you can hook up the Micro to the GameCube. Which would be nice.

[Friedle]

As long as it's $50 or under I'm in. I'm a gadget whore.

[RedvsBlue]

They should put a key ring on it while they are at it.

[DT778]

This is good news for me. I bought a used SP a while back but never really played it. So my brother uses it even though he has a regular GBA. But now I'm starting to get some games for the SP and I was looking into getting him an SP so I could use mine. Hopefully I'll be able to get an SP for cheap because of this.

[minos1067]

no doubt that it's the second-grader's bling, bling, in the playground.

"wanna play pokem.... wait, i can't play with you. you have a sp, hahahaha."

[KingDox]

This is good because you get to play all the old GB & GBC games on a nicer screen since the DS does not play those games. I will buy one when they hit under 50.

[BlueWingX]

:roll: Boy, and I thought the SP felt too small for my hands... Count me out on this one.

[Grave_Addiction]

May 17, 2005 - Nintendo Executive Vice-President of Sales and Marketing Reggie Fils-Aime surprised an engaged audience by slipping his hand into his jacket pocket and revealing...a tiny device he calls the Game Boy Micro. Though we've heard rumors that Nintendo was once again retooling the Game Boy Advance to be sleeker and brighter, what Reggie whipped out was the first revelation of the unit, and not exactly what we were expecting. But after seeing it in-hand, I want one.

After the press conference, I was given the opportunity to hold the unit in my own hand. The Game Boy Micro is indeed a tiny device. The dimensions are very wee -- four inches wide, two inches tall, and not even an inch thick. It abandons the cool and clever clamshell design of the Game Boy Advance SP in favor of a much more minimal gaming presentation. The unit's more like a cellphone in size and weight, and it just looks so damn cool.

The cartridges plug into the bottom of the unit, much like the GBA SP does. The cartridge port is slightly off-set to the left side of the unit, making room for the headphone port on the right. That's another big deal: instead of the proprietary headphone port of the GBA SP, the Game Boy Micro uses standard 1/8" headphones. On the top of the unit between the L and R buttons, the system has an EXT port that will be used for charging the internal battery as well as provide a plug-in for the link cable dongle that will be made for the unit. The EXT port is proprietary to the Game Boy Micro, looking similar to plug-in ports for a cellphone.

The start and select buttons are on the bottom edge of the unit, and they will light up a cool blue when powering on the system. The A and B action buttons, as well as the D-pad, are no longer the "clicky" style of the GBA SP, instead going back to a more softer feeling of standard D-pad and action button feedback.

Along with the small size comes a smaller screen than the Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP system. The LCD screen is far, far more bright and vibrant than the GBA SP system, more in line with the backlight technology of the Nintendo DS system. GBA games are definitely much more vivid in light and color on the device, and text is completely legible even at the slightly smaller size.

The system is surprisingly comfortable to hold, though it's made more for portability than it is for ergonomics. It goes back to the days of the original Game Boy Advance design that allows for players hands to spread out a little more than the GBA SP's more "cramped" configuration.

Nintendo did not reveal price or specific release date beyond the "Fall 2005" window, nor did it reveal possible features such as wireless or GameCube connectivity. We were expecting the possible announcement of the ability to play MP3 files, but this wasn't mentioned or commented on by Nintendo.

We'll have more on the Game Boy Micro as the show progresses.

http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/615/615202p1.html

[jkam]

May 17, 2005 - Nintendo Executive Vice-President of Sales and Marketing Reggie Fils-Aime surprised an engaged audience by slipping his hand into his jacket pocket and revealing...a tiny device he calls the Game Boy Micro. Though we've heard rumors that Nintendo was once again retooling the Game Boy Advance to be sleeker and brighter, what Reggie whipped out was the first revelation of the unit, and not exactly what we were expecting. But after seeing it in-hand, I want one.

After the press conference, I was given the opportunity to hold the unit in my own hand. The Game Boy Micro is indeed a tiny device. The dimensions are very wee -- four inches wide, two inches tall, and not even an inch thick. It abandons the cool and clever clamshell design of the Game Boy Advance SP in favor of a much more minimal gaming presentation. The unit's more like a cellphone in size and weight, and it just looks so damn cool.

The cartridges plug into the bottom of the unit, much like the GBA SP does. The cartridge port is slightly off-set to the left side of the unit, making room for the headphone port on the right. That's another big deal: instead of the proprietary headphone port of the GBA SP, the Game Boy Micro uses standard 1/8" headphones. On the top of the unit between the L and R buttons, the system has an EXT port that will be used for charging the internal battery as well as provide a plug-in for the link cable dongle that will be made for the unit. The EXT port is proprietary to the Game Boy Micro, looking similar to plug-in ports for a cellphone.

The start and select buttons are on the bottom edge of the unit, and they will light up a cool blue when powering on the system. The A and B action buttons, as well as the D-pad, are no longer the "clicky" style of the GBA SP, instead going back to a more softer feeling of standard D-pad and action button feedback.

Along with the small size comes a smaller screen than the Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP system. The LCD screen is far, far more bright and vibrant than the GBA SP system, more in line with the backlight technology of the Nintendo DS system. GBA games are definitely much more vivid in light and color on the device, and text is completely legible even at the slightly smaller size.

The system is surprisingly comfortable to hold, though it's made more for portability than it is for ergonomics. It goes back to the days of the original Game Boy Advance design that allows for players hands to spread out a little more than the GBA SP's more "cramped" configuration.

Nintendo did not reveal price or specific release date beyond the "Fall 2005" window, nor did it reveal possible features such as wireless or GameCube connectivity. We were expecting the possible announcement of the ability to play MP3 files, but this wasn't mentioned or commented on by Nintendo.

We'll have more on the Game Boy Micro as the show progresses.

http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/615/615202p1.html

I was pretty unsure about this but I love things to be very small and portable. After reading this I think I'm getting one. I thought the SP was great and although I love the DS and the PSP they are a bit on the big side of things. This will be great to bring everywhere. I'm psyched the screen will be backlight. Damn you Nintendo!!!

[1modernboy]

Like many of you, I’m fairly interested if the price is right. My problem with the PSP and DS is that both units are far less convenient to carry around than my old SP—they’re both a little on the bulky side for my taste, but that’s the price I pay for the expanded features. If they drop this thing in at a 30 or 40 dollar price point, I may well bite.

A smaller, more versatile version of the GBA that I can drop in my pocket is a good start, now if they can assure me that my screen will be protected and flaunt a new feature or two (the touted MP3 playback is a start) for a nice price I’m sold.

The way I see it, at least Nintendo is sticking to their guns about the DS being a third-tier device. The GBA has a strong following because it’s a solid system with a huge library. If they have to put out a new iteration of the GBA to assure that they’ll continue to support it with new content, then so be it.

[Quackzilla]

I wouldn't mind if the GBA stayed Nintendo's main handheld for another decade, it is awesome, easy to develop for, and has more good games than any other system or handheld in the history of earth.

[1modernboy]

I wouldn't mind if the GBA stayed Nintendo's main handheld for another decade, it is awesome, easy to develop for, and has more good games than any other system or handheld in the history of earth.

I've gotta say I still have more fun with Fire Emblem than with, say, Wipeoout Pure. The GBA has a simple charm to it. Hell, I've got two GBAs, an import SP, a GBA Player, and one of my main reasons for picking up a DS was the GBA support.

The more I see the Micro, the more I like it. I like the size. I like the face plates. I like the tiny, bright screen. I like the NES controller look.

I've heard a lot of talk around asking who this new GBA is for, about what kind of crazy bastard needs another GBA. I guess, when you get down to it, I am that crazy bastard. ;)

[jkam]

The true style d-pad is a big plus too. I will finally be able to break out SFII again.

[javeryh]

http://nintendo.co.jp/n10/e3_2005/micro/color_img/color_18.jpg


MOOOOOOO!!!!!!

The more I think about it, the more I'm all over this if it's $50 or less. This thing would be perfect for inappropriate places like school, work meetings, funerals etc. Whipping out the PSP would just be offensive but once everyone saw the Micro they would say "awwwww how cute" and then let you go back to kicking some Metroid ass...

[1modernboy]

http://nintendo.co.jp/n10/e3_2005/micro/color_img/color_18.jpg


MOOOOOOO!!!!!!

The more I think about it, the more I'm all over this if it's $50 or less. This thing would be perfect for inappropriate places like school, work meetings, funerals etc. Whipping out the PSP would just be offensive but once everyone saw the Micro they would say "awwwww how cute" and then let you go back to kicking some Metroid ass...

Damn skippy! There won't be a faculty meeting I head to without this baby!

[eldad9]

I love Nintendo but GBA, GBA Player, GBA SP, Nintendo DS, and now the MICRO? How many times does the consumer need to buy a system that plays GBA games? I only have had the GBA and DS but I know people who have had or still have all of the afore mentioned systems. This will tank unless its 60 dollars or less.

Here's how it works.

A consumer that needs or wants to buy a system that plays GBA games once does it once.

A consumer that needs or wants to buy a system that plays GBA games twice does it twice.

A consumer that needs or wants to buy a system that plays GBA games three times does it three times.

Start to see some kind of pattern emerging?

[Renegade_Zero]

I'll pay $60 AFTER tax but no more. and the games need to be $20.

[jkam]

When it comes down to it the original GBA should have never shipped. Or more accurately it should have included a light in the first place. That way the Micro wouldn't seem like such a WTF?

[doraemonkerpal]

has anybody seen a reliable source for the price of this thing?

[kill3r7]

Who cares?? I'm totally satisfied with my SP.

[BIG5]

I'll pay $60 AFTER tax but no more. and the games need to be $20.

Why would the games be $20? It plays GBA games! It is a GBA, only smaller.

[Quackzilla]

Who cares?? I'm totally satisfied with my SP.

I think everyone is.

Th Micro is for "cool" people so they can play it and pretend it's an mp3 player or cell phone.

[doraemonkerpal]

i care enough to ask

EDIT: on a serious note, i'm interested b/c this will fit nicely in my back pocket (pants) whereas the SP would rip it open if i tried to cram it in there.

[javeryh]

I think everyone is.

Th Micro is for "cool" people so they can play it and pretend it's an mp3 player or cell phone.

yeah, I'm happy with my SP too but I'll still get the MICRO if the price is right. I mean, if it's $50 I can get it for next to nothing with the EB vouchers I've got laying around...

[Alpha2]

You know honestly while we're all hoping this thing is 50 bucks I have a feeling it wont come out for less than 100 bucks, which puts it in the realm of a vanity purchase of something like an iPod. One that very few of us here would actually purchase.

Stick a fork in this one guys, it's DONE.

[psiufoxx2]

Haha.. Those silly Japanese.. They love small small things. And they're small small themselves!! I love Japan!

Watashi wa nihongo o hanashimasu!

[BustaUppa]

People complain about the thing being small and uncomfortable... technically wouldn't your hands be farther apart than they would be on the SP? The unit is smaller of course, but due to the landscape orientation it actually looks more comfortable to hold.

[Duo_Maxwell]

People complain about the thing being small and uncomfortable... technically wouldn't your hands be farther apart than they would be on the SP? The unit is smaller of course, but due to the landscape orientation it actually looks more comfortable to hold.

People find things to complain about...the same complaint was actually raised when the SP debuted, soon they'll forget they even said that.

[2poor]

i bet there's going to be an $80 pricetag and some way to play mp3s because im an idiot

[Alpha2]

http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/589/589659p1.html