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[Littleberu]

Ok, I decided that I needed to play all these great GBA games. But I don't know what's the best choice.

GBPlayer is like 20 dollars cheaper than the GBASP, and the DS is like... 100 more expensive than the SP.

I don't know what to do. Help me, GAF.

 

[Kuramu]

I'm facing this same decision, as my original GBA is busted. I'm so tempted to get an SP, but i figure that I'm going to just end up buying the DS for the new Castlevania eventually anyway, making the $75 for an SP a waste.

 

[hooo]

The GBPlayer with a Hori pad (literally a snes pad with a snes d-pad and a gc button layout) is a good solution, but there are slight hicups in the framerate. The SP is playable and can be used for things like pacman vs, and that cool tetris minigame in rayman 3 (if you're interested in multiplayer). The DS's screen makes the SP's look horrible, though some people don't like the button layout.

If you'll be playing any multiplayer, I'd go with the SP, otherwise the DS particuarly if you're interested in any future DS software.

EDIT: I forgot that only the SP will play GB and GBC games (does the player play them too?), but it won't use the super gameboy colors.

 

[GaimeGuy]

Ok, I decided that I needed to play all these great GBA games. But I don't know what's the best choice.

GBPlayer is like 20 dollars cheaper than the GBASP, and the DS is like... 100 more expensive than the SP.

I don't know what to do. Help me, GAF.

If ALL you want to do is play GBA games, get a GBAPlayer.
If ALL you want to do is play GBA games on the go, get an SP.
If you want to play GBA games AND there are some games in the DS's upcoming lineup that you are looking forward to, get a DS.

 

[Littleberu]

I'm facing this same decision, as my original GBA is busted. I'm so tempted to get an SP, but i figure that I'm going to just end up buying the DS for the new Castlevania eventually anyway, making the $75 for an SP a waste.

Yeah but at the same time, buying the DS for a future game when It'll surely drop in price after E3... I don't know...

 

[drohne]

the gba sp's screen is hard to look at, particularly if you're used to psp. the ds screens are a bit better, but they're mounted on an overpriced piece of shit. the gb player stutters perceptibly, and the gc d-pad is useless, but it's still the best and cheapest solution.

 

[Lindsay]

Just incase~don't forget to take linking into account. The GBA games in the DS can't do multi-player modes whereas they can in GBP & SP. Also for GC/GBA links only SP can do it outta the 3 (well GBP can if ya got 2 of everything lol).

 

[Baron Aloha]

GB Player. Lowest price and the easiest to view.

 

[Littleberu]

Slowdown? What are you talking about?

 

[radioheadrule83]

The original Wideboy Advance model is actually the most comfortable IMO. But it's screen totally sucks. Throw in an afterburner and you'd have something relatively good on your hands.

The GBA SP has an incredible form factor, it's the best size for a handheld. The NES SP is particularly awesome. The screen is a lot better than wideboy's too. And you'll be finding these incredibly cheap as well.

BUT, the DS. Pros and cons for ya.

The DS is a bit bulky. Not significantly more bulky than PSP, but definately big compared to GBA/SP. It's not something you're going to squeeze into jeans pockets or something. As you can see it's about the length of a fully opened GBA SP. The breast pocket of a coat or whatever is perfect.

The DS looks very odd with one screen on and one screen off, and that's how it plays GBA games. You can choose which screen (top/bottom) it appears on in the DS' system menu. The A + B buttons are replicated on X/Y as well as their DS equivilents. You might feel a little better using the higher-most two, I know I do. The L + R buttons are better on DS than they are on the SP imo. The SP L+R buttons are very small... and while I'm on the point, they are damned annoying in connectivity games. Some third party connectivity cables actually press them down. DS cannot play the multiplayer modes in GBA games. Not that big of a loss unless you're big on Pokemon trading or something... and as this is your first GBA by the sounds of it, you've got nothing to worry about. The screen on DS is A LOT better than the GBA SP screen.

If you get a DS, you're not only able to play GBA games, but you're well placed for all of the DS titles that are out, and the ones to be unveiled at E3. You'll be ready for whatever microphone enabled, touch screen, or online based stuff comes out for it.

I personally prefer it to the other option you're considering: the GBA player. The GBA player is great, but it's overkill IMO, and doesn't feel right playing all of these low res games on your TV screen. I hear the Hori SNES style pad improves things, but I'd personally advise you go for one of the other options.

 

[drohne]

the gba's refresh rate is slightly different from that of your tv, so the gb player stutters slightly. it's a mild annoyance. i'm sure someone here can provide a more detailed explanation.

 

[radioheadrule83]

Never noticed that. Maybe it's cos I'm in the PAL region *shrug*

 

[Baron Aloha]

I've got a US GBP and I've played over a dozen games on it. I've never once noticed anything like that either.

 

[Bluemercury]

the gba sp's screen is hard to look at, particularly if you're used to psp. the ds screens are a bit better, but they're mounted on an overpriced piece of shit. the gb player stutters perceptibly, and the gc d-pad is useless, but it's still the best and cheapest solution.

In other other words you dont like anything Nintendo related.........nothing new here folks.....

 

[cvxfreak]

My favorite machine to play GBA games on is the SP, specifically the NES style SP. It's small, lightweight and the screen is adequate enough. I don't like playing GBA games on the DS because of the face buttons, and the face only one screen is on which distracts me for some reason. With the release of Pokemon Emerald, Wario Ware Twisted and Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones, my NES SP returns to action in May.

That said, the DS isn't a horrible solution either; it plays GBA games perfect but it doesn't feel ergomatic. I simply use the DS for DS games and GBASP for GBA games. Occasionally I'll use GBA games on the DS, like on an airplane for optimal lighting, but other than that, no. If you forsee yourself getting a DS in the future, then go for it.

A GameBoy Player should be a supplement to either an SP or a DS, but not to itself. GBA games were just meant to be played away from a TV.

 

[AniHawk]

If you want to get the closest thing to playing "brand new Genesis and/or SNES games," pick up a GBP. For stuff like Golden Sun, Fire Emblem, and Metroid it just kicks ass. It's also the cheapest alternative too. I never noticed any problems on it when I used it. As drohne said though, the GC d-pad sucks. So hunt down a PlayCube or a Hori controller.

 

[Ryck]

the gba's refresh rate is slightly different from that of your tv, so the gb player stutters slightly. it's a mild annoyance. i'm sure someone here can provide a more detailed explanation.

This man is correct, It gets so bad that it gives me motion sickness ( on certain games) and I've tried all the different filters.....

 

[Spencerr]

I'd say just go for the DS. I personally don't have any quarrels with the face buttons, granted the only GBA game I've played through on it is Minish Cap. The DS will have a lot of interesting future releases and I'd say it's worth the extra money.

Online Nintendo - if that doesn't sell you, well, I don't know I guess you're not a fanboy or something. :lol

 

[Littleberu]

I'm so torn between the GBA SP and GBP... I'm affraid of the technical problems, because now that I know them, I'm sure I'll see them often. But at the same time, I won't be playing on the road a lot, as I don't travel much... I don't know.

 

[jgkspsx]

Put differently:

If you care about connectivity, to the Gamecube or system to system, or the ability to play Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, don't get a DS.
If you want your games to play at the proper framerate, don't get a GBP.
If you want to see what you're playing, don't get an original GB unless you're going to install an Afterburner.
If you don't want to have one of the coolest, most comfortable, and best-looking handhelds of all time, don't get a Classic NES GBASP.

Me, I have all of the above.

The DS controls are decent for GB games, but not as comfortable as the SP. The larger D-pad can sometimes be problematic (it hurts Super Monkey Ball Jr. particularly). It's also heavier than the GB systems and can put a dangerous torque on your wrists if you don't support them right -- hello carpal tunnel syndrome!

The GBA is more comfortable to hold and use for long periods, but without a backlight or a good bright houselamp, it's kinda useless. Also, the D-pad sometimes feels a little spongy. Oh, and if you get a backlight, your AA battery budget had better be big.

The Gamecube controller (for the GBplayer) sucks unless the game works well with the analog stick. The Hori controller's great, and the GBA-link cable combo is pretty decent, but it's not as satisfying a solution as the Super Game Boy was.

The SP has its drawbacks, but it's hard to think what they are. It's a beautiful system, you can find it at great prices, and if you get a standard model you can get some darn good packins. Buy one today

My gameplay distribution for GBA/GB games is like so:
GBASP: 65%
DS: 25%
GBP: 5%
GBA: 5%

 

[JoshuaJSlone]

Yeah but at the same time, buying the DS for a future game when It'll surely drop in price after E3... I don't know...

Buying DS now: $150.
Buying SP now and a DS after a $50 price drop: $180.

 

[Izzy]

DS - your GBA games'll look considerably better.

 

[Taichu]

NDS.

The screen is awesome. Plus, you can enjoy DS games.

 

[dock]

Another reason for owning a DS is for multiplayer and pictochat, always a great thing to have at parties (well, parties of gaming types...). I migrated from a afterburnered GBA to a DS and it's a huge huge improvement for GBA games.

If you don't want a DS yet, then get a GBP - then it's not a 'waste' when you get a DS at a later date.

 

[GaimeGuy]

I actually went back to playing the SP earlier today. It felt fucking weird to hold in my hands afterp laying the DS for about 6 months. It also felt waaay small. :lol

But the biggets shocker to me was the screen. I remember it being so much better, but when I played Minish Cap, everything was pretty dark and blurry.

 

[Myoclonic Jerk]

I have GBA/GBA SP/GBPlayer and a DS


my vote...... DS

1.it's still portable
2.GBA games look so freakin great on that thing
3.you'll have a brand new console

 

[JoshuaJSlone]

I actually went back to playing the SP earlier today. It felt fucking weird to hold in my hands afterp laying the DS for about 6 months. It also felt waaay small. :lol

But the biggets shocker to me was the screen. I remember it being so much better, but when I played Minish Cap, everything was pretty dark and blurry.

I've had my DS for far less time, but I know exactly what you mean. The DS didn't at first seem to have drastically better image quality... until I went back to SP and was like "Whoa, is that the clearest it is? And it seems a bit too lit, with glare depending on the angle." Going back and trying original model GBA with a Worm Light... well, that just harkens back to the days of doing your homework on a shovel by candle light.

 

[mrkgoo]

The DS looks very odd with one screen on and one screen off, and that's how it plays GBA games. You can choose which screen (top/bottom) it appears on in the DS' system menu. The A + B buttons are replicated on X/Y as well as their DS equivilents. You might feel a little better using the higher-most two, I know I do.

Wait wait wait...this works?! I've been using the crappy a+b buttons on the ds all this time, wanting to use the x+y, and it's been there all teh time?!

 

[DIrtyWeasel]

You can easily get a DS on ebay for around $100, and even lower.

 

[drohne]

In other other words you dont like anything Nintendo related.........nothing new here folks.....

if i didn't like anything nintendo related, i wouldn't mind that there's no ideal way to play gba games. as it happens, i like the gba library enough to have owned a gba, a gba sp, and a gb player. i draw the line at ds. but if nintendo released a gba sp sp with a backlit screen, i'd probably buy it. in a few years' time, i doubt i'll like anything nintendo related. that'll be a relief.

 

[Crazymoogle]

Wait wait wait...this works?! I've been using the crappy a+b buttons on the ds all this time, wanting to use the x+y, and it's been there all teh time?!

It doesn't work. Unless there is some crazy variant out there (and that certainly would be interesting), it's time to call the bullshit.

 

[Deku]

if i didn't like anything nintendo related, i wouldn't mind that there's no ideal way to play gba games. as it happens, i like the gba library enough to have owned a gba, a gba sp, and a gb player. i draw the line at ds. but if nintendo released a gba sp sp with a backlit screen, i'd probably buy it. in a few years' time, i doubt i'll like anything nintendo related. that'll be a relief.

SP's been out for 2 years now. I found your comparison that the SP screen is hard to look at 'especially' if we are 'used to the PSP' as an indicaiton that you haven't even seen a SP until recently. Unless of course you're a Sony viral marketer who has been working on the PSP hardware for a few years.

Your comparison makes no sense, and I highly doubt you work for Sony.

 

[drohne]

you may not realize it, deku, but you're raving incoherently. i've owned an sp for about a year and a half, and for most of that time i found it adequate. now that i own a psp, the sp's screen is hard to look at. this is of potential relevance to someone considering an sp purchase now. which is what this thread seems to be about.

 

[Kamtendo]

I have to recommend the DS wholeheartedly, it's worth it. But if money is a big issue, it's probably better to wait for a price drop and enjoy the SP or GBP in the meanwhile.

 

[mrkgoo]

It doesn't work. Unless there is some crazy variant out there (and that certainly would be interesting), it's time to call the bullshit.

Oh. Ok. So wheere ould he get such a crazy idea and then claim that he does it himself?

I DEMAND ANSWERS.

In other news, it IS difficult to go back to the SP screen, and that's just from going to the DS. No idea what it'd be like after going to the PSP. They need to make a handheld with the same screen as teh T-series digicams. Pure awesome.

 

[fallout]

the gba sp's screen is hard to look at, particularly if you're used to psp. the ds screens are a bit better, but they're mounted on an overpriced piece of shit. the gb player stutters perceptibly, and the gc d-pad is useless, but it's still the best and cheapest solution.

drohne's comments about the GB Player refresh rate can be validated by me ... a guy who can't tell between 30 fps and 60 fps. I'm sure there's some tech junkie screaming to himself right now saying "What the fuck do those things have to do with each other?!" ... and I can comfortably say "I have no fucking clue."

That being said, the Hori GC Pad (which has been linked in another thread) is an excellent way to make your GB Player about as useful as it can be. It also functions quite well for thinks like like fighters. Also, if you give yourself time, the GB Player's visual annoyances will eventually become acceptable. They did for me anyway.

The DS creates some damn nice looking GBA games ... and the occasionally good DS game.

 

[Littleberu]

I'll go with the DS then. Being a fan of Wario Ware and all those games with orginal mini-games, I decided It would be the best choice.

 

[radioheadrule83]

It doesn't work. Unless there is some crazy variant out there (and that certainly would be interesting), it's time to call the bullshit.

I played Mario Kart last night and realised it doesn't work like I thought.

I have no idea how I'd convinced myself that it did, but I really had. I'm going insane or something.

 

[Panajev2001a]

Get a DS, unless you have GB/GBC games you really care about.