Smiles and Cries
Member
I must have one... I never did get an SP 
damn you Nintendo
damn you Nintendo
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New model GBA SP?
- Thread starter B.K.
- Start date
Companion Cube
Member
New SP vs Micro?! We need results!
soundwave05
Member
New SP and Micro probably are identical in screen brightness, most likely because they're the same screen from the same provider.
Nintendo probably scored a deal on LCDs and decided to upgraded the old GBA SP at the same time. That way they could order GBA SP/Micro screens in bulk.
Aside from the few of you who already bought a Micro in Japan or whatever ... really this is a good thing.
If you wanted a Micro to play GBA SP solely for the screen quality, now you have a better option at a lower price. The Micro is still smaller, sexier, and customizable (GBA SP Famicom model is cool, but the GBA Micro Famicom is much better looking), so its up to you as to which one to get.
Maybe you guys in Japan got screwed this time, but you guys usually get all the cool stuff and usually get it first, so tough
Nintendo probably scored a deal on LCDs and decided to upgraded the old GBA SP at the same time. That way they could order GBA SP/Micro screens in bulk.
Aside from the few of you who already bought a Micro in Japan or whatever ... really this is a good thing.
If you wanted a Micro to play GBA SP solely for the screen quality, now you have a better option at a lower price. The Micro is still smaller, sexier, and customizable (GBA SP Famicom model is cool, but the GBA Micro Famicom is much better looking), so its up to you as to which one to get.
Maybe you guys in Japan got screwed this time, but you guys usually get all the cool stuff and usually get it first, so tough
JoshuaJSlone
Member
The screens aren't the same size.soundwave05 said:
because nobody except the people who post on this forum and people who like them will notice and care, and it probably streamlines production or something, cutting out frontlit screens, as well as providing a better user experience for anyone who buys an SP here on out.john tv said:
soundwave05
Member
JoshuaJSlone said:
But they're likely from the same provider and manufactured at the same assembly line.
I don't think Nintendo was even planning this, the LCD manufacturer might have just offered them an all around sweet deal if Nintendo agreed to give them both Micro and SP orders.
Mass production. Happens all the time with consoles (look at how many PS2 models there are).
TerryLee81
Member
Any release date for that GBA SP+ for Europe? Is it only available in US at the moment?
john tv said:
I'm guessing it's because the LCD manufacturers don't make the sidelit ones anymore. It's probably more efficient to have the same technology across teh board (the main difference, afterall, is the position of the light).
I'm wondering if I should pick up all of these 9micro adn new SP). It was one thing to be a GameBoy line collector, but it's really somehting to be a GameBoy ADVANCE collector....
My MAJOR disappointment comes from GAF. As I've stated before I use it as basically a videogame news hub. I always stated the moment (and often I mean MOMENT) news is released it appears on GAF. Yes, that has happened in this case, but where were the rumours?
Nintendo is smart. This is a way to get money out of people who weren't going to get Micro. So what if it cuts into Micro sales? Nintendo gets the money anyway.
I wasn't going to get a Micro due to the tiny screen. I prefer the DS or GBA SP for GBA games. My black GBA SP has been a workhorse. I've got an extended battery in the thing! Now I find out I can get another black SP with a backlit screen for $79.99... probably $10-15 less depending on sales. Sold!
Hell, I was going to get my mom an SP along with Dr. Mario / Puzzle League for Christmas anyway. The new SP totally seals that idea. She's been playing Pokemon Puzzle Challenge on a GBC for years. No way I'd saddle her with a tinier screen. Backlit just sweetens the deal.
Woot!
I wasn't going to get a Micro due to the tiny screen. I prefer the DS or GBA SP for GBA games. My black GBA SP has been a workhorse. I've got an extended battery in the thing! Now I find out I can get another black SP with a backlit screen for $79.99... probably $10-15 less depending on sales. Sold!
Hell, I was going to get my mom an SP along with Dr. Mario / Puzzle League for Christmas anyway. The new SP totally seals that idea. She's been playing Pokemon Puzzle Challenge on a GBC for years. No way I'd saddle her with a tinier screen. Backlit just sweetens the deal.
Woot!
Nintendo Ate My Children
Member
I think Nintendo is simply doing this because they don't view the Micro as a replacement for the GBA SP in the same way that the SP was a replacement for the old GBA. They're fully aware some people will be turned off by the tiny screen, so this way they can keep everyone happy.
Beer Monkey
Member
Some numbers:
By my calculations, Micro is 2.66 sq. in. displayable, where SP is 3.88 sq. in.
This makes the SP screen a 46% increase over the Micro screen.
By my calculations, Micro is 2.66 sq. in. displayable, where SP is 3.88 sq. in.
This makes the SP screen a 46% increase over the Micro screen.
Bah, this is why I hate when companies rush things to the market. Luckily, I'm not a big handheld gamer, and the only portable system I've ever owned is the DS. But the principle still really pisses me off.
I'm really hoping this SP, SP+, SP+_+ phenomenon will not be present in the next set of Nintendo handhelds (and, God forbid, home consoles).
I'm really hoping this SP, SP+, SP+_+ phenomenon will not be present in the next set of Nintendo handhelds (and, God forbid, home consoles).
It already is, and has been for some time. PlayStation, PSOne, PlayStation 2, PStwo, the GC redesign that left the system sans digital output, the various PS2 redesigns between PlayStation 2 and PStwo that removed ports, the various PSX redesigns between PlayStation and PSOne that removed ports, Saturn redesigns, front and top-loading NES, redesigned SNES, etc...Mihail said:
Yeah, but for the vast majority, those things don't affect the system's features, you know? Not to mention that size and shape redesign plays a huge part in a handheld, while not so much in a home console.
EDIT: I guess port removal/addition does affect features, but a small percentage of the total userbase makes use of harddrive, digital out, etc.
EDIT: I guess port removal/addition does affect features, but a small percentage of the total userbase makes use of harddrive, digital out, etc.
Words can't express my bemusement. Talk about slipping it under the radar...jooey said:New SP at low brightness:
New SP at high brightness:
As you can see, the new one really makes itself known. It's even better than the DS -- probably on par with the Micro but I don't have one yet.
Screw the Micro -- reissue this in the NES style. Gargh!
I wonder if the molds have changed (I'm guessing yes, unfortunately). If I could just get the new guts into my NES SP...
Edit: I was sure this was a joke thread for the first seventeen posts.
Infernal Monkey
Member
I suppose you still have to buy that stupid headphone adaptor thing for this SP?
jgkspsx said:
Just got off the phone with Nintendo of America Customer Service.
Yes, the molds have changed, so there's no way Nintendo will upgrade older SP models with the backlit screen. So much for the NES SP being the ultimate
As for why this is such a quiet thing, the rep claimed that the new SPs shipped early and weren't slated for another few weeks.
Beer Monkey
Member
I've got to start thinning my Gameboy collection...time to get rid of the old Gameboy Pocket Light.
Well, this certainly has made me confused and hesitant about buying a DS, which I was planning on doing some time in the next couple weeks for the release of Castlevania. Surely if Nintendo are getting package deals with their new LCD screens, these will find their way into the DS before too long? Although I'm guessing it'll be much more difficult to ascertain a DS+ from a regular DS, since they can't say "New Backlit Screen!" on the box.
Musashi Wins!
FLAWLESS VICTOLY!
I wish they had released a sleeker DS. I'll definitely not get a micro now though. I will probably trade my SP toward this.
jetpacks was yes
Member
What the hell?? Geez, I'm going to get this when it hits $50. I am such a consumer whore. Glad I didn't get the micro though!
truffleshuffle83
Banned
sooooooooooo 15 years after sega released the game gear. game boy finally gets back lit
Beer Monkey
Member
Gameboy and Lynx backlit weren't active matrix screens and really looked worse than the old SP...terribly contrast, and streaking.
Now, Turbo Express had a fantastic screen.
You bought the best version available at the time... but you pays your money and you takes your chances. Products are prone to evolve over time, if a better product can be made, it should be.Scrow said:
LOL, haven't been around long, have ya? I think that's a much different situation, though... they're not raising the price any for this, and really it's more an improvement on an already-standard feature. IMO, it's more relatable to when Sony put out the PS2+ with a built in IR remote and DVD-R playback.ElyrionX said: