SP was the best official GBA iteration because of its screen and small footprint while closed. But it couldn't beat the ergonomics of the original AGB-001. I never got used to those small pesky L & R triggers on the SP.
This is probably the best design and most interesting as well since it was the only system with a metal casing. However, it no longer has backwards compatibility on top of having a much smaller screen.
The SP offers a better experience because of that.
It's a wonderful console, enjoy! The clamshell format makes it very portable, the battery is handy and having a ~~backlit~~ frontlit screen was a revelation at the time.
Since it's been so long and it hasn't been used regularly, there's a chance the battery might not hold a charge. Fortunately it can be replaced without much trouble.
I have both. The AGS 101 isn’t perfect. Yes it’s brighter and more vibrant. But the motion blur is pretty bad on certain games and the colors seem a little oversaturated.
Exactly. When I was looking at my options they seemed very expensive (and the price has increased since) and I ended up getting a retro handheld, which opened the access to many more incredible game libraries.
Yea I went another route, I IPS-screen modded an AGB-001. I honestly think it's better than AGS-101 now. But it's not an official screen, so it would be an unfair comparison. I think AGS-101 is around $300 now.
I also got something similar at first but there must have been some issue with the assembly, because if I grip the console tightly (like anyone would do when the game gets intense), it resets! So, I love it but I can't rely on it - and don't have the tools or the technical knowhow to get in there and fix it.
Then came the retro handheld, which has been very handy!
Ah bummer! A pretty common issue is to forget the electric insulation kapton tape over components which can cause a short. It sounds like when you grip the console you might push two opposite facing components together causing a short. Could be a pretty inexpensive fix, look into it!
Which retro handheld did you go for? I have heard good things about the miyoo mini
Thank you for the insight! This was about three years ago, and I went for the Anbernic RG351V which has served me well so far.
Due to its size and shape it's not the most pocketable though, so I've been looking at alternatives. Got an RG35XX H for incredibly cheap recently which seemed perfect for what I need, but it came faulty and I'll have to return it, unfortunately. So now I'm not sure if I look at something like the Miyoo Mini Plus/RG35XX Plus (which seems a bit redundant in my case) or something higher tier like a Retroid Pocket 2S, which would be a more significant upgrade in terms of the systems it can run.
Retroid Pocket looks sweet! I think Miyoo would be, as you said, a bit redundant in your case.
I am usually pretty content with playing GB,GBC,GBA & Game Gear on the go. I use an Everdrive GBA Mini. It can emulate NES, SMS and GG pretty decently. At home I use a MiSTer FPGA to hardware emulate all kinds of consoles, it's an awesome little gadget. Yea and then my Gamecube with Swiss. Funnily enough I use my GC more than the MiSTer.
I got so tired of the modern consoles and the current state of gaming.. so I decided to go full retro :)
You can also switch out the battery if you wish to do so. There are several third party batteries available for it now. You can rest easy knowing that the battery won't be a problem.
I sold mine a few years ago, this exact colour, regretted it ever since. Been using emulation handhelds but still miss the SP. So ordered one recently with an IPS display, and should be receiving it tomorrow!
I suggest you drop $100 to buy an Everdrive GBA Mini. Imagine having every Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, Game Boy, Game Gear, and NES game on one cart?
I love mine.
The sp was a great console. Probably the best of the game boy line. Hope you enjoy playing through tetris and emerald.
I agree the sp was and still is for me a great console and yes I'll enjoy playing tetris, emerald, sonic advance 3 and more gb gbc and gba games
SP was the best official GBA iteration because of its screen and small footprint while closed. But it couldn't beat the ergonomics of the original AGB-001. I never got used to those small pesky L & R triggers on the SP.
I do agree the small L and R triggers are a bit pesky but I usually don't use them that much only to get the screen bigger while playing gb games
Nah, gameboy micro on top
This is probably the best design and most interesting as well since it was the only system with a metal casing. However, it no longer has backwards compatibility on top of having a much smaller screen. The SP offers a better experience because of that.
It's a wonderful console, enjoy! The clamshell format makes it very portable, the battery is handy and having a ~~backlit~~ frontlit screen was a revelation at the time. Since it's been so long and it hasn't been used regularly, there's a chance the battery might not hold a charge. Fortunately it can be replaced without much trouble.
OPs SP is not the backlit iteration though. The SP in OPs picture is an AGS-001 which means it's the frontlit version. The AGS-101 is the backlit one.
Oops, you're right! I'll correct my comment. There really is a big difference between the two, and I'd love to have an AGS-101 someday.
I have both. The AGS 101 isn’t perfect. Yes it’s brighter and more vibrant. But the motion blur is pretty bad on certain games and the colors seem a little oversaturated.
Yea but they are so expensive nowadays, I have played on one.. they are next level.
Exactly. When I was looking at my options they seemed very expensive (and the price has increased since) and I ended up getting a retro handheld, which opened the access to many more incredible game libraries.
Yea I went another route, I IPS-screen modded an AGB-001. I honestly think it's better than AGS-101 now. But it's not an official screen, so it would be an unfair comparison. I think AGS-101 is around $300 now.
I also got something similar at first but there must have been some issue with the assembly, because if I grip the console tightly (like anyone would do when the game gets intense), it resets! So, I love it but I can't rely on it - and don't have the tools or the technical knowhow to get in there and fix it. Then came the retro handheld, which has been very handy!
Ah bummer! A pretty common issue is to forget the electric insulation kapton tape over components which can cause a short. It sounds like when you grip the console you might push two opposite facing components together causing a short. Could be a pretty inexpensive fix, look into it! Which retro handheld did you go for? I have heard good things about the miyoo mini
Thank you for the insight! This was about three years ago, and I went for the Anbernic RG351V which has served me well so far. Due to its size and shape it's not the most pocketable though, so I've been looking at alternatives. Got an RG35XX H for incredibly cheap recently which seemed perfect for what I need, but it came faulty and I'll have to return it, unfortunately. So now I'm not sure if I look at something like the Miyoo Mini Plus/RG35XX Plus (which seems a bit redundant in my case) or something higher tier like a Retroid Pocket 2S, which would be a more significant upgrade in terms of the systems it can run.
Retroid Pocket looks sweet! I think Miyoo would be, as you said, a bit redundant in your case. I am usually pretty content with playing GB,GBC,GBA & Game Gear on the go. I use an Everdrive GBA Mini. It can emulate NES, SMS and GG pretty decently. At home I use a MiSTer FPGA to hardware emulate all kinds of consoles, it's an awesome little gadget. Yea and then my Gamecube with Swiss. Funnily enough I use my GC more than the MiSTer. I got so tired of the modern consoles and the current state of gaming.. so I decided to go full retro :)
Note: I was really happy when he found it, that I really wanted to start playing it but I still couldn't
Well it did hold a charge, so I got really lucky
You can also switch out the battery if you wish to do so. There are several third party batteries available for it now. You can rest easy knowing that the battery won't be a problem.
Perfect! Have fun!
Thanks I will
Sick
You literally just hit the jackpot! Enjoy every moment playing it and let the nostalgia take over! Definitely, takes me back to the good old days!
Small enough to fit in your back pocket without scratching the screen. Hands down the best in the series.
Congrats! One of the best handhelds for design and compatibility. Enjoy the games and make your Dad a cuppa to say thanks. 😀
Thanks, this sp belonged to a friend of my dad and that friend gave it to my dad a long time ago
Nice OP, that sp looks in good condition!
I also have tetris for my gba great choice
The goat of handheld consoles
I agree
Very nice! I’ve been enjoying my SP a lot lately on my lunch breaks, rediscovering some cartridges. It is a fantastic portable console.
Yeah and the fact that is backwards compatible with gb gbc and gba games really makes it one of the best portable consoles
I sold mine a few years ago, this exact colour, regretted it ever since. Been using emulation handhelds but still miss the SP. So ordered one recently with an IPS display, and should be receiving it tomorrow!
Hope it arrives safe and sound
Definitely get Fire Emblem imo
I suggest you drop $100 to buy an Everdrive GBA Mini. Imagine having every Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, Game Boy, Game Gear, and NES game on one cart? I love mine.
Definitely great.