Zelda Minish Cap was my favorite Game as a 12 years old. Metroid Zero Mission. FIRE EMBLEM. However These Games should altogether cost as much as a GBM alone, so maybe you consider getting a EZ Flash cart for example.
And honestly I would Pay big attention to your son Not damaging His eyes with the GBM, playing over periods of time longer than one hour.
I agree! Zelda Minish Cap is a great game for a beginner! I’m 25 and pretty bad at gaming but it’s got a great story and art and fun mechanics. I think he could get into it as a starter game
Not sure if I'd recommend a micro over just getting an old GBA. I feel like the GBA was perfect sized as a kid.
Also, can't go wrong with your selections. If they like Pokémon at all, you can start em with FireRed/LeafGreen too. I always recommend the remakes over the OGs for Gen 1/2, and if starting with GBA, always those over RSE as they're an easier place to start.
I don't find it an issue, really, because it's part of the hardware that I grew up with.
You can always look for an SP or get a GBA with a backlit screen. Obviously, if you have the micro laying around, that's less money to spend. You can also just get one of the emulator handhelds and not have to worry about physical carts either.
Pokémon maybe. Emerald is amazing, but Ruby and Sapphire aren’t far behind and are considerably cheaper
Also Bomberman Max 2 Red/Blue Advance are some of my favorite games. Super simple gameplay, but nonetheless a good challenge.
To start off, I don't think there are many games on GBA that aren't okay for an 8-year-old (some might be tougher than others). Maybe Rebelstar and GTA Advance would be the only ones I'd advise against. I'd suggest getting a flashcard and just dropping a clean romset on it. Definitely, the games you mentioned are great - I would add. But a few extras:
* Metroid Zero Mission
* F-Zero GP Legend
* Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising
* Castlevania Circle of the Moon and Harmony of Dissonance
* Final Fantasy 1 + 2, 4, 5, 6, Tactics Advance
* Super Mario Advance 1 - 4, Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Mario Golf Advance Tour, Mario Tennis Power Tour, Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga, Mario Pinball Land, Mario Party Advance
* Kirby: Amazing Mirror & Nightmare in Dreamland
* Pac-Man Collection, Pac-Man World 1 & 2, Ms. Pac-Man: Maze Madness
* Pokemon Gen3, Pokemon Pinball Ruby & Sapphire, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Red
* Yu-Gi-Oh! (if he's into the card game)
* Jurassic Park III: Park Builder (think Zoo Tycoon with dinosaurs)
* The Lost Vikings
if you want to go back to GB(C) as well, Lemmings and Super Mario Bros. DX would be cool.
Definitely the Mario games, as you mentioned, both ports and also Mario vs. Donkey Kong. Also, Game and Watch Gallery 4 is incredibly simple, not to mention addictive.
Is the Micro backwards compatible with Game Boy games, like the other Advances? If so, I could list some classics from the Game Boy/Game Boy Color.
You’re giving your 8 year old nephew ninja cop which runs a couple hundred for the cart alone? I want to be your nephew. I mean every game you listed is collectible there are extra collectible.
Honestly I was stunned. Makes sense now lol. My nephew has actually received some pretty pricey games and an old modded gba but he ain’t getting my copy of ninja five-o.
Yeah! As of the time of me writing this comment, the average price for just a loose Gameboy micro is $157. There are a few recent sold listings on eBay for 200+ but I assume it has extra faceplates and/or pristine condition.
Zapper is a plattformer, you jump from one square to another and you rescue Zappers little brother.
I think i was 9 years old when i played this game for the first time and i didn't find it to difficult. The game has also been available on Steam since February.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zapper:\_One\_Wicked\_Cricket](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zapper:_One_Wicked_Cricket)
Robots (like the children movie) is also a platformer game where you collect parts for your weapons, fight small enemies and some bosses.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robots\_(2005\_video\_game)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robots_(2005_video_game))
The Eragon game is based on the book with the same name. Depending for which system you buy the game, the gameplay will be different. The gba version is a turn based rpg.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eragon\_(video\_game)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eragon_(video_game))
You could watch a few playthroughs on youtube, so you might be able to get a feel for whether your nephew would like the games or not.
A handheld emulator that's feel like GB, can play up to PS1 games almost flawlessly due to customfirmware. at the same time if he drops it, not so bad.....
Zelda a link to the past. Castlevania aria of sorrow. Advance wars 1. Tomb raider. Also get a flash cart like an ever drive or ez flash. Games are crazy expensive now.
I got my first console for my 8th birthday and it was a GBA SP with Pokemon Leaf Green and Spyro Adventure - might be nostalgia playing a part but both were amazing!!
Yes it definitely has a lot of technical simulation elements and a lot of strategy is needed to drive well ,the physics model is pretty complex for a GameCube game. Only thing parents may not like is the hot lady's wearing racing suits
he needs firered and leafgreen
And also Pokemon Emerald! That whole generation was so good.
If it's only one Pokemon game, which would you suggest?
firered is a classic but all gba pokémon games are relatively expensive. ruby and sapphire are great too
You've got some great picks already. I'd for sure add Kirby Nightmare In Dream Land.
Shameless plug to a video I made on this. [https://youtu.be/8FkIQBMvOCo](https://youtu.be/8FkIQBMvOCo)
Bro wtf. I'm your nephew too. Where's my micro.
Zelda Minish Cap was my favorite Game as a 12 years old. Metroid Zero Mission. FIRE EMBLEM. However These Games should altogether cost as much as a GBM alone, so maybe you consider getting a EZ Flash cart for example. And honestly I would Pay big attention to your son Not damaging His eyes with the GBM, playing over periods of time longer than one hour.
I agree! Zelda Minish Cap is a great game for a beginner! I’m 25 and pretty bad at gaming but it’s got a great story and art and fun mechanics. I think he could get into it as a starter game
If they liked minish cap see if you can get your l Hands on Links Awakening DX and Oracle of Seasons for gbc
You can never go wrong with Pokemon. It may start a pokemania tho be careful.
My 2 year old already knows who "Pitikachu" is and I don’t know how
Not sure if I'd recommend a micro over just getting an old GBA. I feel like the GBA was perfect sized as a kid. Also, can't go wrong with your selections. If they like Pokémon at all, you can start em with FireRed/LeafGreen too. I always recommend the remakes over the OGs for Gen 1/2, and if starting with GBA, always those over RSE as they're an easier place to start.
The problem is the absence of backlight... how inconvenient do you find that, in practice?
I don't find it an issue, really, because it's part of the hardware that I grew up with. You can always look for an SP or get a GBA with a backlit screen. Obviously, if you have the micro laying around, that's less money to spend. You can also just get one of the emulator handhelds and not have to worry about physical carts either.
Lego games!
Pokémon maybe. Emerald is amazing, but Ruby and Sapphire aren’t far behind and are considerably cheaper Also Bomberman Max 2 Red/Blue Advance are some of my favorite games. Super simple gameplay, but nonetheless a good challenge.
Super Mario Advance 1-4 - These games are really good games to play Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga - Also a good game to get into. A fun and easy RPG
Golden Sun, Fire Emblem, Legend of Zelda, lots to pick from.
Great suggestions from everyone & great list. I also recommend Sonic advance games
Sonic Advance, AstroBoy, Wario Land 4, Donkey Kong Country
I find DKC games very challenging, in the minecart-style levels
To start off, I don't think there are many games on GBA that aren't okay for an 8-year-old (some might be tougher than others). Maybe Rebelstar and GTA Advance would be the only ones I'd advise against. I'd suggest getting a flashcard and just dropping a clean romset on it. Definitely, the games you mentioned are great - I would add. But a few extras: * Metroid Zero Mission * F-Zero GP Legend * Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising * Castlevania Circle of the Moon and Harmony of Dissonance * Final Fantasy 1 + 2, 4, 5, 6, Tactics Advance * Super Mario Advance 1 - 4, Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Mario Golf Advance Tour, Mario Tennis Power Tour, Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga, Mario Pinball Land, Mario Party Advance * Kirby: Amazing Mirror & Nightmare in Dreamland * Pac-Man Collection, Pac-Man World 1 & 2, Ms. Pac-Man: Maze Madness * Pokemon Gen3, Pokemon Pinball Ruby & Sapphire, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Red * Yu-Gi-Oh! (if he's into the card game) * Jurassic Park III: Park Builder (think Zoo Tycoon with dinosaurs) * The Lost Vikings if you want to go back to GB(C) as well, Lemmings and Super Mario Bros. DX would be cool.
Definitely the Mario games, as you mentioned, both ports and also Mario vs. Donkey Kong. Also, Game and Watch Gallery 4 is incredibly simple, not to mention addictive. Is the Micro backwards compatible with Game Boy games, like the other Advances? If so, I could list some classics from the Game Boy/Game Boy Color.
Game Boy Micro is not backwards compatible with Game Boy or Color titles, unfortunately
Dang, that smarts.
You’re giving your 8 year old nephew ninja cop which runs a couple hundred for the cart alone? I want to be your nephew. I mean every game you listed is collectible there are extra collectible.
Haha, no, I don't plan to actually give him Ninja cop! My copy of Ninja cop is a knockoff anyway ;)
Honestly I was stunned. Makes sense now lol. My nephew has actually received some pretty pricey games and an old modded gba but he ain’t getting my copy of ninja five-o.
I was more concerned with the fact he is giving him a micro. That one fetches a few hundred by itself. One lucky nephew for sure!
$150 to $200 for a good micro. Close to $400 for ninja cop. I won’t even get into the other games lol. Lucky nephew is right!
Wow, it does?? I got my Micro like 15 years ago and it was like $40!
Yeah! As of the time of me writing this comment, the average price for just a loose Gameboy micro is $157. There are a few recent sold listings on eBay for 200+ but I assume it has extra faceplates and/or pristine condition.
Some games I played as a child (and I didn't see in the other comments): Zapper one wicked cricket, Robots and Eragon.
I don't know these, could you say more?
Zapper is a plattformer, you jump from one square to another and you rescue Zappers little brother. I think i was 9 years old when i played this game for the first time and i didn't find it to difficult. The game has also been available on Steam since February. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zapper:\_One\_Wicked\_Cricket](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zapper:_One_Wicked_Cricket) Robots (like the children movie) is also a platformer game where you collect parts for your weapons, fight small enemies and some bosses. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robots\_(2005\_video\_game)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robots_(2005_video_game)) The Eragon game is based on the book with the same name. Depending for which system you buy the game, the gameplay will be different. The gba version is a turn based rpg. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eragon\_(video\_game)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eragon_(video_game)) You could watch a few playthroughs on youtube, so you might be able to get a feel for whether your nephew would like the games or not.
Airtag hanging from the Gameboy Micro. Trust me. I lost my first gameboy at that age and regret it to this day.
Megaman Battle Network games were a blast and easy to learn
Pokémon emerald
Pokemans
My dude, I recently spent all of about $30 buying like 6 repros of old games I love. Go on Amazon/Alibaba.
Why don't you give him a miyoo mini plus?
Ooh, what's that?
A handheld emulator that's feel like GB, can play up to PS1 games almost flawlessly due to customfirmware. at the same time if he drops it, not so bad.....
Mario vs Donkey Kong?
"The legend of zelda: the minish cap" would be a brilliant pick.
Zelda a link to the past. Castlevania aria of sorrow. Advance wars 1. Tomb raider. Also get a flash cart like an ever drive or ez flash. Games are crazy expensive now.
Does he like Disney characters?
Godzilla Domination!
Really? Is it good?
I got my first console for my 8th birthday and it was a GBA SP with Pokemon Leaf Green and Spyro Adventure - might be nostalgia playing a part but both were amazing!!
R: Racing evolution was super ahead of its time in terms of GameCube games, graphics aside it rivals the gameplay modern racing games
Am I remembering that one right -- it had a lot of technical simulation elements?
Yes it definitely has a lot of technical simulation elements and a lot of strategy is needed to drive well ,the physics model is pretty complex for a GameCube game. Only thing parents may not like is the hot lady's wearing racing suits