The Game Boy Advance (GBA) is a handheld game console developed and produced by Nintendo. It was released in 2001 as a successor to the Game Boy Color and was the first handheld console in the Game Boy line to feature a high-resolution screen and a more powerful processor.
The Game Boy Advance was a major commercial success and became one of the best-selling handheld game consoles of all time, with over 81 million units sold worldwide. It was known for its strong lineup of exclusive games, including the Pokemon series, the Mario Kart: Super Circuit game, and the Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 game.
One of the key features of the Game Boy Advance was its compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, allowing players to continue playing their favorite games from previous consoles. It was also the first handheld console in the Game Boy line to feature online multiplayer capabilities, through its link cable and Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter.
The Game Boy Advance was succeeded by the Nintendo DS in 2004. However, it remains a popular console among many gamers and has a large library of classic games.
Various GBA versions
There were several versions of the Game Boy Advance released during its lifespan:
- Game Boy Advance – This was the original version of the Game Boy Advance, released in 2001. It featured a 32-bit processor and a high-resolution screen and was compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games.
- Game Boy Advance SP – This was a revision of the Game Boy Advance, released in 2003. It featured a foldable design and a front-lit screen, which allowed for easier gameplay in low light conditions. It was also the first Game Boy Advance model to feature a rechargeable battery.
- Game Boy Advance SP+ – This was a minor revision of the Game Boy Advance SP, released in 2005. It featured a slightly modified design and added a microSD card slot, which allowed players to store and play digital copies of their games.
- Game Boy Micro – This was a revision of the Game Boy Advance, released in 2005. It was significantly smaller and lighter than the previous Game Boy Advance models and featured a removable faceplate that could be swapped out with different designs.
The Game Boy Advance was succeeded by the Nintendo DS in 2004. However, it remains a popular console among many gamers and has a large library of classic games.
Popular titles
- Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire – These role-playing games, developed by Game Freak, were a major hit on the Game Boy Advance and expanded upon the gameplay and features of the previous Pokemon games.
- Mario Kart: Super Circuit – This racing game, developed by Nintendo, was a major hit on the Game Boy Advance and is still remembered fondly by many gamers.
- Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 – This platformer, developed by Nintendo, was a major hit on the Game Boy Advance and is a remastered version of the classic Super Nintendo game.
- The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap – This action-adventure game, developed by Capcom, was a major hit on the Game Boy Advance and is still played by many people today.
- Metroid Fusion – This action-adventure game, developed by Nintendo, was a major hit on the Game Boy Advance and is still played by many people today.
- Golden Sun – This role-playing game, developed by Camelot Software Planning, was a popular title on the Game Boy Advance and is remembered for its challenging gameplay and compelling story.
Hidden gem titles
- Wario Land 4 – This platformer, developed by Nintendo, stars Wario, a character from the Super Mario series, and features challenging gameplay and unique power-ups.
- Advance Wars – This turn-based strategy game, developed by Intelligent Systems, is set in a colorful and detailed world and features deep gameplay and a compelling story.
- Shantae – This action-adventure game, developed by WayForward Technologies, is set in a colorful and detailed world and features a unique gameplay mechanic that allows the player to transform into different animals.
- The Final Fantasy Tactics Advance – This tactical role-playing game, developed by Square (now Square Enix), is set in a colorful and detailed world and features deep gameplay and a compelling story.
- Golden Sun: The Lost Age – This role-playing game, developed by Camelot Software Planning, is the sequel to Golden Sun and continues the story of the previous game while adding new gameplay mechanics and features.