Game Boy Advance first launched in 2001 as the world’s first 32-bit handheld – and as the epitome of sprite art. It expanded handheld gaming far beyond what the original Game Boy could offer with beautiful graphics and innovative games; in fact, it was basically a handheld Super Nintendo. It sold more than 81 million units worldwide, but there are still a lot of people that don’t own one.
If you missed out on playing the GBA in its prime, it’s not too late. 2020 is a great year to purchase a Game Boy Advance, and here are ten reasons why.
Very Affordable
Unlike many classic consoles, the Game Boy Advance is still reasonably affordable. Even a fully modded device will only cost around $200, while a standard, used GBA or GBA SP can be purchased for well under $100. If you want to try out a classic console without breaking the bank, the Game Boy Advance is a solid choice.
Display: A Tiny Mod, A Huge Improvement
The original Game Boy Advance did not have a backlight; in fact, backlit screens didn’t come around until the Game Boy Advance SP. But nowadays you can easily purchase a backlit IPS screen from eBay or AliExpress and swap it out yourself with just a few minutes of work. Your games will look brighter and crisper than ever before.
Easily Customized Shell
Just as you can swap out the screen to get a better gaming experience, you can also change the entire shell (and the buttons) with just a bit of work. An entire community of creators have sprung up that make custom shells based on many of the major franchises on the platform, including Metroid, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokemon.
The Ultimate Portable RPG System
If you’re a fan of RPGs, you owe it to yourself to pick up a GBA. Not only can you play numerous entires in the Pokemon franchise, but you can also play Golden Sun, Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga, the Mega Man Battle Network series, and much more.
Cheap for Retro Games
Retro gaming is not a cheap hobby. Just take a look at the current price for GameCube games, or better yet, look for a copy of Mega Man X3 on the Super Nintendo. Some titles you might literally need to sell a kidney for. On the other hand, the vast majority of great tiles on the Game Boy Advance are affordable. Even pricier games like The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap can be hard for under $50.
Drill Dozer, Seriously
Drill Dozer is one of the strangest games in the entire Game Boy Advance lineup. Not only is the cartridge an odd shape, but the game itself is odd. Developed by Game Freak (yes, the same team behind Pokemon), Drill Dozer is one of only two GBA games to include force feedback. You take control of Jill and control a massie machine called the Drill Dozer to make your way through more than 17 levels. It’s a charming game that you can’t find elsewhere, and it is well worth your time to try it out for yourself.
It’s the Final Fantasy Machine
If you’re a fan of the classic Final Fantasy games, then a Game Boy Advance is the system to own. Not only does it have the best version of the original two games in the form of Final Fantasy: Dawn of Souls, but it also has Final Fantasy III, IV, V, and VI all in one place. If you’re ever in the mood for a good story on the go, fire up one of these classics.
Mods Give Better Battery Life
If you’re going to deck out your GBA with a brand-new screen, then you should also invest in a battery upgrade. Those backlit IPS screens will chew up AA batteries at a rate that would make the original Game Boy proud, but a more modern battery (chargable through USB-C) will give you much longer-lasting battery life. Best of all, these battery upgrades even work with the old low-battery indicator light.
Pokémon
The Pokémon series made the original Game Boy what it is, and the Game Boy Advance gained equal benefit from the beloved franchise. With Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire as the two next-gen (at the time) Pokemon games, fans also had the option to play Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green, remakes of the original two games. The Game Boy Advance also introduced the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon franchise.
Stylish and Portable
Nintendo Switch might be a more powerful system, but it’s also large. Game Boy Advance fits in your pocket, and with the right modifications, has way more style than Nintendo Switch can ever hope to have. Let’s face it: if you whip out the Game Boy Advance on your daily commute, it will start conversations.