GBA differences

[Jamisonia]

I'm looking to get a GBA. I already have the original GBA, but I've considered getting some of the others since they have better lighting. Could somebody please describe to me the differences between the GBAs, original, SP, and Micro. Also is the DS Lite backwards compatibility better, the same or worse? I'm interested in using it for GB, GBC, and GBA games.

One other thing I'm curious about is how the Game Boy Player works with GB games vs the Super Gameboy. Which is superior?

[Flake]

The Lite does not play GB or GBC games.

The second model of SP has the best back lit screen and full BC.

The Micro also does not play GB or GBC games.

The GB Player is vastly superior to the Super Gameboy - better interface, more compatibility - but games can benefit from picking up an adapter to use SNES controllers on the GCN or the expensive Hori game pad.

[irixith]

I'm looking to get a GBA. I already have the original GBA, but I've considered getting some of the others since they have better lighting. Could somebody please describe to me the differences between the GBAs, original, SP, and Micro. Also is the DS Lite backwards compatibility better, the same or worse? I'm interested in using it for GB, GBC, and GBA games.

One other thing I'm curious about is how the Game Boy Player works with GB games vs the Super Gameboy. Which is superior?

In a nutshell:

Original GBA: Horizontal orientation, screen isn't lit (can be front light modded), runs on AA batteries.

GBA SP v1: Vertical orientation, foldable, screen is lit, has built-in rechargeable battery, headphone jack removed and replaced with a port you need an adapter for to use headphones..

GBA SP v2: Brighter backlit screen.

Micro: Horizontal orientation, smallest size, swappable faceplates (good luck finding any), removes support for GB & GBC cartridges.

DS/DS Lite: It isn't "backwards compatibility", there's actual GBA hardware in there. You can choose whether to play the games on the top or bottom screen. No GB/GBC cartridge support like with the micro, and no GBA support at all in the DSi and upwards.

The Game Boy Player is likely superior simply because you have a wider range of modern television options to connect it to, with improved filters over the Super Game Boy.

[Jamisonia]

I thought it might be possible the Super Game Boy is better at coloring GB games than the GB Player is.

Is the SP v2 rare? Like if I go searching for one Gamestop am I likely to find one?

[YoshiEgg25]

The Super Game Boy is banned for speed runs by Twin Galaxies because it runs games faster than original or later hardware runs GB games.

[SwooshBear]

The Super Game Boy is banned for speed runs by Twin Galaxies because it runs games faster than original or later hardware runs GB games.

Anyway, I'd get the SP. Folds for easy trasportaion, and most comfortable out of the GBA's. Micro was too small for me, and I dislike the original GBA's long screen for GB/GBC games. SP doesnt use AA batteries so make sure you get a charger for it. Original DS chargers work on it, that's what I use. I've never used the GB Player but I love the Super Gameboy. It doesn't work on some GBC games though (like pokemon crystal, pissed me off as a kid)

[Xelyx]

I thought it might be possible the Super Game Boy is better at coloring GB games than the GB Player is.

Is the SP v2 rare? Like if I go searching for one Gamestop am I likely to find one?

How do you even tell the difference between the v1 and v2 models?

[irixith]

I thought it might be possible the Super Game Boy is better at coloring GB games than the GB Player is.

Is the SP v2 rare? Like if I go searching for one Gamestop am I likely to find one?

How do you even tell the difference between the v1 and v2 models?

The Super Game Boy? The v2 is transparent blue

[Xelyx]

I thought it might be possible the Super Game Boy is better at coloring GB games than the GB Player is.

Is the SP v2 rare? Like if I go searching for one Gamestop am I likely to find one?

How do you even tell the difference between the v1 and v2 models?

The Super Game Boy? The v2 is transparent blue

I meant the SP.

[CRTGAMER]

Just look at the model numbers of the GBA SP.

Best brightest screen - AGS-101

Not as bright - AGS-001