Game Boy Advance: The Complete Buyer's Guide
Nintendo released the Game Boy Advance in North America on June 11, 2001. The 32-bit handheld played its own library along with almost every Game Boy and Game Boy Color game, and it is remembered for Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Metroid Fusion and a large catalog of 2D games.
Quick facts
| North American launch | June 11, 2001 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Nintendo |
| Media | Cartridges |
| Backward compatibility | Game Boy and Game Boy Color (not on Game Boy Micro) |
| Best-selling game | Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire |
| Worldwide sales (all models) | 81.51 million |
Models and what changed
The original Game Boy Advance (AGB-001) is a horizontal handheld with an unlit screen and two AA batteries. It is the only model with a standard headphone jack besides the Micro.
The Game Boy Advance SP launched in North America in March 2003 with a clamshell design, a built-in rechargeable battery and a frontlit screen (AGS-001). The AGS-101 revision from 2005 has a much brighter backlit screen, and it has a label on the bottom identifying it. Neither SP has a headphone jack without an adapter.
The Game Boy Micro (2005) is very small with a backlit screen and removable faceplates, but it cannot play Game Boy or Game Boy Color games.
Tips for buying one today
- Identify an SP by the model number on the bottom. AGS-101 units have a brighter backlit screen, while AGS-001 units use a frontlight that can be toggled with a button.
- Check SP hinges for cracks and test the battery life. Replacement batteries for the SP are widely available.
- Inspect screens for scratches. The original GBA and SP have plastic screen lenses that scratch easily, though replacement lenses are common.
- GBA games are not region locked, so cartridges from any region work on any GBA model.
- The Nintendo DS and DS Lite also play GBA cartridges in their lower slot, which is a good option if you want a backlit screen and a larger library.
Games to play first
- Pokémon Emerald
- The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
- Metroid Fusion
- Metroid: Zero Mission
- Advance Wars
- Fire Emblem
- Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
- Golden Sun
Shop by genre
GBA Action & Adventure Games · GBA Platformers · GBA RPGs · GBA Sports Games · GBA Racing Games · GBA Strategy Games
Guides
- Every Game Boy Model Compared: Which One Should You Buy?
- How to Spot a Fake Pokémon Game (Game Boy, GBA and DS)
- Games Like Pokémon: 10 Monster-Collecting RPGs to Play Next
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the AGS-001 and AGS-101?
Both are Game Boy Advance SP models. The AGS-001 has a frontlit screen, while the AGS-101 has a brighter backlit screen with better contrast. Games run the same on both.
Can the Game Boy Advance play Game Boy games?
Yes, the original GBA and GBA SP play Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges. The Game Boy Micro does not.
Why does Pokémon Ruby say the battery has run dry?
Ruby and Sapphire have a small battery that runs the in-game clock. Your save is stored separately and still works, but time-based events stop until the battery is replaced.
Can I play GBA games on a TV?
Yes. The Game Boy Player attachment for the GameCube plays GBA, Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on a TV.