Game Boy Advance (original model)

The Game Boy Advance sold at a base price of $100 USD when it was released in North America. Prior to the release of the Game Boy Advance SP, the GBA was the fastest-selling game console in history. Despite its success, many criticized the original Game Boy Advance for still not adopting a lighted screen, which Nintendo would rectify with later models. As of 2005, the original (non-lighted) model GBA has been discontinued.

Game Boy Advance SP
Game Boy Advance SP
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Game Boy Advance SP

Main article: Game Boy Advance SP

In early 2003, Nintendo upgraded the Game Boy Advance giving it an internal front-light that can be turned on or off, a rechargeable lithium ion battery, as well as a folding case approximately half the size of the GBA. It was designed to address some common complaints with the original GBA.

Around the same time as the release of the Game Boy micro, Nintendo released a new backlit version of the SP. The switch that controls the light now toggles between "normal" (which itself is already brighter than a Nintendo DS's screen), and "bright," an intense brightness level similar to LCD television sets.

Game Boy micro
Game Boy micro
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Game Boy micro

Main article: Game Boy micro

In September 2005, Nintendo released a second redesign of the Game Boy Advance. This model again goes back to the Game Boy Advance horizontal orientation and is much smaller and sleeker. The Game Boy micro also offers the user to switch between several colored faceplates to allow customization, a feature which Nintendo advertised heavily around the micro's launch. Unlike the previous models it does not support Game Boy or Game Boy Color titles.