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The GBA's Last Stand
1up.com has a feature up examining the possible end of days for the Game Boy Advance. From the article: "...it would seem the end is nigh. Sony's PlayStation Portable offers PS2 level power and a beautiful screen next to GBA's humble, Super NES-quality experience. And Nintendo seems be placing its hopes on its quirky but successful two-screened DS. Rumors of a next-generation Game Boy system were crushed at E3 2005 with the unveiling of Game Boy Micro, a revised GBA selling on its stylish, compact design and beautiful (but minuscule) screen."
not to mention why would they release another handheld so soon after releasing the DS...it seems like nobody can compete on the handheld market (the PSP is too high end to directly compete, even with the DS). I guess Nintendo wants to compete with themselves just for the challenge.
Yes, its true, Nintendo has made a unique product which offers something new to consumers, backwards compatibility with their huge library of old titles, and the possiblity of both multimedia support (see the article's mention of the Play-Yan adapter) and PDA capabilities (it already has a touch screen, and the GameBoy had digital assistant software years ago).
I'm sure the GameBoy will be wiped off the map any time now, right after the Macintosh (pesky unique architecture), the iPod (inability to work with millions of competing formats), and CDs (who needs an entrenched user base when you could have 5 hojillion gigs on one fingernail).
It makes more sense to try to sell to hardcore gamers anyway, and fight for their attention from movies, mp3 players, PC titles, and pr0n; instead of the millions of children begging their parents for Pokemon. Definitely a doomed marketing strategy and business plan.
Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta catch them all . . .
Please tell me you're not a pilot!