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The Gameboy Micro Reviewed

Posted by Zonk on from the pocket-sized-hardware dept.

Advtg writes "Ars Technica has a great review of the Gameboy Micro, which is now shipping in North America. The thing is amazingly small, but it looks as though worries about the screen being too small and too dim aren't true. But will it sell? From the review: 'You'd think at this point the portable market would just be saturated with Nintendo products, and the Micro carries a price tag of US$99.99. For just US$30 more you can get a DS, and for US$20 less you can get an SP with the newly brightened screen. It occupies somewhat of an awkward place in terms of price point and features.'"

8 of 266 comments (clear)

  1. IGN Gameboy's Review by dividedsky319 · · Score: 5, Informative

    gameboy.ign.com's review of the Micro is actually pretty positive

    Here's the ending summary of it: The GB Micro isn't exactly the ideal way to enjoy Game Boy Advance games, but don't misjudge it by its size. Given the choice between toting a GBA SP in our backpacks or a GB Micro in our pockets, we'll take the Micro. It's tiny, its screen is amazing, and it is surprisingly comfortable to hold.

  2. Re:Taking bets... by RichardX · · Score: 4, Informative

    How long till people port Linux to it?
    About... this long

    --
    Curiosity was framed. Ignorance killed the cat.
  3. A review from some experts on small tech... by TheGreatGraySkwid · · Score: 3, Informative

    The guys at iPod Lounge did a comprehensive review of this little guy some time ago, with lots of pictures comparing it to the various iPods and previous GameBoys for perspective. Worth checking out.

    --
    The Humblest Mollusk on the Net
  4. I really want one of these, but... by Phantasmo · · Score: 4, Informative

    Apparently if you want to play multiplayer with an SP or connect the Micro to your Gamecube you need to buy a converter cable.
    I'm disappointed that they couldn't keep with the standard connector. It's not the end of the world, I'd just prefer not to worry about one more tiny accessory.

    --

    The US Army: promoting democracy through unquestioned obedience
  5. FYI... by jxyama · · Score: 5, Informative
    Some of the things I've found out since I've had it for a few days...
    • The "black" version comes with the silver faceplate and the "silver" version comes with the black faceplate. (It confused me for a while...)
    • Battery lasts about 10 hours. (This was hard to find surprisingly...)
    • The shoulder buttons are pushed down on the inner side, not at the corner.
    • It's easier to hold than SP since the direction pad and A/B buttons are further apart.
    • Screen's crisp and gorgeous - you can "read" pretty much all text. Not much ghosting.
    • The one speaker is a bit on the light side. (Yeah, what did I expect...)
    • Volume control does not get in the way.
    • Headphone jack is a standard one (unlike SP) and does not get in the way even when plugged in.
    • The battery can be replaced on our own.
  6. Even better!! by jxyama · · Score: 3, Informative

    The battery is replaceable too. And the standard headphone jack is great, compared to SP. The only drawback is that it only plays GBA games, which is fine by me, but I'm sure others would have loved the ability to play GB/GBC games.

  7. I bought one by Shaleh · · Score: 3, Informative

    I am 28. It fits easily in my blue jean pocket. The screen is a wee small but damn bright and clear. The sound (via headphones) is really impressive. Was playing metroid on it the first day and was in love.

    Yeah, its small. But I played for over an hour the other night, holding the right shoulder button through Toularian (Mother brain land) almost the whole time.

    No regrets. No AA batteries to replace.

    Why not buy the DS? Never buy the first edition of a Nintendo product -- they always come out with a better version in 6 months to a year. Compare the original GBA to the new SP. The DS is currently molded like a kid's toy, but I expect that to change. For now I have a large library of GBA titles available to me. When a new, improved DS comes out I can give the micro to my wife (-:

  8. Re:Here I am sitting on the crapper... by Darius+Jedburgh · · Score: 3, Informative

    You're right. There is one big giveaway. The volume control is 'digital' which means that the device has to be on before I can turn the volume down. So If I was playing it loud before my visit to the john, as soon as I switch it on it'll make a noise that can be heard in the next stall. Gotta be careful when I do this or it could be very embarassing.