I picked mine up this morning in Shibs....I couldn't believe that I missed the reservation cut-off at Lawsons and all the stores on February 1st but I did...work can be blamed for that (damned server room move and other junk). After some serious legwork this week with no luck, I thought I'd be doomed till March to get one for my little bro back home in Canada...however I happened upon some great fortune and after doing the charm thing on the manager, she agreed to hold two aside for me and give me a shout as soon as they came in.
So, this morning (Thursday the 13th...a day b4 release even, wheee!) I get a call from Hiroko and she told me they had arrived. Needless to say I hopped on the train (I live 10 mins from Shibs) and picked up my black and silver SP's....then sadly I went straight to the office to do my Japanese salary man hours!
So now I am finally back (early no less, for once!) and I'm off to the post office to send the black one off to my bro....<it's the black colour that isn't coming out in North America right? Just wanted to get him something different.>.
Nothing much to tell about the hardware other than what you have all read in the previews. I do find it to be a perfect fit in my hands..despite my half jappy half whitey hands.....Nintendo really has a cash cow with the SP. When I was on the train on the way home from work tonight playing it (geek-style) all the other guys (adults no less, and kids) were freaking asking how I got mine before it was released....I honestly don't think N-gage will make a dent in N's sales, actually I don't think it'll do all that well (atleast the 1st revision). The convenience of the GBA SP's size, the rechargable batteries, and lit display make it a great toy for bringing around w/ you! I know kids are gonna make this a must have for trips (long car trips in the night, gosh I wish they had these when I was a little tyke).
I was lucky enough to be able to get one today as the store I got mine at always gets their nintendo related stock in a day prior to release...mind you they only had 5 of each colour (silver, black and purple). Hope you all enjoy your's just as much! Corey....don't worry man your GBA SP is gonna be in the mail in about 2 hours, as soon as I stuff my face with some food. Happy gaming!
-blankoboy