Topic: Is the GBA that much different then SP?

[ActorJ]

i would never consider the GCN controller "really strange and uncofmortable at first." it is the most comfortable controller ever made, and it feels like it from the get go.

[Bartman3010]

It makes me angry to hear that people cant hold a GCN controller properly. Its quite simple really. Even after telling them they totally forget afterwards.

Either that or people at my school are that dumb.

[Smadte]

So does the light really suck? I've seen one at WalMart, and the light just makes the colors look bland. It's not really that bright, either, from what I've seen.  

[WhoDey]

The light alone made the SP tens times better for me. When playing the GBA, I either had to play with a window behind me or right under a light. Once you see what the screen looks like under a lamp, there's no going back to playing on the couch with a screen that yes, you can see but not like you should be able to. I pretty much had quit playing it because I didn't like having to find the "perfect" spot to play. I know people like to claim they have no problems with the GBA and lighting. But you can't deny that playing a GBA under normal conditions (avg light in a room) and under a lamp will make a difference with how clean and crisp the screen looks. It needs to be perfect for me.

Anyway, I traded the GBA for the SP and it's a world of difference. I can play on the couch, outside, on the back porch, in the kitchen, at the PC, laying in bed...it doesn't matter, I get the clean, crisp, bright screen every time. I've had it a couple months now and have no scratches on the screen because of the flip-down lid, another advantage. Personally, I don't play every day but I'll usually play 5 or 6 times a week. About every 2 weeks I'll have to recharge it.

As for the comfort, the face buttons are about the same to me as the GBA. The shoulder buttons are better though. With the GBA I had a hard time keeping my fingers on the buttons at all times when playing. Actually, I didn't because my hand would cramp up. Playing games like F-Zero was somewhat awkward. With the SP, my fingers naturally lay on them. Much easier. To the guy that said he couldn't find them....I have no idea how that is even possible.

[ActorJ]

no the light doesn't suck, its really very very good. if you use the GBA sp in a darkended or dimly lit room, the light is bright and the colours, though ever so slightly altered, are not by any means washed out.

If the only place you have seen an SP is under the bright flourescant lights at slob-mart then you certainly where not getting a clear picture of what the light is capable of, since you wouldnt need it under bright flourescant lights anyway.

[CHEN]

Hmmm, if I would turn the light on, the screen would be more blue-ish. Is it just my imagination or what?

[Odeix]

As I see it, you can either buy a GBA, a portable light source (lamp or backlight) and a rechargable battery or just an SP. Including accessories I'd think the price is about the same except the GBA SP is a one package deal and it's Nintendo-reliable. I'd recommend an SP just for simplicity and product quality, plus being able to set the buttons at a different angle than the screen is also a small benefit if you play while lying down or something.

[Odeix]

NT

[popkorn1]

I bought a normal GBA right when it first came out.  I played it for about a week, and then never bothered to pick it up again.  It was stuck in a drawer for the longest time.  Then I saw the SP, and it looked so damn cool, and had the 3 features that pushed it over the top (light, battery, flip top) ... I traded in my GBA the other day and bought the SP, and its one of the best gaming decisions I've ever made.  I play it constantly, and carry it with me constantly.  The main reason I didn't play the original was the light.  Now, I take it everywhere.  When I go to pick up my girlfriend at night, it doesn't bother me to wait anymore.. I could play my SP in pure darkness in my car.  I play it at night before I go to sleep, all the time, any time.  It's the greatest.  Definately, if you're considering between the two, SP no contest.  I LOVE the system, and without a light... I wouldn't play it.  It's a pain in the neck (literally) to sit under a lamp. Not very "portable" that way, is it.

SP ALL THE WAY!  *hugs his SP*

[thepoga]

Quote
Originally posted by: ssj4_android
I haven't actually used the SP much, but it seems like it wouldn't be very comfortable. I like the shape of the origional GBA. So you people are saying the GBASP is like the GCN controller? Really strange and uncomfortable at first, but you get used to it eventually? Also, I don't want to "waste" my money buying "something that I already have."

yeah i agree that it looks not very comfortable, but as i own one i think that it is more comfortable than the regular gba. u do get used to it and another reason why its much more comfortable is because u dont have to crane ur neck for a good lighting angle. yeah. i traded in my regualr gba so i didnt waste too much money.

[GoldShadow1]

It's pretty sad to see people arguing over whose personal opinion on comfort is better.  It makes no sense.

But anyway..

Personally, I prefer the SP because of the battery pack and the light.   The light is amazing, try using it in pitch black sometime, the glow is surprisingly bright.  Because of the battery,  I never have to turn the light off (the difference is quite jarring).  The clamshell design is nice as well, protecting the screen.

Yet I think I prefer the design of the original better as far as fitting my hands.  I liked the wider controls and the curved design.  Still, the SP wins overall.

I don't really like the shoulder buttons on either.  In fact, I've never liked shoulder buttons, from the first time I saw them on SNES.  They're just distracting to me.  I would've much preferred Nintendo to use four face buttons SNES-style instead.  Especially considering how little shoulder buttons are usually used compared to face buttons on other systems.

[Johnny]

I own both the GBA and the GBA SP, in my opinion the GBA is more comfortable when holding and i also like the material because its plastic. The GBA SP is good because in total darkness it lites up so good. The GBA SP is Metal so thats the reason why i hate it because i sweat on it too easily and it gets dirt attract to it easier than the GBA. So its up to you BOTH GBA have advantages and DisAdvantages. But i would definately go with the GBA SP since u can play in total darkness,rechargeable batteries,and harder to get your GBA screen scracth!

[PIAC]

actually the SP isn't metal.

[darknight06]

If you like fighting games, I'd highly recommend the SP.  The control pad is worlds better for them than the original GBA pad, especially with Street Fighter Alpha 3.  I used to have a GBA myself and despite the lighting issue (which i installed a 100 watt equivalent flourescent bulb for) I used to play it a ton when I first got it.  Like most people though, having to position myself perfectly to play that thing got to be a bit of a hassle after a while and I slowed down on it up until the SP.  Man, the speaker is louder, the controls are better, and the light just the icing on the cake.  That feeling of being able to take it anywhere and play it beats anything the GBA may of had going for it hands down.  The only thing I don't like about the SP is the slight washing out of colors that the light does, but then again that's what the GB player at home is for.  I'm telling you, unless there's something about the GBA that REALLY stands out to you I'd go with the SP no questions asked.

[Griffin]

I spent 60 bucks to have an Afterburner installed in my GBA (from yourhappyplace.com...excellent site!) and I'm planning on buying an onyx SP as soon as I can afford one...with FF:CC coming soon, I think it'll work out nicely. But honestly, try them both out to see how it fits in your hand. For me, the GBA SP feels more comfortable because the length of the body fits better into my hand.