Topic: PGC GB Player Review

[Ian Sane]

In the review that was on the front page there was a complaint I don't quite understand.

"On a more technical note, the GBP shares the same 8-bit audio output found in the handhelds, which is a minor disappointment. However, when looking at the big picture, all these complaints don’t amount to much, putting tiny dents into what is otherwise a fine product."

Does this mean that when I play games on TV the sound will be like that coming out of the sh!tty GBA speaker?  Isn't that in Mono?  Or does it sound like what it would sound like if I listened to my GBA with headphones or used my computer speakers?  I don't want to lose sound quality in order to improve visibilty.

Would you guys suggest importing (with a Freeloader I suppose) or is it worth waiting for.

[Bloodworth]

The sound is excellent - Metroid Fusion actually had me turning down the subwoofer.  I'm not sure what TYP was talking about myself so I'll pass on the message.

I'd suggest importing it if you have a modded Cube.  I've never been favor of switching out discs all the time though, so it's up to you if you want to do the Freeloader thing.

[TheYoungerPlumber]

No, it sounds the same as a regular GBA with headphones or PC speakers.  Better speakers = better sound.

The GBA mixes the audio in 16-bit and then down-samples the final result for the 8-bit audio chip's limited capabilities.  This often makes the GBA's output sound fuzzy.  Using the GC's audio chip, however, Nintendo could have kept the audio at 16-bit, but since Nintendo chose to use standard GBA hardware in the Game Boy Player this could not be done.

As for importing, I'd say it depends on what color GameCube you have, since it looks like the U.S. will only be getting Black GBPs.  If you have a Black GameCube or don't care about matching colors I wouldn't bother.  I wanted an all-Indigo system myself ;-)

[Ian Sane]

Thanks for clearing that up TYP.  If it's as good as GBA w/ headphones that's fine with me.

[mouse_clicker]

I have a question about colors- I have an indigo Gamecube nad I understand they're only releasing black here in the US. Is having a matching GB Player SO important that I should import an indigo GB Player, or will the color difference be negligable?

[TheYoungerPlumber]

Heh, well that is a very personal matter, and no one can really answer that but you.  It only matters if YOU think it matters.  If you keep your Cube hidden it probably isn't as big a deal, first of all.  If it is in the open, you must ask yourself if you mind a jet black bottom on your Indigo GameCube.  I honestly think black looks good with all GameCube colors except for possibly Spice, and NOA seems agree.  I just wanted a matching system myself.   I can ignore the black broadband adapter, but GBP stands out a bit more ;-)

Also, I could be wrong, but I don't think Nintendo has ever gone on the record stating that only black GBPs will be available in America, so it's possible we may still see other GBP colors later, if not at launch.  

[mouse_clicker]

On the whole, I really don't care what other people think about the look of my console, but then again I don't really want it looking like it's some sort of mutant hybrid between two clashing creatures. I respect your opinion, though, so if you think the black accents the indigo nicely, then I trust you.

[Bloodworth]

It's easier to point out what colors won't work than will.

AVOID:

Platinum GC / Spice GBP
Black GC / Spice GBP
Indigo GC / Spice GBP
Spice GC / Platinum GBP
Spice GC / Indigo GBP
Platinum GC / Indigo GBP