Author Topic: Is the GBA that much different then SP? (Read 12443 times)

NintendoKiD · « **on:** June 14, 2003, 02:16:48 PM »

Ok lets be honest here, I know the SP looks awesome and the Flame color looks SWEET, but is the GBA that much worse? Is the glare so horrible that you cant play? I want a Flame color but cant wait until September, and I'm getting $80 of credit at GameStop, so I was going to pick up a cheapy PS2 game maybe FF7, and a GBA, maybe SP if I have enough.

Grey Ninja · « **Reply #1 on:** June 14, 2003, 02:26:39 PM »

Personally I am quite happy with my GBA, and I make no plans to upgrade to an SP.

The GBA doesn't have a light on it, but unless you are playing in the dark, that shouldn't be a problem. I have rarely had the occurance that I couldn't see what was going on on the screen. Some people just whine too much methinks.

The GBA takes plain AA batteries, and they last a long time. That greatly adds to the portability over a battery that requires connection to an outlet every 10 hours. That's just my opinion though.

The GBA SP is quite a bit smaller, and the clamshell design can take more abuse than the GBA without scratching the screen. That would be my own biggest reason for wanting an SP. My GBA screen features a few more scratches every day.

nitsu niflheim · « **Reply #2 on:** June 14, 2003, 02:45:19 PM »

So Ninja, from your post I can take it that you got your GBA fixed or what?

Quote
The GBA takes plain AA batteries, and they last a long time. That greatly adds to the portability over a battery that requires connection to an outlet every 10 hours. That's just my opinion though.

Only 10 hours if you use the light all the time. I think it's like 18 hours without the light and the GBA I think gets 20 hours or maybe 22 hours off two AA batteries so you aren't really losing anything. Plus Nintendo is going to release (if they haven't already in Japan at least) a larger battery for GBA:SP that I think last longer than the GBA can get off AA batteries. I can't remember exactly but I think it was going to be like 17 hours with the light and something in the 20's without the light.

Bloodworth · « **Reply #3 on:** June 14, 2003, 03:47:11 PM »

Seriously get the SP. It's a matter of comfort really. Unless you have an overhead light source, you're going to have trouble with a regular GBA. I'd always have to think about how I was positioned before, but with an SP, I can roll around in bed just like if I were reading a book. Only problem I have with it is that the shoulder buttons are a bit close together.

mouse_clicker · « **Reply #4 on:** June 14, 2003, 03:53:32 PM »

If you're REALLY thinking of comfort, get a GBA- it conforms to your hand much better, the buttons depress much more comfortably, and the triggers are right where your two index fingers naturally rest. The SP is a square (you know how the NES controller feels, although the SP isn't as sharp), I get completely flustered when I press the buttons because it feels so weird, and I actually had to look for the triggers before I found them and everytime I play my friend's SP I have to consciously put my fingers on the triggers. The only advantages of the SP are the light and the rechargable lithium battery, both of which can be purchased for a combined total of less than $20.

NintendoKiD · « **Reply #5 on:** June 14, 2003, 05:40:35 PM »

What about sound? I have read the SP sounds much better because the speaker is in the center. If I dont get an SP I'm going to buy a Red GBA off ebay, since Target and Toys R Us arent having that limited edition color sale anymore. The Red GBA comes boxed for $25 and looks ok, I can get a light and the batter doesnt bother me.

Grey Ninja · « **Reply #6 on:** June 14, 2003, 07:20:23 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: nitsujdark
So Ninja, from your post I can take it that you got your GBA fixed or what?

Yep.

I posted in the same thread when I fixed it. Total cost was $3.50 in Canadian Tire money, and I got to keep the tools.

The problem was that the video cable had come undone, and I hadn't secured the clips properly when putting it back together the first time.

Quote
Only 10 hours if you use the light all the time. I think it's like 18 hours without the light and the GBA I think gets 20 hours or maybe 22 hours off two AA batteries so you aren't really losing anything.

I know. The problem is that if you aren't close to a power outlet, then you are screwed if you want to keep playing. I like to be able to run to the store and buy another battery whenever I run out of power.

That being said, I do have a crappy rechargable battery pack for my GBA. It dies in under an hour, so it really serves as an AC adaptor more than anything, but when I am playing at home, I will usually use it instead of the batteries. It's also useful for connectivity games, where I am using my GBA for an extended period of time without really "using" it.

KDR_11k · « **Reply #7 on:** June 14, 2003, 08:36:31 PM »

The SP comes with an AC adapter and charges in 3 hours. I'm not sure about the GBA itself, but the GB and GBC didn't come with an adapter.
I think it's better for the environment to have one large rechargable battery instead of multiple throw-away ones. Of course, you can use rechargable ones in the GBA, but that voids the advantage of popping into a shop and picking up a new pack of batteries instead of recharging the old ones. And rechargable batteries take longer to charge than the Li Ion.

ActorJ · « **Reply #8 on:** June 14, 2003, 10:48:40 PM »

mouse_clicker is completely out of it. the sp is a million times more comfrotable than the regular GBA in EVERY way.

Don'tHate742 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 15, 2003, 01:01:21 AM »

Personally, you have to try them both. There is no way to tell what you like. The SP seems to have the better hand but some people still like the GBA more. So if its possible, borrow an SP from your friend for a day.......and you probably already know what a GBA feels like, then base your decision.

For me it was the GBA SP, becuase I don't have to buy additional batteries or sit next to a bright lamp, and if the lamp is too bright and theres major glare. The SP is just all around more comfortable.

Quote

I know. The problem is that if you aren't close to a power outlet, then you are screwed if you want to keep playing. I like to be able to run to the store and buy another battery whenever I run out of power.

Well i'm assuming you got the GBA right when it came out right? I'm also assuming you play 10+ hours a week. What is that 4 years ago since it first hit stores? How much money have you spent on batteries? Probably more then the GBA you use the for. For me batteries are a hassle.

Poll?

KnowsNothing · « **Reply #10 on:** June 15, 2003, 05:00:43 AM »

i can't believe no one mentioned this yet, the buttons on the SP. They're much clickier (clickyer, clicky-er. uggh, brain lapse, is "clickier" even a word). anyway, i found that a great feature. but if you're giong to try out both, defidently borrow from a friend or something, because the ones at a store do no justice to it because of the huge metal thing attached to it. At first, the SP seemed alot less comfortable, but once i got used to it, my old GBA seemed like crap. i even like the sholder buttons more.

ActorJ · « **Reply #11 on:** June 15, 2003, 08:28:24 AM »

I have mentioned it in other threads, KnowsNothing, but thanks for bringing it up.

Not only does the GBA SP have nicer buttons, but they are in a much more natural location. The greater depth of the unit does wonder to reduce the cramped feeling the original GBA had, no longer to I have to use the shoulder buttons with my index fingers bent as 45 degree angles, they now fit perfectly naturally under my knukcles. no longer are ,my thumbs artificilally vertical, the d-pad and a and b buttons are in just the right place now.

And the screen is at a better angles, so neck strain is much reduced. I recently went back to my old GBA just for the heck of it, and I couldn't stand it. That d-pad is so spongy and un-responsive, same for the shoulder buttons.

The SP is a godsend.

mouse_clicker · « **Reply #12 on:** June 15, 2003, 10:48:20 AM »

I don't know what you're smoking, Actor (at least you explained yourself after your first post), but the SP's buttons are identical to the GBA's in terms of position- I've never had a problem with the positioning of either the GBA or the SP's face buttons. You must have some abnormal hands or something. The buttons themselves completely throw me off when I press them- a friend of mine was stuck in Venus Lighthouse in Golden Sun and asked me to help him. After playing some 10 minutes I gave up- I couldn't stand the face buttons at *all*- they depress so strangely it breaks my concentration. And if ANYTHING is crampd, it's the damned square design of the SP- the GBA contours to my hands perfectly, as it does all my friends. The SP feels like holding an NES controller- since when has straight sides and right angles been ergonomic? The shoulder buttons are the worst- when I was playing Golden Sun for my friend, I didn't even touch the should buttons because I had no idea where they where. Later on, when I was playing Metroid Fusion on my friend's GBA, did I finally flip over the unit to discover where exactly Nintendo had hidden them. Since then I've had to consciously put my fingers on the shoulder buttons, and they constantly slip off. On the GBA, they're exactly where my index fingers naturally rest. And I love the click of the shoulder buttons on the GBA- how do they feel spongy? At least I know when I hit them.

And seriously, if you've been moving your HEAD to get a better view on your GBA, you've got more problems than meets the surface.

Fish · « **Reply #13 on:** June 15, 2003, 10:57:03 AM »

IMO the SP is way better. after using the backlight i tried for fun to play GBA in good light, it semed really dark compared to GBA SP.
Other that that, i dont see mutch difference. Its too bad they didint put 4 buttons in SP like in SNES contoller, ports would work mutch better.

Smadte · « **Reply #14 on:** June 15, 2003, 11:37:30 AM »

Mouse Clicker ... A picture of your hands, please...

Grey Ninja · « **Reply #15 on:** June 15, 2003, 12:55:39 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: Don'tHate742
Well i'm assuming you got the GBA right when it came out right? I'm also assuming you play 10+ hours a week. What is that 4 years ago since it first hit stores? How much money have you spent on batteries? Probably more then the GBA you use the for. For me batteries are a hassle.

Poll?

Actually, I bought a GBA on the day that I heard that Square was coming back.

I wanted my Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, and my Chrono Trigger Advance.

I must say that Pokemon, Advance Wars, and Golden Sun were big incentives as well though.

As for gameplay, I don't play my GBA often, but when I do, I usually like to play for extended periods of time. I think I have probably gone through about 10-15 packages of $1.50 batteries though. (4 packs)

Blackfire · « **Reply #16 on:** June 15, 2003, 04:20:02 PM »

Ok heres what I plan on doing. IF I can find a Red GBA Advance I will snatch it in a heartbeat. If not, I can last without an SP for a bit and I'll wait until September and buy me a nice Flame SP. By that time im sure there will be a price drop or bundle package with the new color.

PIAC · « **Reply #17 on:** June 15, 2003, 05:49:07 PM »

both are comfy, both are killer handhelds, i think its a try each and figure out whats best for you (personally i own both with a GBP this friday ;P)

ActorJ · « **Reply #18 on:** June 15, 2003, 10:17:11 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: mouse_clicker
I don't know what you're smoking, Actor (at least you explained yourself after your first post), but the SP's buttons are identical to the GBA's in terms of position- I've never had a problem with the positioning of either the GBA or the SP's face buttons. You must have some abnormal hands or something. The buttons themselves completely throw me off when I press them- a friend of mine was stuck in Venus Lighthouse in Golden Sun and asked me to help him. After playing some 10 minutes I gave up- I couldn't stand the face buttons at *all*- they depress so strangely it breaks my concentration. And if ANYTHING is crampd, it's the damned square design of the SP- the GBA contours to my hands perfectly, as it does all my friends. The SP feels like holding an NES controller- since when has straight sides and right angles been ergonomic? The shoulder buttons are the worst- when I was playing Golden Sun for my friend, I didn't even touch the should buttons because I had no idea where they where. Later on, when I was playing Metroid Fusion on my friend's GBA, did I finally flip over the unit to discover where exactly Nintendo had hidden them. Since then I've had to consciously put my fingers on the shoulder buttons, and they constantly slip off. On the GBA, they're exactly where my index fingers naturally rest. And I love the click of the shoulder buttons on the GBA- how do they feel spongy? At least I know when I hit them.

I guess you're just goofy. 99% of the population disagrees with your bizzarre assesmsent.

aoi tsuki · « **Reply #19 on:** June 16, 2003, 12:16:09 AM »

Definitely try both if you can. Don't let price determine pesonal comfort. i love my SP but i don't love it for fighters, not that the Gameboy pads have ever been perfect for fighters. The shallowness of the SP's d-pad makes rolling motions tougher, and the triggers get tiring quicker than on the standard GBA, or at least that's been my experience.

The SP's overall better in all other respects, save the stupid lack of a headphone jack. i could easily say the backlight, rechargeable battery, and clamshell design make the SP a much better buy, but not everyone has a problem with lighting, you can buy recharargeable batteries, and again some people like the design of the GBA over the SP, some not. It's all up to you.

AdvancedGamer · « **Reply #20 on:** June 16, 2003, 02:42:49 AM »

I was seriously thinking about getting a GBA SP but then I saw a flood light and bought that. It's perfect. It lights up the whole screen, no glares, you can adjust the screen, and it covers your GBA screen when your not playing so no scratches. If you see one and your not planning on getting SP... get it.

StRaNgE · « **Reply #21 on:** June 16, 2003, 07:38:12 AM »

i would never be cruel enough to give someone a regular GBA. it would be just mean.

the light alone makes all the difference in the world. plus it is so much easier to shove in with your cell or wallet and bring to work or a friends or whereever, persoanlly laying in bed at night in the dark rocks.

Nintega · « **Reply #22 on:** June 16, 2003, 02:32:48 PM »

I have yet to touch a SP but hope to get one before summers over. I'm still enjoying my Afterburner GBA. If I had a choice, I'd pick the SP just for the style.

mouse_clicker · « **Reply #23 on:** June 17, 2003, 12:37:13 PM »

"I guess you're just goofy. 99% of the population disagrees with your bizzarre assesmsent."

Is that your rebuttal? A pointless figure you just made up? I thought we were going to be debating the finer and lesser points of both machines, but if you don't want to that's fine with me.

ssj4_android · « **Reply #24 on:** June 17, 2003, 02:06:39 PM »

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."

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Author Topic: Is the GBA that much different then SP? (Read 12443 times)