what is the difference between GBA SP and GBA, does one play new and old games?

Question

I am trying to find the difference between the GBA SP and the GBA. I understand that one lets you play any old and new games. I am buying one for my grandson, but he wants the one able to play old and any new games. Thanks for help

Answer 1

they are actually the same exact system, and each plays the same exact games as the other

gameboy games - these are usually gray and are about two inches by 1.5 inches in size - they are the oldest games, and can be played on the gba (and sp - i'll get into these differences later)

gameboy color games look just like gameboy games, except they are normally not gray - if it's not a color that has to do with the game, it's usually black

gameboy advance games are the games that are currently being made, besides the DS games. they are generally black, and about an inch tall by an inch and a half wide.

the game boxes tell you what system each game is made for, gameboy, gameboy color (both of which are hard to find) or gameboy advance (which are quite common)
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when the gameboy advance (GBA) came out, there was no way to recharge any batteries, you needed to use like 4 AA batteries, and they didn't stay charged long. there is no light in the system, so you need to play near a light, at the right angle. or you could buy a light to drain your batteries faster, and it usually had a glare. you can buy recharge battery packs especially made for the gba.

the [GBA] SP uses a small LCD screen that is lit up from within, so you don't need to worry about lighting issues. it comes with an internal battery, and a charge cable, much like charging a cell phone.

basically, the SP was made to save the gba from dying. the SP was made to correct all of the problems that are natural to the GBA.

you need to pick one? pick the [GBA] SP. it might be like 20 dollars more, but after all the charges for items that are necessary to the GBA that were fixed with the SP, the SP costs less (i think it's currently 80 dollars new, and like 55-60 dollars used)
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if you go to a gamestore, a lot of times the gamestore employees don't know jack about games - talk to other customers, they can actually help
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nintendo also has a newer handheld system, the Nintendo DS (NDS or DS it is called) of which there are two kinds, the regular DS and the DS Lite. the Lite has a better sized stylus, and the buttons are in better places. both are available new for 120 dollars. used, i'm not sure, but it's probably hard to find used ones anyway.

This DS is able to play DS games and gameboy advance(GBA) games. it is not able to play GB (gameboy) or GBC (gameboy color) games - but now a days, most kids don't have many GB or GBC games anyway.

Nintendo is currently only making games for the GBA and the DS. if your grandson already has these older games, it's likely he already has a system they can play on. if this is the case, i would recommend, of all of your choices, to go for the DS Lite.

Answer 2

Gameboy Advance SP has a flip screen, chargeable battery, and a light up screen for playing in dark areas. Some see SP models as a little make over way for Nintendo to make a few extra bucks once people stop buying old, original versions (Gameboy Advance), which of course aren't as pretty as SP versions. Expect a Nintendo DS SP which is much shinier than the normal DS pretty soon.

Answer 3

Ah. Then you need to buy GBA SP, it is newer and plays new and old games. GBA doesn't play the newer and is less sufficient than GBA SP.

Answer 4

Get him the GBA SP its plays both and its better!

Answer 5

Both play the same games, but the SP has better light. I THINK this is true. It was last year that I did the research on them.

Answer 6

i think the SP has a light so u can see better

Answer 7

They both are horrible systems and the characters are sprites buy him a PSP and he'll love you forever