Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP - Platinum

The one shown, in very pretty light silver gray is the older version. It has two settings but the first is really poorly lit. This is the older model, not the SP. These were lit from the front somehow, I was told, not backlit. It is much less desirable then the newer ones I am about to describe. I bought it out of sentimentality because it was in beautiful condition.This model later came in colors either gunmetal(dark gray), or pale blue or pale pink and id referred to as SP. The improved backlighting that lets you do either a normal or a brighter viewing is truly wonderful and presents beautiful games that look like the Sunday comics colors in the funnies of many years ago.The detail of the games is remarkably superior to the earlier ones that were made in red, black, or bright silver as the one mentioned. The newer ones were totally improved These newer ones in pink, blue or gunmetal are the best that - in my opinion- were invented. While improvements continue to be made in an ever-changing and updating market, there is nothing like these compact, pocket-sized Game Boy Advance SP handy and beautiful game players.They last forever (so it seems) and recharge quickly, lasting quite a while before needing recharging again. The have a volume control. The Warioland 4, Zelda, Mario Pinball, Castlevania, Collapse II, Tetris and certain other games that stack and fling a completed row...you probably known what I mean..are really wonderful on this type of compact.While the exquisitely-made smaller (miniature) machines are truly works of art, they are harder to manipulate and strain the eyes a bit. They do not have the choice of a bright or brighter screen but are also the more modern backlit kind. They have less volume. I would worry about eyetrain in a youngster, the same as too much time for young eyes viewing any computer screen but the difference is that today's computer screens often allow an enlargement of whatever material is to be viewed.As I mentioned, The one we are talking about, the Game Boy Advance SP(ecial) is portable ...absolutely perfect to fit in a pocket.The games are two dimensional and some of the games can be preserved so that you can turn the thing back on and return to the same place where you stopped.Some can be played till you get everything you need to then advance to the next level.These games and the units themselves, are treasures. The power cord/charger unit is still available...online if nowhere else., Some games don't let you store the achievements and allow turning off the unit, but the Game Boy Advance SP does this., depending on when they were created, pretty much.I bought a bunch of the earlier games that were very primitive, just out of fascination for them and to appreciate where a game like Warioland 4 Super Hard Level is about.Not many people even know about this last one. Kids would not know how to pursue it to this high level an not probably have the patience or wisdom to figure it out. Not to put down kids because they are creative and fantastic little buzzards....I could learn a lot. I am 75 and at was 73, when starting on this adventure, had to figure out every single move by trial and error. What a thrill to find the place in the wall that allowed Wario entry, for example, and how to avoid and overpower this and that. Beautifully created and devised. Some day it would be fun to tell the people who created these beauties what a contribution to the world of art and electronics they have given.I wish I could say that I was as good at the other games. But if you are coming up to my age, and a woman, and never had anything like this as a child....get started with Warioland 4 and eventually Mario Pinball. Just don't bother with the gladiator on the end of that game. The trip is great but the designers dropped the ball with the ending. I have won it twice. It is not worth the adrenalin it takes. Couldn't sleep after putting myself under that kind of stress to have the design of the game not respond properly.As ;you can see, I can not say enough good things about these wonderful things! Who says that we had it all, back then, does not understand, that those of us still alive, had it all, and now again have it all! Great. Just great.Sorry if this seems really wordy but I wish someone had written all of this for me when I had a lot of questions.nancy morse

When I was 9 someone stole my gameboy SP, so I always wanted to get a new one. I ordered this with a lot of skepticism, but what I received really brightened my day. The console is in really good condition. There is hardly any where on the case and the only thing noticeable is the discoloration of the buttons from age. It turns on, holds charge, and works as intended. Good buy!

Great! This is just what I wanted!Before I get into my review let me just say this;I used to own a Gameboy Advance when I was a kid; just the regular advance. It was my world. I spent all my time on that thing playing Super Mario Advance and Crash Bandicoot. Well, one day, my mom was going through things to donate, and somehow, my gameboy got into that pile. I was broken.Now that you know my story, it's time for my review.This thing is great. I love it and it's in good shape! Now, there were a few scratches on the front, but that was honestly to be expected, so I really don't mind it. All and all its a great console. Definitely worth it!

Item was advertised as being very beat up. So I didn't have a problem with the cosmetic condition of it. However, when I received it the game boy itself was not working. I had multiple games and tried every one of them, but still no luck. I took a look inside of the catridge slot and noticed some sticky substance covering the last 4 prong. About 15-20 min later I removed the substance with a tooth pick and then it loaded the games fine. I thought I was all set. I them noticed that the r shoulder button did not work properly and eventually stopped working all together. My solution to solving this is blowing as hard as I could into the slot where the button was located 10 or 15 times. This solved the problem for about 5 min then would it would happen again. So I had to repeat the process about every 5 min for it to work. The games I played use the r button regularly so I was pretty annoyed. None of this was disclosed to me and I felt the seller was very dishonest and trying to take advantage of anyone that bought it. He should have told me about these conditions and if he was unaware of them it was his fault for not testing the system to determine if it was in proper working order. I would give him zero stars if I could. Very dissatisfied and will never buy from him again.

I already have the very first original game boy advance that came in the grey semi transparent color. It still works just fine, I only bought the SP (used) because I hate having to replace batteries and the very important fact that the back screen on the original isn't lit. That is the biggest reason for the SP upgrade. I wanted to play my old gameboy color Legend Of Zelda games without having to shine a desk light on the screen just so I could see it. The SP makes a world of difference. I am kinda bummed that I had to replace the rechargeable battery pack, but I guess that is to be expected for a system as old at this. I like that you can turn off the back light all together when it's not needed. I am a little worried about the light burning out and not being able to replace it due to it's age, but I heard that Nintendo is releasing the very Zelda games I have on virtual console in the near future. I will most likely purchase and download them to my Nintendo 3DS system. I won't have to carry 2 systems with me when I travel.