By far the most frequent question I get here at GamerDad is:
“What console should I buy for my kids?”

Should You Buy a GameBoy Advance?
Sadly, there’s no easy answer and that’s why, one-by-one, I’m going to be laying out the pros/cons, value, future, advantages and drawbacks for each of the 10 platforms we cover. Yes, 10. There are 10 gaming platforms. Omitted (because we cover 10 platforms) are platforms like the Leapster, Leap Pad, V-Smile, Cel Phone games, and other similar platforms not covered by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB). Over the course of the next couple weeks we’ll cover the: Game Boy Advance, Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo Dual Screen, Sony PlayStation 2, Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo GameCube, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation Portable, and the Computer (whew!).

Let’s talk about the Game Boy Advance SP (GBA SP)

Parental Controls: No

Overview & Features:
The GameBoy Advance SP (two other versions are available, see below, but this is the standard model) is a compact device with terrific battery life and literally hundreds of games available to play. Many of them very cheaply priced and available Used from stores that sell Used games. It also plays regular GameBoy games, but those games are positively ancient at this point. A separate cable can be used to connect two GameBoy Advance systems for 2-player play on certain games. Check the game boxes for that feature if it’s of interest.

Other Models?:
The original Game Boy Advance was flat and sort of rectangle shaped and, unfortunately, it lacked a back light making it challenging to see darker games and frustrating even under perfect conditions. We don’t recommend this one at all.

The GameBoy Advance Micro is pretty cool. It’s about the size of a calculator, fits in a shirt pocket comfortably, has a backlit, but smaller screen. It’s a bit uncomfortable in larger hands but kids can handle it well. It costs a bit less, and is a bit easier to lose. It’s probably best for mom and dad instead of the kids because it’s tiny and cool!

The GameBoy Advance SP is the best value. The rest of this article mainly concerns the SP. It’s square-shaped and has a clam shell design, so the screen is kept safe when not in use. It has a backlight, looks great, and is comfortable in all but the largest hands. This is the model to get for most kids.

Social: Two GameBoy Advance SP’s can be linked together with a cable (sold seperately) to allow two-player gaming in games that support it (read the back of the game boxes for details) but, be warned, the Micro requires a seperate cable (more expensive).
Drawbacks:
GameBoy Advance games almost always omit voice acting and requires reading. A lot of the games, especially kid’s games, don’t allow you to save. You have to write down a long code which will let you return to the level your child achieved. This is difficult for little kids. It’s also past its prime. Which means it’s no longer “cool.” Buy it for your child or grandchild and you’ll see a flash of disappointment in even the most gracious and polite youngster. (Check out the DS system instead!)

Kid Factor:
The GameBoy Advance models are good for kids 4 and up, but keep in mind that the games don’t feature voice. Meaning, there’s a lot of reading involved with just about every GameBoy Advance game available. This is fine if you plan on having your child in your lap as they play, but annoying if you just need a game system to keep them occupied on a long car trip. The GameBoy Advance is a terrific way to encourage and reinforce reading skills in older kids.

Value & Verdict:
As the cheapest system available, the GameBoy Advance offers lots of games for a decent price. Just bear in mind that it is the oldest system, it’s no longer cool on the playground, but on the plus side, there are so many of these things out there – we think they’ll be making GameBoy Advance games for a while to come!

Tags: GamerDad 101