Memory Lane #2: The GBA SP's 15th anniversary
Not only did the SP introduce a handheld with a lit screen to a large audience (The Game Boy Light pre-dates this, but wasn't as widespread), it also started the clamshell design trend which would continue on through the Nintendo DS and 3DS lines, letting people fold the system so that it became easy to fit in one's pocket, while also protecting the screen. Not only was it compact, but at 142g/5oz it was incredibly light, too. Adding onto to the list of new features, there was the lithium ion battery, which meant that the days of salvaging nearly-dead AA batteries from your TV remotes finally came to an end, as you could now simply plug the GBA SP in to the AC adapter to recharge it.
The GBA SP came in 4 different colors when it launched, Cobalt blue, Platinum silver, Onyx black, and Flame red. There would be dozens of different limited editions released as well, with colors and models based off things such as the NES, a Tribal pattern, Pokemon, orange, pearl white, and more. In 2005, there would be a refresh of the line, with the Pearl blue and Graphite black versions, which sported the well-known and loved AGS-101 backlit screen, which was even brighter.
Exactly one year later, on March 23, 2004, the system had broken the record at the time for having sold the highest number of units for either a handheld or home console in a launch year, at 6.5 million sold. By the time it was discontinued in 2008, it would go on to have sold around 44 million units total. Now, fifteen years after its release, the GBA SP is remembered fondly for the changes and influences it made. For many gamers out there, it was their first handheld, or possibly their first experience with Nintendo games. Which version of the GBA is your favorite? Did you own an SP? Or did you skip out on this revision? Be sure to share your thoughts, stories, and opinions below in the thread!
If you liked this article, and would like to see more of these anniversary celebrations in the future, be sure to comment as well, and mention which upcoming game anniversary you'd like to see featured in future threads!