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Originally known as "Project Atlantis", the GBA was originally supposed to come out in early 1997 when it was revealed
in early 1996. According to Nintendo, it would be a 32-bit system only a little less powerful than the original Playstation
and Sega Saturn (Believe it or not, because the GBA was known for it's 2-D games). People couldn't believe this, and were
shocked and impressed that they'd be able to play a portable capable of graphics similiar to then current home consoles. But
many were disappointed when it was delayed to 2001 and replaced with the GameBoy Color. But when it finally did come out,
most of Nintendo's major competitors were finally convinced that they had no chance of beating the GameBoy in the market,
so when the GBA finally came out, Nintendo had little-to-none major competition. Thanks to successful advertising, a large
number of GBA games from the start, backwards compatability with GameBoy Color games, it's affordability, and brand name,
the GBA became Nintendo's most successful product line ever. In 2003, Nintendo released the GBA SP, with a backlight screen
and a laptop, style design. It was also the first portable system to use rechargable batteries. It seemed the GBA's market
dominance would go on forever, but unfortunately, it didn't. The announcement and release of the newer and more powerful
Nintendo DS and Playstation Portable portables in late 2004 and early 2005 severely hurt GBA SP sales. Nintendo attempted
to get it's GameBoy brand popular again with the GameBoy Micro. Nintendo marketed the GameBoy Micro as a stylish system to
appeal to a wider audience and convince people to buy it even though the Nintendo DS, which was outselling every other
portable system, had backwards compatability with all GBA games. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough, and GameBoy Advance sales
remained generally weak compared to the Nintendo DS and Sony Playstation Portable (PSP). Although the GameBoy is still being
manufactured, it is not selling very well, and can now be bought at stores for literally $20.00. Although Nintendo no
longer makes games for the GameBoy Advance, the GBA does occasionally see a movie-themed game come out on it.
Worldwide Name: GameBoy Advance (GBA)
Worldwide Name: GameBoy Advance Special Portable (GBA SP)
Worldwide Name: GameBoy Micro (GBM)
Market Share in Beginning of Lifespan: 100%
Market Share in Middle of Lifespan: 100%
Market Share in End of Lifespan: Unknown
Best-Selling Game: Pokemon Ruby&Saphire (13 million copies)
A 32-Bit System
Price at Launch: $100.00
Number of Units Sold: 79 million
Slogans:
Who are you?
Make it yours.
Too much fun.
Released Worldwide in: 2001
Discontinued in: Late 2007
Popularity Compared to Competitors:
In Japan:
1st-GameBoy Advance
In America:
1st-GameBoy Advance
In Europe:
1st-GameBoy Advance
Graphics Comparison:
1st-GameBoy Advance
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