Game Boy Micro

[O]

Your thoughts? I don't know. I guess you could call it a iPod Shuffle of an iPod, so that's how it works. I would get it if it's cheap though.

 

[Silver Pearl]

I wouldn't say its cheap. Remember how the GBA SP cost when it first came out? Maybe the GBM might cost like $99.99-$149.99, but I might be wrong.

Oh and my thought is it can play Game Boy (Color, Advance) or NDS games. If it is like a music player (mp3) I'll probably get it (if my parents let me XD).

 

[Chairman Kaga]

Generally, what I've heard has had nothing to do with mp3 players, unfortunately. If it was one, that would be nice, but I doubt that it will be. This was a missed opportunity for nintendo to have a new Game Boy with a feature that none of the others had, but it's not worth buying now that it really has no purpose.

 

[Casual Billy]

Why would those people who bought SP, sell it and buy a gameboy with a much smaller screen and no backwards compatibility? It just doesn't make any sense to me. I'm basing the "no backwards compatibility" on the fact that at the E3 conference, the guy just said that micro would play all your favorite GBA games. It's a really garbage idea, I think. He said clearly "No new technology". So what's the point? This will be the third iteration of the same hardware only this time, it's looking like they'll be dropping a feature. Stupid.

 

[Raizor Blaid]

I'm pretty sure it will have games exclusive to it, or it would be pointless, the idea is just to get a game boy with all the toher features, that can be carried around alot easier besides it has at least one small thing the SP didn't have, it has a light like the SP's but it had adjustable light strength. and what feature will they be dropping huh? the backwards compatability? and they have the ability of just changing the faceplate so you don't have to buy a new one to get another color, so they did add a feature

 

[DeathScape]

I don't know if I'll get it.

 

[Chairman Kaga]

I'm pretty sure it will have games exclusive to it

That's not possible--it was stated at E3 that it is a Game Boy Advance. The only difference between the micro and the GBA/GBA SP is its size.

and they have the ability of just changing the faceplate so you don't have to buy a new one to get another color, so they did add a feature

Any GBA SP owner with enough confidence can buy various shells off of ebay and replace theirs. I wouldn't call interchangable faceplates a feature, actually; it in no way enhances gameplay or the system itself.

 

[TRIFORCE89]

All it is a GBA, but smaller; micro if you will. With a smaller screen as well, but it is also the brightest screen of all their handhelds thus far. A new button look, and I think they may be bigger too. And yes, faceplates. It plays all games that the GBA does; GB, CGB, AGB - but not NTR (or DS) games. It's just another release of the GBA, nothing more. So, don't expect any new features, or games exclusive to it.

It's like an iPod Mini (I wouldn't say Shuffle, you have control over the game you play and it has a screen).

 

[Allstories]

This really wouldn't be very advantageous unless it was cheaper than the current GBA.

 

[Dark Penguin]

Why would those people who bought SP, sell it and buy a gameboy with a much smaller screen and no backwards compatibility? It just doesn't make any sense to me. I'm basing the "no backwards compatibility" on the fact that at the E3 conference, the guy just said that micro would play all your favorite GBA games. It's a really garbage idea, I think. He said clearly "No new technology". So what's the point? This will be the third iteration of the same hardware only this time, it's looking like they'll be dropping a feature. Stupid.

First of all, remember that not everyone bought the SP. Since backlights hadn't been on Nintendo portables before, a lot of people said that they didn't need a light. I was one of these people. However, now that i have my DS, i couldn't imagine playing without a light. Of course, on the other hand, many people did buy the SP, and it was extrememly popular. So some people wouldn't have an SP to sell, and current SP owners may want the GBM for other reasons.

What are you talking about, no backwards compatibility? Like Triforce said, it will be compatible with all GB, GBP, GBC, and GBA games, which, of course, the DS isn't (its only compatible with GBA games). And the guy at e3 said that to show what kind of system it would be like (so that people wouldn't think it played its own games or something). So for all us classic gamers, who never bought the SP but bought the DS and find it hard to see on our GBA, it is a good idea (of course we couild but they SP, but mayaswell pay the extra $50 bucks or whatever). Of course this, by far, isn't the only audience. New/younger gamers may not want to start their portable gaming experience with expensive handhelds like the DS or PSP, and won't want to buy an outdated GameBoy, so the GBM is perfect. Not only that, but even gamers who bought the GBA and SP may want to buy one. First of all, its small size is not only cool, but it also very convienent. It is something you can carry around with you wherever you go, while you probably only bring your DS or PSP when you know you are going to play it (for example, if i go to the mall with some girls, i could bring the GBM, not have it look bulky, and play it while they try on cloathes or something - VERY CONVENIENT). The games for the GBM will also be very convenient - with most GBA games you can save at any point, so its not like the DS or PSP where you have to fire it up [and in the PSP's case wait for the game to load], and then start playing, and then have to turn it off two minutes later, and you can't save (or if you do you won't have gotten far). So its more of a convenient system that you can carry without it being bulky, whip it out and play for a short period of time, and then save and turn off and have actually gotten somewhere. And in addition, Nintendo has the cool idea to release hundreds of faceplates, where you can customize and make it your own. Not to mention, it would be sooooo sweet if it could play songs (which remember its not coming out till fall, so they could make modifications), bu even if they don't, you can buy the $20 media player and use it as a music player.

I don't blame you for thinking it is a dumb idea; when i first heard about it i thought it was stupid and pointless, too. However, as i read more and thought of why Nintendo has even spent the time, i thought about how cool it is and how even I, who didn't by an SP, will buy one.

 

[Casual Billy]

and current SP owners may want the GBM for other reasons.

For what? The 2 inch screen has to be like squint city and the Micro offers nothing more than small size. That?s not worth any more out of their pocket.

What are you talking about, no backwards compatibility? Like Triforce said, it will be compatible with all GB, GBP, GBC, and GBA games, which, of course, the DS isn't

Whoops. Whoops big time. I just thought that?well, um?and then I read on this other website and when it listed ?software? it only said ?current GBA games?. But, I just went to ign.com and they say it?s fully backwards compatible. My bad.

First of all, its small size is not only cool, but it also very convienent.

There?s a very thin line between small and convenient and small-headache inducing. I can easily see GBM being more of the latter than the former. A 2? screen?!! Man, that?s tiny. But, it may work for some people. Won?t be good for their eyes though?

The games for the GBM will also be very convenient - with most GBA games you can save at any point, so its not like the DS or PSP where you have to fire it up [and in the PSP's case wait for the game to load], and then start playing, and then have to turn it off two minutes later, and you can't save

Ah, nice jab at the PSP?s loading times?

But did you know that on PSP games if you pause and turn the system off and then come back later, you?ll still be at the same pause screen and point in the game? Yeah, I found out by accident but that?s how it works. So, you don?t necessarily have to save every time you turn off the system. You can simply turn it off and pick it up later. Works the same for movies too.

I do agree though that GBM will be more convenient simply because it?s so small. But later you?ll have to deal with the inconvenience of getting glasses because that tiny 2? screen don? messed your eyes all up.

But are you really gonna buy one? Get some games for your other portable or save up for the next-gen instead would be my advice.

 

[Dark Penguin]

For what? The 2 inch screen has to be like squint city and the Micro offers nothing more than small size. That?s not worth any more out of their pocket.

Believe it or not, the 2" screen isn't that bad - it may seem small, but remember, inches are big on portables - the PSP only has a five inch screen, and the DS has two 3" screens, which isn't a huge difference (considering that the DS and PSP are both highly advanced portables). Plus, remember, smaller screen = better resolution. Also, i was watching e3 live on g4 and they even though it may seem small, the GBM screen was a big as it needed to be and they didn't have any trouble seeing the game or reading in-game text.

Whoops. Whoops big time. I just thought that?well, um?and then I read on this other website and when it listed ?software? it only said ?current GBA games?. But, I just went to ign.com and they say it?s fully backwards compatible. My bad.

its ok ? we all make mistakes

There?s a very thin line between small and convenient and small-headache inducing. I can easily see GBM being more of the latter than the former. A 2? screen?!! Man, that?s tiny. But, it may work for some people. Won?t be good for their eyes though?

First of all, Nintendo wouldn't make something if it posed potential health risks. Second of all, like i said earlier, the screen isn't that much smaller than some of the advanced handhelds, and the people who rated it at e3 said it was the most comfortable GameBoy ever. They said even though it was small, it fit perfectly into their hands and felt great. It may seem small, but everyone who has tested it has said that it feels great.

Ah, nice jab at the PSP?s loading times?

well, its true - that was one mistake in using UMD disks (of course there are advantages to using them, too). But I didn?t do it on purpose ? if you noticed, I also took a ?jab? at how the DS takes awhile to warm up (have to go through all those menus).

But did you know that on PSP games if you pause and turn the system off and then come back later, you?ll still be at the same pause screen and point in the game? Yeah, I found out by accident but that?s how it works. So, you don?t necessarily have to save every time you turn off the system. You can simply turn it off and pick it up later. Works the same for movies too.

huh, thats a cool feature. wish the DS had that. Anyways, yeah, thats cool, but it just isn't as convienent considering the PSP and DS's bulkiness; its not something that you would carry around with you if you didn't know you were going to play it, while the GBM is so small you put it in your pocket and forget its there.

But are you really gonna buy one? Get some games for your other portable or save up for the next-gen instead would be my advice.

yeah, at first i said there was no way in heck i would waste my money. but, as i read more and more about it, i realized how convienent it would be. after all, i have a b-day early july (july 9) and have virtually nothing to ask for besides a couple DS games, and mayaswell buy those with b-day (or summer job) money, and just ask for the GBM. Summer job should help, too. I'll just save up my christmas money to buy next gen (after all, they promised to make the Revolution cheap and affordable)

 

[Casual Billy]

Plus, remember, smaller screen = better resolution.

Yes! Gotcha! Remember a little while back when you were saying that screen size had nothing to do with resolution?! Gotcha!

First of all, Nintendo wouldn't make something if it posed potential health risks.

Yes they would. That's why there's a warning on every system they make that says that the game may cause seizures (1 in 4000 people) even if that person has never had a seizure before. In fact, all video game consoles come with that warning. Potential health risk?

well, its true - that was one mistake in using UMD disks (of course there are advantages to using them, too). But I didn?t do it on purpose ? if you noticed, I also took a ?jab? at how the DS takes awhile to warm up (have to go through all those menus).

Yeah, I'm just not sensitive to people trashing DS...

Advantages of UMD:

14.4 times as much storage as DS carts and .3GB more storage than GC mini discs

Disadvantages:

Loading times (up to 20 seconds!)

Advantages of DS cart:

No loading times

Disadvantages:

Small capacity


It just depends on which advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

There'll be more later...

EDIT: Please don't waste your money on this crap. If you already have a DS, just play the GBA games on that. You're not really planning on investing in some new GBC games are you? 'Cause you'd basically be buying a Game Boy Color. If you already have a machine that plays GBA games, then you must only be buying Micro for GBC support. That's a waste.

 

[DeltaSuicune]

Believe it or not, the 2" screen isn't that bad - it may seem small, but remember, inches are big on portables - the PSP only has a five inch screen, and the DS has two 3" screens, which isn't a huge difference (considering that the DS and PSP are both highly advanced portables). Plus, remember, smaller screen = better resolution. Also, i was watching e3 live on g4 and they even though it may seem small, the GBM screen was a big as it needed to be and they didn't have any trouble seeing the game or reading in-game text.

Hopefully the technological intention is to let you actually see the screen, but whether or not it's readily visible is another story. Higher resolution or not, small screens are physically harder to see. My oculars have enough stress looking at computer monitors and the like at work for extended hours, miniscule portable gaming machines don't help.

If you want to ruin your eyesight before you turn 30 be my guest. I, for one, do not want to.

First of all, Nintendo wouldn't make something if it posed potential health risks. Second of all, like i said earlier, the screen isn't that much smaller than some of the advanced handhelds, and the people who rated it at e3 said it was the most comfortable GameBoy ever. They said even though it was small, it fit perfectly into their hands and felt great. It may seem small, but everyone who has tested it has said that it feels great.

See above. Notice in other electronic fields that display screens are getting larger and better like plasma tvs? Some things like visual displays shouldn't be getting smaller, they should be getting bigger.

I'd like to see some quotes as well, every game reviewer I've talked to said the thing was pushing the limits of handsize dexterity and finger maneuverability. Might be because they're older and bigger too, but for kids.. perhaps. Just perhaps. If it weren't for the scwack of other problems associated with it.

yeah, at first i said there was no way in heck i would waste my money. but, as i read more and more about it, i realized how convienent it would be. after all, i have a b-day early july (july 9) and have virtually nothing to ask for besides a couple DS games, and mayaswell buy those with b-day (or summer job) money, and just ask for the GBM. Summer job should help, too. I'll just save up my christmas money to buy next gen (after all, they promised to make the Revolution cheap and affordable)

It's really only people like you who keep Ninty going on with these ridiculous releases, because thinking it's even marginally cool, and therefore buy it. Convenient? I'd have to drill a hole and stick a keychain through it so I wouldn't lose it, jeez. It's a little too bloody small as everyone reviewing it as commented on. Ninty has clearly defined what is small cool in the portable gaming department (DS), and also clearly defined what is TOO small in the portable gaming department (GBM). Last I heard they're only going to charge a little less than the current SP to make people want to buy it.

Fundamentally it's just filler trash to compete with the PSP since the DS is still lagging somewhat. Just hold onto your cash for the GBNext.

Good luck. It's like buying a bike that's too small for you to ride, just because it looks cute to look at, and because your common sense brain cells had gone to sleep at the garage sale where you got it.

~DS

 

[Raizor Blaid]

Well another thing overlooked, the newer handheld that nintendo has made break easier because of hinges, and foldups, thats a weakpoint there, and the micro will be less easy to break, without hinges and its made of metal (wait I think other nintendo handhelds are made of metal too aren't they?) so it has the advantage over SP and DS in breakability, but in size, I agree it is a bit too small. also with those faceplates, as mentioned above, those could be a big new thing lots of handheld gamers will be collecting, faceplates, just so they can make it theres, with lots of looks options.

 

[TRIFORCE89]

Stay out of comparing the PSP and DS in here, k?

Anyway...the screen may be smaller, but it isn't bad at all. I seen and read many times that people who have played it at E3 were afraid that it would be too difficult to read text. But, in fact, it is quite the opposite. They can read it just fine. So, I don't think screen size is a problem.

 

[Casual Billy]

But, in fact, it is quite the opposite. They can read it just fine. So, I don't think screen size is a problem.

Maybe not now but just wait until you've sold your SP and a few games to get enough money to buy GBM and open it and realize that you just paid to downgrade your system. Then you turn it on and try to play Mario Advance and think it's fine. 5 months later, inexplicable headaches and worsening vision ensue. Then you'll pull out your hair and fall to the ground on your knees in agony and scream in desperation "Nintendo! Why hast thou forsaken me?!" in the middle of the Lasik waiting room. People will stare at you and laugh at you and tell there children to stay away. All because you wanted a GameBoy that was just smaller. Worth it? I think not.

(Before someone replies "that's not gonna happen, stupid billy!" I would like to inform you that this was a joke.)

 

[DeltaSuicune]

Well another thing overlooked, the newer handheld that nintendo has made break easier because of hinges, and foldups, thats a weakpoint there, and the micro will be less easy to break, without hinges and its made of metal (wait I think other nintendo handhelds are made of metal too aren't they?) so it has the advantage over SP and DS in breakability, but in size, I agree it is a bit too small. also with those faceplates, as mentioned above, those could be a big new thing lots of handheld gamers will be collecting, faceplates, just so they can make it theres, with lots of looks options.

Buddy, I've dropped my SP off my balcony and it still works perfectly. Friend of mine dropped his DS twice down the stairs and it still works perfectly.

If anything, Nintendo makes their hardware durable.

Anyway...the screen may be smaller, but it isn't bad at all. I seen and read many times that people who have played it at E3 were afraid that it would be too difficult to read text. But, in fact, it is quite the opposite. They can read it just fine. So, I don't think screen size is a problem.

I'm still waiting for quotes, the entire reviewing staff roster at Gamespy, IGN, and Magicbox to name a few, ALL claimed that the system was an eyestrain and physically hard to use with the buttons and interface all so crammed together. Even journalist buddy of mine who works for an Austrian game magazine that went to E3 found it hard to use.

~DS

 

[Dark Penguin]

I'm still waiting for quotes, the entire reviewing staff roster at Gamespy, IGN, and Magicbox to name a few, ALL claimed that the system was an eyestrain and physically hard to use with the buttons and interface all so crammed together. Even journalist buddy of mine who works for an Austrian game magazine that went to E3 found it hard to use.

huh, thats funny, you did mention ign, didn't you? yup, that's funny - i went to ign.com because i remembered reading something different, and well, what do ya know? lets have a look:https://gameboy.ign.com/articles/615/615202p1.html
and since your such a man for quotes, lets throw one at you, straight from IGN, who you claimed said "...system was an eyestrain and physically hard to use with the buttons and interface all so crammed together" when in REALITY they said "The system is surprisingly comfortable to hold, though it's made more for portability than it is for ergonomics. It goes back to the days of the original Game Boy Advance design that allows for players hands to spread out a little more than the GBA SP's more "cramped" configuration." Hmmmm......not physically hard to handle, instead surprisingly comfortable, and they never even mentioned anything about eyestrain. Hmmm.....so you're screming for quotes, when YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE ACCURATE ONE'S TO PRVOE YOU POINT!!! So why don't you give us some ACCURATE quotes proving your point?

In addition, g4's live coverage of e3 said that it was the most comfortable gameboy ever, and they did not have to strain their eyes to see the screen...i tried to find that quote on the internet, but couldn't. But i think my quotes have proved to be ACCURATE.

 

[DeltaSuicune]

huh, thats funny, you did mention ign, didn't you? yup, that's funny - i went to ign.com because i remembered reading something different, and well, what do ya know? lets have a look:https://gameboy.ign.com/articles/615/615202p1.html
and since your such a man for quotes, lets throw one at you, straight from IGN, who you claimed said "...system was an eyestrain and physically hard to use with the buttons and interface all so crammed together" when in REALITY they said "The system is surprisingly comfortable to hold, though it's made more for portability than it is for ergonomics. It goes back to the days of the original Game Boy Advance design that allows for players hands to spread out a little more than the GBA SP's more "cramped" configuration." Hmmmm......not physically hard to handle, instead surprisingly comfortable, and they never even mentioned anything about eyestrain. Hmmm.....so you're screming for quotes, when YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE ACCURATE ONE'S TO PRVOE YOU POINT!!! So why don't you give us some ACCURATE quotes proving your point?

In addition, g4's live coverage of e3 said that it was the most comfortable gameboy ever, and they did not have to strain their eyes to see the screen...i tried to find that quote on the internet, but couldn't. But i think my quotes have proved to be ACCURATE.

No need to shout, it makes you sound desperate.

You're right, it never could have come from IGN, they're way to nice to the industry to post critical material up front. Now where did I see the other articles.. They've removed a few of the review columns on the sites since E3's over and new game reviews are taking up the archives... dang.

btw, to whoever said this machine is backwards compatible, it's not. Well, not completely anyway. It plays GBA games and GBA games only, not GBC, or prior. If you don't believe me, click here.

Now, given that I can't find any of the reviews I looked at any more, I guess I can't really prove anything to you online very well, so be my guest and believe that this machine is easy to look at. Hope you find your investment satisfying.

This all said, get this part at least:

~DS