The Game Boy Advance (GBA) is a 32-bit handheld game console made by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on March 21, 2001, and sold internationally in June of the same year. In 2004, it was released in mainland China under the name iQue Game Boy Advance. Compared to the Game Boy Color, which it replaced, the GBA had a more powerful ARM7 processor and better graphics, while still being able to play games made for the older console.

The GBA was part of the sixth generation of video game consoles and competed with devices like Nokia's N-Gage and Bandai's WonderSwan. In 2003, Nintendo released the Game Boy Advance SP, a redesigned version with a frontlit screen and a clamshell shape. A newer version of the SP with a backlit screen came out in 2005. In September 2005, Nintendo also released the Game Boy Micro, a smaller version of the console.

By June 2010, the Game Boy Advance series, including all versions, had sold 81.51 million units worldwide. This number was much higher than its competitors. Its successor, the Nintendo DS, launched in November 2004 and could play games made for the GBA. Sales of the GBA ended by 2010 after more than nine years.

In 2008, the GBA was still Nintendo's most common handheld console in terms of market presence and the number of devices in use globally. Nintendo announced in late October 2008 that the Nintendo DS had officially sold more units worldwide than the GBA. This marked the shift in global leadership between generations. However, in specific markets like the United States, the GBA was only surpassed by the Nintendo DS in sales in late 2009.

History

When the original Game Boy was released in 1989, many people doubted Nintendo's choice to make a handheld console with only black and white colors, especially since other companies like Lynx and Game Gear had color screens. However, the color screens of these competitors had problems, such as short battery life and large sizes. The Game Boy's better portability and longer battery life made it more popular.

Nintendo promised to create a color version of the Game Boy only when technology improved enough to solve the problems of existing color handhelds. Inside the company, a team led by Satoru Okada—who had worked on the original Game Boy—began testing color screens. In the early 1990s, their prototype, called "Project Atlantis," included a color display and a 32-bit processor made by ARM. However, the team was not happy with the results, and the project was put on hold by 1997.

As other companies like Neo Geo Pocket and WonderSwan entered the market, Nintendo decided to make a color version of the Game Boy. They combined the color screen from Project Atlantis with a faster version of the Game Boy's 8-bit processor. The Game Boy Color was released in 1998.

Still facing competition, Nintendo began working on a successor to the Game Boy Color. This project, called "Advanced Game Boy (AGB)," would use the 32-bit power from Project Atlantis. Details about the new system were shared at the Space World 1999 trade show in late August.

Nintendo officially announced the Game Boy Advance on September 1, 1999, sharing information about its features. The system was first released in Japan in August 2000, with plans for North America and Europe later that year. On August 21, 2000, IGN showed images of a Game Boy Advance development kit running a demo version of Yoshi's Story. On August 22, pre-production images of the Game Boy Advance were shown in Famitsu magazine in Japan.

The Game Boy Advance had a landscape shape, different from the portrait style of earlier Game Boy models. The buttons were placed on the sides of the device instead of below the screen. This change was designed by French designer Gwénaël Nicolas and his studio, Curiosity Inc., based in Tokyo.

On August 24, 2000, Nintendo shared the final design of the Game Boy Advance with the public and announced its release dates in Japan and North America. They also revealed the ten games that would launch with the system. At Space World 2000, Nintendo displayed accessories like the GBA link cable, a GameCube–GBA link cable, a rechargeable battery pack, and an infrared communication adapter. By March 2001, Nintendo confirmed the price of $99.99 and announced 15 launch games, with over 60 expected by the end of the year.

Nintendo spent about $75 million advertising the system in North America.

All Game Boy Advance models were no longer sold in the Americas by 2008 and worldwide by the end of 2010.

Hardware

The Game Boy Advance uses a special chip that combines many parts into one package, called the CPU AGB by Nintendo. This chip was made by Sharp Corporation and includes two processors: the ARM7TDMI, which runs at 16.776 megahertz (MHz) for Game Boy Advance games, and the Sharp SM83, which runs at 4.194 MHz or 8.389 MHz to support older Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. The system works in two ways: GBA mode, which uses the ARM7TDMI, and CGB mode, which uses the SM83 for backward compatibility.

The ARM7TDMI is a type of processor that uses both 16-bit and 32-bit instructions, based on the ARM architecture. It is designed to work well in handheld devices by using less power and space. It has sixteen 32-bit registers and a 32-bit bus connected to 32 kilobytes (KB) of RAM on the chip. It also uses 16-bit buses to connect to 256 KB of RAM on the motherboard and the Game Pak. The processor supports both 32-bit ARM instructions and 16-bit THUMB instructions, which are used when working with the 16-bit buses.

The SM83 is a mix of features from two older 8-bit processors: the Intel 8080 and the Zilog Z80. It uses the 8-bit registers from the 8080 and the programming style and extra instructions from the Z80. It can run at 4.194 MHz for original Game Boy games or 8.389 MHz for Game Boy Color games. The chip also includes a 2 KB "bootstrap" ROM, which starts the device in CGB mode.

The CPU CGB includes an updated version of Nintendo's Picture Processing Unit (PPU), which was used in earlier systems like the Game Boy and Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The PPU is a basic graphics processor that uses 96 KB of Video RAM inside the CPU CGB. It has 1 KB of object attribute memory and 1 KB of palette RAM, which help the screen display images quickly. The screen is a 2.9-inch color liquid-crystal display (LCD), measuring 61.2 millimeters (about 2.41 inches) wide by 40.8 millimeters (about 1.61 inches) high. It shows 240 pixels wide by 160 pixels high in a 3:2 aspect ratio.

The screen displays moving images called sprites, which can be up to 128 per frame and range in size from 8×8 to 64×64 pixels. Sprites can use 16 or 256 colors. Backgrounds can be shown in six different ways. The first three are "character modes," which use tile maps: Mode 0 has four static layers, Mode 1 has three layers with one that can be rotated or scaled, and Mode 2 has two layers that can be rotated or scaled. The other three are "bitmap modes," which allow for 3D-like graphics. Mode 3 shows one full screen with 32,768 colors, Mode 4 shows two full screens with 256 colors each, and Mode 5 shows two smaller screens with full colors. Using two bitmaps helps avoid visual errors when redrawing images.

For sound, the Game Boy Advance has two channels that play sound samples, which work with the Audio Processing Unit (APU). The APU has four sound channels: one that creates pulse waves with changing frequency and volume, one that creates pulse waves with only volume changes, one that plays any sound stored in memory, and one that creates white noise with volume changes.

The Game Boy Advance has a D-pad and six buttons labeled 'A,' 'B,' 'L,' 'R,' 'SELECT,' and 'START.' The top of the console has a link port that connects to other Game Boy devices using a cable or wireless adapter, or to the GameCube console with a special cable.

The Game Boy Advance came in many colors and special versions. Early colors included Arctic, Black, Orange (Japan only), Fuchsia (translucent pink), Glacier (translucent blue), and Indigo. Later, additional colors and editions were released, such as Red, Clear Orange/Black, Platinum, White, Gold (Japan only), Hello Kitty (pink with Hello Kitty on the front), The King of Fighters (black with images on the front and buttons), Chobits (translucent light blue with images), Battle Network Rockman EXE 2 (light blue with images), Mario Bros. (Glacier with Mario and Luigi on the front), and Yomiuri Giants (Glacier with images).

Several special Pokémon-themed versions were sold in Japan. These include Gold Pokémon (Gold with Pikachu and Pichu on the front), Suicune (blue/grey with greyscale Pikachu and Pichu on the front and a sticker on the back), Celebi (olive green with Celebi on the front), and Latias/Latios (pink/red and purple with Latias and Latios on the front).

Games

The Game Boy Advance has hardware performance similar to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, showing improvement in graphics technology. Its game collection includes platformers, role-playing games similar to those on the SNES, and games adapted from older 8-bit and 16-bit systems. Examples include the Super Mario Advance series and support for playing all earlier Game Boy games. Most GBA games use 2D graphics, but some developers created 3D games that test the system’s limits, such as a version of Doom, racing games like V-Rally 3, and platformers like Asterix & Obelix XXL.

Some game cartridges are colored to match the game’s theme, such as the clear green color of Pokémon Emerald. Others include special features, like rumble effects (Drill Dozer), tilt sensors (WarioWare: Twisted!, Yoshi's Universal Gravitation), and solar sensors (Boktai).

In Japan, the last game released for the system was Final Fantasy VI Advance on November 30, 2006, also the final Nintendo-published game for the system. In North America, the last game was Samurai Deeper Kyo on February 12, 2008. In Europe, the last game was The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night on November 2, 2007. The Japan-only Rhythm Tengoku, the first game in the Rhythm Heaven / Rhythm Paradise series, was the final first-party-developed game for the system, released on August 3, 2006.

Although these games were the last officially released at the time, a game called Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution was released in 2025 for the console. It was initially planned until 2004 but paused due to no publisher. Development restarted in 2023 using the same code and hardware.

Japan had 25 launch games, North America had 17, and Europe had 15.

An add-on for the GameCube, called the Game Boy Player, was released in 2003 as a replacement for the Super Game Boy. This device lets players play Game Boy Advance, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color games on the GameCube. However, some games may not work properly because they require extra hardware, such as rotating the console manually for WarioWare: Twisted! due to its tilt sensor.

The GBA is the last Nintendo handheld system to use the Game Boy name. Games for the GBA cannot be played on older Game Boy systems, and each game box includes a label stating it is "not compatible with other Game Boy systems." Older Game Boy games can be played on the GBA, with options to view them in their original aspect ratio or stretched fullscreen using the shoulder buttons.

GBA cartridges work with original Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS Lite models, which have a dedicated GBA slot. However, they do not support multiplayer or features requiring GBA accessories because the DS lacks the external port. They can also unlock extra content in some Nintendo DS games. The Nintendo DSi and DSi XL do not have a GBA slot and cannot play GBA games.

After the GBA was discontinued, many of its games were re-released digitally on later Nintendo consoles, mostly through emulation. As part of an Ambassador Program for early Nintendo 3DS buyers, ten GBA games and ten NES games were given free to those who purchased the 3DS before August 12, 2011. These games run natively without features like the Home menu or save states. In April 2014, GBA games were added to the Wii U’s Virtual Console, including Advance Wars, Metroid Fusion, and Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. All Virtual Console releases are single-player only, as multiplayer features using Game Link cables are not supported.

In February 2023, Nintendo added GBA games to the Nintendo Classics library for Nintendo Switch Online, available only to users with the Expansion Pack tier. For the first time, players can play multiplayer GBA games online through emulation. This feature mimics the Game Boy Player, allowing games that use GameCube controller rumble to work with the Switch’s vibration.

Accessories

Nintendo released several add-ons for the Game Boy Advance, including:

• Advance Movie: A device that plays movies and animated shows using SmartMedia cards. It was only available in Japan.
• e-Reader: A scanning tool released in Japan in 2001 and North America in 2002. It read special cards to let users play classic games (such as Donkey Kong and Excitebike) or unlock content in games like Super Mario Advance 4, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, and Animal Crossing.
• Game Boy Advance Video: Special cartridges that played short films (like Shrek and Shark Tale) or two episodes of animated shows (such as Pokémon and SpongeBob SquarePants).
• GameCube – Game Boy Advance Link Cable: A cable that connected the Game Boy Advance to the GameCube for specific games. It also let the Game Boy Advance act as a controller for some titles.
• Mobile Adapter GB: A device that connected the Game Boy Advance to a mobile phone, allowing online interactions through the Mobile System GB service. The service had limited game support, high costs, and was only available in Japan. It ended on December 18, 2002.
• Play-Yan: A device that played music and videos using an SD card slot and headphone jack. It was first sold in Japan and later released in Europe as the Nintendo MP3 Player (without video support). It was never sold in North America.
• Wireless Adapter: A device that attached to the back of the Game Boy Advance, replacing the Game Link Cable for multiplayer games. It cost $20 (equivalent to $34 in 2025) and came with Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. Fewer than 20 games supported it due to its late release.

Other accessories for the Game Boy Advance include:

• Afterburner: A lighting system made by Triton Labs that required disassembling the console and adding components. It created a bright screen similar to the Game Boy Advance SP. It was very popular, with more demand than supply during the 2002 holiday season, even though it voided the warranty.
• Glucoboy: A blood sugar monitor with built-in games, released in Australia to help children with diabetes.
• WormCam: A camera made by Nyko that attached to the Game Boy Advance. It connected to a computer through the link port, and images could be transferred using a USB cable and software.

Revisions

In early 2003, Nintendo released a new version of its handheld game system called the Game Boy Advance SP (model AGS-001). This version had a hinged case that looked like a small laptop computer. It was about half the size of the original Game Boy Advance. The new design included a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a brighter screen, and a built-in light that could be turned on or off. These changes were made to improve comfort and visibility, as the original Game Boy Advance had a dark screen that made it hard to see in low light.

On September 19, 2005, Nintendo released an updated version of the SP (model AGS-101). This version had a screen with a brighter backlight. The switch that controlled the light now allowed users to choose between two brightness levels.

In September 2005, Nintendo introduced another redesign of the Game Boy Advance called the Game Boy Micro. This model was smaller and had a similar horizontal shape to the original Game Boy Advance. It allowed users to change the color of its faceplate, a feature Nintendo promoted heavily during its release. Nintendo believed this customization might attract people who do not usually play video games. However, the Game Boy Micro could not play games from earlier systems like the Game Boy or Game Boy Color. It did not gain much popularity because it was outcompeted by the Nintendo DS, which could also play Game Boy Advance games using a cartridge slot.

Reception

When the Game Boy Advance was released in North America, IGN praised its graphics quality and long battery life. However, they criticized the placement of the shoulder buttons and noted that the system's price was "possibly too high." They gave the system an "8.0" out of 10. They also mentioned that the system did not have a backlight, which sometimes made it hard to see the screen during gameplay. ABC News highlighted the Game Boy Advance's graphics, comfortable grip, and larger screen, saying, "You've never had as much fun playing old games."

In a review for CNET, Darren Gladstone gave the system a "7.0" out of 10. He praised its graphics and ability to play older games, but he strongly criticized the lack of a backlit screen, calling it "nearly impossible" to use in normal lighting. Gladstone recommended the Game Boy Advance SP instead, even though he noted the original model's lower price might attract budget-conscious gamers.

Nintendo aimed to sell 1.1 million Game Boy Advance units by the end of March during its Japanese debut and expected to sell 24 million units by the end of 2001. Many analysts believed this goal was achievable because Nintendo had few competitors in the handheld gaming market. In its first week of release in North America in June, the system sold 500,000 units, making it the fastest-selling video game console in the United States at the time. Nintendo ordered 100,000 additional units to be sent to stores, planning to deliver another 500,000 by the end of June. The Game Boy Advance also became the fastest-selling system in the United Kingdom, selling 81,000 units in its first week and surpassing the PlayStation 2's previous record of 20,000 units. By 2004, sales in the United Kingdom exceeded one million units.

On December 1, 2006, Nintendo of America reported that it had sold 33.6 million Game Boy Advance units in the United States. A Kotaku article from January 18, 2008, stated that the series had sold 36.2 million units in the United States by January 1, 2008. As of December 31, 2009, 81.51 million Game Boy Advance units had been sold worldwide, including 43.57 million Game Boy Advance SP units and 2.42 million Game Boy Micro units.