Nintendo: is that a Game Boy in your pocket? (Boy Game Micro)

Boy Game Micro

Nintendo's strategy in the face of the imminent PSP launch? Why, release an even smaller version of the Game Boy...

We thought the company had all but ditched the Game Boy brand with the launch of the DS, but it seems you just can't keep a 16-year-old cash cow down. While it's not sending the Crave game monkeys into a frenzy, we guess it makes sense to have a handheld console that's actually portable for once -- you'd certainly have to be wearing a baggy pair of Levi's to fit the DS or PSP in your pocket comfortably. The GB Micro will probably even fit in that little change pocket you always get on your jeans -- you know, the one you never use? In fact, it's not much bigger than an original GBA cartridge.

Anyway, the console is sure to appeal to 'da kidz'. It even has removable face plates! It will play all Game Boy Advance games, so buy Advance Wars and Mario Kart now, in preparation for the console's autumn launch. -GC

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Nintendo DS Lite Review

Boy Game Micro
Our original review of the Nintendo DS listed only one 'We don't like' characteristic: 'Somewhat bulky'. Whether it was because of early fan discord or because Nintendo has a propensity to redesign its handheld systems, the aforementioned complaint was addressed with a signature Nintendo remodelling. The Nintendo DS has been slimmed down and brightened up, and it's been injected with a serious shot of style.

Rechristened, the DS Lite attempts to make the same fashion statement for videogame systems that the iPod did for MP3 players. Like the iPod, the DS Lite is available in two colours, white and black, which is exclusive to Europe. For the time being the US only has the white version, while Japan boasts navy and 'ice blue' versions. For the impatient and iPod-white averse, the system is completely region-free and supports multiple languages, so you could import a Japanese navy DS Lite and have no problem playing all of your European games.

The DS Lite is released in the UK and Europe on 23 June with an RRP of £99.99. It can be pre-ordered from various online retailers now.

Design
The Nintendo DS Lite, like the original Nintendo DS, is a portable gaming system with two vertically tiered screens. On the bottom is a touch screen that allows you to use a stylus or a finger for anything from selecting options to moving characters. There's also a normal face-button layout that allows a more standard method of control.

The system plays its own proprietary cartridges (which are somewhere between SD and CompactFlash cards in size), in addition to its near-full backward compatibility with Game Boy Advance (GBA) titles -- the system will not play multiplayer modes of GBA games, unfortunately. While DS cartridges are much smaller in capacity than the Sony PSP's UMDs, they play without the often unbearable load times of Sony's proprietary format.

As its name suggests, the Nintendo DS Lite is a much more compactly designed system -- at 133 by 72 by 21mm when closed and weighing in at 217g, it's 39 per cent smaller and 21 per cent lighter than its predecessor. The rounded corners are more finely tapered, and the top and bottom sides are symmetrical, avoiding the underbite-like look of the original's oversized bottom half. It's a much more pocket-friendly system than the original DS. Despite the smaller overall size, though, the trademark twin screens have the same dimensions.

The layout of the DS Lite is largely similar to that of the Nintendo DS, with some slight, beneficial changes. The top half of the clamshell still houses the stereo speakers. They're centred on either side of the upper screen, and despite being smaller than those on the original DS, they're just as loud. The bottom screen is a little more conducive to touch, but it feels flimsier -- almost as if you've kept the protective thin-film screen that overlays many LCDs when they ship from the factory. To the left of the touch screen is the D-pad, which is about three-quarters the size of the original, but just as efficient.

The four face buttons (X, Y, A and B) are essentially the same but feel a little more pronounced than those of the original DS. No longer half-ovals on top, the start and select buttons are now tiny circles on the bottom. The power button has moved from just above the D-pad to the right side of the system. It's a welcome change, as the original looked exactly like the select and start buttons and was situated in the same area on the opposite side -- which led to the occasional turn-off-instead-of-pause blunder.

The front of the system is basically unchanged -- from left to right, the volume control, the GBA game slot and the in-line-enabled headphone port are in the same spots. Formerly slightly above the front of the system, the microphone has been moved to the hinge between screens. In instances where you need to look at the bottom screen while using the mic, you may need to retrain yourself.

The back end of the system is basically the same. The only thing that's moved is the stylus holder, which is on the back of the system, to the left of the power switch. It looks a little more discreet and the stylus fits more snugly. The left and right triggers are slightly smaller, but like the face buttons, they're more pronounced and easier to press. The DS cartridge slot is centred at the top, and the AC power port is off to the left. The system includes an AC adaptor, two styli that match the Lite's colour, and a smaller wrist strap that -- annoyingly -- does not include the thumbpad of the original.

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Hands-On With the Game Boy Micro

Boy Game Micro
Everybody came into the 2005 Nintendo pre-E3 press conference with one word on their mind: Revolution. Although big revelations about the next generation were not in the cards for E3, Nintendo did have another ace up their sleeve in the form of a sleeker, smaller version of their line of Game Boy portables: The Game Boy Micro.

Prior to E3, most hadn't even thought of wanting anything smaller than the SP, which itself was a significant upgrade from the original Game Boy Advance. The Micro is the fifth device manufactured by Nintendo capable of playing the Game Boy Advance line of games launched in 2001; the second of which to release since November 2004.

Size is the name of the game for the Game Boy Micro, and it's actually quite a feat of engineering. Holding the device in your hands, it's hard to believe it's a real, working game system; it's just so unbelievably small. It begs to be slipped into the pocket. The unit itself feels well constructed, and can not be easily twisted, and feels like it could withstand the adventure of one's pocket all day. The centerpiece of the portable, of course, is the backlit true-LCD screen, which while albeit smaller than previous Advance systems, is sharper, brighter, and has a better viewing-angle radius. The screen performed well through our tests. Even outside under the bright glare of the sun, the display was legible, and color depth remained sharp. We tried Mario Golf, Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones, and Castlevania: Circle of the Moon on the Micro, and compared it to the Game Boy Advance SP. Surprisingly, although smaller in size, all text was just as legible on the Micro to anyone with good-to-moderate vision. The colors almost always looked deeper and more detailed on the Micro, although this is a subjective comparison. The screen is protected by several layers of thick transparent plastic, the top layer of which feels sturdy and scratch resistant.

Accompanying the screen on the front is the d-pad and the standard "A" and "B" action buttons, which feel and perform as you've come to expect from a Game Boy system. We actually prefer the feel of the action buttons on the Micro to the SP, as they sit taller, have rounded tops, and depress alot smoother than the SP's, which feel stiffer by comparison. Also on the front are the staple "Start" and "Select" buttons, the lettering of which light up blue when powered. On the bottom you'll find a small power toggle switch on the left corner, and a headphone jack on the right corner (which means no adapter needed!). The rest of the bottom's surface is occupied by the cartridge slot in which you enter your games. There is a volume control on the right side of the unit, which as you'd expect, controls the volume of the in-game sound. The speaker itself is housed on the front bottom right corner, and is modestly sized. It doesn't pump quite as louldly as the SP, but it is hearable under any sort of normal situation. On the top edge you'll find the "L" and "R" shoulder buttons. These buttons are about one inch long, but require you to push the side closer to the center of the unit to register the button press. Pushing the outside edge, as we often accidentally did with the grip we naturally assumed, will not do anything. Although it only requires a change in grip to remedy, it does stand out on something that otherwise appears to be remarkably well-built. Also on the top edge is a small interface port which is labelled "Exp. Port", which does not appear to be the same interface we've seen on other GBA systems; which makes it safe to say that without the use of some sort of adapter, you will not be able to use your existing GBA accessories on the Micro.

The Micro will come in two different flavors at launch: black and silver; each with their own set of cosmetic faceplates. The unit we demoed was black with the silver face. The face is relatively easy to remove with any modest thumbnail or a small coin, however once in place, the plate is pretty snug, and does not seem like it could accidentally come off or loose during play or during travel. The plastic used to mould the plate seems pretty thick, and within reason, doesn't seem easily breakable. The whole package is powered by an internal lithium-ion battery which, according to the Nintendo representative which demoed the unit, lasts approximately 15 hours on a charge.

Overall, the Micro makes a fantastic impression. Its sleek, simple appearance will appeal to the gadget-crazed who like to make a statement with their gear. However, its appeal isn't just aesthetic, and having such a small gaming system with hundreds of games available for it definitely has its appeal. Unfortunately, the very things that make the Micro special are also things that will steer people away from it. Anyone with impaired vision, larger than average hands, or someone who just doesnt like playing on a small screen may feel more at home on an SP or Game Boy Player. But, for nearly everyone else, the Game Boy Micro is deserving of its namesake.

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Boy Game Micro: Design and specifications

Boy Game Micro

The Game Boy Micro retains some of the functionality of the Game Boy Advance SP, losing the ability to play original Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, official compatibility with the eReader and other peripherals. but with an updated form factor. It is smaller than previous Game Boy systems. Compared to the iPod mini it is slightly bigger and about two-thirds the weight. Additionally, it features a backlit screen with the ability to adjust the brightness so as to adapt to lighting. The shape itself is kept to a more simple oblong—similar to the style of the NES controller.

The Game Boy Micro features a removable face plate that allows consumers to purchase alternative designs.

* Dimensions: 50×101×17.2 millimetres (2×4×0.7 in), almost the size of an average credit card
* Weight: 80 grams (2.8 ounces), about the weight of 80 paper clips
* Processor: 32-bit 16.8-MHz ARM processor (ARM7TDMI)
* Colors: various
* Screen: 51 mm / 2 inches (compared to 74 mm / 2.9 in. for the GBA), backlight with adjustable brightness. According to the Game Boy Micro's press release, the "best Game Boy screen ever".
* Resolution: 240×160 pixels
* Buttons: The Game Boy Micro has lines on the D-pad, possibly to match with that of the DS Lite and Wii.
* Battery: built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, up to 5 hours of battery life with top brightness and sound or 8 hours with both features on default
* Headphones: supports standard headphones without additional accessories

The Game Boy Micro has a two-way switch on its right side for adjusting volume up or down. By holding down the L shoulder button, the switch can also be used to adjust the backlight between five levels of brightness.

In keeping with the system's target market (the "iPod generation"), Nintendo has redesigned their Play-Yan music/video adapter to better fit the Game Boy Micro. This device can play MP3 and digital video files from SD cards.

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Top games for the new slim Sony PSP

With the sleeker and slimmer PSP set for a UK release on 10 September, Sony hopes to prove there's plenty of life left in its speedy little handheld. It might not have lived up to its initial promise -- there's no arguing the PSP has been eclipsed by Nintendo's DS in the software stakes -- but there's still plenty going on.

Here we pick out the PlayStation Portable's current top games, in no particular order, and offer some tips on what to look out for in the future. Click on the titles for more info from our sister site, GameSpot UK. -Sam Bathe

Guilty Gear: Judgment
First up, the popular Japanese beat-em-up series Guilty Gear returns with Judgment. The crisp and colourful anime graphics combine with the fast-paced action for a thrilling experience. The much-loved rock soundtrack is of course back with a bang. Just watch out for the ultra-powerful combo attacks or you could be hitting the floor faster than you'd hoped.

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GamePark Holdings GP2X Review

The handheld games console business is a ruthless one. We've lost count of the number of failed handhelds and only Sony, with its billions, has been able to make a dent in Nintendo's unquestioned dominance. On the surface, the little-known GP2X, complete with its idiosyncratic use of Linux, looks doomed to failure, but can its apparent Achilles heel be its saviour?

Strengths
The GP2X is the spiritual successor to the GP32, also from GamePark Holdings. Aesthetically, it sits somewhere between the Sony PSP and the Sega Game Gear, which obviously isn't a bad thing. It feels great in the hands, although its build quality is obviously not in the same league as its more established rivals.

The unit has four controller buttons on the face, two shoulder triggers and a small thumbstick on the left side. Below this is a volume rocker for adjusting the sound levels of the tinny, front-facing speakers, and in the middle of it all is an ample 89mm (3.5-inch) screen.

There's a sliding power button on the left, which is pretty much impossible to press accidentally, so there's no chance of inadvertantly losing your progress in a game. At the top there's an SD memory card slot plus a 2.5mm headphone jack, and at the right there are DC power and mini-USB ports. At the bottom of the device there's a port labelled EXT, which can be used to connect the GP2X to an external monitor, or to install additional memory.

The GP2X is more than just a handheld games console. From the device's main menu you can play video, listen to music, view photos, and read ebooks. It's compatible with a variety of file formats straight out of the box including DivX/XviD, MP3, OGG, WMA, JPEG and GIF.

Behind the scenes, the GP2X uses a stripped-down version of the Linux operating system, which for the most part is a tremendous strength. This, in effect, makes it a handheld computer on which you can run a wide variety of Linux applications, or even create your own.

More impressively for gamers, the GP2X can run a variety of emulators. It'll let you run games designed for arcade machines, SNES, Game Boy, PlayStation and just about everything else. Unfortunately you'll need to own the original games in order to play them legally, but there are some freeware or 'abandonware' titles you can play without fear of becoming a software pirate.

Weaknesses
For all its potential, the GP2X doesn't have the feel of mainstream product. You simply cannot pick it up and play with the same reckless abandon as a Nintendo DS or Sony PSP. Actually getting it to do anything requires a fair bit of tinkering, as well as (occasionally) some hair pulling.

We were slightly disappointed at the amount of internal storage on the device. Only 64MB of NAND memory is available, so having an SD memory card is a necessity. We recommend having at least 512MB, but if you intend to use the device as a platform for watching full-length video you'll need at least double that.

The 89mm screen isn't as good as it could be. It isn't as bright as we'd like, some text is illegible, and the display flickers at the faintest sign of a low battery. This in itself can be a common occurrence as the unit only lasts a few minutes on AA alkaline cells. It's almost not worth bothering to slip a couple of Duracells in -- you're better off with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which will last anywhere up to 6 hours.

The GP2X's speakers are also utterly rubbish. They're nowhere near loud enough, so listening to music in a noisy environment is usually out of the question unless you're prepared to wear headphones.

Conclusion
Ultimately, the GP2X will only appeal to users who are prepared to invest time and effort -- it's simply not a pick-up-and-play platform. Those looking for immediate thrills are better off using the Nintendo DS or Sony PSP. Having said that, we think users with a geeky side will get plenty of satisfaction from the GP2X. There's a wealth of exciting old-school games available for its various emulators, and the possibilities for creating your own on-the-go applications make it worthy of consideration.

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Nintendo slims down DS handheld

Nintendo plans to release a slimmer, lighter version of its hit Nintendo DS handheld videogame system, the company said on Thursday.

The device, known as the Nintendo DS Lite, is expected to hit Japan in March. According to some published reports, it could carry a price tag of around $145 (£80).

According to David Cole, president of entertainment and video game analyst firm DFC Intelligence, the move fits with Nintendo's recent history of releasing smaller and smaller versions of its handheld players. He pointed to the company's original Game Boy Advance, which was superceded by the Game Boy Advance SP, which in turn has been replaced by the Game Boy Micro.

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Nintendo GBA Micro: Party in your pocket

It's going to have a tough time against the other gaming handhelds this Christmas, but we've been trying out the new Game Boy Micro. It's so small and light that its arrival was impressively discrete, landing stealthily on our doormat without the ugly thud that usually greets us when new gear arrives. It's so small that extended play may result in mild arthritis, rendering you useless to your employer and driving you to a Special Brew-fuelled life on the streets. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?

Fact is though, the GBA has a catalogue of games that the PSP may ever reach. There are some 500 games including Mario Kart, Advance Wars and Metroid Fusion, all available for a machine that's smaller than an iPod Mini. Playing Mario Kart on the system will melt the coldest of hearts and, while the screen is small, it's by far the best of any Game Boy yet.

Despite is obvious svelte charms, the GB Micro has been a source of discord at Crave. One member of the Crave team says he'd rather have Nintendo's console than a PlayStation Portable, while another is simply bored of Nintendo constantly re-releasing the same technology and games. It's a strong-feelings kidney whichever way you slice it -- Nintendo is responsible for the best games ever made, but the company also relies on proven titles as much as Electronic Arts does on sports licences.

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Motocross Maniacs Advance (Game Boy Micro)

Description
If your fascination with motocross borders on unhealthy, you might just be a motocross maniac. Choose one of six racers each of which is graced with their own special abilities to take through the rigors of the competition. The tracks are packed with jumps, hills, and other stunt fodder, and there are four unique modes of play: Race, Time Attack, Action, and the infamous Link Battle. Link Battle supports up to four players (you provide the link cables and extra cartridges), challenging gamers to duke it out for bragging rights. Try to collect nitro power throughout the competition, boosting your bike to top speeds, planting bombs, and firing missiles all the while. Mixing top-notch racing with combative elements, the game is packed with hidden tracks and power-ups to keep the stakes high, and the graphics will make you forget you’re playing on a handheld console. The long-running MOTOCROSS MANIACS series has had its share of great games, but this is the best of them.
Special Features
Four modes; six racers; cool graphics; awesome tricks; four-player action via link cables
Warnings
Mild Animated Violence
Details
Players:	1-4 Players
Controller:	Gamepad
Memory Card:	No

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Boy Game Micro: The Alien Wars EX

Game Boy Advance owners will finally get their action gaming fix with Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX! Based on the Contra game for SNES, this fast-paced 2D side-scrolling shooter has all of the classic, addictive gameplay that has since become a hallmark of the series. Explore all-new, never-before-seen levels that have been specially designed for the powerful GBA system. Link up with a friend (link cable required) in the 2-player Simultaneous Mode for twice the fun and firepower.

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Game Boy Advance SP vs Game Boy Micro

Surprisingly, with the release of the Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite and the Sony PSP, the Game Boy Advance series is still running as good as ever. But with two choices: GBA SP and Game Boy Micro, which one is worth the money? As they both cost the same...

I really haven't got a GBA SP, and my brother owns a Game Boy Micro. I only own a normal Game Boy Advance. That's not the point, which one of these handhelds is better?

Game Boy Advance SP has its ups and downs, it can play GB, GBC and GBA games, it has a light screen, rechargeable battery, laptop style body and great sound. But, it's very compact and close together, which can cause discomfort for those who have more larger hands.

The Game Boy Micro is much different, it's very small and has a tiny light screen, it can only play GBA games and has a generous battery supply. It's also not as "squeezed together".

For the retro gamer, such as myself who has a large stash of Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, it automatically ticks the GBM straight off my list, but if you have a large selection of GBA games this shouldn't be a problem.

Also: for those with eye problems, or shortsightedness, the screen on the Game Boy Micro could cause problems and strain the eyes.

Both the GBA SP and GBM have good sound, but the volume control on the GBM is very unusual and I get confused very easily whether I'm turning the volume up or down!

So really I think that about wraps it all up. If you've got the money, you should really go for a Nintendo DS, NDS Lite or a Sony PSP, but if you can only really afford to get a GBA, you should choose a GBA SP if you want a large screen, the ability to play previous GB games and are willing to put up with the compactness of the handheld, or, if you're looking for something smaller, only really play GBA games and don't mind the smallness of the thing, get the GBM!

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The Game Boy Micro

It sports a sleek vibe with portability and comfort, all in the palm of your hands. And the pocket of your tightest jeans. Switch between four faceplates to match your style and play any of the 700+ titles in the Game Boy Advance library.

The Game Boy Advance SP is deep on the free-style gaming. With its back-lit flip screen, smooth lines, and color selection, this classic system gets you in on the portable fun revolution.

The Game Boy, invented by Gumpei Yokoi in 1989, is the most sold handheld machine ever, and has sold in over 55 million copies!

In 1996 Nintendo released a newer, smaller, and better Game Boy: the Game Boy Pocket. It is smaller, has a better LCD screen and comes in Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, Gold, Classic, Black, Hot Pink and Transparent, and one with a light for playing in the dark!

The megahit in Japan for the moment, Pocket Monsters, helped the GB to sell in 10 million copies last year ('97) outselling the Nintendo 64!! That shows that the GB is still a console to count on 9 years after it's release! Now the Game Boy Color is released, with 32,000 colors to choose from and 56 colors at once on the screen.

The Game Boy Monitor The monitor used by the Game Boy is a simple LCD type screen (Liquid Crystal Display) which can only show 4 different colors or grayscales. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage for the Game Boy. The good thing is that it doesn't consume half as much batteries as other color handheld systems like the Atari LYNX or SEGA Game Gear. the other great things that have been further improved with the GB Pocket is it´s size. you can actually put it in your pocket!

Try putting a Game Gear in you pocket if you can! The two drawbacks of the LCD screen is that it looks a little bit dull in only 4 different shades of grey and it can also be tricky go get a good projection on the screen. You have to have a pretty strong light source nearby. This has been improved with the new GB Pocket, so that's not really a problem anymore.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Don_Curtis

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