The PSP arrived into the world with the critics prophesising the downfall of Nintendo but the DS has quietly managed to hold its own. Soon Nintendo will also be releasing the littlest Game Boy brother of them all, the Game Boy Micro. The exciting thing is that full picture has yet to emerge. Now that a worldwide aspect can be brought into the equation, let’s take a look at the competitors in the new battle for the handheld crown.
GBM
Machine: The smallest Game Boy ever made. GBM is roughly the size of an iPod and has possibly brightest screen ever seen on a handheld. However, apart from these features, it is virtually identical to the Game Boy Advance/SP before it. There is no new technology, it’s just very tightly packed into a very small space. However, where as the GBA SP lacked a headphone jack, the GBM doesn’t. A release date is currently unknown, but had a September 13th release in Japan.
The Game Boy Micro
Control Layout & Aesthetics: The button layout is virtually identical to the original GBA, except the start and select buttons are along the button edge of the unit. GBM forgoes the ‘clicky’ nature of the buttons used for the GBA SP in favour of a softer, rubbery feel.
The whole unit has been compacted to a ridiculous extent. The screen is smaller, but promises to be brighter than anything before it. It will be interesting to see how some of the handheld games run on the tighter resolution.
You’ve also got the option of removable faceplates, so you can decorate it anyway you want.
Games: A whole, massive library, but currently with limited access. If you have your own established library, you’re set. However, if you’re new, you may have a few difficulties. A lot of the better titles that were released for GBA are no longer available. That is, unless you want Pokemon or something recent, you might struggle to track down some of the better titles. Another concern is that there really aren’t many GBA games in the pipeline that are actually worth looking at, with Nintendo's focus now on the NDS.
Again, for those who already have a library, they’ll know which games are good on the go and which games are not. The portability aspect of the majority of GBA games is pretty good.
Game Carts
Cost: It has recently been announced that the GBM will retail in Australia for a $150.00 price tag. In Europe it will retail at €99.99 (£69). It doesn't come close to matching the value of the DS system at the moment.
As most of us know, the great majority of GBA games are not worth the hefty price tag. As the availability of the worthwhile games dwindles, newcomers may be left in the dark.
Portability: It’s time to pull out the tight jeans! As far as this unit goes, you can carry it around with you virtually anywhere. Pull out Wario Ware and you’ve got yourself the perfect solace for 10 minutes. Than you’ve got your Golden Sun and Zelda for the longer trips. As a portable device in it’s own right, the GBM is excellent.
It's very small!
Battery Life: It is expected that the battery will last roughly 8-10 hours. Not bad, considering it’s main applications will be for pick-up and play.
Durability: Considering Nintendo’s history, there is no reason not to expect that the GBM could take some serious punishment, though discarding the clamshell design may compromise the screens safety.
Current Market Effect: Since it hasn’t been released, it's more or less nil. However, there aren’t that many people excited about it. The cheers at its E3 unveiling were uncharacteristically muted and there were even reports of booing.
The release dates have recently been confirmed (all this year):
-America: September 16
-Japan: September 13
-Europe: November 11
-Australia: November 3
Nintendo anitciaptes stores to struggle with the rush of image-conscious consumers that will be out the get their GBM's on release day
Future Outlook: Bleak to say the least. The system is obviously “a filler” before the next true Game Boy. It may capture some of the image conscious market and will definitely grab the Nintendo freaks and fanboys, but anyone else who already owns a GBA will be in for some disappointment. The best Game Boy titles are always from Nintendo and at the moment, there are more titles in line for the GameCube than the GBA. Good Luck.
What's happened recently?: Despite many complaints over the price, the GBM actually had a very successful Japanese release. Huh? What's more surprising is that it hasn't affected the other Nintendo handhelds. Odd, to say the least.
Why I chose a GBM: Well no one really has one yet but in all honesty, this system is completely unnecessary. It offers very little that is new and comes out at such a time where you'd think that barely anyone actually cares - which makes the sales figures rather surprising. Anyway, here’s to waiting for the next proper Game Boy release (Pfft - you can wait, I'll play my DS. - Ed).
Loading...
