Will GameBoy Advance games play on the GameBoy Advance SP?

Question

I'm looking to get my first hand-held/pocket video game device. I've finally decided on the earlier GameBoys. I like the GameBoy Advance SP because it's classic, nestalgic and cool how it flips open. My brother used to have one and I always loved how compact and easy it was to move around, not like those other, bulkier GameBoys.

Unfortunately I don't know much about the Nintendo GameBoy. I don't know the differences between the Color, Advance and Advance SP. I was looking at some GameBoy Advance games to buy when I get my GameBoy Advance SP, but I'm not sure they will play. Is the GameBoy Advance SP different from the GameBoy Advance, or are they really the same system? Do the two play different games?

Basically, I don't want to compile a list of great GameBoy Advance games that I want to get if they won't play on the system I'm going to buy, the GameBoy Advance SP. I want to really know what games go with what systems and what will play on what before I go shopping.

On a side note, what about regular traditional GameBoy games? Or GameBoy Color games? Can I buy any of those classic, traditional GameBoy games for my GameBoy SP? Will they play on the GameBoy SP system? I know they weren't designed for it, but I know PlayStation games play on the PlayStation 2, is it similar with the Nintendo GameBoys? Any information will help.

Thank you! ^_^

Answer 1

The Game Boy Advance SP (aka GBA SP) is only a redesign of the original GBA. It can play virtually all GBA, GBC & GBY games with little to no issues, with an exception to a few titles (where the cartridge slot makes it difficult or impossible to properly play).



The major differences between the GBA & the GBA SP are...



* SP utilizes a clamshell design with a narrower base (more like the original GBY)

* SP has screen backlighting (which can be turned off, as desired)

* SP utilizes a rechargeable built-in battery (original GBA uses 2 AA's)

* SP does NOT have a headphone jack & requires a headphone adapter (original GBA has a headphone jack)



Because of these changes, the GBA SP has become the more desirable over the original GBA.





Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Yes if course

Answer 3

The GBA and GBA SP are functionally the same and only differ in design really. They don't have any differences in compatibility.

Answer 4

yes they will. Both are generally the same thing just the SP is a newer design.