Gba Backlit

Frequently Asked Questions About the Backlit Game Boy Advance

The Game Boy Advance, also known as the GBA for short, is a handheld video game device released by Nintendo in 2001. The original version of the Game Boy Advance is not equipped with a backlight, making it hard to see in poor lighting conditions. However, there are several versions of the GBA that remedy the problem by incorporating a backlight into the LCD screen, and they are available on eBay.

That depends on which version of the system you want. The only way to obtain a backlit version of the original GBA is through user modification. However, following the release of the original GBA, Nintendo released two official backlit systems. Each type of system offers a different set of features. Here is what you need to know about them.

• Modified GBAs: These modified GBAs feature a backlight installed by individual users rather than Nintendo. In some cases, they may come with other features such as a rechargeable battery. The original GBA plays Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games.
• Game Boy Advance SP: In 2003, Nintendo released the Game Boy Advance SP, an upgraded version of the original GBA. It features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a clamshell design, and a brighter front-lit LCD screen. Two years later, in September of 2005, Nintendo replace the front-lit screen with a backlit screen. The backlit version can be identified by the model number AGS-101. All versions of the Game Boy Advance SP can play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games.
• Game Boy Advance Micro: The Game Boy Micro is the second major redesign of the GBA. Besides the backlit screen, the Micro features a smaller, more pocket-friendly design and customizable face plates. It can only play Game Boy Advance games.

Since the GBA is no longer in production, you will need to purchase either a used unit or a refurbished unit, which attempts to restore the system to a like-new condition. Before purchase, make sure that the system is in proper working order. Depending on how often the system has been used, signs of wearing or scratches may appear on the surface of the screen or the plastic casing. However, superficial marks are not likely to affect the functionality of the system.

A frontlight is positioned above the screen and typically shines down toward the image. A backlight is positioned below the screen and shines up toward your eyes. The two methods are similar, but a backlit screen may appear slightly brighter than the alternative.