The Game Boy Micro: What we know
posted May 17th 2005 2:28PM
Nintendo also unveiled the Game Boy Micro this morning, here's what we know so far:
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Launch is slated for this Fall.
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Silver in color for now, expect all sorts of rainbow-flavored variations.
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Dimensions: 4 inches wide by 2 inches tall and 0.7 inches thick.
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Weight: 2.8 ounces (80 paper clips' worth of weight).
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Processor: Same as GBA SP.
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Form factor: "Gleaming shoulder and start/select buttons that literally shine", removable and customizable face plate.
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Screen: 2-inches, backlit and the "best Game Boy screen ever" with adjustable brightness controls for use indoors or outdoors.
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Marketing angle: "We're making the gorgeous Game Boy Micro for image-conscious folks who love video games, the ones who want the look of their system to be as cool as the games they play on it" according to George Harrison, Nintendo of America Sr. VP of marketing. It's clear that they're going after the kids who are too cool to carry around an obvious gaming device but who don't mind carrying something that looks like the cell phone that they're already carrying.
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Accessories: built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery; supports standard headphones.
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Software: the Game Boy Advance has nearly 700 titles available, all of which will be playable on the Game Boy Micro.
This.. "thread" so to say, has been crazy. Good god, there have been so many people bashing the GBM; attacking it because it is "just" another series to the GBA. Like many posters have already expressed, it is NOT meant to be a "next-gen" hand-held or a competitor of the PSP. It is SIMPLY a smaller, more portable, re-tuned, GBA.
For example: Cell phones, there's tons of large cell phones that do the job just fine, they have all the gadgets that people want. However, why do the cell phone companies make SMALLER cell phones, with the SAME features? ... See the connection? Smaller is better.
There have also been a few reviews out for the GBM: IGN, Gamespot, and Kotaku are the places where I've seen them so far. They all compliment the new screen.
I have already preordered myself a Japanese GBM Famicom Edition at my local game importer. I am Nintendo's target audience, because I like portability. I like to put things in my jean pockets and carry them around. The GBM is nice for me b/c I'm a girl and just incase you guys wanted to know... jean pockets for women are SMALL, they are not large like men's pockets.
This handheld is really not that expensive. For $100, this thing is great. The reason why it is unattractive to buyers is b/c it is inbetween the SP and the DS. SP is cheaper than the GBM, and the DS can do more than the GBM.
The PSP is a totally different story! The PSP costs much more, so obviously it will perform at a higher graphic quality. The large screen and widescreen format is appealing, but it comes with a bulky-overall-handheld.
Basically, if you didn't understand what I was trying to say.. is that the GBM was made to appeal those who want portability, not to compete with existing handhelds.
PS: For those who don't know... The Play-Yan Micro has yet to be announced for the US, however it has been confirmed for Europe. That means its interface will most likely be in English (for those who are interested in it). GBM + (imported)Play-Yan Micro + SD Card = VERY portable media device. If you haven't read the reviews on the video quality.. read them! (IGN, Gamespot, Kotaku..)
I hope this has been helpful.. Thanks for reading!
-Kirra
This.. "thread" so to say, has been crazy. Good god, there have been so many people bashing the GBM; attacking it because it is "just" another series to the GBA. Like many posters have already expressed, it is NOT meant to be a "next-gen" hand-held or a competitor of the PSP. It is SIMPLY a smaller, more portable, re-tuned, GBA.
For example: Cell phones, there's tons of large cell phones that do the job just fine, they have all the gadgets that people want. However, why do the cell phone companies make SMALLER cell phones, with the SAME features? ... See the connection? Smaller is better.
There have also been a few reviews out for the GBM: IGN, Gamespot, and Kotaku are the places where I've seen them so far. They all compliment the new screen.
I have already preordered myself a Japanese GBM Famicom Edition at my local game importer. I am Nintendo's target audience, because I like portability. I like to put things in my jean pockets and carry them around. The GBM is nice for me b/c I'm a girl and just incase you guys wanted to know... jean pockets for women are SMALL, they are not large like men's pockets.
This handheld is really not that expensive. For $100, this thing is great. The reason why it is unattractive to buyers is b/c it is inbetween the SP and the DS. SP is cheaper than the GBM, and the DS can do more than the GBM.
The PSP is a totally different story! The PSP costs much more, so obviously it will perform at a higher graphic quality. The large screen and widescreen format is appealing, but it comes with a bulky-overall-handheld.
Basically, if you didn't understand what I was trying to say.. is that the GBM was made to appeal those who want portability, not to compete with existing handhelds.
PS: For those who don't know... The Play-Yan Micro has yet to be announced for the US, however it has been confirmed for Europe. That means its interface will most likely be in English (for those who are interested in it). GBM + (imported)Play-Yan Micro + SD Card = VERY portable media device. If you haven't read the reviews on the video quality.. read them! (IGN, Gamespot, Kotaku..)
I hope this has been helpful.. Thanks for reading!
-Kirra
I should note that official word from Nintendo states that it will run all of the same software that the Advance SP can. Nintendo says that it will run all of the classics. Considering that it's using the same chipset, I'm more inclined to believe the official source then IGN, which stated otherwise.
I think that the gbm is good for carrying around...but a DS is still good for playing but it is too big for your your pocket i will probaly buy gbm. i dont the psp is all that great
I would buy this if it were cheaper then the SP, but to have a screen that is smaller then a GBA game, i'm not sure thats a readable size. It really is around the same size as a NES controller.
I don't believe this, some of the idiots out there are comparing this to the PsP. This whole post is just like the PsP Vs.Ds in the Psp review, except that this time, it's the inferior 'micro' to the superior 'ds', although I still say the Psp still owns any one of them any day.
Best buy in Canada is selling the freaking micro for 30 cda (about 25 u.s.) more than a sp. I'd rather get a sp (although I already have one) than this poor excuse to make more money.
I think that gb micro is quite a bad idea, i still think nintendo ds and gba sp are just as good if not better.
I think it was a waste of time creating nintendo micro!
I have to be honest this is stupid in MY opioin only, for sure people will disagree, gba still are gay to have to carry around, and the micro doesnt fix that. The thing i dont undersatnad is i actaully OWN an n_gage qd, i find it is a gr4eat device, and im sure i will be bashed liek crazy to say i own one but i do. the thing i dont get is the n-Gage was trashed caused of its so called small screen, bad button, and small gmae libray, i see the miceo and i say what, the micro has a small screen, which doesnt measure much larger then the n_gage if even, second, controls dont look that appeal either, same with what is said about the n-gage, and last the gba doesnt have that many owrthwhile games, its got some, much liek the N-gage, so i say we bash the micro, as they do the N-gage. but nintendo as a whole is also outdated, realising hardware that is already out is dumb
all would be ok if instead of taking off Gbc game support Nintendo would add some new feature to it.
I've decided that im going to buy this within a month of release or at the first price drop. It's going to launch at $99.99 with 3 faceplates already in the package. Why?
When I had my SP, I never had the chance to play it because it was bulky. I did get to play alot of games on it, but it was always at my house where I had the obviously superior ps2 and xbox(pc too). Another bonus is that all of the games I can now buy used for less then ten dollars, which means I wont be bored for a long time.
hi. nintendo micro was released here in beijing, china yesterday.
im already an owner of PSP. but when i saw the micro, i was still attracted to it.
SCREEN- definitely the best screen of any handheld nintendo.
EARPHONE- my ipod earphone works with it perfectly. nice sound
GAMES- all games of nintendo sp can be played by the micro
COLORS- silver, purple, red, black and the famicon color
OTHERS- according to its manual, nintendo will launch MICRO PLAY YAN which can store music and movies.
Ok. 360 will suck shit. PS3 is way better, cuz it can use mem sticks. I like the NM, actually guys, the screen is not as small as u think. Nintendo is the oldest gaming company i can think of and i really dont want it to die out. Microsoft, you suck, you guys just want to kick in and kick out our oldest gaming company ever, just stick to ur old job of making software, ur already making load of money doing just that(as if gates doesnt have enough$$$.... APPLE will kick ur ass anyday, after all, it was you that stole their brilliant idea of the graphical interface that they created AKA(ICONS, just stick to ur old-shit MS-DOS
The last time I checked a site like this was to check out the DS. It too, was filled with vitriolic and inane ramblings from children and adults with the grammatical prowess of a decomposing egg. Yes, an egg.
I am filled with darkness when it comes to reading these unfortunate souls posts.
Anyway...my two pennies are about to be cast in (for what its worth).
The Micro seems like a lovely little machine. And you cannot argue with its price...although I suspect it will be more expensive in the UK (as usual!). If it had emerged during Summer I would have loved it for the fact it could be carried in my shorts. As it was, the DS packed my wee pockets quite a bit.
Adults do play portable gaming devices. At least, I DO! AND at work I am the electronic pimp - lending my gaming devices to all and sundry during our breaks. Adults like them. But not all adults will buy them.
It is clear that the Micro may sway my friends at work. If only they would get a DS then I could play multiplayer. Fools.
On a side note: The Sony PSP battery life is the only thing holding me back from getting one...well that and most games are PS2 ports by the looks of things. The PS2 suffered from being overloaded with sub-par games. I fear the same will happen here. The GBA has a lot of bad games also! But it has spent many a year out in the big bad world and is bound to collect some dross on the way.
It is unfortunate really when you compare the superior battery life of Sonys MP3 players to the PSP. 30 hours on my player (compared to Apples 10-12). And 3 hours on a PSP?! Surely not? Graphic intensive it may be!!...but I require longer than that.
I dont believe in camping with companies - but I do have utmost faith in Nintendo for sheer innovation of games. Similarly, the touch screen on the DS is wonderous. And the online capabilities will hopefully very quickly come to fruition. I believe Sony are doing the same?
The Micro is another harlot in my harem. And I wont be afraid to show her about town.
Heh, GBA, SP, DS...micro?
Looks good for sneaking tons of gameplay in class and I finally have use for that small pocket on the hip of my jeans...otherwise? A waste of money... unless you want "scratch and play" Its comparable to the PSP, in which the PSP owns, but not to the DS. Its different tech.
the psp games are not ports of the ps2... only about 3 games have been launch simulantously to both systems... every other psp game are its own... ridge racer, lumines, mecury, burnout legends, nfsu Rivals, etc etc not found in ps2...
and i dont think ill be going for this system... i already have the original GBA... and i have the psp
#56 and #212 Hit it on the head. You kids are idiots. All you do is moan and complain. If I had a stick the size of the west coast, I would line all of you up and beat you to a pulp.
LOL...you nintendo fans are really quite funny.The PSP is the future of gaming and sony and microsoft are paving the way.Nintendo is still stuck in the 80's and 90's and won't leave.This will only work in nintendo's favor for a little while longer and after that I think they will go under.They refuse to keep up with current technology and make products that would excite most of use but NOO...they have to make 10 different various kinds of the same product just to make money!The psp is the best handheld because of all it CAN do that the ds CAN'T do..such as:
1)has the ability to play movies
2)listen to music
3)play FUN and GOOD looking games
4)has firmware updates(very inportant and cool)
5)has a fricken web browser to surf anything on the net!
6)via the memory card can now play super nintendo games and others!...lol...sorry nintendo GBA and DS owners!...I will stick with my psp and play SUPER METROID on a sony handheld...lol...can the ds do this?????I think not!
7)people are finding out every day new uses for the psp as in ds's case there are NONE!...lol
Also all of you nintendo bitches can say about how the ds is better than the psp is that it has a touch screen...lol...you nintendo kids are sad...:)
peace out
Brilliant. Another blinkered viewpoint for us all to ignore.
I think the PSP is exactly bad for a lot of the reasons you just stated.
I personally dont want to watch movies on a small screen.
I also dont want to listen to mp3s on a system with no graphic equaliser.
I want to play interesting games on my portable GAMES system and the DS does that rather well for a significantly cheaper price. Check out Advance Wars DS. Pure genius.
And as for firmware updates - they will actually STOP you playing your pirate games on your handheld. So I dont think they are particularly "cool" in that respect.
Also, "keeping up with current technology" has little to do with game playability. A fact sadly lost on a lot of buzz word gamers.
Similarly, I believe Nintendo are the first to introduce wireless gaming stations in Japan and will be the first to instate their internet wifi network. (Current technology?)
Also, I think you will find we are not "Nintendo bitches" but most of us are normal adult gamers who are perfectly willing to embrace games on any format. It doesnt hurt to be objective.
I just spent most of the day on the Xbox playing Burnout 4. My Nintendog is probably dead.
I know its too much to wish for but PLEASE go away, you child.
wow. they keep delaying this fricking thing. it was supposed to be out on Monday! now its due NEXT Monday or Tuesday. wow. lame.
I never hated Nintendo, I think their great on inventing gaming systems. But the HAVE to move on. I mean common guys how much Mario can a normal person actually take. I mean yeah its fine they invented Mario but common dont use him out just because people like him. Mario tennis, Mario Party, Paper Mario, Mario Golf etc... I mean wtf get a new marketing campaign or somethin because if you use out something that people liked its gonna make it dull and boring. Nintendo needs to move on, this is 2005 not 1991 as bob dylan said "the times are a changing", change with them or youll get left behind. It doesnt matter how good they were, its how good u get. Psp owns this pencil sharpener. And until Nintendo relises they need more then mario and old things to save them, they cannot expect to see any loyalty recived.
THIS IS PENIS
ok... can anyone tell me if the gameboy micro is compatible in playing multiplayer w/ the GBA SP??? i cant seem to find anything on that subject.
Finally got my Micro yesterday. An elegant piece or hardware. Do yourself a favor and look at one in person before judging it. It is difficult to believe that it can be this small, and still playable. But it is....
Interestingly, when I took it to the register at BestBuy, the clerk thought that the $100 price was "cheap". Never expected that.
I don't care what you Nintendo Haters think. I'm getting me one of these! Replaceable screen, cool covers. If there was one thing wrong with the DS, it was the inabilaty to connect to a Gameboy Advanced. This can connect, charge, and hook up to a gamecube at the same time! Even though I don't know HOW it will all fit on there. Stylish, pocket packed, and adjustable screen brightness. This is pretty cool!
I just got mine. It's the perfect form factor for casual portable game use. It fits discretely in your pocket, looks great, has lots of battery life and (most importantly) starts up quickly. Considering Nintendo wants to market this thing to a more mature audience (like myself), the only thing they really missed the mark on was releasing a few mature titles that could be bundled (or at least marketed with) the micro. Maybe a few games similar to Meteos (DS) with a bit more of a grown up look to them. At the least, they could have put together a maerketing strategy pushing certain titles in the current library that would appeal more this market.
For the love of God... You can't turn around at Engadget without bumping into PSP-bashing Nintendo freaks.
PSP battery life is excellent for what it is. I get 6-7 hours on average with most games, some folks get more depending on settings. Period. End of story. The 3 hour myth has been pandered by immature Nintendites since the months leading up to its launch, and was no more true then than now.
The Gameboy Micro battery life is... NOT GOOD. I'm a light sleeper and only drop off for a couple of hours before waking up again, and when I fall asleep playing Minish Cap on a FULLY CHARGED Micro, it's DEAD by the time I wake up. That's no more than 3-4 hours.
I think that's a huge failing for this system, considering that unlike the PSP, it's not powering an immense amorphous-silicon TFT display, nor an optic drive. Nintendo just went with a cheap, low mAh rated lithium battery. And then went and charged $30 more for this than the SP, AND are making you buy a brand new power and multiplayer adapter... AND a new adapter to play against older GBA/SP devices!
RIP-OFF MILK-JOB.
Anyone who sells their PSP for this (there's ports on the DS too, at least these are PS2 ones as compared to GBA and N64) is a complete fool.
the three hour myth? dude, i ave a fricking PSP and it was the biggest waste of money ever for me. Yes, your right. It goes longer than three hours...by like....one. Theres nothing more annoying than playing a game when suddenly it goes black. It doesn't even give you an f'ing warning! unless you want to keep pressing home to look at that battery thingy. I bought a gameboy micro and i think that it is way better than the psp. For one, the battery life goes way longer than the psp's. three to four hours? what the hell. if it went for only three or four hours i would have lost all of my fft data. I played for a good 8 hours before even thinking aobut charging it. Also, when the battery is starting to dwindle, it at least warns you! It doesn't just play the guess and check game like the PSP. Oh ya, you forgot to mention how long you were playing Zelda before you fell asleep. Plus, how do you know you were only asleep for three or four hours? Did your highly acurate internal clock tell you that? Did it say in your ear "Dick, you have been asleep for exactly three or four hours...also...you must go talk about the GBM and compare it to a PSP..." No. I'm comparing it to a PSP because thats what you did. Plus, all that the PSP has going for it is its graphics which are...oh, wait. Playstation graphics! (those suck by the way, Dick). I actually like the graphics more on a gameboy. You know why? because i can tell what everything in the game is! its not just guessing what the blocks are.
A lot of ppl say that anyone who has a DS would be stupid to purchase this... I have to say, I own a DS and am really thinking about getting one of these. Why? because If I want to play any GBA games lugging around a DS which is roughly 9.7 ounces.. I mean come on 10 ounces vs 2... I would much rather carry something that light. Also GBM over SP simply cause I don't play any GBC or GB games at all.. and that thing is not as portable as this GBM, with a neck strap at a mere $4.99 I'll be set. PSP is over priced and big as well.. I wouldnt get a PSP unless it was way cheaper, I dont wanna play MGS on the run.. or any other PSP game for that matter. Nintendo has the best portable games ever, and the GBM looks great for someone who would like the library of over 600 titles, and the comfortable gamming system that can slip into your pocket.
Who are you?
I am an Ex-PSP owner. I lost alot of money on that system. I enjoyed it for about two weeks and then got bored after beating the two games that I liked on the system. I had to worry about dead pixels, battery life, fingerprints (they end up all over the thing), scratches, and all the money I spent.
Why do you want a Micro?
They are alot cheaper than PSP and have better quality games. They don't have the graphics that PSP has but I don't care. I consider game design and gameplay more than graphics. The micro is smaller and I can actually fit it into my pocket without a bulge that leaves people wondering if I am horny.
What do you think about the video game industy?
I believe that people will always be getting ripped off by something new that is in some way better than what they just bought. Companies need to focus on the gameplay and stop it with the graphics rush, we have lost alot of great games because of the need for graphics. Do you want to play a game or play real life? I prefer playing a game and living my real life. Games are for free time, if you have to much free time you start to gripe about stupid things that are trival.
What is some good advice for gamers?
Make that most of your time and choose games that challenge your mind instead of mind numbing and sensory overloaded games that make you into a twitching depressed insomniac that only finds relief with more sensory overload. Get off the drug of gaming. Use games don't let games use you.
i think that nintendo really need to stop jerking everybody around and give everyone what they really want games games and more games and a system small enough to play them on! i think that the mirco was a vallant try but once again big n missed.
it would be nice if somebody from the nintendo camp actually read this and took notes but i doubt that will happen since they're are some of the most cleaver con-artists on the planet!! who elese can get kids to buy the exact goddammned games over and over again for "different" consoles???
maybe the fact that they had SHARP create this thing means one great thing is in store in for the future...and that is NINTENDO is leaving the console business and getting back to what they so best...making videogames.
until i see a best of collection with about 30 of there best games on disc for the PLAYSTATION i will not bother with big n anymore.
it looks nice with the changing top but it dose track alot of atention when i play it in public for at least 10 min. should have a built in mp3 player that dosen't require a card but can hold over 4,000 songs on it then it would smash the psp into peices like the x-box hand held will when it comes out.
As for which handheld is best, there is obviously no right or wrong answer. It is up to you to form a critical opinion. But I can't understand why people get so worked up about it. We play games for fun don't we? Unless you work for Sony, Nintendo etc. why bother trying to market their products? My advice to all you hardcore gamers is this: enjoy life to the full, and if that includes buying and playing computer games then so be it, but don't waste your life quibbling over which is best and then get to 40 and realise half your life's already gone.
i think i might get it. they need to add a feature so u can play MP3 and videos
okay your guys are freaks
this thing is good becasue it's SIMPLE
everything makes sense and it's comfortable
it's small and it is PORTABLE
instead of carrying a fat psp
you can carry a GMC
which was made for GAMING
not music, dvds and photos
PSP is a whole different thing for a whole different purpose in my opinon
how good are the graphics compared to other systems
I think it looks great. I will get one for my Son *****and me*****
I also own a PSP and I do love it but there is always room for a Micro. Looks fantastic in my opinion.
I'm not at all impressed with any updated versions of the Gameboy in cluding the most recent version as well, theres no drastic difference except for the size, and that they provide more light..big whoop! I could care less how it looks wheres the a place to store music like a MP3 Player, take pictures, Instant message, and even use it was a Walkies Talkie! Now, that would be one HOT product! I would buy it in a heart beat!
god this is gay i mean wat type of competeiton is this to the psp
ma frend told me that this thing downloads GB game frum the comp????? Is it rtue if yes hell yes i wanna buy it!!!!!
It WILL play MP3s and Videos! (MPEG4)
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n08/play_yan_micro/
yeh da micro def luks ace but y not this new system way bck??
no new tech but stil luks gd! :D
yeh the psp is ace too but i fink i want dis fingy aswell, but which color damn theres sooooo many!!! :@ I cant wait...
they should definetly make another skin, designed to completly imitate the NES controller for this wicked looking machine. would be the best. would have the greyish trim andred on the buttons, ohh man it would look sick!
This gb looks alright but to me it looks like Nintendo is instead of going forward is going backwards. I really think PSP is a whole lot better but the only problem with it is that everything is on those little umd cards and it is way over priced. The gbm is a great option for those who dont want a big DS or gma SP. It is also a great option for those who dont want to pay so much for a PSP. My overall opinion Nintendo should forget about the cartridge in Gameboys and go for the gamecube style disk.
This gb looks alright but to me it looks like Nintendo is instead of going forward is going backwards. I really think PSP is a whole lot better but the only problem with it is that everything is on those little umd cards and it is way over priced. The gbm is a great option for those who dont want a big DS or gma SP. It is also a great option for those who dont want to pay so much for a PSP. My overall opinion Nintendo should forget about the cartridge in Gameboys and go for the gamecube style disk.
Well i theink that it is pretty cool i recently read an artical on it and in japan they are selling an adapter that allows movies and music to be played on the micro. It will be selling here for around 50 dollars when the micro will be relesed in the near future around december for $100. the screen is alot brighter than gba and sp and ds so it really is cool for peolple like myself who ride the bus or go to school it is small like my i pod so it will be easy to play durring class (he he he) so i think its definitly a buyer
I bought a GBM today, and I must admit that I am a fan of the nintendo range, but game boy advance is my favourite range. The micro kicks some serious butt in the graphics and sound, and best of all, it has great game play, and its purpose is to be portable, and to play games. It serves it's purpose. I will still keep my GB-SP but I think Nintendo should have done this a while ago. The good thing is that cartridges are more reliable, discs can get scratched.
i'v brought a green gb micro and it look and plays great and the games look alot better then the gba and gba sp with the smaller screen and brighter screen.
Looks gay...no even no why they Bother to Make this Sh!t. Nintendo useto be good,but now is out dated. these days Sony will take over the Portable players, Go the PSP's.
I'm getting a green GB micro too, for xmas! I'm sure it'll be great, and will keep me fully occupied on xmas day :D
Hmmm. . .as far as I'm concerned, this is the most amazing thing to come to the market in a long time. For some reason, people are forgetting the true power of the Gameboy "Advance" line. This is a 32-bit system folks. Don't believe me? Take a look at the specs. Take a looks at Tekken Advance, or compare Donkey Country 1 to the original Country on the SNES, which was only 16-bit. There's a HUGE difference in playability and overall graphics. So, a 32-bit game console with over 700 games available that's tiny enough to fit in your pocket?! Just five years ago, I would have laughed at the impossibility. But as usual Nintendo, the company that truly understands games and gamers HAS DONE AGAIN. :) Proud owner of a GBM silver here. I'm also getting 9 more for friends and relatives for Xmas.