Game Boy Micro vs. Game Boy Advance SP
By Peter Rojas 
posted May 19th 2005 6:38AM
posted May 19th 2005 6:38AM
Wanna know just how micro the screen on Nintendo's new Game Boy Micro really is? Reader "gameduck" just sent in this graphic he created comparing the size of the Micro's screen with that of the Game Boy Advance SP (he based it on the size of the GBM's cartridge slot—turns out paying attention in math class has its advantages). Let's just say that if you've got beef with the screen on the Game Boy Advance SP then you're probably not going to be happy with what you're getting with the Micro. Otherwise, you're cool.
Now.. that IS a small screen, but it's so cute!
Handcramp, thats all i gotta say.
I can barely see the SP screen, that new Micro is way too small for gaming.
I mean they could prolly make tiny tv's too, but when does it become impractical.
"I can barely see the SP screen"
i think you need your eyes checking O_o, now nematodes... i have trouble seeing them
Micro... i want! something cheap that i can play GBA games on for a change! throw in bag; play.
Form over function: the mac methodology
:CORRECTION: This image was not created by me. I did a mockup based on specs to verify the size represented in this image. Credit should go to 'Mike' from a comment he made at Joystiq.
Comment #73 here:
http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000793043854/#comments
By the way, my mockup verified that the GBA Micro screen is EXACTLY 2 inches DIAGONALLY. Based on my mockup, the comparison above is dead on accurate.
The screen won't be a problem to me unless I'm playing an RPG. You need to be able to read the tiny texy for those games, and the Micro will make it impossible.
I don't mean to nitpick or anything, but the graphic isn't quite accurate, as the viewable screen is 2 inches diagonally or approximately 1.68" x 1.12". The pic shows it to be about 1.85 inches diagonally. That said, though, it's still pretty small and this thing had better be cheaper than the SP.
"The pic shows it to be about 1.85 inches diagonally."
You do realize this is entirely dependent on your monitor size and resolution, right? There's no way to show an exact absolute size in a graphic posted on the web and have it display at that exact size on everybody's monitor.
I haven't compared them, but I'm guessing whoever did this got the scale right, which is all you can really do when showing something on a computer screen. As long as the two systems are in proportion, then it's a valid comparison.
Ill buy one just for entertainment purposes. Remember now - if this is anything like the guts of the SP, then it will play video/audio with that silly ass accessory, which is totally neato. Isnt it?
CaptSnuffy's funny :p
Mac methodology = form over function? how cute.
I think you might have misunderstood. I didn't hold a ruler up to the screen, I measured the two screen sizes by pixel using photoshop and compared the proportions. Each dimension of a 2" screen would measure approximately 70% of that of a 2.9" screen. In the pic, it's approximately 64%, making the screen look about 1/6 smaller overall.
The GB Micro display size is 2", as the GB SP display size is 2.9"....
make your own idea
Hell, they call it 'micro' for a reason. What is surprising here?
Sure, it's tiny, so not for everyone. But it is much, much brighter than the SP screen. It's very clear and vibrant, and that does make up for its small size.
Also, wouldn't your hands actually be a little further apart on the micro, as the unit is a little wider than the SP? But it's not as tall, I guess, so that would leave them floating.
A business card. a .7" thick business card with a bit sticking out on a side. North American business cards are 3.5"x2"
Me wantee.
For the same reason I still have my GBC, because I'm a fan of the platform.
By the way, will it handle the old GB games?
That looks way off scale. Engadget had a picture of the back of the micro and the cart sizes dont match up between the two. the micro should be bigger.
i really hate how nintendo can make fools of people so easily. the SP has the best size/design of any portable. yet still theyve convinced people that the SP isnt small enough.
"I think you might have misunderstood. I didn't hold a ruler up to the screen, I measured the two screen sizes by pixel using photoshop and compared the proportions."
Ok, well this makes more sense, and I just did the same and you are right. If the Micro screen size is 2.0 inches, the SP screen based on this mockup would be approximately 3.18 inches. That's not correct. I didn't even know what the screen size of the GBA SP was but a quick Google search turned up 73mm, which translates to 2.87 inches.
So this comparo is close, but not "dead on accurate". The SP is just a smidge smaller (or really, just closer in size to the Micro) than pictured here.
Ok, well this makes more sense, and I just did the same and you are right. If the Micro screen size is 2.0 inches, the SP screen based on this mockup would be approximately 3.18 inches. That's not correct. I didn't even know what the screen size of the GBA SP was but a quick Google search turned up 73mm, which translates to 2.87 inches.
So this comparo is close, but not "dead on accurate". The SP is just a smidge smaller (or really, just closer in size to the Micro) than pictured here.
-------------
After checking this, yes the pic is not 'dead on accurate' as I stated. When holding the mockup screen to my SP, it looked the same to me. In any event, it is alot smaller than the SP screen.
Nintendo has an official comparison between the GBA and the GBA Micro here: http://nintendo.co.jp/n10/e3_2005/micro/index.html - even shows new angles and different colors.
Also new revolution pics up here: http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/e3_2005/revo/
I like that with the micro, you get a screen protector with a new faceplate, so if it gets scratched (which it definatly will), its a cheap fix, anda new look!
Weird, why is Nintendo Japan (the link posted earlier) comparing the Micro to the *original* GBA? Do they still sell that thing in Japan?
Whether or not I want one of these will be determined by pricing. For $50, I'd probably pick one up. More than that, I'm not sure.
They still sell the older GBA here in the states too. I think it was the better design.
I made a comparison using the image from Nintendo Japan that compares the Micro to the original GBA. The actual screen in the GBA and SP are the same size. This new comparison shows the Micro screen inset into the GBA screen. It does look bigger than the image posted here.
Here it is:
http://tinypic.com/59u535
Any ideas on the price of the Micro?
Mac methodology = form over function
what? ive been a hardcore PC user since 94 but i switched to Mac just a few months ago, a decision made on a whim... ive made the right choice :)
they do seem to be copying mac styling though, release normal stuff, then mini (but v.cheap) stuff later. but the connections between Apple and Nintendo are so apparent. both have a love for innovation, both value appearance, both have simple software, both are built to last...
Ah.. heh I made that graphic. Never thought to send it in though, lol. It isn't quite accurate-- I eyeballed it based on the picture of the micro angled. I based it on the cartridge starting at the left edge of the screen and ending at the right of the 'B' button, so it isn't accurate.
@ 24
Funny I thought that was Sony's motto :)
For $50 i'd prolly get 2 (one for me and one for my gf)
Nintendo's president Iwata actually quoted Steve Jobs in this year's E3 keynote.
While a larger screen would always be welcome, 2" should probably suffice for most games. The TurboExpress had a screen that was only 1.8" (if I recall correctly) and that was fine even though games for it were optimized for regular TVs. And let's not forget the original GameBoy was fine with that same screen size (albeit at a lower resolution). GBA games should look fine as long as the resolution of the two screens are the same.
I upsized it so the GB Micro was 4 inches across on my screen and the SP on screen was bigger than my actual SP--not by a lot, but it was. I made another size comparison image that I think is correct. Check for yourself.
http://home.insightbb.com/~cookieschoolbus/gba-micro-sp.jpg
Wow, I thought that this might be kinda cool, assumeing that the screen was the same size as previous iterations af the game boy advance. With the screen actually being significantly smaller, I have to say, what the hell were these guys thinking. The sp's screen is a perfect size, and I can't really imagine playing on such a small screen. It seems like they could have made it almost as small using the same size screen if they had put a little work into it. Very stupid of nintendo.
(DS owner)
i dont even know why they even bother making game boys smaller.i dont even though how they are still in buisness. and this is an example that they repeat everything and this will have even worse stuff because its been done about 20 times before.and all you fan boys out there are the worst "oh mario is the best" come on get a life you sit in your room and do stuff you shouldnt even being doing while you are looking at a 40 year old migit plumber with a porno mustache. SICK FAN BOYS
i dont even know why they even bother making game boys smaller.i dont even though how they are still in buisness. and this is an example that they repeat everything and this will have even worse stuff because its been done about 20 times before.and all you fan boys out there are the worst "oh mario is the best" come on get a life you sit in your room and do stuff you shouldnt even being doing while you are looking at a 40 year old migit plumber with a porno mustache. SICK FAN BOYS
oh yea i more thing....NINTENDO DS SUCKS MATE
Phil i agree mate the DS is shit, Nintendo are nothing more than a bunch of gay plumber loving fanboys nowadays. And the micro's screen must be smaller than a 10p piece
I think Nintendo has completely lost it. Cant wait to see how crappy and poorly thought out the Revolution is... if they can stop being afraid to release the specs. The DS was a missed opportunity and poorly designed. The micro is a bloody joke. I predict Nintendo will soon go the way of Sega and will just be making software.
First of all Turbo Express did not have a 1.8" screen. It had a 2.6" screen. I have one so I should know.
Second Nintendo is going to be selling buttloads of these Game Boy Micros. That my friend is smart business whether you haters like it or not. I think the haters are just afraid that maybe Nintendo has come up with another winning product that will sell tens of millions.
Ok listen IDIOTS will you people stop quoting each others measures and then telling each other they're wrong? PLEASE waddre you babys?And CHRIST #38 what kinda 10p pieces do you own?
I think the micro is an EXTREMELY profitable marketing idea... I mean whaz it gonna be? 50 Bucks? 60 Bucks? Thats practially unbeatable even if the screen is only 2" in diameter. Everyone's gonna buy one cuz they're hella cheap! There's never been anything like this on the market before... 60$, Tiny for transport, an awesome gaming experience with a Nintendo! Listen you should be able to see somethin on a 2" screen an if you CAN'T you're over 60 and if thats a fact, DIE! Why're you still playing a Nintendo? Go fishing or get yourself a 50foot RV or somethin but common... this is for kids with functional eyes.
Ok listen IDIOTS will you people stop quoting each others measures and then telling each other they're wrong? PLEASE waddre you babys?And CHRIST #38 what kinda 10p pieces do you own?
I think the micro is an EXTREMELY profitable marketing idea... I mean whaz it gonna be? 50 Bucks? 60 Bucks? Thats practially unbeatable even if the screen is only 2" in diameter. Everyone's gonna buy one cuz they're hella cheap! There's never been anything like this on the market before... 60$, Tiny for transport, an awesome gaming experience with a Nintendo! Listen you should be able to see somethin on a 2" screen an if you CAN'T you're over 60 and if thats a fact, DIE! Why're you still playing a Nintendo? Go fishing or get yourself a 50foot RV or somethin but common... this is for kids with functional eyes.
Add to this HUNDREDS of games already available on the market. Heck I'd play my old GBA games on this just for the new gadget factor.
You guys are all nerds ,I think you are taking this GBA micro thing way too seriously. go outside, get a life, get a girlfriend!!! breath some fresh air for crying out loud! And if you want one then buy one! If you dont want one then DONT buy one and quit bitching about it!!!
This is just simply stupid. (No offense to Nintendo & its fans) I can imagine people buying it if it was a little tv, radio, and mp3 player. That would be a little interesting, but like I heard the screen is already really small on the SP imagine it 2x smaller! It kind of looks fun if you never got a gameboy before, but if you have a SP dont go for this. The price is said to set somewhere $80 to $120. The design is really quite simple, and looks like the old Nintendo controllers. With so many game consoles coming out in the upcoming year, I would not advise you to buy this. You would rather save more cash for a Nintendo Revolution or PS3 coming out 7 months after this comes out. But hey it's your money, and I'm just a 13 year old asian dude telling you to spend it wisely.
Unlike what CamBob said, Nintendo has said that "The day we stop making hardware, that will be the day that we leave the gaming business alltogether". You shouldn't shoot down something like the Micro, and say that the SP or DS is better. For some things like the Revolution, you don't even know anything about it, so why do you put it down before it even comes out? If something like the Micro is so dumb (I don't think it is), and the SP is so much better, then buy it instead. It's as simple as that.
Why so small?
Ok... the screen is going to be small, we understand that now? good... We dont need to hear from some idiots making fun of nintendo cause we are talking about it. If you hate nintendo so much why are you even here?? Now look who has no life.
ANYWAY... did anyone else take notice of the speaker here? Cause yeh... It will be really close if not under where your thumb would be...
that screen comparision is way wrong
Alright Phil, the DS is f*cking AMAZING. If you are ANY kind of gamer, you know that what makes a game good is gameplay. The DS provides both touch and voice control which makes for unbelievably fun gameplay. The DS also has a built-in instant messenger. Also, in case your a Sony fanboy, don't get the PSP. The DS can do everything the PSP can do, and for a hell of a lot less money. If you go to lik-sang.com you can buy the GBAMP (Gameboy Advance Movie Player) which will attach to any DS, or GBA for that matter, and allow it to play movies (with great quality), music, hold images and text files AND even emulate small roms p.s. it costs less than $30! Oh yeah, and UnNamed Gamer, you poor poor soul who can't accept the fact that the only one here who needs a girlfriend is you. I happen to have a very hot girlfriend (and I know tons of people who would agree) who is OBSESSED with my DS. So shut the hell up, you lameass posers.
Oh and Sammy Dude, you don't know a f*cking thing about the
Revolution, so listen up jackass! The RV is going to have an online community
better than XBox Live and it WILL be free, that is official info and so is
everything that's next. Using the online capabilities of the RV (which you will
be able to do with it out of the box) you can download full games from 20 years
worth of Nintendo's library, p.s. The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time has been
confirmed as a downloadable game. You can also download demos for upcoming
games for the RV (Revolution, in case you didn't pick that up you tard) and you
can hook up a DS to the RV to download demos for that too. I hate you f*cking
posers so much, ignorantly thinking you know what system is best without knowing
the first thing about anything (and that's not just game system-related, I mean
you people ARE UTTERLY STUPID). I really can't believe there are people in the
world as ignorant as you *points finger at phil*, it doesn't physically possible
for the human mind to function so moronically.
As for the GBM, I probably won't get it cuz I already have a GBA and a GBASP. However, I do like the idea of a handheld game system with an interchangeable faceplate, I just don't see much point in it other than to impress a select few people. The main idea behind the GBM is that it has the most powerful screen in any Nintendo handheld to date, with a very bright backlight (I'm a little worried cuz my DS has almost blinded me when I played it in the dark).