Nintendo's Game Boy Micro: take 2

by Ryan Block { May 17th 2005 at 3:37PM }

We know it's a little gratuitous, but we wanted to hit you with a nice new pic of the Game Boy Micro. It's just that cute. Holla!

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

Goon Sir @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

Hey remember when people said noone would buy the far inferior iPod mini? Just sayin'

khamel @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

can someone explain to me the market for the psp/gameboy advance or gameboy micro. i had a gameboy pocket in middle school but i doubt that nerdy middle school boys who take long car trips is the only market for these things. does any self respecting adult have a portable game device? besides someone who rides the trains to and from work, are these things only for teenagers and younger? maybe im just missing something. saying all that, i still think its cool but i dont know when i would need or use a portable game player. portable game player/mp3 player, now thats something. give me a 60 gb gmini and im set.

Mario (yes, that's my real name, you goof!) @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

to J.Bellone -- sure, you could have designed that and "put it together in metal shop" but the fact is you didn't, Nintendo did. Everyone is so quick to talk trash about Nintendo, etc. but every single time nintendo has been able to upstage SONY and MICROSOFT (MS loses money with each Xbox it sells and the lifespan of SONY plus reliability is farcical at best). IT is really a shame that Nintendo isn't as money hungry (well, that's arguable as well) as the others. Maybe then they could sell out and put out a half-baked unit but instead we always get solid gaming platforms. I still have my original NES, SNES, 64, CUBE and look forward to the Revolution. NES,SNES,64 are still working like brandnew and I beat up my systems so that should say something re: their relibability.

Too bad they don't realize an every day schmo could put their systems together in metal shop.

elton @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

It's cool in a modern-retro sort of way.

casey @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

i'm an adult with a psp, gba, and a palm with dope wars on it.

i have low self respect. :)

Justin @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

I would definitely get one of those.

It would be much easier to take around with me than my PSP!

White Rose Duelist @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

"does any self respecting adult have a portable game device?"

Yes, lots of them. I am one. 45 minutes on the train each way to work seems awfully short while engulfed in Mega Man Battle Network, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance or Mr. Driller.

Blue Balloon @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

I think it's good because it mean to fit in your pocket much comfortable than GBA SP.

coffee @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

I just wanted to yawn when i saw this. I thought Nintendo wanted to target adults? With a mini gameboy I don't think so.

rosemeyer @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

If this is cheap at retail, and has good battery, then i think it's a winner. it looks smaller than my phone.. it's just TINY!
I can leave the DS in my bag, but this would fit in trouser pocket.
cool.

Richard Vialoux @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

i bet this gba will launch for like $50-$60, looks like they used cheaper components to get people who arn't hardcore diehard gamers a chance to get in on the action.. like parents with kids persay... easy money if u ask me

CurtSchilling @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

is it me or does it seem like all of nintendo's recent moves are all reactionary. it seems like everything is just in response to something else coming out, trying to steal its thunder, or at least trying its damndest to not be forgotten.

ds going online in response to the psp going on out of the box (im not convinced nintendo ever planned on using the wifi capabilities until the psp had it, otherwise, it would have been out of the box online)

gameboy micro in response to the psp because the ds just doesn't have any games

and after all that, we still have no dates. just more announcements.

epthegeek @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

TWO. INCH. SCREEN.

No thanks.

OddManOut @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

Similar comments and personal opinions as #23 (khamel). I had a Sega Game Gear back in the early 90's (after wanting a Game boy ever since they came out) and while it was fun it didn't get much portable use. I mostly played it at home as it was too big to easily carry around (admittedly the GG was HUGE, portable consoles of today are much smaller) and it drained batts like there was no tommorow. Now that I'm older and buy my own toys I've come to the point where I usually just take a paperback book if I think I'm gonna have down time while out of the house and otherwise alone.

But I usually bring my Sharp Zaurus with me (an SL-5500, soon to be replaced with a C-1000) to play MP3's. And yes, it has a couple e-books stored and there are even a couple games installed on it. So if this thing can play MP3's (obviously via a small add on module) and perhaps even movies, it might be a contender for my on-the-spot entertainment provision. But I doubt it. I prefer having a PDA/pocket computer because of all the unsecured wireless one can find in the SF Bay area. Now if this thing can be manhandled into a platform for Ministumbler or Kismet...(cue Disco Stu)

'Eeeehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...'

(Note - I would only use it for detection and info storage, not as a web browser)

Vagabond Artist @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

I hope it makes like Virtual Boy and dies.

I thought Nintendo was going to show the next evolution of Game Boy?

I hope this isn't what they meant....

Clint @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

This looks lame. Why don't they just license their games to cell phone companies? That screen is no better than my Motorola phone's screen! I would download one of those Mario games to my cell phone, but I'm not buying a kiddie device like this to have to carry around in addition to my phone. What morons!

Chris @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

This is clearly directed towards the "cool" teen crowd. maybe not as much in the US, but in Japan cell phones and ipods are the sign of cool. notice this looks exactly like a cell phone or ipod mini? I wouldn't be surprised if it's got a little spot to tie on a hello kitty strap.

Jayson Elliot @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

DOESN'T. UNDERSTAND. TARGET. MARKET.

Two inch screen is perfect for casual gamers that would like to toss it in a pocket and forget about it.

Doubtful @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

Nintendo R&D:

Hey, lets make a new Gameboy.

Nah, lets just make the old one different and call it a day.

Again?

Yeah, now lets go get a beer.

---

Nintendo's last point of competition is price. Nintendo: The Bargain Gamers Choice.

Sorry, but they don't even win the home game with this.

Foxtailed @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

Man... That looks just as good the second time, too bad I already have three things that can play GBA games. It's nice to see that Nintendo learned from the SP and decided to slap on a headphone jack.

DannyMac @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

Hmmm... just attach the Play Yan and you've got a mini media viewer as well!

epthegeek @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

Jayson Elliot:

I understand fine. A 2 inch screen is too damn small to see things easily. Hell, the GBA SP screen is already pretty cramped. I know the resolution isn't different - it's just crushed.

How cool will these hipsters look holding this teeny thing up to their noses to be able to see anything?

Worthless.

raindog_mx @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

they tried to micro the ds and they couldn't so they microed the gba.

mistery solved

christopher @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

Play Yan is like, twice as big as that thing.

christopher @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

Play Yan is like, twice as big as that thing.

njhalady @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

IMO this is a good move for Nintendo to bring in some extra bank. I dont think its necessarily for people who already own a GBA,SP, or DS, but for those who arent gamers. I can see this in the hands of a ton of young ladies, mothers and children. Im constantly seeing little kids with their gba's all over the place, they're the reason its the best selling portable ever. Just licence some Popcap games and more casual games and theres your pot of gold.

rhys @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

Ed, #20:

"Form factor: �Gleaming shoulder and start/select buttons that literally shine�, removable and customizable face plate."

Sounds like you might be getting your wish!

nate @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

#18-

have you ever heard of grammar?

Zell @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

Underestimating that tiny thing. I think it's going to be a big hit. I'm sure it'll be inexpensive and people will have no problem picking up one (or five). Kinda like Apple with the iPod Shuffle. Cute, shiny and hot.

CaptSnuffy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

"Nintendo are really stupid."

haha ARE hahahahahaha

irony

GamerHeaven @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

Three points.

1. Anyone comparing this against the PSP in a "battle" sense, stop now. The DS and PSP is bad enough but this is just in another universe.

2. People claiming any "reaction" tactics, or claiming this is a bad new habit (etc) - you are either young or forgetful. Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket and Game Boy Colour. Just the same as Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP and now Game Boy Mini.

People bitch when Nintendo do it but not when their favourite sports team releases a new strip every season - it's life, it's business .. get over it. It's not like YOU are forced to buy it, it's fully optional.

3. Clint, the annoyance of 66% of hte commenters here.

If you like Mario so much and want to play his games it's really quite simple - buy a Nintendo console.

For the second time today Nintendo haters hatred of Nintendo and desire of the games is ludicrous.

.......

Not sure if I'll get the Mini or not, it boils down to price. As an adult I'll happily shove any maturity issues aside and agree with Ryan Block - it is pretty darn cute.

Akotan @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

Some back side pics please? I also wanna see a comparison of the two Gameboys screens: this Micro one and... hmmm... that SP over there. Thanks a lot! (^_^;)

James @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

"(Nintendo) DOESN'T. UNDERSTAND. TARGET. MARKET."

Actually... it's the other way around. Many people here don't understand the target audience Nintendo is aiming for with this. That's why it's coming across all wrong to some of you.

Let me lie @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

i want everyone to wet their lips and suck my pulsating cock, The Rev shall come. you know their controller has to be something cool, if they didn't even reveal it at E3. Hell, I'd let PS3 and X360 duke it out too. Since most everyone buys two consoles, Ninetendo will always win. Who would buy a ps3 and and x360, paying for two services with systems probably in the 500-600 dollars? Do you really need two more PCs in the living room? nintendo is a brand you'll buy just cause of it's name. The DS is looking pretty dangerous, might need to get one. I think I'll get the PS3 over a 360, but I will def get a Revo. It goes without saying.

Donald @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

why the hell do we need ANOTHER gameboy !?!?! I got a gba, non sp, non ds, non mini, why the hell do they make 3 of the exact same thing, how bout making some games or something!

The Jazzy Dude @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

GamerHeaven makes a good point, and it is true not just for Nintendo. For instance, take the PSOne (and, to some extent, the PSX) -- it is a playstation, only smaller and released way after the playstation's cycle hit its climax. Also, the slim new mini-ps2 (I forget the official name). And I know many a person who wouldn't mind if the Xbox had a smaller counterpart.

Sure, it is the GBA, but that means it has a large library of good games -- a good slogan for most companies (backwards compatability is a big thing for the next gen). I think it's a great idea, and since I still have my original GBA (in pink, ohhh yeah baby), I wouldn't mind picking one of these up. That is, unless I get a psp/ds -- it's not a fair comparison at all, but I only need one portable system, if any.

It's a shame all the rumors hyped up a brand new next-gen game boy. More people would be happy with this had that rumor not spread.

blackf0rk @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

Hey look! It's another crappy plastic looking thingy with a screen from Nintendo. Cool! I would pay like $300 at least for that thing - just because it looks so crappy, and it's from Nintendo!

Desert @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

I getting one. I'm an 29 yr old adult who doesn't want to be caring around a GBA or PSP. This little thing in my pocket is PERFECT!!!!!

Awesom-o @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

That thing is kickass. I have an SP, and I like it, and I won't be buying a DS, because I think they are stupid, and clunky, and the games are just okay.

But, for a small little pocket game thing, that thing looks pretty rad. All slick, and chrome, and shit...

SWEET!

Randos @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

Being a secure Man, I have to say that This is the cutest thing since NintenDogs, in my opinion. Though I absolutely love my SP to DEATH, I am planning on picking up one of these GBMs later this year. Should sell for a reasonable price, and I'm *Gasp* looking forward to the customizable faceplates.

let me lie @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

in addition, also, I agree, I like the simplistic monolithic design of the Revo over the ps3 and 360. Kind of hope they keep it, but a small design feature here and there could liven it up a bit. But i prefer the sleekness of the ps3 over the cheap looking pasty whiteness of the 360. it does remind you of a dell optiplex (shudders)...

another big thing that microsoft has against them that sony and ninten have is something that will a bigger issue later on: portability. Both sony and nintend have the capability of continuing the entertainment experience outside the living room, with the PSP and the DS. The 360 is limited to the moment u turn it on, and the moment you turn it off. In this world of fast-paced society, not everyone has time to f' around for hours configuring a character. It'd be awesome to start a configuration or something, then go to Panera bread with a hot spot, whip out your DS or PSP and connect Wi-Fi to your Revo or your your PS3, and finish your character. The possibilities alone rules out the 360 for me in this area.

Donoho @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

Gameboy is to Hardware what Street Fighter II was to Arcade Fighter.

rockintom @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

18: "Nintendo are really stupid."

what an ironic statement.

jayarr_superstar @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

i thought making the the gamboy advance sp was a bit too far but now its just stupid! why would somebody buy something that they already have two of just because it looks different?

OddManOut @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

'you know their controller has to be something cool, if they didn't even reveal it at E3.'

Yep...it's so awesome they were too embarassed to show it...

:) Just kidding!

Given the controllers on the 360 and the PS3 IMHO the Nintendo controller would almost have to be better, as it couldn't be much worse unless it was bio-degreadable or razor sharp or something.

'I like the simplistic monolithic design of the Revo over the ps3 and 360'

One more vote for simple and direct here. The swoopy, curvy, takes-up-more-space-than-it-should-beause-it's-shap e-is-irregular thing never really appealed to me. And mad props for not going 'iPod' white.

"...my pulsating cock..."

Dude, have you ever seen 'Legend of the Overfiend' ? You should probably get that checked...

let me lie @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

how dare you bad-talk both the Gameboy and Street Fighter, and in the same entry. I oughta kick you ass for such blasphemy. They pioneered both their respected areas. Guile and Ryu could beat down Law and that asian biotch in Tekken anyday. u cocksmoke

Bri @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

NINTENDO?! Wherefore art thou? Why hast u lost the plot? Why doth thou continue to repakage the Advance and fail to improve thine consoles? Tisk Tisk for thine is a sad day.....

GamerHeaven @ Dec 18th 2005 9:11PM

Bri, regardless of what console you have you're attacking your own "choice".

You got a station, like me. Are you also sitting here watching not only the PStwo being smaller and in store but now watching a Silver PStwo hitting stores.

Or maybe you have an XBOX, maybe you desire a Crystal XBOX, or a white one. What about having to buy an S pad?

Nintendo are also guilty with the Platinum Cube.

You see Nintendo are no better and no worse than either Sony or Microsoft with this - it just depends what tint your glasses are, if they are biased that is.

Heh, subjects like this really bring out the haters. Maybe such truths/facts might educate at least .... who am I kidding.