r/GameboyAdvance • u/Old-Birthday-31 • 19h ago

Is the gba worth it?

Im debating getting a gba, but I'm not sure if the investment is worth it. It has a couple games that i want, but not much. What should i do?

8 Upvotes

64% Upvoted

35 comments sorted by

18

u/WoodWizard_ 19h ago

If you just want to play a few games, theres plenty of emulation apps. If you have to ask others to justify the expense its probably not worth it to you.

5

u/Goblin_Nuts69 18h ago

Might as well get an anbernic RGSP $60 and can emulate with the right form factor

5

u/PrinceGreenleaf 19h ago

Get an anbernic RG SP and watch a set up video by Retro Game Corps. Unless you are more interested in OG hardware.

1

u/Scrawny2864 17h ago

I bought an RGSP and it's awesome!

1

u/PrinceGreenleaf 16h ago

I really want one but I can't justify it as I own the brick hammer.

4

u/Mister_Cheff 19h ago

The perfect combo is a gba sp for gb-gbc-gba games + new nintendo 3ds xl for nds-3ds games.

So it is totally worth it, go buy one

2

u/-0010000- 19h ago

That’s my setup (Graphite for both) + a Switch Lite (Palkia Dialga)💯

1

u/idontusetwitter 19h ago

some would argue dsi xl is better for ds games, 3ds especially the xl blows up ds games and makes it blurry/soft

2

u/Mister_Cheff 18h ago

Probably, but with this setup you only need 2 consoles to play all the old portable games.

3

u/Joe3281 19h ago

I modded my old GBA with a IPS screen, a new shell, and a USB c rechargable battery mod off Aliexpress for maybe $50 total and installed it myself. And then I got a EZ Flash Omega Definitive edition for playing all the games I want on just 1 cartridge.

3

u/JaeCrowe 18h ago

Youd be way better off getting something like the anbernic which can play not only gba but also everything up to n64 without issue. Plus you can save states, use cheats if desired, fast forward, etc. and all of that for around 40 bucks (plus the SD card, never use the stock SD). And everything is totally free so you cant lose

3

u/Wilkey88 18h ago

Just emulate them.

2

u/geon 16h ago

Worth? Only you can answer that question.

I mean, this sub is full of people who love gameboys. Pretty sure we are biased.

2

u/Muggin 13h ago

Grab a handheld emulator. Any of the anbernic XX line will do every system up to PS1 and cost you less than an OG gba and you still need to get games.

1

u/That13thGuy 13h ago

I second this. I've only played gba on original hardware as I had the console already and I'm nostalgic. If you don't care about using original hardware just get an emulation handheld or use your phone with a controller or something.

2

u/Ortofun 19h ago

Consumer goods are a poor investment. Stocks and ETFs are typically a better choice.

1

u/SirHowlite 19h ago

I mean, you can always play both gbc and gba games. I’m considering to get one soon or later.

1

u/DoubleEko 19h ago

Absolutely worth it especially if you got buddies/family/kids. Just hook up multiple GBAs and Mariokart all the way. Who needs the internet :o)

1

u/Baelish2016 19h ago

If you’re an ‘OEM software’ purist, I’d say don’t if you’re already on the fence about it. OEM games are generally pretty pricy in the resale market and there’s a bunch of fakes out there to worry about.

Alternatively, if you don’t care about collecting OEM games, it’s also probably not worth buying a bundle, as a base GBA and good quality flashcart is all you need.

1

u/x_VanHessian_x 19h ago

GBA SP is my favorite console of all time. I’m on video saying such as a reminder to myself if I ever think otherwise. YMMV

1

u/professionalCubist 19h ago

GBA can play the larger gbc cartridges, and ofc GBA cartridges, but DS lite can only play GBA cartridges. If you own any GBC or original GB games it good to keep in mind

1

u/Jaytriple22 18h ago

The price you buy one at is usually the same price you can sell it for. So it doesn’t seem like too much of a loss if you end up, not enjoying it.

1

u/theRetroGarage 18h ago

Get one and a flash cart like the ez flash on Alibaba express for less than the cost of 1 game, you can have them all.

I think it's fun to put on rom hacks and translations.

1

u/88traveler 17h ago

For a couple o games I'd say no. You can emulate on your phone and it will be more comfortable, plus with a usbc to hdmi cable you can connect to your TV/monitor. If you still prefer a handheld and want a cheaper option you can get a ds lite so you can play ds games as well, and it's comfortable enough particularly having a backlight.

1

u/RetroBalance 17h ago

If you’re not passionate enough for this to be a non-issue, you should just buy an Anbernic RG35XXSP. It’s a clone of the GBA form factor but it’s an emulator console. Go to the subreddit for it and read one of the hundreds of posts talking about how to set up the new SD card for it, as you will absolutely need to do that.

1

u/Sh0fen 16h ago

GBA is one of my favorite consoles ever, but probably not worth the investment for just a couple games. Go with a retro handheld (Anbernic, Retroid, etc.) - much cheaper and often come loaded with more games than you could ever play.

1

u/LopsidedZucchinis 16h ago

I have 3 real gba consoles, I usually play on an emulation handheld. I fire them up now and then for the og experience but it is hard to pass up on modern conveniences day to day and the risk of losing or breaking it while i take it out with me

1

u/The-Gabba-Ghoul 15h ago

I have a modded GBA, game gear, GBC, PSP, and other modded home consoles. I can honestly say I wish I had the money back I wasted modding them. If there are games you want to play on the GBA I'd suggest an emulator.

1

u/bakagir 15h ago

Depends, do you want a GBA? Then yes it’s worth it. You can always just emulate games on a PC with a controller or even on a Cellphone/tablet.

This is if you want to Physically own a GBA

1

u/justmiike 13h ago

Only if you have real cartridges and money is not an issue. Otherwise, as others have said, I got a few GBA emulation handhelds that mimic the form factor.

1

u/pvt_s_baldrick 7h ago

No it's not.. I'd get a 3ds instead and hack it

1

u/gregotav 7h ago

Download Pizza Boy A Pro or ios emulator of your choice and grab a Gamesir Pocket Taco or 8bitdo FlipPad. No point in a dedicated device for a few games.

1

u/pez2234 2h ago

In my opinion gameboy advance is the best nintendo handheld if you ignore the switch as it does both. My favourite era of gaming is 16-bit and it essentially plays and looks like a handheld super nintendo

1

u/PlungerMouse 18h ago

I sold my GBA unhinged. For like $300 and bought an Anbernic 477v for $200. Similar form factor, 30 years newer tech, can play GBA and all the way up to some modern titles. IMO the older systems aren’t worth buying if you don’t already have one.

0

u/Efficient_Election_8 19h ago

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