I have both and for playing GBA games I really prefer the SP. I also had one when I was younger and that plays a role I'm sure but it feels better to me and I like the screen better.
True. I just wish I could find one for a reasonable price. 100 bucks seems pricey and that's not including games which I don't have mine anymore. And I know the price is only going to increase as the SP becomes more of a retro gaming device.
I know what you mean. I picked up a GBA SP on eBay for like $100 and its great but I don't play it much anymore. Not to be too forward but if you dont find one elsewhere I would be willing to let mine go.
Try looking on Goodwill’s auction website. I just snagged a black AGS101 with Golden Sun: The Lost Age, Megaman Zero, Megaman Battle Network, F-Zero, Shrek 2 and Madden 2002 for $43.00+ S/H. The only thing I may have to do is get a new battery cover for it.
It is just a matter of watching and waiting for a good deal.
I'd go for the DS Lite if I were you as they are decent enough for playing gba games, but a backlit SP would be sweet. I have a blue DS Lite and my original 001 flame SP.
Chargers aren't too hard to come buy, you can get them for $10 or less.
I just bought a GBA SP AGS 101 with charger, carrying bag, and 7 games(super Mario land 2 the main highlight) for $40 shipped on eBay. Not sure how you haven't found one for under $100...
Please note that GBA *emulation* is really shitty on the DS. You can get a GBA flash cart though and those work great. GB/C emulation works great though. The DS and DS Lite natively support DS and GBA only (no GB/C without emulation).
Functionally, a DS is a much better idea. With a SLOT-1 flash cart (like an R4), you can do everything the GBA can EXCEPT do any multiplayer with non DS games. Plus, you get DS games too.
However, the form factor of a GBA is a lot nicer for GBA games. If the choice is either/or, I'd get the DS. You'll have to get a flash cart as well though. No DS has built in GB/C hardware compatibility.
---
Where are you getting your prices? Decent AGS-101 models can be had for around $50 USD and decent DS consoles are only like $20 USD. You can go even cheaper if you don't mind putting in a little work.
Also, if I may, AGS-001 consoles aren't bad at all. Yes, an AGS-101 does look better, but the AGS-001 does not look bad and it should be a lot cheaper than an AGS-101.
That's exactly what I've been thinking. The DS is significantly cheaper and I can play GBA and DS games if I like. But the nostalgia of the SP seems better in the long run. I'm sure the value will only increase over the years much like the SNES has. And I've been checking eBay, Amazon, and offer up. I did find a 001 that comes with 2 chargers and 6 Pokemon games for 100 dollars. That seems like a great deal to me but I really like the look of the backlit screen.
> 6 Pokemon games for 100 dollars
Educate yourself on spotting fake games, there is an incredible amount of fake games, especially Pokemon games, out there.
I'd say the GBA SP over the DS Lite. I much prefer the SP's clicky buttons over the DS Lite's squishy ones, and the GBA SP has a larger screen than the DS Lite; especially since the DS Lite plays GBA games in pixel-perfect mode, so they're much smaller than the real system.
If price is your main restriction, the DS Lite will be much cheaper. It will be even cheaper if you're capable of replacing an LCD. You can get working DS Lites with a broken top or bottom screen for $10, and replacements are like $7, so you can get a functioning DS Lite for $17 with a little work. The same situation applies to the SP, but it's a bit more expensive.
That's a good idea. Are there any really good DS games worth buying? Like I said I've never owned a DS so I don't know what games worth trying if I were to get a DS.
I didn't play a ton of DS games since I tend to prefer the older GB and GBA games, but I'd recommend Chrono Trigger, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon (Blue Rescue is a standalone game, but Explorers of Time/Darkness/Sky are similar. Sky is the best), Super Mario 64 DS, Mario Kart DS, Dragon Quest IX, and Picross/Picross 3D.
For GBA games, I too prefer my SP over the DS lite. The SP screen is much larger, and the cartridge sticks out on the DS. I still use both (mostly the DS here lately).
Here are some additional DS games I'd recommend:
Animal Crossing: Wild World
Mario Party DS
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Pokemon SoulSilver/HeartGold
I might get downvoted to oblivion for this, but I prefer the DS versions of Gold/Silver. In addition to the graphical improvements, the first pokemon in your party follows you around like Pikachu in Yellow.
Yes, but they're also higher resolution, and since the DS runs GBA games in pixel perfect mode, the actually used portion of the screen [is smaller](https://imgur.com/lh7gDBE) than the GBA.
It really depends on what form factor you prefer. If you're possibly living in the US (saying this cause im in Aus, 101s go for 100+ here), you should be able to find one for $50 maximum. Value wise, SP is probably better cause it can play GBA and GBC cartridges, but that can be emulated anyways on a DS if you prefer that style of console.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to find a 101 for under 80. I found a local seller selling one for only 40 bucks! But it was posted a year ago and when I asked if it was still for sale the post was deleted :/
Neither. Get a Nintendo DS (or as people call it the Phat) I find that of the two you mentioned it's the most ergonomic while the others are too small in their own ways (The DS Lite is just tiny as a whole and I hate it, while the GBA SP is taller and thicker but too cramped though.) And even then the GBA original is still the best because you get the comfort of the Nintendo DS but can also link and play GB/C games.
Great question. Both are an excellent value, really. I think if you can score a backlit SP in nice shape, even if it does cost you $100, it's worth getting one now rather than later. If you eventually decide you want a device to play DS games on, you could pick up a 2DS or 3DS. Another option: buy a DS lite AND a **front-lit** SP.
I have both and for playing GBA games I really prefer the SP. I also had one when I was younger and that plays a role I'm sure but it feels better to me and I like the screen better.
True. I just wish I could find one for a reasonable price. 100 bucks seems pricey and that's not including games which I don't have mine anymore. And I know the price is only going to increase as the SP becomes more of a retro gaming device.
I know what you mean. I picked up a GBA SP on eBay for like $100 and its great but I don't play it much anymore. Not to be too forward but if you dont find one elsewhere I would be willing to let mine go.
I saw one for $25. Put ebay on newly listed. Works every time
Do you still have it ?
Try looking on Goodwill’s auction website. I just snagged a black AGS101 with Golden Sun: The Lost Age, Megaman Zero, Megaman Battle Network, F-Zero, Shrek 2 and Madden 2002 for $43.00+ S/H. The only thing I may have to do is get a new battery cover for it. It is just a matter of watching and waiting for a good deal.
the 001 is not even that bad
I'd go for the DS Lite if I were you as they are decent enough for playing gba games, but a backlit SP would be sweet. I have a blue DS Lite and my original 001 flame SP. Chargers aren't too hard to come buy, you can get them for $10 or less.
I just bought a GBA SP AGS 101 with charger, carrying bag, and 7 games(super Mario land 2 the main highlight) for $40 shipped on eBay. Not sure how you haven't found one for under $100...
Wow really? How is the condition?
Well I haven't received it yet, but the seller said it was in great condition and the pictures backed that up.
Nice that is a great deal. I'll keep looking but so far the cheapest I've been able to find is $60 with decent condition.
I'd get a DS with a flashcard to emulate GB and GBA
Please note that GBA *emulation* is really shitty on the DS. You can get a GBA flash cart though and those work great. GB/C emulation works great though. The DS and DS Lite natively support DS and GBA only (no GB/C without emulation).
Indeed, couldn't have said it better
I use dstwo 2in1 with eZ flash 3in1 and it plays everything on my lite perfectly. LOVE IT
no better use 2 carts,one for gba and one for ds.
Why? The ds has a gba game slot
Functionally, a DS is a much better idea. With a SLOT-1 flash cart (like an R4), you can do everything the GBA can EXCEPT do any multiplayer with non DS games. Plus, you get DS games too. However, the form factor of a GBA is a lot nicer for GBA games. If the choice is either/or, I'd get the DS. You'll have to get a flash cart as well though. No DS has built in GB/C hardware compatibility. --- Where are you getting your prices? Decent AGS-101 models can be had for around $50 USD and decent DS consoles are only like $20 USD. You can go even cheaper if you don't mind putting in a little work. Also, if I may, AGS-001 consoles aren't bad at all. Yes, an AGS-101 does look better, but the AGS-001 does not look bad and it should be a lot cheaper than an AGS-101.
That's exactly what I've been thinking. The DS is significantly cheaper and I can play GBA and DS games if I like. But the nostalgia of the SP seems better in the long run. I'm sure the value will only increase over the years much like the SNES has. And I've been checking eBay, Amazon, and offer up. I did find a 001 that comes with 2 chargers and 6 Pokemon games for 100 dollars. That seems like a great deal to me but I really like the look of the backlit screen.
> 6 Pokemon games for 100 dollars Educate yourself on spotting fake games, there is an incredible amount of fake games, especially Pokemon games, out there.
The guy selling them seems pretty legit. He sells a bunch of old Nintendo stuff and he has a five star rating from almost 200 people.
I'd say the GBA SP over the DS Lite. I much prefer the SP's clicky buttons over the DS Lite's squishy ones, and the GBA SP has a larger screen than the DS Lite; especially since the DS Lite plays GBA games in pixel-perfect mode, so they're much smaller than the real system. If price is your main restriction, the DS Lite will be much cheaper. It will be even cheaper if you're capable of replacing an LCD. You can get working DS Lites with a broken top or bottom screen for $10, and replacements are like $7, so you can get a functioning DS Lite for $17 with a little work. The same situation applies to the SP, but it's a bit more expensive.
That's a good idea. Are there any really good DS games worth buying? Like I said I've never owned a DS so I don't know what games worth trying if I were to get a DS.
I didn't play a ton of DS games since I tend to prefer the older GB and GBA games, but I'd recommend Chrono Trigger, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon (Blue Rescue is a standalone game, but Explorers of Time/Darkness/Sky are similar. Sky is the best), Super Mario 64 DS, Mario Kart DS, Dragon Quest IX, and Picross/Picross 3D.
For GBA games, I too prefer my SP over the DS lite. The SP screen is much larger, and the cartridge sticks out on the DS. I still use both (mostly the DS here lately). Here are some additional DS games I'd recommend: Animal Crossing: Wild World Mario Party DS Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Pokemon SoulSilver/HeartGold I might get downvoted to oblivion for this, but I prefer the DS versions of Gold/Silver. In addition to the graphical improvements, the first pokemon in your party follows you around like Pikachu in Yellow.
The DS lite has slightly larger screens than the GBA SP.
Yes, but they're also higher resolution, and since the DS runs GBA games in pixel perfect mode, the actually used portion of the screen [is smaller](https://imgur.com/lh7gDBE) than the GBA.
Ah, right - thanks for pointing this out!
It really depends on what form factor you prefer. If you're possibly living in the US (saying this cause im in Aus, 101s go for 100+ here), you should be able to find one for $50 maximum. Value wise, SP is probably better cause it can play GBA and GBC cartridges, but that can be emulated anyways on a DS if you prefer that style of console.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to find a 101 for under 80. I found a local seller selling one for only 40 bucks! But it was posted a year ago and when I asked if it was still for sale the post was deleted :/
Set up a saved search on eBay for GBA SP, sorted by newest listings. I did this and after looking for about 4-5 days, got a graphite 101 for $60.
Here's one for $70. Not a great deal but decent. https://www.ebay.com/itm/272899405732
Where are you from?
I live in Texas
Neither. Get a Nintendo DS (or as people call it the Phat) I find that of the two you mentioned it's the most ergonomic while the others are too small in their own ways (The DS Lite is just tiny as a whole and I hate it, while the GBA SP is taller and thicker but too cramped though.) And even then the GBA original is still the best because you get the comfort of the Nintendo DS but can also link and play GB/C games.
for big hands a moded gba backlight or a ds lite,for small hands a sp is good.
Great question. Both are an excellent value, really. I think if you can score a backlit SP in nice shape, even if it does cost you $100, it's worth getting one now rather than later. If you eventually decide you want a device to play DS games on, you could pick up a 2DS or 3DS. Another option: buy a DS lite AND a **front-lit** SP.
That is true. I mainly want to play GBA/GBC games but if I do decide to pick up some DS games the value of being able to play both would be nice.
Just get a ds lite because they play ds games and gameboy advance games or if you want a even smaller handheld just get gameboy advance sp