Overview:
Release:
Japan: March 2001
USA: June 2001
Europe: June 2001

Spesifications:
CPU: 16,8 MHz 32-bit processor
Palette: 15-bit RGB
Resolution: 240x160
Battery Life: ~20 hours

Peripherals:
-e-Reader
-Play-Yan
-Wireless Adapter
-Infra-Red Adapter
-GBA Video
-Cleaning Cartridge

Other:
Approximately 79 million units sold worldwide (GBA + GBA SP + GBM)
Top selling game: Pokemon Ruby
Released in several models; Original GBA, GBA SP and GB Micro

Nintendo's best selling handheld to date (totalled GBA + GBA SP + GBM sales), the GBA might just be that console the company planned to release in the mid to late 90's, Project Atlantis, which was reportedly canned and Game Boy Color was released in it's place. The Game Boy Advance features several of the features Project Atlantis was supposed to have, having a 32-bit processor and the ability to play SNES-like games. The GBA selling upwards of 80 million clearly shows Nintendo once again dominating the handheld market share despite a vast number of competitors; The N-Gage and Neo Geo Pocket Color to mention a few.

The GBA was later re-released in 2004 with a new design, improving upon the slightly chunky feel of the original GBA and adding features such as a backlight, which was seen for the first time in a Nintendo handheld outside of Japan. In addition, it had a rechargeable battery and was foldable and slick, allowing it to be approximately half the size of the original GBA and giving it a much better look. The GBA SP was later re-released to coincide with the release of the GB Micro, with an even brighter screen that could be set to the brightness of an average LCD TV. The GBA SP has sold the most units in the GBA series with an impressive 41 million alone worldwide.

In 2005 the GBA was re-released once again with a new design in the Game Boy Micro. In an effort to target a non-gamer audience the handheld has a small, sleek and modern "fashion" based look. It also supports the ability to switch between several different faceplates as well as a much brighter backlit screen than the original GBA SP. However, some features are taken out, such as the backwards compatibility the GB series is known for. One cannot play GB and GBC games on a GB Micro, as opposed to the GBA and GBA SP. In addition, GBA and GBA SP cables do not all work on the GBM, making multiplayer functionality very hard to get around, having to buy several sets of cables. The GBM has had only moderate success, having sold just over 2,5 million units worldwide. Ninty have claimed to be disappointed by GBM sales, claiming it was unable to show consumers it's unique value.