GameBoy Advance SP

GBA SP handheld.

Info about the GBA SPSystem Name: Game Boy Advance SP (GBA SP)

Manufacturer: Nintendo

Released in 2003 (Japan), followed by North America and Europe later that year.

The Game Boy Advance SP was a refined version of the Game Boy Advance, offering a clamshell design, a rechargeable battery, and a backlit screen (a major improvement over the original GBA’s non-backlit display). This made it more portable and user-friendly, especially for playing games on the go. The GBA SP retained the same game library as the GBA and introduced an iconic form factor, becoming a popular choice among portable gaming enthusiasts.

Approximately 43,300,000 units sold worldwide.

The Game Boy Advance SP helped Nintendo maintain its dominance in the handheld market, but by the time it was released, the Nintendo DS was on the horizon. The GBA SP was a major contributor to Nintendo’s handheld sales during the early 2000s, accounting for about 15% of Nintendo’s income in that era, although the DS would soon overshadow it in terms of sales.

% Total Nintendo Income 2003 – 2010

The price of a used GameBoy Advance SP today can vary based on condition, whether it’s a complete in-box (CIB) unit, and the inclusion of games or accessories. On average:

Loose (just the console): Around $50 – $100, depending on condition and model (AGS-101 models with the brighter backlight may fetch more).

Complete in Box (CIB): Around $150 – $250, but can be higher if it’s in pristine condition with all accessories.