Pushing Buttons – Game Boy Problem?

I recently did something I thought I’d never do, I picked up a Game Boy micro. While I defended the micro when it was introduced… when it came time to actually buy one, I never really saw the point.

When the DS found its way into my pocket… GBA playing went down the tube. For a long while, I figured the whole “third pillar” thing was really just a backup plan incase the DS failed to take off. I doubt Iwata expected the response the little dual-screened wonder has gotten. And with all the success obviously came resources… and that’s how you get the GBA line being a bit neglected. And that’s how I ignored the Game Boy micro for so long.

Sure it was sexy. Sure it was ridiculously small. Sure it even came in a badass nostalgic Famicom version. But the GBA platform was essentially dead. Then I saw a great deal on a Famicom micro. And surprise, surprise… much like the DS lite did for my older DS games… the micro has brought me back into the GBA world.

Let’s be honest here. The GBA platform has very quickly exchanged it’s role from a golden boy to the red headed stepchild of Nintendo platforms. Almost no e3 2006 presence. Key franchises and sequels jumping ship to its bigger brother. Almost no new game announcements. Licensed crap and kiddy titles. It all points to the last breath of the Game Boy line up… and it makes sense.

The new generation is upon us, and the DS has proven to be strong in both the 2D and 3D realms. The DS plays GBA games for those who still cling to them. I mean where the hell does the GBA platform fit in anymore? Does it even have a chance of being viable?

I think the answer is right in front of our faces. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… the micro’s form factor allows it to be a truly portable console. I carry the thing around with me everywhere. It just fits in my pocket not taking up much space and weighing close to nothing. It allows for a quick gaming session while I’m waiting in line, or just have a few idle minutes in my day.

Almost no other portable system that I can think of allows for such flexibility and discreetness in use. I mean, who is REALLY carrying around their DS lite all the time? Where the DS has new types of games and amazing multiplayer capabilities and the Wii has innovative controls and “next gen” graphics, the micro has… size and flexibility in use..

This new “quick play” experience that the micro allows falls in line with Nintendo’s future startegy as well. Nintendo has always said the the Wii and the DS are not only about complex “core games” but simpler games that can be enjoyed by anyone. We’ve heard it over and over again in a hundred different ways… todays games are complex, sprawling, and confusing to new players.

Nintendo has consistently communicated that while it will offer these games, it’s also trying to focus on the opposite as well. Games like Wii Sports and Brain Age are perfect examples of simple and quick experiences… experiences that seem perfectly suited for the micro’s form factor.

With this strategy in mind I think that Nintendo can breath new life into the GBA line by putting its overused mantra to work. Communicate that the micro is not only stylish (we get it… it’s a great looking system) but really ridiculously small. A portable system that’s actually.. you know… portable. Something that cures unexpected boredom. Make the Game Boy micro a modern day NES. With simple, cheap games that are meant to be played in short bursts.

This strategy seems to be starting with the bit generations line of titles coming out in Japan. With their smart, stylish graphics and their pick up and play nature… they seem the perfect compliment to the micro’s strengths. Bring ‘em to American and bring ‘em here for cheap.

Speaking of cheap… that’s another problem with the Game Boy micro. It’s damned expensive. Many people have said it over and over again… but the thing is way too expensive for what it does. Hell, the only reason I bought mine was because it was used and ended up costing around $50. At $50 new… the micro would be an easy purchase for almost anyone.

Look, I get it. The DS is flying high and the Wii is about to bust onto the scene… but Nintendo’s handling of the current Game Boy line has been more than a bit lacking. It is understandable that a company who is essentially reinventing the way it looks at its core business would neglect a system like the micro. But hopefully, after the Wii is well underway Nintendo will reevaluate the micro’s position and use the GBA line to its fullest potential. Remember, the original Game Boy hardware lasted well beyond the normal console lifecycle… with a little love I think the GBA can do the same thing.

Image From: BritishGamingBlog