The GBA SP is Still Amazing in 2021. Here's Why.

For this first video in a series on official gaming handhelds, I take a look at the AGS 101 Game Boy Advanced SP. I cover why I bought the GBA SP, some considerations for others looking to get one for themselves, and how it became one of my favorite handhelds that I own.

Disclaimer: This review includes affiliate links. Anything you purchase from those links helps support the channel.

[TakiUdon]

Games in this video:
Fire Emblem - The Scared Stones
Metroid Zero Mission
Drill Dozer
Sword of Mana
Shining Soul II
Sigma Star Saga

Now back to Fire Emblem.

[Malcove]

Illusion of choice is very real. I've grown to despise my near-endless Steam and Switch libraries. I spend so much time with my decision of what to play, I often times give up and don't play anything. I'll give the limited library a shot, Taki!

[CorporalDanLives]

SP was so freaking good it hurt. So many memories of commuting to work on the train playing this thing. I fondly remember buying a new 101 model at Kmart as soon as it came out, that was a good purchase!

[AaronParkerFTW]

GBA has a killer library. There's a reason it's so popular to mod old units to upgrade the screens, batteries, etc. Still lots of fun to be had with these games even today

[crimsonmaverick]

I’m dead serious... I love it because it’s small and square.

[pcwizardTech]

I have my childhood GBA SP and can still picture a memory on Christmas day when I got it using it :)

[B-bh]

Damn.. A GBA review turned into philosophy mid vid and now I am questioning my existence..

[DrDirtyLeggz]

I came for the GBA SP reminiscing and ended up with an existential crisis.

[kleetusvandam]

Not gonna lie. This video really hit me this morning. I've been chasing that perfect retro emulation setup and handheld the past few years. While its been fun, I dont feel like I've really been playing the games, like I intended too anyways.

Thanks for the perspective Taki.

[dashi-musashi]

I don’t typically add bulks of 1000+ games to my handhelds, I just hand pick the ones I have interest in, but even then, sometimes I find myself sticking to the few games I have played before and know I like rather than venturing out and checking out what I haven’t played, making the vast amount of games seem worthless, and the bigger and more diverse the library, the more apparent it becomes, which is kind of counterproductive. Sometimes less is more.

[Jotom]

I have absolutely wasted hours trying to pick a game.

[JBoulter]

Decision paralysis hits me so hard sometimes. I completely agree that there's some serious magic that happens when you're a kid with limited choice getting really into a game. I struggle to make that magic happen as an adult. I find that making myself just START the game and start playing often helps. But maybe this limited library is the move. Thanks, Taki!

[Slickfoot]

I remember playing Pokémon emerald on this, I even had the guidebook. Totally would buy one to experience that again

[muhammadizzatmohdnasir]

The dilemma of adult. You simply don’t have time anymore. For me I’m playing with 2ds right now. Something I can play during lunch break and 10-15 minutes before sleep.

[SommerMatt]

That illusion of choice is absolutely crippling... be it retro games, movies, TV shows, music, or whatever. Having access to everything really allows you to enjoy very little. Definitely treasured my media much more before the internet's total access rolled around.

[artvoy]

After recently replaying Aria of Sorrow and Metroid:Fusion I’ve come to realize I enjoy these type of simpler games that more than most AAA games out today. Nintendo was magic back in the day and really did handhelds the right way
Great video as always

[js]

To those struggling with choosing a game to play and end up spending hours looking through your steam library and Rom folders. I recommend doing the 12 in 12 challenge. Pick 12 games that you want to beat in the next 12 months. And each month try to beat at least one game per month.
I find this really helps me decide on what to play because I only have 12 options to pick from.

[macklin]

this is a pretty cool change of pace considering the bulk of your content is chinese handhelds (and the like). seeing your thoughts on other 1st party ones like a psp would be cool, too!

[RDX]

just last month I had a realization about why I wasn't enjoying gaming. I realised that I was pirating a lot of games that I just don't want to play and actually demotivated me from enjoying games. I'd look at a long list of games to play and just feel overwhelmed. it's because of that that now I've started collecting physical games and I've noticed that having a physical attachment to a game makes me enjoy the game much more now. I don't think I could ever go back to digital games for the ones I'm serious about

[tboatrig]

100% want to see the volume slider make a comeback.