Game Boy's new look
By Josh Zelman
CNN Headline News
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Game Boy Advance SP
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(CNN) -- Nintendo dominates the mobile gaming market with its series of Game Boy handheld gaming consoles. However, gamers have raised issues over the gadgets' ability to properly illuminate the screen. Nintendo may have an answer for the critics with its Game Boy Advance SP. The model goes on sale this month, so you will be able to decide for yourself.
Dan "Shoe" Hsu, editor-in-chief of Electronic Gaming Monthly, told me the common complaint from gamers was that previous models were not lit properly. If you held them at the wrong angle for example, it was hard to see the action on the screen.
With the new SP's, Shoe said gamers will be able to play their favorite games just about anywhere, making the improved lighting the SP's best feature.
What other offerings are included in this pocket-sized devise with a sticker price of approximately $100? Shoe pointed out it has increased battery life. He also mentioned the gadget's face-lift in the form of a more sophisticated look. He compared this look to a stylish fold-up cell phone or a personal digital assistant -- done to put SP's in the hands of an older audience.
Because the SP's hardware basically remains the same, Shoe isn't confident that the masses will be lining up to upgrade, rather he feels Nintendo's main audiences will be hard-core gamers and people just getting into this type of gaming.
For those foaming at the mouth to upgrade, you'll still be able to play your old games on the new machine. Nintendo has said all current and future Game Boy Advance games will be compatible with the SP and likewise, virtually all SP games will be compatible with the Advance.
For more gaming news, tune into CNN Headline News every Thursday, as Renay San Miguel goes Big Video Game Hunting.
