The Gameboy Advance (GBA) is a 32-bit handheld game console released by Nintendo on March 21, 2001 in Japan and June 11, 2001 in North America. It sold 81.51 million units across all models (original, SP, and Micro). The GBA library includes over 1,500 games featuring iconic titles like Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, and Metroid Fusion.
About the Gameboy Advance
The Gameboy Advance brought 32-bit gaming to handhelds in 2001, offering SNES-quality graphics on the go. With its massive library of RPGs, platformers, and Pokemon titles, the GBA remains one of the most collectible retro handhelds. Its save batteries are now reaching end of life, making quality reproduction cartridges especially valuable.
Released
2001
Units Sold
81.51 million
Best Seller
Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
Media
GBA Cartridge
History
Released in Japan on March 21, 2001, and in North America on June 11, 2001
Featured a 32-bit ARM processor — a massive leap from the Game Boy Color
Backward compatible with original Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges
Redesigned as the GBA SP with a clamshell design and frontlit/backlit screen in 2003
The Game Boy Micro released in 2005 as the smallest GBA model
Discontinued in 2008 with over 1,500 games in its library
Technical Specifications
Iconic Games
Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
2002
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
2004
Metroid Fusion
2002
Fire Emblem
2003
Golden Sun
2001
Collector's Preservation Guide
- GBA save batteries (CR1616 or CR2025) typically last 15–20 years — many original carts now need replacement
- Pokemon games with internal clocks (Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald) have a special battery that also drives time-based events
- Original GBA screens are notoriously difficult to see in low light — consider an IPS-modded GBA or GBA SP AGS-101
- Store cartridges with contacts clean and protected to prevent oxidation
- Our reproduction GBA cartridges are quality-built — every cartridge is boot-tested and save-verified on original hardware before shipping
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Gameboy Advance released?
The Gameboy Advance was released in Japan on March 21, 2001, and in North America on June 11, 2001, at a retail price of $99.99.
Do Gameboy Advance games have save batteries?
Yes, most GBA games use a CR1616 or CR2025 battery for saves. These batteries typically last 15–20 years, meaning many original GBA cartridges now need battery replacement to retain save data.
Are your GBA cartridges?
Our GBA cartridges are premium reproductions. They are high-quality cartridges that play identically on original GBA hardware. Every cartridge is boot-tested, save-verified, and backed by our 100% quality guarantee.
Can the Gameboy Advance play original Game Boy games?
Yes, the Gameboy Advance is backward compatible with both original Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges. Original GBA and GBA SP models support this, but the Game Boy Micro does not.
What Was Gaming Like Back Then?
Pick a year and travel back to the golden age of retro gaming.
3D Gaming Arrives
Gaming Highlights
- Nintendo 64 launches in Japan with Super Mario 64
- Pokemon Red & Green released in Japan
- Tomb Raider and Resident Evil debut
Top Movie
Independence Day
Top Song
Macarena — Los Del Rio
Big Event
Dolly the sheep cloned
