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Game Boy Advance Frequently Asked Questions

(This information only applies to the Game Boy Advance. For information on other Nintendo products, such as Game Boy micro and Game Boy Advance SP, click here and select the system you have questions about.)

  • What is the average battery life?

    The average battery life is approximately 15 hours when playing Game Boy Advance games. This is somewhat less when playing Game Boy Color or Game Boy (original) games. Battery life can also vary depending on the Game Pak being used and the volume setting (louder=less play time).

    For players who play a great deal, a Game Boy Advance AC Adapter might be more economical choice. For information about using rechargeable batteries for portable performance, link here.

    Fun Fact: The Game Boy Advance's power light will change from green to red when the battery life is at 30% - 20%.

  • How does the Game Boy Advance interact with the Nintendo GameCube?

    In specially-designed Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance games, the Game Boy Advance can be connected to the Nintendo GameCube with the Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance Link Cable. Doing so can allow the two systems to exchange data, enable cooperative two-player play, or provide other special functions.

    For example, players with a copy of Metroid Fusion for the Game Boy Advance can use the Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance Cable, and connect to Metroid Prime on the Nintendo GameCube. Doing so will unlock special featues and bonuses.

    This feature is only available with specially designed Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance games. The Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance software packaging will indicate if this feature is available. Please note that the Game Boy Advance does not work with Nintendo GameCube unless the game developer has specifically integrated this feature into their game.

    For more information on connecting your systems with the Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance Link Cable, please link here.

    The Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance Link Cable is available through our Online Store, or by calling our Consumer Service Department at 1-800-255-3700.

    If you would like to play Game Boy games on your TV, you may be interested in the Game Boy Player. This device attaches to the bottom of your Nintendo GameCube and allows you to play almost any Game Boy game ever made, on your TV! For more information on this product, please visit www.gameboyplayer.com.

  • Which accessories from older Game Boy systems can I use with my Game Boy Advance?

    The following Game Boy and Game Boy Color accessories are compatible with the Game Boy Advance:

    • Game Boy Printer
    • Game Boy Camera
    • Stereo Headphones
    • Universal Game Link Cable
    • Universal Game Link Cable Adapter
    • Izek Sewing Machine

    When purchasing an accessory for your Game Boy Advance, be sure to look for Nintendo's Official Seal of Quality. This seal is your assurance that the product meets Nintendo's quality assurance guidelines. Unlicensed products are not recommended for use with Nintendo systems.

  • Why doesn't the Game Boy Advance use a backlit screen?

    When Nintendo created the Game Boy Advance, we wanted to provide our consumers with the most powerful hardware at the best possible price. As we've done with all of our earlier Game Boy systems, we decided to use a reflective screen, rather than a backlit screen, for several reasons:

    • Flexibility. Reflective screen technology allows users to have greater control over their lighting choices. With a backlit screen, images tend to get washed out and may be difficult to see when viewed outdoors or in well-lit areas. With reflective technology, the brighter the light the better it looks. For low light conditions, players may use overhead lighting or optional light accessories to provide the light they need.

    • Cost. The use of the reflective screen technology allows Nintendo to offer the Game Boy Advance at a much lower cost than it could have using a similar, backlit screen.

    • Portability. Reflective screen technology is the best way to display games on a portable system in terms of cost, screen resolution, colors available and excellent battery life. Other portable systems that have used backlighting required a great deal more power and had a much shorter battery life.

    • Performance. The new Game Boy Advance reflective screen is larger, provides finer detail, and displays a much wider range of colors than any other Game Boy system.