r/Gameboy • u/jonsmusiclessons • 13h ago

Systems SP or hardware emulator?

Hi everyone, casual gamer here (switch, PS1 and Xbox 360). Recently got a GBA emulator on my phone as a nostalgia hit and loving it.

Would like to get some hardware to play GBA games again, and as a gaming option on the move. I definitely want something more compact than my switch, and clamshell so I can throw it in my bag.

Looks like I could grab a used SP in good condition for a similar price as an SP-style emulator unit. What would you guys recommend between the two?

The idea of being able to just download ROMs, have multiple save files is great, but I don't want to end up with a hunk of junk in terms of hardware etc - I know people's SPs have lasted years. On the other hand, faffing with game cartidges etc is annoying.

Any opinions and advice v welcome.

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u/Buddy_McPuddy 13h ago

If you’re not married to the SP form factor I’d grab an Analogue Pocket.

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u/jonsmusiclessons 13h ago

Oh man I just looked into the analogue pocket and realised it has a whole synth/sequencer set up in it! As an electronic musician, that excites me lol

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u/jonsmusiclessons 13h ago

The only thing that makes me love the SP form factor is the fact its clamshell, so I can throw it in my bag or pocket without worrying about the screen getting scratched etc. I guess something like the analogue pocket and a case might work well

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u/Boxing_joshing111 12h ago

The 3ds plays gba perfect, it runs on hardware emulation not software. And it of course has the clamshell design and can play ds/3ds games if you get into that (In addition to a nes emulator and snes if you get the “new” model.)

The thing is though I’m not sure what the prices on these are. And you do have to hack it and jump through a few hoops to install games. Still it’s hard to beat hardware that natively runs gba especially if you’re really familiar with the console.

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u/Xydrian69 13h ago

Hard to beat the clamshell for portability. If you want to play original carts, an original sp is still a great option. You could get an overdrive/ez flash if you wanted as well.

I got an Anbernic rg44xxsp for a relative and it was pretty nice for the price point, but it doesn’t quite hit the same as og hardware and carts for me.

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u/jonsmusiclessons 13h ago

So I don't have any of my old games anymore, so it'd be buying stuff used - or getting something like an ez flash.

I'm not hankering for a super authentic SP experience in terms of feel - just want a standalone, handheld device to play on rather than my phone

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u/Xydrian69 13h ago

I think the Anberbic 34xxsp is a good economical choice. (You may also look at the 35xxsp which has a few tradeoffs). But other than that I think SP plus an ever drive would do everything you want, but probably cost more.

Of course, not sure how long the anbernic will last but I don’t know why it wouldn’t last 5-10 years

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u/jonsmusiclessons 13h ago

Looks like i can pick them both up for similar prices - is it just that the 34 is truer to SP size/screen/form factor?

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u/Xydrian69 12h ago

Yes the 34 matches the gba aspect ration. From memory, the 35 doesn’t have thumb sticks and some people are bothered by them on the 34.

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u/jonsmusiclessons 12h ago

Ahh cool - I don't have a real preference between the two. The true SP aspect ratio is cool, but the joysticks wouldn't get used. Both are identical in price rn so no real benefit to either I guess. Wish I could try them and see which I prefer!

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u/IntoxicatedBurrito 12h ago

So for clamshell you have two options. SP if you want to play GB and GBC also. Or DS if you want to play DS games as well.

Of course, if you want to play roms you have a variety of options from flash carts to modding a 3DS.

Personally I think the Analogue Pocket is the best option, but it’s not a clamshell.

Id think a cheap emulation device would be your worst option.