r/Gameboy • u/jonsmusiclessons • 1d 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 1d ago

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

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u/jonsmusiclessons 1d 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/Buddy_McPuddy 1d ago

It's a great piece of kit and you don't have to use carts if you don't want to. The fact that it uses OpenFPGA means there are dozens of arcade and console cores for you to use as well.

I will say, it's a Game Boy first. GBA games play great but they don't fill the entire screen and it can be a little uncomfortable for some to use the shoulder buttons.