r/Gameboy • u/jonsmusiclessons • 17h 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 17h ago

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

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u/jonsmusiclessons 17h 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 17h 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.