Tag: Game Boy Advance

  • EverDrive GBA Pro: Save States, RTC, and Gyro Support Added

    EverDrive GBA Pro: Save States, RTC, and Gyro Support Added

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Everdrive GBA Pro, launched by Krikkz, sold out within 24 hours of its announcement on December 23.
    2. It features save state functionality, a full in-game menu, and supports up to 98 save states for easier gameplay.
    3. Additional capabilities include tilt, light, and gyroscope sensors, a real-time clock, cheat code support, customizable menu options, and ultra-fast ROM loading.
    4. The price is set at $129, which is $30 more than the original model, but offers enhanced features for retro gaming fans.
    5. The Everdrive GBA Pro is currently sold out, with the next shipment expected in mid-January 2026.

    The creators of the Everdrive series of flash cartridges for the Game Boy Advance, known as Krikkz, have introduced an exciting new version of their GBA cartridge called the Everdrive GBA Pro. This announcement was made on December 23, and within less than 24 hours, it completely sold out.

    Features of the Everdrive GBA Pro

    The Everdrive GBA Pro has been crafted to provide Game Boy Advance fans with enhanced features while still allowing users to play legally obtained ROMs using an SD card. This new model is gaining significant interest in the retro gaming community, and the rapid sell-out reflects its high demand.

    So, how does the Pro model stack up against the original Everdrive and Mini versions? It brings save state functionality, a full in-game menu, and can manage up to 98 save states, making it easier to tackle those tough GBA titles without losing your progress.

    Additional Capabilities

    Moreover, it includes extra features like tilt, light, and gyroscope sensors for games that utilize these options. The Everdrive GBA Pro is also equipped with a real-time clock to help mitigate time-related issues in games such as Pokémon.

    Other highlights of the device are cheat code support in the mGBA format, customizable menu options, and ultra-fast ROM loading. It also has the capability to play NES, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color games.

    However, it lacks certain features like rumble, which means you won’t experience some haptic feedback in games like Drill Dozer and WarioWare: Twisted!.

    Pricing and Availability

    The price for the Everdrive GBA Pro is set at $129, which is $30 higher than the original model’s price of $99. Still, the extra features make it a worthwhile buy. Krikkz will continue to offer the original and Everdrive Mini versions for gamers who want to save a little money and prefer the basic functionality.

    Currently, the Everdrive GBA Pro is sold out, with the next shipment expected to arrive around mid-January 2026. If you want to maintain your GBA, NES, and Game Boy game collection, the Everdrive GBA Pro may be a flash cart worth considering in the upcoming year.

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  • Ridge Racer Fan Ported to Game Boy Advance: Retro Racing Fun

    Ridge Racer Fan Ported to Game Boy Advance: Retro Racing Fun

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ridge Racer has been successfully adapted for the Game Boy Advance, retaining its core excitement and polygonal graphics.
    2. The game runs consistently at 30 frames per second, a notable achievement for the GBA’s limited hardware.
    3. Compromises were made, including simplified car models and a limited draw distance to enhance performance.
    4. Some features, such as race positions and multiple camera angles, were removed to maintain smooth gameplay.
    5. The project is still in development, with updates available on the developer’s itch.io page.

    A beloved arcade racing game has been transformed into a portable version that showcases impressive technology on an unexpected device.

    Ridge Racer, the iconic racing game from 1993, has made its way onto Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance (GBA). This adaptation is a fascinating effort to keep the excitement of the original racer alive, and it mostly achieves this goal, though there are some downsides.

    Key Features Retained

    The port keeps the core elements of Ridge Racer intact, especially its fast-paced excitement and, most crucially, the polygonal tracks and vehicles. While the GBA had a few fully 3D titles, many faced challenges in maintaining smooth framerates and often relied heavily on 2D graphics. Nevertheless, this adaptation of Ridge Racer consistently runs at 30 frames per second, as demonstrated in the demo video.

    Compromises Made for Performance

    To reach that framerate, the developer, Gustavo Valiente, had to make a few sacrifices. The cars are simple, solid-colored polygon models without textures or bitmap graphics. The game’s draw distance is quite limited, leading to noticeable pop-in effects. Some features were removed from the user interface, including race positions, different camera angles, and lap times.

    However, these trade-offs seem to be justified by the enhanced performance and smooth gameplay. The draw distance is sufficient to allow players to react to track curves in time. Plus, Valiente managed to include the announcer’s voice, which adds to the authentic Ridge Racer experience.

    Impressive Achievement on Limited Hardware

    Overall, this port is truly remarkable given the limitations of the GBA. Although the demo isn’t available for public play just yet, it seems to be actively under development. You can follow the project updates on Valiente’s itch.io developer page here.

    GValiente on itch.io

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  • Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack Adds Namco’s GBA Games

    Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack Adds Namco’s GBA Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo is adding two classic Game Boy Advance games, Mr. Driller 2 and Klonoa: Empire of Dreams, to its Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service on September 25, 2025.

    2. These games will be available exclusively in the premium Expansion Pack tier, adding to a library that already includes over 20 GBA classics.

    3. Mr. Driller 2 involves drilling through blocks while managing an air supply, while Klonoa: Empire of Dreams is a 2D platformer featuring puzzle-solving and exploration.

    4. The Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics app received a significant update (version 3.0.0) in early September, improving emulation and adding customizable button remapping.

    5. Switch 2 owners can enjoy a resolution upgrade to 1080p in handheld mode for GBA titles, and an Easter Egg allows activation of the classic GBA boot-up screen in the app.

    Nintendo has broadened its Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service by revealing the addition of two classic Game Boy Advance games, Mr. Driller 2 and Klonoa: Empire of Dreams, which are set to be released on September 25, 2025.

    New Additions to the Service

    These games are exclusive to the premium Expansion Pack tier and will enrich an already impressive library that boasts over 20 GBA classics, including hits like Metroid Fusion, Fire Emblem, and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, as well as games from N64, Sega Genesis, and soon, Virtual Boy.

    Both titles were created by Bandai Namco and launched in the early 2000s. Mr. Driller 2 first appeared in Japanese arcades in July 2000, before being adapted for the Game Boy Advance in 2001 during the handheld’s debut in Japan. However, it didn’t make its way to the West until 2005.

    Gameplay Details

    In Mr. Driller 2, players take on the role of either Susumi Hori or Anna Hottenmeyer, drilling through colorful blocks while keeping an eye on their dwindling air supply. Players must gather capsules to recharge their air.

    Klonoa: Empire of Dreams will also be part of the GBA offerings. Released in 2001, this 2D platformer is a GBA-exclusive title. The story revolves around Klonoa, who is imprisoned, and his ring spirit friend Huepow. Players navigate through 40 stages, solving puzzles by collecting stars and Dream Stones. The game received a score of 34 out of 40 from Famitsu and a Metacritic score of 83 based on 14 reviews.

    Recent Updates to the App

    These game announcements follow a significant update to the Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics app, as version 3.0.0 launched in early September, improving the GBA emulation on both the original Switch and the Switch 2.

    The update brought in customizable button remapping, allowing players to hold down ZL and ZR during gameplay to select View/Change Controls. Owners of the Switch 2 can also experience a resolution upgrade to 1080p in handheld mode, letting them play GBA titles in HD, unlike the original Switch’s 720p limit.

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  • Anbernic RG34XX Handheld Refresh Leaks Amid RG34XX SP Rumors

    Anbernic RG34XX Handheld Refresh Leaks Amid RG34XX SP Rumors

    Anbernic has not brought out any new gaming handhelds this year, after previously releasing at least one new model each month in 2024. This time, the company has chosen to refresh the RG34XX by offering a Glacier color option (currently priced at $89.99 on Amazon), which is different from the color of the Game Boy Advance (GBA) that shares the same name.

    Exciting Rumors Surrounding RG34XX SP

    Recently, there have been whispers about Anbernic potentially expanding their RG34XX lineup with a new model called the RG34XX SP. This device might be one of several new clamshell gaming handhelds set to launch this year, alongside others like the Miyoo Flip V2 and the Retroid Pocket Flip 2. It’s possible that Anbernic will revisit the RG34XX before they introduce a completely new device to the market.

    New Color Options in the Works

    YouTuber Retro Gaming With Deadfred has shared that Anbernic is working on a new range of translucent colors for its Game Boy Advance-inspired handheld. Retro Handhelds has pointed out that one of these new colors looks similar to Nintendo’s Fuschia version of the GBA, which came out in April 2001. On the other hand, the turquoise option does not mimic any official Nintendo design; it seems to take cues from a glow-in-the-dark customized shell. However, there’s no indication that Anbernic’s version will glow in the dark as well.

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    Anbernic RG34XX Handheld Refresh Leaks Amid RG34XX SP RumorsAnbernic RG34XX Handheld Refresh Leaks Amid RG34XX SP Rumors
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  • Anbernic RG34XX: New Retro Handheld Inspired by Game Boy Advance

    Anbernic RG34XX: New Retro Handheld Inspired by Game Boy Advance

    Anbernic has been quite active lately, launching at least one new device each month throughout last year. In fact, just five days into the new year, the company has already introduced a fresh product. They have updated the RG34XX, which comes less than a month after it was first released. To give you an idea, the RG34XX features some impressive hardware highlights:

    A Cosmetic Upgrade

    Essentially, the new RG34XX is simply a visual update, similar to the RG35XX SP that came before it (currently priced at $79.99 on Amazon). As expected, Anbernic is sticking closely to the heritage of the Game Boy Advance (GBA). This time around, they’ve launched a ‘Glacier’ version of the RG34XX, taking inspiration from one of the GBA variants that Nintendo also named.

    Color Comparison

    Some might say that Anbernic’s Glacier finish is a lot whiter compared to Nintendo’s version, which has a slight blue hue. Right now, the updated RG34XX can be bought directly from AliExpress and Anbernic for $69.99, which includes a 32 GB MicroSD card. For those looking for more storage, the handheld is also available with 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB MicroSD cards, priced at $77.99, $84.99, and $99.99, respectively.

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  • Anbernic RG34XX: Modern Game Boy Advance Gets Positive Reviews

    Anbernic RG34XX: Modern Game Boy Advance Gets Positive Reviews

    Anbernic has begun the global sale of the RG34XX, which features similar hardware to the RG35XX SP (currently priced at $89.99 on Amazon). This marks Anbernic’s eleventh handheld gaming device released this year, not counting the K101 Plus and RG35XX SP updates. The RG34XX comes equipped with the following specifications:

    Key Specifications

    The RG34XX boasts all the main hardware found in Anbernic’s RG35XX series, except for a slightly smaller 0.1-inch screen. A major attraction of the RG34XX is its nostalgic appeal, heavily influenced by the design of the Game Boy Advance (GBA). However, as pointed out by Retro Game Corps, the GBA’s shape may not be comfortable for users with bigger hands. Despite this, both Retro Game Corps and Retro Handhelds regard the RG34XX as the ‘ideal Game Boy Advance’ in many ways.

    Performance Insights

    It’s important to note that the Allwinner H700 chip is powerful enough to emulate various systems, including Dreamcast, PlayStation 1 (PS1), and PSP, among others. Right now, the RG34XX can be purchased directly from Anbernic for $63.99, and it comes with a 32 GB MicroSD card, available in transparent green, transparent red, black, and indigo. Additionally, customers can opt for configurations with 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB MicroSD cards, priced at $71.99, $78.99, and $93.99 respectively.

    Conclusion

    Anbernic’s latest handheld offering, the RG34XX, taps into the heart of retro gaming while delivering solid performance. With its various color options and customizable storage, it aims to attract both nostalgic gamers and new users alike.

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