The Game Boy Advance SP was a revelation of it’s time with a novel clamshell design and a front-lit screen. Finally, people everywhere could play a Game Boy in the dark. However, the screen was only front-lit. A couple of years later, a version of the console was released with an actual backlight. This version is known as the AGS-101.…
Month: March 2025
HEX Gaming Ultra X Controller Review
After reviewing the HEX Gaming Phantom controller, which was based on a PS5 controller, I’m now reviewing the Ultra X Controller, which is based on an Xbox Series X/S controller. Again, the controller is compatible with Nintendo Switch (via an 8Bitdo adapter, which I’m using) and a number of other systems. It is a great controller to use for emulation on a phone, as it’s compatible with Android.…
HEX Gaming Phantom Controller Review
The dominant controller design hasn’t changed much since the PS2/Xbox/Gamecube era. Two analogue sticks, four face buttons, and two pairs of triggers is what makes up the modern videogame controller. Clickable sticks, motion control and touchpads are relatively newer additions. Each console generation since the NES and Master System era has helped to carve the design of the modern video game controller.…
Dragon’s Lair: The Legend (Game Boy) Re-Release Review – An Obscure Game Boy Game makes a Comeback
With programs like GB Studio, new fan and indie games for the Game Boy are being produced and released. Companies like Limited Run also re-release old games in physical form every now and again. Then there are resurrected projects from canceled games such as the soon-to-be-released Shantae Advance. Incube8 is a company that has been at the front and center of the Game Boy homebrew and indie development scene.…
FlapHappy (GBC) Review
Amazingly, we live in 2025, and the Game Boy is still getting new titles through unofficial development studios. The Game Boy Color was officially discontinued in 2003, yet because of the modding and homebrew scenes, the Game Boy Color as a system is as popular as it ever was. Mega Cat Studios brings us a rogue-like platformer that has most in common with pick-up-and-play flash games yet proves to be a unique and addictive experience on the Game Boy Color.…
RetroSix GBA SP CleanScreen IPS Kit Review
The Game Boy Advance SP was the first internationally released Nintendo handheld to include a frontlight or backlight. The first version of the SP, the AGS 001 included a frontlight that made playing in the dark possible. However, it wasn’t very bright and was nowhere near as clear as modern (or contemporary) backlit screens. The AGS 101 model of the SP included an actual backlight.…