Game Boy Micro
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{short description|Handheld game console by Nintendo}}
{{Infobox CVG system
| title = Game Boy Micro
| logo = Game Boy Micro logo.svg{{!}}class=skin-invert
| image = Game-Boy-Micro.png
| caption = A Silver Game Boy Micro with cartridge inserted
| manufacturer = Nintendo
| family = Game Boy
| media = Game Boy Advance Game Pak
| type = Handheld game console
| generation = Sixth
| release date = {{vgrelease
|JP|September 13, 2005
|NA|September 19, 2005
|CHN|October 1, 2005
|AU|November 3, 2005
|EU|November 4, 2005
}}
| soc = Nintendo CPU AGB
| CPU = ARM7TDMI
| CPUspeed = 16.78 MHz
| memory = 288 KB RAM, 98 KB Video RAM
| price = {{US$|99.99|year=2005}}
| onlineservice =
| topgame =
| compatibility =
| predecessor = Game Boy Color
| successor = Nintendo DS
| related = {{Unbulleted list
}}
}}
The Game Boy Micro{{efn|{{nihongo|ゲームボーイミクロ|Gēmu Bōi mikuro|lead=yes}}}} is a 32-bit handheld game console made by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on September 13, 2005, and to international markets later that year. It is a miniaturized version of the Game Boy Advance. The console was the last in the Game Boy family. Unlike its predecessors, the Micro lacks backward compatibility for original Game Boy and Game Boy Color games.
History
According to Nintendo of America vice president George Harrison, the idea for a smaller version of the Game Boy was first discussed in 2004.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/qanda-nintendo-vice-president-george-harrison/1100-6126595/|title=Q&A: Nintendo Vice President George Harrison|last=Thorsen|first=Tor|date=2006-09-13|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-19|archive-date=July 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719231623/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/qanda-nintendo-vice-president-george-harrison/1100-6126595/|url-status=live}} Harrison explained that, unlike the traditional console development process, Nintendo was always thinking about new ideas for the Game Boy, describing it as a "continuous process of invention". Developed under the code name "Oxy", the company tried many ways to see how small they could make the Game Boy, opting for a metallic casing that, according to company president Satoru Iwata, was "unusual for Nintendo".{{Cite web|url=https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Q-A-Video-game-industry-maverick-promises-a-1173943.php|title=Q&A: Video-game industry maverick promises a Revolution|last=Bishop|first=Todd|date=2005-05-20|website=Seattle PI|access-date=2019-07-20|archive-date=July 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720034155/https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Q-A-Video-game-industry-maverick-promises-a-1173943.php|url-status=live}}
The Game Boy Micro was announced by Nintendo of America's vice president of sales and marketing, Reggie Fils-Aimé, at the company's Electronic Entertainment Expo press conference on May 17, 2005.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/nintendo-announces-game-boy-micro|title=Nintendo Announces Game Boy Micro|last=Carless|first=Simon|date=2005-05-17|website=www.gamasutra.com|language=en|access-date=2019-07-19|archive-date=July 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719231630/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/96483/Nintendo_Announces_Game_Boy_Micro.php|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/18/technology/new-miniature-game-boy-due-in-fall-from-nintendo.html|title=New Miniature Game Boy Due in Fall From Nintendo|last=Taub|first=Eric A.|date=2005-05-18|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-07-19|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|url-access=limited|archive-date=July 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719231629/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/18/technology/new-miniature-game-boy-due-in-fall-from-nintendo.html|url-status=live}} The system was released in Japan on September 13, 2005, in North America on September 19, 2005,{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2005/08/5216-2/|title=Game Boy Micro launches September 19 in US, November 4 in Europe|last=Fisher|first=Ken|date=2005-08-17|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us|access-date=2019-07-19|archive-date=July 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719231623/https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2005/08/5216-2/|url-status=live}} in Australia on November 3, 2005,{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/game-boy-micro-to-hit-australia-in-november/|title=Game Boy micro to hit Australia in November|last=Ramsay|first=Randolph|date=2008-08-14|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=2019-07-20|archive-date=July 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720084030/https://www.cnet.com/news/game-boy-micro-to-hit-australia-in-november/|url-status=live}} and in Europe on November 4, 2005. It was released in China as the iQue Game Boy Micro on October 1, 2005, and later released in South Korea on November 9, 2005.
The Game Boy Micro was discontinued in 2008, two years before the Game Boy Advance SP.
Design and specifications
File:Wikipedia gameboy micro.jpg and Nintendo 3DS systems.]]
The Game Boy Micro retains some of the functionality of the Game Boy Advance SP but in a more compact form factor. Additionally, it has a backlit screen with the ability to adjust the brightness. The shape itself is oblong, similar to the style of the Nintendo Entertainment System controller. The Game Boy Micro features a removable, decorative housing called a faceplate. Designs with special faceplates were sold as a customization feature. Faceplates for the Micro are made using in-mould decoration.{{Cite web|url=https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/xl/0/2|title=Iwata Asks: Nintendo 3DS XL - Good but inexpensive|website=iwataasks.nintendo.com|access-date=2019-07-20|archive-date=June 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619204053/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/xl/0/2|url-status=live}}
The Game Boy Micro cannot play original Game Boy and Game Boy Color games due to design changes. While the 8-bit Sharp SM83 processor necessary to run games from older Game Boy systems is still present, it lacks other internal hardware necessary for backward compatibility. It is also incompatible with other peripherals due to its design.
- Dimensions: {{Convert|50|x|101|x|17.2|mm}}
- Weight: {{Convert|80|g}}
- Processor: 32-bit 16.8 MHz ARM processor (ARM7TDMI)
- Screen: 2 inches (diagonal) backlit with adjustable brightness
- Resolution: 240×160 pixels
- Framerate: 60 Hz{{Cite book|last=Sfetcu|first=Nicolae|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J1aAAwAAQBAJ&q=nintendo+ds+refresh+rate&pg=PT799|title=Game Preview|date=2014-05-04|publisher=Nicolae Sfetcu|language=en|access-date=October 2, 2020|archive-date=January 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117085330/https://books.google.com/books?id=J1aAAwAAQBAJ&q=nintendo+ds+refresh+rate&pg=PT799|url-status=live}}
- Colors: 512 (character mode) or 32,768 (bitmap mode)
- Battery: built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, up to 5 hours of battery life with top brightness and sound or 8 hours with both features on default
- Headphones: 3.5mm jack{{cite web |title=Nintendo Game Boy Micro Specs |url=https://www.cnet.com/products/nintendo-game-boy-micro/specs/ |website=CNET |access-date=March 2, 2019 |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043000/https://www.cnet.com/products/nintendo-game-boy-micro/specs/ |url-status=live }}
The Game Boy Micro has a two-way switch on its right side for adjusting volume. By holding down the left shoulder button, the switch can also be used to adjust the backlight between five levels of brightness.
=Software and hardware=
The Game Boy Micro is compatible only with Game Boy Advance Game Paks, including Game Boy Advance Video Paks.{{Cite book |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/micro_eng.pdf |title=Game Boy Micro Instruction Manual |publisher=Nintendo |year=2005 |type=Instruction manual |access-date=2019-07-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915211855/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/micro_eng.pdf |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{Rp|10}} As with other Game Boy Advance systems, there is no regional lockout on software.
While Game Boy or Game Boy Advance Game Link cables and the Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter are not compatible with the Game Boy Micro system, adapters and a Game Boy Micro-compatible Wireless adapter have been released.{{Rp|18}} Nintendo also redesigned their Play-Yan music/video adapter to better fit the Game Boy Micro. This device is able to play MP3 and digital video files from SD cards.
Packaging
In Japan, the Game Boy Micro was released in four different base colors: black, blue, purple, and silver.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/game-boy-micro-gets-japanese-european-release-dates/1100-6131455/|title=Game Boy Micro gets Japanese, European release dates|last=Niizumi|first=Hirohiko|date=2005-08-18|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-20|archive-date=July 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720043344/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/game-boy-micro-gets-japanese-european-release-dates/1100-6131455/|url-status=live}} Also available at launch was a limited edition version, based on the controller of the Japanese version of the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Family Computer.{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2005/08/18/game-boy-micro-faceplates-and-colors-to-differ-by-region/|title=Game Boy Micro faceplates and colors to differ by region?|last=Choi|first=Dan|date=2005-08-18|website=Engadget|language=en|access-date=2019-07-20|archive-date=January 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117085702/https://www.engadget.com/2005-08-18-game-boy-micro-faceplates-and-colors-to-differ-by-region.html|url-status=live}} In October 2005, Square Enix announced that they would be releasing a special faceplate, featuring artwork by Yoshitaka Amano, to promote their re-release of Final Fantasy IV on the Game Boy Advance.{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2005/10/03/square-enix-unveils-ffiv-faceplate-for-game-boy-micro/|title=Square Enix unveils FFIV faceplate for Game Boy Micro|last=Rose|first=Alan|date=2005-10-03|website=Engadget|language=en|access-date=2019-07-20|archive-date=January 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117085706/https://www.engadget.com/2005-10-03-square-enix-unveils-ffiv-faceplate-for-game-boy-micro.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://ign.com/articles/2005/10/03/final-fantasy-face-plate|title=Final Fantasy Face Plate|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=2005-10-03|website=IGN|access-date=2019-07-20|archive-date=July 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720043402/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/03/final-fantasy-face-plate|url-status=live}} On November 17, 2005, Nintendo released a Pokémon version in Japan, featuring a red Micro with a black faceplate containing the silhouette of Pikachu.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news121005pokemonmicro|title=Pokémon GB Micro planned|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|date=2005-10-12|website=Eurogamer|language=en|access-date=2019-07-20|archive-date=July 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720043342/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news121005pokemonmicro|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://ign.com/articles/2005/10/10/pokemon-micro|title=Pokemon Micro|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=2005-10-10|website=IGN|access-date=2019-07-20|archive-date=July 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720043354/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/10/pokemon-micro|url-status=live}} Another special edition of the Micro was released on April 20, 2006, which bundled Mother 3 with a red Micro and a themed faceplate.{{Cite web|url=https://ign.com/articles/2006/02/21/gbmother|title=GBMother|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=2006-02-21|website=IGN|access-date=2019-07-19|archive-date=July 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720043359/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/02/21/gbmother|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news210206mother3|title=Mother 3 GB Micro|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|date=2006-02-21|website=Eurogamer|access-date=2019-07-19|archive-date=July 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720003120/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news210206mother3|url-status=live}} File:Micro.PNG
In the United States and Canada, the Game Boy Micro launched with two regular color choices, each sold with three interchangeable faceplates included: silver with black, "Ammonite" and "Ladybug" faceplates; and black with silver, "Flame" and "Camouflage" faceplates. The "20th Anniversary" edition was released on December 4, 2005, which was the Famicom controller-inspired version released in Japan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/nintendo-confirms-nes-branded-game-boy-micro-for-west|title=Nintendo Confirms NES-Branded Game Boy Micro For West|last=Carless|first=Simon|date=2005-11-04|website=Gamasutra|language=en|access-date=2019-07-20|archive-date=July 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720075119/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/98029/Nintendo_Confirms_NESBranded_Game_Boy_Micro_For_West.php|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://ign.com/articles/2005/11/22/20th-anniversary-game-boy-micro-releases-early|title=20th Anniversary Game Boy Micro Releases Early|last=Harris|first=Craig|date=2005-11-22|access-date=2019-07-20|archive-date=July 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720075106/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/22/20th-anniversary-game-boy-micro-releases-early|url-status=live}} In Europe, the Game Boy Micro was available in four different colors, with one matching faceplate: silver, green, blue and pink. Game Boy Micro sold in Australia have the same colors (except Green which replaced by red color) as Europe.[http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Support/Game-Boy-Micro/Product-Information/Product-information/Product-information-619324.html Game Boy Micro launch date and price] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117085659/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Support/Game-Boy-Micro/Product-Information/Product-information/Product-information-619324.html |date=January 17, 2023 }}. Nintendo Europe. August 17, 2005.
Aside from Nintendo of America's online store, additional faceplates were not sold in the US, and were entirely unavailable in the UK.{{Cite web|url=http://www.britishgaming.co.uk/?p=291|title=No Micro Faceplates for Europe|date=2006-01-04|website=British Gaming Blog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060806045031/http://www.britishgaming.co.uk/?p=291|archive-date=2006-08-06|access-date=2019-07-19}}{{Cite web|url=http://store.nintendo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&langId=-1¤cy=USD&page=&view=&productId=92205&categoryId=59214|title=Game Boy Micro Faceplates|website=store.nintendo.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012203547/http://store.nintendo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&langId=-1¤cy=USD&page=&view=&productId=92205&categoryId=59214|archive-date=2007-10-12|access-date=2019-07-19}} The feature was omitted from the product's marketing, packaging, and manual in Europe.
Release and sales
Generally, the Game Boy Micro did not sell well, and failed to reach the company's aim of units sold. The Game Boy Micro sold over 170,000 units during its first days in Japan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/japanese-sales-charts-week-ending-september-18|title=Japanese Sales Charts, Week Ending September 18|last=Jenkins|first=David|date=2005-09-23|website=Gamasutra|language=en|access-date=2019-07-20|archive-date=January 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126225511/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php|url-status=live}} According to a Q1 2007 Nintendo earnings release, 2.42 million Game Boy Micro units had been sold worldwide as of March 31, 2007, including 610,000 units in Japan, 950,000 units in the Americas, and 870,000 in other territories such as Europe and Oceania. As of July 30, 2007, the Game Boy Micro had sold 2.5 million units, according to GamePro. It was ranked #8 in their "The 10 Worst-Selling Handhelds of All Time".{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/gamepro/domestic/games/features/125748.shtml|title=The 10 Worst-Selling Handhelds of All Time|author=Blake Snow|date=July 30, 2007|publisher=GamePro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012194600/http://gamepro.com/gamepro/domestic/games/features/125748.shtml|archive-date=October 12, 2007|access-date=July 5, 2008}} Satoru Iwata stated that the marketing of the Nintendo DS may have hurt the Micro in the marketplace and admitted that Game Boy Micro sales did not meet Nintendo's expectations.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/kessan/060607qa_e/03.html|title=Nintendo Co., Ltd. – Corporate Management Policy Briefing – Q&A|publisher=Nintendo Co., Ltd.|page=3|access-date=2008-12-06|quote=The sales of Micro did not meet our expectations ... However, toward the end of 2005, Nintendo had to focus almost all of our energies on the marketing of DS, which must have deprived the Micro of its momentum.|archive-date=December 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220021407/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/kessan/060607qa_e/03.html|url-status=live}}
The system retailed for US$99,{{Cite web|url=https://ign.com/articles/2005/09/13/game-boy-micro-us-packaging|title=Game Boy Micro US Packaging|last=Harris|first=Craig|date=2005-09-12|website=IGN|access-date=2007-02-02|archive-date=July 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720003137/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/09/13/game-boy-micro-us-packaging|url-status=live}} compared to US$79 for the Game Boy Advance SP. The system was originally available in black and silver, and a red 20th Anniversary Edition was later released to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Nintendo Entertainment System.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/12/03/20th-anniversary-game-boy-micro|title=20th Anniversary Game Boy Micro|last=Harris|first=Craig|date=December 2, 2005|website=IGN|access-date=January 31, 2022|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131191624/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/12/03/20th-anniversary-game-boy-micro|url-status=live}}
Reception
The Game Boy Micro's backlit screen, which is superior to the original frontlit Game Boy Advance SP model (a later backlit remodel added a similar high quality screen to SP systems), has been praised for its visibility. Due to a finer dot pitch, the screen is more evenly lit, and the brightness is adjustable. The smaller dot pitch has also improved the apparent sharpness of the display.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}
The removable faceplates have also been praised because they allow for personalization and protect the high-resolution backlit screen.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1855080,00.asp|title=Game Boy Micro|last=Sarrel|first=Matthew D.|date=2005-09-01|website=PCMag|access-date=2019-07-19|archive-date=July 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720003438/https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1855080,00.asp|url-status=live}}
See also
{{Portal|Video games}}
- Wii Mini and Nintendo Switch Lite, similar compact Nintendo gaming systems
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist|35em}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{cite web |url=http://micro.gameboy.com |title=Official North American website |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051001114311/http://micro.gameboy.com/ |archive-date=October 1, 2005}}
- {{cite web |url=http://register.nintendo.com/systemsgba |title=Game Boy Advance |website= Nintendo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810144102/http://www.nintendo.com/systemsgba |archive-date=August 10, 2007}}
- [https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/micro/faq.jsp "Nintendo – Customer Service | Game Boy Micro – Frequently Asked Questions"]
{{Game Boy Advance line}}
{{Nintendo hardware|Game Boy Advance}}
{{Sixth generation game consoles}}
{{Handheld game consoles}}
Category:Regionless game consoles
Category:Sixth-generation video game consoles
Category:Products introduced in 2005
Category:Products and services discontinued in 2008
Category:Discontinued handheld game consoles
Category:Video game console revisions
de:Game Boy Advance#Game Boy Micro