Hands-On: Game Boy Player

Metal Mario · 03-26-2003, 02:14 PM

*Source: Gamespot

We just received the Japanese version of the Game Boy Player, a device that enables you to play everything from old Game Boy games to Game Boy Advance games on a regular TV. The device itself, which comes in a variety of colors, attaches to the high-speed port on the GameCube and fits snuggly underneath the unit. There are also two screws on the device as well to help securely fasten it to the GameCube's underbelly. After that's done, you can pop the Game Boy Player boot disc into the GameCube, insert a cartridge of your choice into the slot on the front of the device, and start playing.

When starting a game on the Game Boy Player, there are a number of options you can select from in the menu. The first option lets you select from up to 20 different borders that surround the gameplay viewing area. These borders range from a variety of solid colors to floral prints and camouflage. The second option lets you change the size of the screen from normal to nearly full-screen, though it's worth noting that full-screen mode will slightly degrade the overall image quality since it's essentially stretching the image. The third option lets you manipulate controls, so you can decide which buttons on the GameCube controller will function as the Game Boy Advance's select and shoulder buttons. For example, the controls can be changed so that L and R correspond to the L and R buttons on the GameCube controller, or you can make the Y and X buttons on the GameCube controller take over that responsibility. The fourth option softens the overall image but one setting results in a weird blurring side effect when movement is occurring onscreen, so the benefits of this particular mode really aren't all that evident. There are two more options to choose from, one of which is a timer that you can set for up to 60 minutes to let you know how long you, or someone else, has been playing. The last option is basically just a soft reset.

Surprisingly, the image quality for most Game Boy Advance games is quite good, even when stretched to full-screen mode. In games like Yoshi's Island or The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, colors remain fairly rich, and pixelation (while certainly noticeable) isn't as bad as you might initially suspect. However, there are some games in which visual glitches do become an issue. For example, in Super Street Fighter II Turbo Revival, there's some pretty bad image tearing in the background that can be seen over the course of a fight as well as when super moves are executed. In addition, slowdown in the game is much more apparent than it is on the regular Game Boy Advance screen. Generally speaking, it appears that any visual shortcomings a Game Boy Advance game might have are amplified considerably on the Game Boy Player.

As expected, the Game Boy Player supports stereo sound, enabling you to hear some SNES-quality music and sound effects clearly through regular TV speakers as opposed to the Game Boy Advance's relatively weak single speaker. There aren't any noticeable problems with this particular feature, such as scratching or weird interference noises.

Though not exactly practical, another interesting feature that the Game Boy Player supports is 480p for high-definition sets. As with other games that support this feature, you can simply hold down the B button and wait for the prompt to ask if you want to switch over to 480p. This seems to have only a minor effect on the visual quality in some games, but you'll notice that the menus for the Game Boy Player are incredibly crisp.

The Game Boy Player is currently scheduled for release in North America in June.

03-28-2003, 07:33 PM

June?! Flipin June!? I cant wait that long! Grr!

***Heroine of the Dragon*** · 03-29-2003, 03:47 AM

Awesome...

03-29-2003, 12:43 PM

No new news to me that is gunna ROCK!

03-29-2003, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kirb-e:
June?! Flipin June!? I cant wait that long! Grr!

The whole of Europe stares at Kirb-e

Last I heard GBplayer is pencilled in for Autumn 2003....

Super_Mario_1987 · 03-29-2003, 03:50 PM

June is awhiles away.

Metal Mario · 04-01-2003, 03:17 PM

*Source: Planet Gamecube

Anyone who has played an original Game Boy Advance will tell you the system has one major problem: visibility. Nintendo has finally provided one solution, the Game Boy Advance SP, but replacing a working GBA with a new $100 model just isn’t money-smart for many. Fortunately, the GameCube’s Game Boy Player is the perfect solution.

The Game Boy Player is the spiritual successor to the Super Game Boy for the SNES, allowing GameCube consumers to play their handheld games on their televisions. A one-inch tall peripheral that attaches to the GameCube’s base via its Hi Speed Port, the GBP and GC were clearly made for each other. A strong grip holds the GBP in place, only dislodging slightly in the front when held from the GC handle, though Nintendo has gone the extra mile and included two attached screws for those wanting peace of mind. The two complement each other well, too—the uninformed bystander would probably think the GBP was an integral part of the GameCube, assuming the colors match.

The GBP is little more than a GBA motherboard with some altered I/O ports and a new casing. GBA, GBC or original GB carts slide into the front-mounted slot. This sometimes requires lifting the system slightly—a minor inconvenience, but nothing worth fussing over. Removing the game pack is as easy as sliding the eject lever found on the right side. The Player also has a standard GBA EXT port complete with GC-GBA cable latch holes on the front, offering all the multiplayer and linking capabilities of a normal Game Boy Advance.

Of course the real issue at hand isn’t how the Game Boy Player looks but how it performs. Loading the player is as simple as popping in the GameCube disc and a GBA game (if needed) and pushing power. That’s it! You can now play Castlevania: Circle of the Moon without squinting or surrendering your comfort for a light source! The game can be played on a GC Controller using the D-pad or analog stick or with a GBA, using a GC-GBA link cable. Pushing Z at any time on a GC controller brings a simple menu to the foreground while the game continues to run. In this menu players can “turn off” the Game Boy Player to swap game carts, make subtle adjustments to screen sharpness, choose screen size, toggle the button layout for GC controllers, set an alarm clock and choose among twenty borders to frame the GBA screen. The virtual GBA screen is originally to scale, providing a crisp and vibrant picture worthy of Metroid Fusion’s rich atmosphere, Golden Sun’s lush palette and Luigi’s tail pipe. However, the menu provides the option of a 2x zoom (full screen) for those willing to sacrifice a little clarity for a bigger screen. For those wondering, GB/GBC games are treated no differently than with standard GBA systems and can be (poorly) stretched to fit the entire virtual GBA screen. Those hoping for Super Game Boy borders are out of luck. On the bright side, though, high-end users will be happy to know that the Game Boy Player runs in progressive scan, ultimately providing an unsurpassed GBA display.

There are a few drawbacks to the Game Boy Player, some of which were unavoidable, but still worth keeping in mind. Firstly, those thinking of purchasing a Game Boy Player instead of one of its handheld brethren should be aware that they will not be able to take advantage of the various GC-GBA linking features unless they have access to TWO GameCube consoles. Secondly, although the Game Boy Camera and eReader work with the GBP, less conventional games such as Kirby’s Tilt ‘N Tumble will be tough to manage. There are also rumors that not all colors of the GBP will be available in the United States, meaning that those without imported or modified GameCubes may have to settle for an alternate color GBP or buy an import GBP as well as a copy of the U.S. boot disc from Nintendo’s store (assuming one will be available). Also, the extra inch the GBP adds to the system may pose a problem for those owning GC carrying cases or backpacks which may not accommodate the accessory. Since it requires a screwdriver to remove or install, the GBP clearly wasn’t designed to be taken on and off when traveling. On a more technical note, the GBP shares the same 8-bit audio output found in the handhelds, which is a minor disappointment. However, when looking at the big picture, all these complaints don’t amount to much, putting tiny dents into what is otherwise a fine product.

This peripheral does exactly what it promises and does it well. The Game Boy Player provides the best picture possible for Game Boy Advance games (even better than the GBA SP) and is perfect for current GBA owners. It’s also recommended to gamers uninterested in handheld gaming, yet enticed by the GBA library itself. Simply put, unless you're specifically looking for portability, the Game Boy Player will not disappoint.

04-01-2003, 08:27 PM

Screw SP. Who needs a headphone jack when I can have Super Mario Land running through Surround Sound

[ April 01, 2003, 07:28 PM: Message edited by: I mearly exist to serve WEAPON ]

03-26-2003, 02:14 PM	#1
Metal Mario Game Brain Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 14,262 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Points: 6,686.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 6,686.00 Donate	*Source: Gamespot We just received the Japanese version of the Game Boy Player, a device that enables you to play everything from old Game Boy games to Game Boy Advance games on a regular TV. The device itself, which comes in a variety of colors, attaches to the high-speed port on the GameCube and fits snuggly underneath the unit. There are also two screws on the device as well to help securely fasten it to the GameCube's underbelly. After that's done, you can pop the Game Boy Player boot disc into the GameCube, insert a cartridge of your choice into the slot on the front of the device, and start playing. When starting a game on the Game Boy Player, there are a number of options you can select from in the menu. The first option lets you select from up to 20 different borders that surround the gameplay viewing area. These borders range from a variety of solid colors to floral prints and camouflage. The second option lets you change the size of the screen from normal to nearly full-screen, though it's worth noting that full-screen mode will slightly degrade the overall image quality since it's essentially stretching the image. The third option lets you manipulate controls, so you can decide which buttons on the GameCube controller will function as the Game Boy Advance's select and shoulder buttons. For example, the controls can be changed so that L and R correspond to the L and R buttons on the GameCube controller, or you can make the Y and X buttons on the GameCube controller take over that responsibility. The fourth option softens the overall image but one setting results in a weird blurring side effect when movement is occurring onscreen, so the benefits of this particular mode really aren't all that evident. There are two more options to choose from, one of which is a timer that you can set for up to 60 minutes to let you know how long you, or someone else, has been playing. The last option is basically just a soft reset. Surprisingly, the image quality for most Game Boy Advance games is quite good, even when stretched to full-screen mode. In games like Yoshi's Island or The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, colors remain fairly rich, and pixelation (while certainly noticeable) isn't as bad as you might initially suspect. However, there are some games in which visual glitches do become an issue. For example, in Super Street Fighter II Turbo Revival, there's some pretty bad image tearing in the background that can be seen over the course of a fight as well as when super moves are executed. In addition, slowdown in the game is much more apparent than it is on the regular Game Boy Advance screen. Generally speaking, it appears that any visual shortcomings a Game Boy Advance game might have are amplified considerably on the Game Boy Player. As expected, the Game Boy Player supports stereo sound, enabling you to hear some SNES-quality music and sound effects clearly through regular TV speakers as opposed to the Game Boy Advance's relatively weak single speaker. There aren't any noticeable problems with this particular feature, such as scratching or weird interference noises. Though not exactly practical, another interesting feature that the Game Boy Player supports is 480p for high-definition sets. As with other games that support this feature, you can simply hold down the B button and wait for the prompt to ask if you want to switch over to 480p. This seems to have only a minor effect on the visual quality in some games, but you'll notice that the menus for the Game Boy Player are incredibly crisp. The Game Boy Player is currently scheduled for release in North America in June.

03-28-2003, 07:33 PM	#2
Kirb-E Guest Posts: n/a Points: 0 Bank: 0 Total Points: 0 Donate	June?! Flipin June!? I cant wait that long! Grr!

03-29-2003, 03:47 AM	#3
*Heroine of the Dragon* The Grinnie Fool! ♥ VGFCodes Staff Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: In a pretty place surrounded by sparkly faerie dust!! Gender: Posts: 28,038 Thanks: 310 Thanked 384 Times in 296 Posts Blog Entries: 1 Points: 24,069.81 Bank: 3,966,948.60 Total Points: 3,991,018.41 Donate	Awesome...

03-29-2003, 12:43 PM	#4
sethjg Guest Posts: n/a Points: 0 Bank: 0 Total Points: 0 Donate	No new news to me that is gunna ROCK!

03-29-2003, 03:50 PM	#6
Super_Mario_1987 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Iowa Gender: Posts: 6,560 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Points: 7,054.04 Bank: 500.00 Total Points: 7,554.04 Donate	June is awhiles away.

04-01-2003, 03:17 PM	#7
Metal Mario Game Brain Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 14,262 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Points: 6,686.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 6,686.00 Donate	*Source: Planet Gamecube Anyone who has played an original Game Boy Advance will tell you the system has one major problem: visibility. Nintendo has finally provided one solution, the Game Boy Advance SP, but replacing a working GBA with a new $100 model just isn’t money-smart for many. Fortunately, the GameCube’s Game Boy Player is the perfect solution. The Game Boy Player is the spiritual successor to the Super Game Boy for the SNES, allowing GameCube consumers to play their handheld games on their televisions. A one-inch tall peripheral that attaches to the GameCube’s base via its Hi Speed Port, the GBP and GC were clearly made for each other. A strong grip holds the GBP in place, only dislodging slightly in the front when held from the GC handle, though Nintendo has gone the extra mile and included two attached screws for those wanting peace of mind. The two complement each other well, too—the uninformed bystander would probably think the GBP was an integral part of the GameCube, assuming the colors match. The GBP is little more than a GBA motherboard with some altered I/O ports and a new casing. GBA, GBC or original GB carts slide into the front-mounted slot. This sometimes requires lifting the system slightly—a minor inconvenience, but nothing worth fussing over. Removing the game pack is as easy as sliding the eject lever found on the right side. The Player also has a standard GBA EXT port complete with GC-GBA cable latch holes on the front, offering all the multiplayer and linking capabilities of a normal Game Boy Advance. Of course the real issue at hand isn’t how the Game Boy Player looks but how it performs. Loading the player is as simple as popping in the GameCube disc and a GBA game (if needed) and pushing power. That’s it! You can now play Castlevania: Circle of the Moon without squinting or surrendering your comfort for a light source! The game can be played on a GC Controller using the D-pad or analog stick or with a GBA, using a GC-GBA link cable. Pushing Z at any time on a GC controller brings a simple menu to the foreground while the game continues to run. In this menu players can “turn off” the Game Boy Player to swap game carts, make subtle adjustments to screen sharpness, choose screen size, toggle the button layout for GC controllers, set an alarm clock and choose among twenty borders to frame the GBA screen. The virtual GBA screen is originally to scale, providing a crisp and vibrant picture worthy of Metroid Fusion’s rich atmosphere, Golden Sun’s lush palette and Luigi’s tail pipe. However, the menu provides the option of a 2x zoom (full screen) for those willing to sacrifice a little clarity for a bigger screen. For those wondering, GB/GBC games are treated no differently than with standard GBA systems and can be (poorly) stretched to fit the entire virtual GBA screen. Those hoping for Super Game Boy borders are out of luck. On the bright side, though, high-end users will be happy to know that the Game Boy Player runs in progressive scan, ultimately providing an unsurpassed GBA display. There are a few drawbacks to the Game Boy Player, some of which were unavoidable, but still worth keeping in mind. Firstly, those thinking of purchasing a Game Boy Player instead of one of its handheld brethren should be aware that they will not be able to take advantage of the various GC-GBA linking features unless they have access to TWO GameCube consoles. Secondly, although the Game Boy Camera and eReader work with the GBP, less conventional games such as Kirby’s Tilt ‘N Tumble will be tough to manage. There are also rumors that not all colors of the GBP will be available in the United States, meaning that those without imported or modified GameCubes may have to settle for an alternate color GBP or buy an import GBP as well as a copy of the U.S. boot disc from Nintendo’s store (assuming one will be available). Also, the extra inch the GBP adds to the system may pose a problem for those owning GC carrying cases or backpacks which may not accommodate the accessory. Since it requires a screwdriver to remove or install, the GBP clearly wasn’t designed to be taken on and off when traveling. On a more technical note, the GBP shares the same 8-bit audio output found in the handhelds, which is a minor disappointment. However, when looking at the big picture, all these complaints don’t amount to much, putting tiny dents into what is otherwise a fine product. This peripheral does exactly what it promises and does it well. The Game Boy Player provides the best picture possible for Game Boy Advance games (even better than the GBA SP) and is perfect for current GBA owners. It’s also recommended to gamers uninterested in handheld gaming, yet enticed by the GBA library itself. Simply put, unless you're specifically looking for portability, the Game Boy Player will not disappoint.

04-01-2003, 08:27 PM	#8
jolteon Guest Posts: n/a Points: 0 Bank: 0 Total Points: 0 Donate	Screw SP. Who needs a headphone jack when I can have Super Mario Land running through Surround Sound [ April 01, 2003, 07:28 PM: Message edited by: I mearly exist to serve WEAPON ]