The Game Boy Advance (or GBA) is a 32-bit handheld game console created by Nintendo. The GBA was the successor to the Game Boy Color and was first released in Japan on March 21, 2001. The original Game Boy Advance console was initially launched in Arctic, Black, Orange, Fuchsia, Glacier (translucent blue/purple), and Indigo colors.
As time went by, though, more versions were added to the GBA SP. In addition to the original six colors, several Limited Editions of the Game Boy Advance reached the public. Especially popular are the Pokémon-themed ones, initially available in Pokémon Center stores in Japan. However, there are many other SPs based on different Nintendo games that feature awesome, varied colors and designs. You can find all of them below, alongside links to listings so you can get one of these beauties today.
Looking for other Game Boy special editions? Here are all of them (not just GBA).
So... Why Did Nintendo Make Special Edition Game Boys?
Nintendo has a long history of creating special edition Game Boy consoles. The reasons are varied but include collectibility, cross-promotion, and visual appeal. Because special edition consoles are often produced in limited quantities, making them highly sought after by collectors.
One notable example of Nintendo’s special edition Game Boy consoles is the Game Boy Light Astro Boy edition, released exclusively in Japan in 1998. This rare model featured a unique design celebrating Astro Boy, one of Japan’s most beloved anime characters. What makes this edition particularly interesting is that it was part of the Game Boy Light series, a version that included an illuminated screen, something that wouldn’t be standard in Nintendo’s handhelds until the Game Boy Advance SP!
Nintendo also frequently collaborates with other popular franchises, including Pokémon, Mario, Zelda, and many others, to create special edition consoles that feature iconic characters or themes from these franchises. Lastly, Nintendo often releases special edition consoles to celebrate significant milestones or anniversaries related to their gaming consoles or franchises. These limited-edition consoles act as a way to honor the history and legacy of Nintendo and create a sense of nostalgia among fans.
The Game Boy Advance SP Special Edition Colors
Throughout its productions, the Gameboy Advance has been made available in numerous limited editions and colors. For example, the first GBA SP special edition line was made in Arctic, Fuchsia, Black, Orange, Glacier (blue/purple), and Indigo. There are many GBA color variations, some of the most popular ones include the colors, but Nintendo has also created other special edition releases that are specific to certain countries.
All of these SP Game Boy consoles feature a flip-top design, a backlit color screen, and a wide library of Game Boy Advance games – offering a portable, immersive, and colorful gaming experience. You can see the Nintendo GBA special edition colors here:
Rare Game Boy Advance Limited Edition Consoles
In countries like Japan, Nintendo released special edition Gameboy Advance consoles that featured a variety of gaming themes. For example, there is a GBA NES special edition, a GBA Famicon edition, a GBA Tribal edition, a GBA Zelda one, and many Pokemon GBAs that were sold only in Japan.
One thing is certain: Nintendo’s special editions served as functional gaming devices and became coveted items in pop culture history. These GBA SP special editions are highly collectible as they were never re-issued. Luckily, you can still find them online. You can click on any headlines or pictures below to read more details about the rare Gameboy Advanced SP consoles and see where to get them second-hand today.
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Nintendo Gameboy Advance SP: Limited Edition Pikachu Yellow
This collector’s edition handheld console features a vibrant Pikachu-inspired design, showcasing the beloved Pokémon in all its glory. Featuring a bright yellow exterior, this edition is instantly recognizable with a playful Pikachu face adorning the front shell, making it a favorite among Pokémon fans and collectors.
- Limited Edition Game Boy Advance version.
- Theme: Pokémon Limited Edition Pikachu Yellow.
- Color: Yellow. The front of the system depicts Pikachu’s face.
- Originally sold in Japan in Pokémon Centers.
The Famicom, short for Family Computer, was a home video game console released by Nintendo in Japan on July 15, 1983. It was the Japanese counterpart to what became known internationally as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The Famicom was a groundbreaking console that helped revive the video game industry after the crash of 1983, and it laid the foundation for Nintendo’s global success in the gaming market.
The Famicom featured 8-bit graphics and became famous for its cartridge-based system, allowing players to easily swap out games. If you were one of these players (and you also happened to like GBAs), then you will find the next console variant quite interesting:
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Gameboy Advance SP: Famicom Color Limited Edition
Take a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of gaming with the Gameboy Advance SP: Famicom Color Limited Edition. The vibrant red and gold design pays homage to the classic gaming system, while the compact and foldable form factor makes it perfect for gaming on the move.
- Limited Edition Game Boy Advance version.
- Theme: Famicom Color.
- Frontlit Game Boy Advance with flip-up screen.
- Measures 82 x 84.6 x 24.3mm.
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Nintendo Gameboy Advance SP: Limited Edition Charizard
The Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP: Limited Edition Charizard is a highly sought-after special edition of the popular Game Boy Advance SP handheld console. Released in 2004, this edition was created to celebrate the enduring popularity of Charizard, one of the most iconic Pokémon from the Pokémon series. The console features a striking orange color scheme with a detailed graphic of Charizard on the outer shell.
- Limited Edition Game Boy Advance version.
- Theme: Pokémon Limited Edition Charizard.
- Color: Red. The front of the system depicts a silhouette of Charizard.
- Originally sold in Japan in Pokémon Centers.
The Legend of Zelda series on the Game Boy Advance (GBA) brought beloved adventures to handheld gamers, combining classic gameplay with new experiences. The GBA featured two notable entries in the Zelda franchise, each offering a unique take on the iconic action-adventure formula.
Both Zelda games (A Link to the Past & Four Swords and The Minish Cap) for the GBA have been praised for their contributions to the series, with A Link to the Past cementing its legendary status, and The Minish Cap earning acclaim for its originality and creativity. These titles brought the magic of Zelda to handheld gaming, delivering memorable adventures to both old and new fans. I loved these games, so it’s nice to also have a console that celebrates them in al their golden glory:
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Nintendo Gameboy Advance SP: Limited Edition Zelda
This GBA console variant pays tribute to the iconic Legend of Zelda franchise, featuring a captivating design inspired by the mythical land of Hyrule. This Game Boy Advance SP model was released in a variety of limited-edition flavors. This gold-colored Zelda limited run is one of them. The Zelda GBA SP is undoubtedly one of the most visually appealing of the lot. It was bundled with a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap. This edition doesn’t include the superior backlit screen.
- Limited Edition Game Boy Advance version.
- Theme: Limited Edition Zelda Minish Cap.
- Color: Gold. Front-lit.
- A limited-edition GBA console that is usually affordable.
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Nintendo Gameboy Advance SP: Limited Edition NES
The Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP: Limited Edition NES is a special edition console designed to pay homage to Nintendo’s classic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Released in 2004, this version of the Game Boy Advance SP features a nostalgic design that mimics the iconic gray-and-black color scheme of the original NES controller, complete with the red buttons and D-pad pattern on the exterior.
- Limited Edition Game Boy Advance version.
- Theme: Limited Edition NES.
- Includes controller style decals inside.
- Weight: 0.32 lb. Display size: 2.9 in.
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Gameboy Advance SP: Final Fantasy Tactics Edition
This edition was created to celebrate the release of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, a critically acclaimed tactical role-playing game by Square Enix. The console features a sleek pearl white finish with a subtle, elegant Final Fantasy Tactics Advance logo on the outer shell. Bundled with a copy of the game, the Final Fantasy Tactics Edition emphasized the strategic gameplay and deep storylines that made the franchise famous. I
- Limited Edition Game Boy Advance version.
- Theme: Final Fantasy Tactics Edition.
- Release Date: Feb 14, 2003. Japan Exclusive.
- Measures 82 x 84.6 x 24.3mm.
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Gameboy Advance SP: Kingdom Hearts Deep Silver
Inspired by the enchanting world of Kingdom Hearts, this limited edition handheld console features a stunning Deep Silver design that captures the essence of this beloved crossover RPG.
- Limited Edition Game Boy Advance version.
- Theme: Kingdom Hearts Deep Silver.
- Released in Europe, Australia, and Japan.
- Flip-up screen. Region code: Region Free.
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Nintendo Gameboy Advance SP: Limited Edition Rayquaza
This console pays homage to the mighty and legendary Pokémon Rayquaza, one of the most powerful and revered creatures in the Pokémon universe. With its sleek and vibrant design inspired by Rayquaza’s emerald green scales, this limited edition Gameboy Advance SP is a must-have for Pokémon fans and collectors.
- Limited Edition Game Boy Advance version.
- Theme: Pokémon Limited Edition Rayquaza.
- Color: Green. It shows a silhouette of Rayquaza on the inside and on the outside.
- Originally sold in Japan in Pokémon Centers.
Fun Fact: The GameBoy was the first video game console played in outer space – Tetris was played on it by Russian astronaut Aleksander Serebov during one of his trips into space. This console was later sold for over $1,000 in a 2011 auction.
