Game Boy Light (Japan)

[garbanzox]

Anybody have one of these? Are they worth the price? I can play older games on my GBAs but it's just not the same.

I recently bought a GBC with a front-light mod and I really don't like it. The contrast is terrible, and I can't handle the added glare from the grooves in the light panel...

 

[duffmmann]

Anybody have one of these? Are they worth the price? I can play older games on my GBAs but it's just not the same.

I recently bought a GBC with a front-light mod and I really don't like it. The contrast is terrible, and I can't handle the added glare from the grooves in the light panel...

I don't have a GBL, but what is wrong with using a GBASP (specifically the later models with the better backlight)? I mean I prefer the design of a standard GBA to the SP, but really an SP will get all that you want done with a fantastic screen and backlight.

 

[garbanzox]

Yeah I have a late model SP, as well as a 1st gen GBA with a backlight mod. It just feels too much like emulation to me when I play GB/GBC on the newer devices, with their perfect colors and crisp pixels. Original hardware is more fun

 

[Jockel]

I have a GBL. It's nice. Any questions I could answer?
I'd probably sell it to you if you or traded it if you want it.

 

[garbanzox]

Is there a switch to turn the backlight off? Does it help gameplay when it's on? Is the contrast good?

 

[Bonny]

I got a new one with box and instruction, complete. A gold GBL.

Are they worth the price?

No. It's a nice collectors item, if complete and in mint condition, but not more.

I recently bought a GBC with a front-light mod and I really don't like it. The contrast is terrible, and I can't handle the added glare from the grooves in the light panel...

Then don't go for a GBL. Even with the Backlit tuned on, the contrast is still not good. In my childhood, i would have chopped my left arm off for a Game Boy with an internal light. But compared to that what we have and know today, it's terrible.

As much as i know, there is now "offical" way to really play Game Boy B/W games with comfort and enjoyable.

Original Game Boy - No light, bad contrast
Game Boy Pocket - No light, a bit better contrast
GBC - No light
GBL - Terrible light, bad contrast
GBA - No light, good contrast
GBA SP - Good light, good contrast, but no original screen size and feeling

I also got an GBA with an GBA SP Backlit built in, thats the best way to play B/W games. Or i use an Game Boy Pocket and place myself under a good light source.

Of course, Emulation is an other thing...

 

[Bonny]

Is there a switch to turn the backlight off?

Yeah. You can play with the light tuned on or off.

Does it help gameplay when it's on?

No. You just got a green backlight.

Is the contrast good?

No.

 

[garbanzox]

Thanks Bonny, great feedback.

Another thing that bothers me about playing GB on GBA is that old games get colorized! I want to play them in B&W.

Well, at least there's the Game Boy Player :/

 

[Ozito]

Then there's the option of modding a GB/GBP with backlight.

Like these one
You don't have to mod it with an orange light, there's normal white ones too.

Wasn't trying to brag with my nickname on the pictures, reason I have it written is because I've been trying to sell it off on Tradera (swedish ebay).

 

[garbanzox]

Then there's the option of modding a GB/GBP with backlight.

Like these one
You don't have to mod it with an orange light, there's normal white ones too.

Wasn't trying to brag with my nickname on the pictures, reason I have it written is because I've been trying to sell it off on Tradera (swedish ebay).

Are the LEDs that visible while playing?

 

[Ozito]

not as visible as in the picture, but they are noticeable if you are looking for them.

This picture represents more accurately how it looks IRL.

 

[Bonny]

Another thing that bothers me about playing GB on GBA is that old games get colorized! I want to play them in B&W.

Well, that's true. But, you know, when the game starts up, you can select the color via the Digipad and the A and B Buttons. And there is a "color" that comes very close to the original BW. I hope you know what i mean

Well, at least there's the Game Boy Player :/

Also true. But isn't the "color-problem" the same there?

 

[garbanzox]

I never knew about changing the colors on startup. I'll have to try that out.

I'm looking at those backlight mods. Looks pretty cool. I'm reading something about boosting contrast by double-inverting the screen - seems worthwhile.
http://chipmusic.org/forums/topic/7772/biversion/

 

[thaddius]

I own one. Not really worth it for anything other than bragging rights.

 

[reprep]

i bought one and sold it. yes the backlight is good but the contrast is still bad. i prefer playing on gba sp ags 101- or backlight modded original gba.

emulation on gameboy micro via goomba is good too. it has the extra of super gameboy palettes and borders if you want.

 

[longernohuman]

Original Game Boy - No light, bad contrast
Game Boy Pocket - No light, a bit better contrast
GBC - No light
GBL - Terrible light, bad contrast
GBA - No light, good contrast
GBA SP - Good light, good contrast, but no original screen size and feeling

Is it better to play original game boy games on game boy colour than gba sp?

 

[Bonny]

Is it better to play original game boy games on game boy colour than gba sp?

Yep, if you don't care that a original Game Boy Colour has no back- or frontlight.

The best way to play classic and color Game Boy Games is the "GB Boy Colour" Clone from Kong Feng. I got one of these last week. Really neat! I love that thing! - http://gbatemp.net/review/gb-boy-colour-review.92/

 

[DigitalDeviant]

I have several(one in mint condition in the box) great collectors item, and when paired with the legendary BUNG DOCTOR GB flash card is kick ass IMO for retro gaming! How I wish I had the GBL as a kid!

 

[Foxi4]

Essentially Game Boy Light is a sligtly bigger Game Boy Pocket with an indigo electroluminescent light like the one found in old electronic watches. If you're looking for a well-lit screen, your only options are the Game Boy Advance SP and a modded Game Boy Color which you already have.

 

[DigitalDeviant]

Whats up with the increased prices on Gameboy Lights! I remember buying them used with minor scuffs for less than $100 about 4 years ago. Well I guess demand has increased? I mean this guy trying to sell one for $762.93!!!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-Ga...1344687797?pt=Video_Games&hash=item1c40b4feb5