Best handheld device to play GBA

[Keylogger]

what is the best and more accurate device to play GBA ?

I know analogue pocket is the best for GB/GBC with its screen resolution and filters but what about GBA?

 

[zxr750j]

I'd go for a gba with a drop in ips screen. I've been postponing buying such a screen for a while now, I don't know if I'll use it often or at all...

 

[Vetusomaru]

From official consoles: DS Lite.

 

[ASSASSIN-Z]

If you wan't 100% functionality and the ability to do multiplayer linked games, get a GBA SP. I don't know if emulation on handhelds offers multiplayer linking.

 

[Robert Newbie]

This may not help you much, but this topic inspired me to look into how the Vita handles GBA games. Sources claim that GBA works very well with the Vita, but the Switch outclasses it in overall performance.

 

[Lissa2515]

If you wan't 100% functionality and the ability to do multiplayer linked games, get a GBA SP. I don't know if emulation on handhelds offers multiplayer linking.

Agree!

 

[SylverReZ]

There are many who will say to get a GBA with an IPS mod, but I like playing my cartridges on my original Nintendo DS.

 

[voddy]

powkiddy v10 is nice or if it should be a bit more pricy ayaneo pocket micro
(at least if you dont want to play with cartridges)

 

[SylverReZ]

If you wan't 100% functionality and the ability to do multiplayer linked games, get a GBA SP. I don't know if emulation on handhelds offers multiplayer linking.

I felt that the GBA SP isn't comfortable to hold when you have large hands.

 

[Xdqwerty]

I felt that the GBA SP isn't comfortable to hold when you have large hands.

The original gba was more comfortable but had a worse screen and used AA batteries while the gba sp had a better screen and a rechargable battery while being less comfortable

 

[SylverReZ]

The original gba was more comfortable but had a worse screen and used AA batteries while the gba sp had a better screen and a rechargable battery while being less comfortable

True. I never liked the original screen, you would have to be on the surface of the sun to see the screen on that. There used to be a kit back in the day called the "Afterburner" of which you installed a row of LEDs around the screen frame. Wasn't that effective at making it brighter but at least it worked. Nowadays you can find IPS replacement kits on Funnyplaying.

 

[anotherthing]

I'm surprised no one necro'ed up this thread when the RG34XX was announced:

https://anbernic.com/products/rg34xx

It even has a 720x480 screen, which is the same aspect ratio as a GBA. So, perfect integer scaling.

 

[Jayro]

I believe FunnyPlaying and ModRetro are both working on a GBA FPGA device, but I'm not sure if either of them will include GB/GBC functionality or not. Not a huge deal if it doesn't tbh, and it might raise the cost if they did. But whoever releases one first, I'm buying it.

 

[anotherthing]

I believe FunnyPlaying and ModRetro are both working on a GBA FPGA device

This wouldn't shock me since FunnyPlaying already has an aftermarket GBA motherboard and the FPGBC. It's the next logical step. It's also something I'd be more than willing to buy since the GBA is my second favorite handheld behind the 3DS.

 

[Jayro]

This wouldn't shock me since FunnyPlaying already has an aftermarket GBA motherboard and the FPGBC. It's the next logical step. It's also something I'd be more than willing to buy since the GBA is my second favorite handheld behind the 3DS.

Both teams said they want to make a GBA next, so I'm really excited to see everyone's next hardware.

 

[Scarlet]

I'm surprised no one necro'ed up this thread when the RG34XX was announced:

https://anbernic.com/products/rg34xx

It even has a 720x480 screen, which is the same aspect ratio as a GBA. So, perfect integer scaling.

I have one and it's distinctly fine. Not sure what it is about it compared to the SP, but I'm really not fond of Anbernic's OS here. I did enjoy it previously.

My current favourite way to play GBA though is on the iPad Mini 6 or 7 (they're largely the same). Has a fantastic 3:2 screen with a very clean integer scaling.

Outside of that I really like the KT-R1 too. Pretty high resolution 3:2 screen, and despite not being pixel perfect for the GBA, looks great. A good chunk more expensive than the Anbernic, but a really great device.

 

[Hanafuda]

I'm in the "get a real GBA" group, except I much prefer funnyplaying's laminated ITA screen over IPS. The "pixel grid" look you get with the ITA is more authentic IMHO, and OP said they were interested in the "most accurate" way. I think the laminated ITA mod gives you that, while still eliminating the original GBA's weak spot (non lit screen).

Here's a couple GBA's I built up recently using the FP laminated ITA kit. If you blow these pics up to full size, you can see how good the ITA screen looks.

https://gbatemp.net/attachments/1000779343-jpg.470225/

https://gbatemp.net/attachments/1000779526-jpg.470676/

 

[h8uthemost]

Anbernic 351p or 34xx. Native 3:2 aspect. Upscaled.

I play only gba on my 351p. It's a great device that feels like a tank

 

[Jayro]

Anbernic 351p or 34xx. Native 3:2 aspect. Upscaled.

I play only gba on my 351p. It's a great device that feels like a tank

But is it integer scaled? (square pixels)

I'm in the "get a real GBA" group, except I much prefer funnyplaying's laminated ITA screen over IPS. The "pixel grid" look you get with the ITA is more authentic IMHO, and OP said they were interested in the "most accurate" way. I think the laminated ITA mod gives you that, while still eliminating the original GBA's weak spot (non lit screen).

Here's a couple GBA's I built up recently using the FP laminated ITA kit. If you blow these pics up to full size, you can see how good the ITA screen looks.

https://gbatemp.net/attachments/1000779343-jpg.470225/

https://gbatemp.net/attachments/1000779526-jpg.470676/

I have to agree, the ITA screens are amazing for authenticity.

 

[hippy dave]

ITA all night and day