First GBA without backlight - WHY?

[Kwyjor]

The Sega Game Gear, Sega Genesis Nomad, and the NEC TurboExpress all had backlights

In fact, there was a version of the original DMG Game Boy with a backlight, exclusive to Japan.
https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Game_Boy_Light

But as noted, battery consumption for such things was a problem.

 

[Jayro]

Technology/price wasn't there?

The Sega Nomad and cellphones of the time prove THAT was a lie.

 

[RyanTheArchivist]

The Sega Nomad and cellphones of the time prove THAT was a lie.

It was mostly battery life I'm sure. The Nomad was infamous for draining like 6 batteries in a few hours.

 

[Jayro]

It was mostly battery life I'm sure. The Nomad was infamous for draining like 6 batteries in a few hours.

Yeah, it's a shame they didn't learn from the Game Gear.

 

[RyanTheArchivist]

Yeah, it's a shame they didn't learn from the Game Gear.

Even today on modern smartphones having high screen brightness kills battery life. Likely why they waited until they had a system with a rechargeable battery. Excluding the Japan only GBLight.

 

[tbgtbg]

In fact, there was a version of the original DMG Game Boy with a backlight, exclusive to Japan.
https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Game_Boy_Light

But as noted, battery consumption for such things was a problem.

It was closer to a GB Pocket than a DMG, but it was short lived due to the GB Color coming out shortly thereafter. I would guess that's also why it didn't come out in other regions.

It also used AA batteries instead of the Pocket's AAAs, so it did add to power consumption and bulk.

 

[Rykin]

For those talking about the backlit Game Gear, it should also be noted that it had horrible battery life. If you knew anyone who had one, you knew they played with it plugged in most of the time. It was also pretty expensive.

If anything, the GG is a good example of why Nintendo didn't go that route.