

It might sound like a lot of things to keep track of, but it is helpful to have this console knowledge in the back of your mind – if for no other reason than to be a discerning buyer and not overpay for a console (or conversely, be able to spot an incredible deal when you see one). Luckily, however, most third-party sellers on sites like eBay and Amazon will likely have this information either in the listing title itself or the description. So, if you’re looking to buy a used Game Boy Advance SP online in Europe, but you aren’t sure which model you are looking at, I would recommend contacting the seller and ask to see a picture of the model number. AGS-101 models feature large images of the console on the front of the box, whereas the “Pink” and “Tribal” frontlit models (see image above) feature a smaller image of the handheld on the sides of the box with floral or tribal art respectively on the front.


That being said, new and complete-in-box backlit models are still distinguishable by their packaging in Europe. And to make things even more confusing, European AGS-101 boxes do not feature the “Now with a BRIGHTER backlit screen!” text. In fact, only “Surf Blue” is a backlit-exclusive color. Things are slightly trickier in Europe, however, where Nintendo also released the AGS-101 in three different colors – “Surf Blue,” “Pink,” and “Tribal” – but not all of those colors exclusive to the backlit model. As a helpful guide, the AGS-001 model was released in the following colors in North America (not including limited edition consoles): Cobalt Blue, Flame (red), Onyx, Platinum Silver, and Midnight Blue. All other colors and limited edition consoles (at least in North America) are AGS-001 models.Īs stated previously, however, some of these exclusive colors are similar to those on the frontlit models – so make sure to carefully discern the official color before purchasing. Luckily, Nintendo made it easier on us by releasing the AGS-101 model in three exclusive colors in North America – “Graphite,” “Pearl Blue,” and “Pearl Pink.” Additionally, Toys “R” Us released two limited edition backlit consoles – a “SpongeBob SquarePants” model and a “Limited Edition Pikachu” model.

Now, that’s all well and good if you can see the console for yourself (or if the retailer has images of the model number in their listing), but online listings without this information might be a bit trickier. All AGS-101 consoles shipped with the text “Now with a BRIGHTER backlit screen!” (see image below) on the top-right corner of the box. However, if you’re purchasing a new or complete-in-box unit, there is also a pretty easy way to differentiate between the two models without taking the handheld out of its packaging. AGS-101 units will read like the image above, and the AGS-001 will have its model number in the exact same location. Well, let’s start off with the most obvious answer – check the model number on the back of the console (pictured above and circled in red).
Gameboy advance brighter screen model how to#
So, how can you easily tell the difference? How To (Easily) Tell The Difference Between The AGS-001 And AGS-101 The exclusive AGS-101 colors aren’t too different from other standard AGS-001 units, and some retailers do not directly state if the listing is for one model or the other. Still, if you’re browsing through GBA SP consoles online, it might be a bit more difficult, at times, to discern for yourself which model you are looking at. (To see more on pricing, visit our continually updated article – What Is A Game Boy Advance Worth? – which fully breaks down the typical cost of both models.) For example, the backlit model often sells for significantly more than the 001 due to its brighter and generally more desirable screen. While those are the obvious cosmetic differences between the two models, there are other subtle and even non-visual distinctions.
