January 7^th, 2003 (12:00am) - Oh boy oh boy! The GBA SP was announced today in New York’s Four Seasons Hotel/Resturaunt. And I tell ya it’s one slice of heaven you don’t wanna miss out on. Easily the best thing since... well... GBA. The SP will be half the size on GBA(only 5 onces in weight). And pack the same punch. It won’t be backlit. It will feature a Front Light that takes less energy to power. Say goodbye to all those AA Batteries. Because the SP will feature a rechargeable batt that last 10 to 18 hours. And get this it only takes 3 hours to charge!!! With my time of hands on action. Only small problem was that the small L & R buttons might not be well embraced by people with big hands. As for SP??? What does that stand for? Well I raised my hand and asked that question. The Cute female Nintendo Rep answered "Special". And Special is what it in indeed.

Update:: SP is short for Super Pocket!

SPECS.

- March 23, 2003 release in the US

- February 17th for 12,500 yen in Japan

- About the size of my 2-Way Pager

- Light is able to be turned off and on.

- Flip-Up Screen

- Rechargeable lithium ion battery pack included 10 hours with the light on, 18 with the light off. In other words you’ll have about 14 or 15 hours of play.

- Clamshell design, folds into a 3-inch square, and just 1 inch thick

- Launch in two colors Cobalt and Platinum

- Retail price of only $99.95

My Thoughts
Its great to have such great things in march. It comes out one day before Zelda Cube. It lacks a headphone jack but Nintendo says one will be an add-on. Also a belt clip is coming shortly after launch. But this Press Event had two things I really love. My Light-Up GBA SP Pen, & my GBA SP Diary type book thing(?). Plus they even feed me breakfast!!! I love my job.

~ditto~