GBA:Video Output Notes: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 21:52, 14 May 2022
Game Boy Advance systems display video at a resolution of 240x160 at a non-standard frequency (about 59 Hz.) For it to be displayed on a TV or monitor, it needs to be converted to standard resolutions and their matching refresh rate, often resulting in frame stutter and windowed gameplay. The best solutions won't have any stutter or screen tearing, but won't always fill the screen top-to-bottom. This page describes the current methods of playing Game Boy Advance, as well as Game Boy Color games, on a TV or monitor. Original Game Boy games can also be played on the Super Nintendo via the Super Game Boy.
Game Boy Advance Consolizer
The Game Boy Advance Consolizer is an FPGA kit installed into an original GBA which outputs true digital HDMI. It is available from game-tech.us
Game Boy Player
Much like the Super Game Boy, the Game Boy Player is an attachment for the GameCube that allows you to play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games through your GameCube's TV output. The software shipped with it is adequate, however, a better experience with many more options can be achieved by using the homebrew Game Boy Interface software.
MiSTer FPGA
While the MiSTer can't read original GBA carts, it's an excellent and lag-free way to play ROMs. The MiSTer supports outputs to RGB monitors, VGA monitors, and HDMI in all resolutions up to 1440p. Overall, the MiSTer allows the most output options for playing GBA games, but can't use any original hardware or accessories.
Wii U Virtual Console
The Wii U has Virtual Console versions of some GBA games look great. As long as the game you're looking to play is available, the Virtual Console is a great choice.
Retron 5
The Retron 5 can play GB, GBC, GBA cartridges, but it has some shortcomings. For exhaustive details, please read the Retron 5 Review, but in summary; There is a lot of controller lag on the Retron 5 when playing GB/GBC games, but not much delay for GBA games. Overall, it isn't a bad solution, but official Nintendo hardware is more consistent.
Super Retro Advance / Tototek Adapter
The Super Retro Advance / Tototek Adapter is an adapter that allows you to play GBA games (but not GB or GBC) "through" your Super Nintendo. It plugs in just like the Super Game Boy and is powered by your SNES, but it has it's own separate video output, which is composite video only.
Innovation Adapter
A company called Innovation created a [[[gbainnovationadapter|TV-out kit]] that can be installed in the Game Boy Advance. This had the potential to be an excellent solution, however it only outputs 480i, and uses a sub-par connector, resulting in a flickery picture. Also, installation using a hard-wired approach to bypass the connector can be quite tricky.
Wide Boy 64
The Wide Boy 64 is a Super Game Boy-like adapter for the N64 originally sent to press outlets and developers. There are a few different versions, each designed so game reviewers can capture audio and video of handheld games using the N64's multi-out. There are two versions: One that only plays GB/GBC and one that plays GB/GBC/GBA. They are rare and very expensive, but produce a decent picture.