Game Boy Micro Teardown

Nintendo's Game Boy Micro is quite a bit different from other handhelds the company has made. Is it much different on the inside too?
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This Does Not Compute
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Music by Otis McDonald, Small Colin (freemusicarchive.org/music/sma..., Chris Zabriskie (chriszabriskie.com) and Silent Partner.
Intro music by BoxCat Games (www.box-cat.com).

[@ZLau13]

Here's why the original GB brains are in there: Some GBA games used parts of it, mainly for extra audio effects.

[@pedrodorantes3527]

"A parting gift for GBA fans".... I'd had never thought about it that way 😭😭

[@ColonelPanic0]

I believe the purpose of the Z80 remaining in the Micro despite a lack of backwards compatibility is that many GBA games used the otherwise idle Z80 as a sound coprocessor, supplementing the main audio system with legacy GB/GBC sound channels. You can hear these legacy channels in a lot of GBA soundtracks actually.

[@RWL2012]

The "Z80" / custom 8-bit CPU is used for its PSG sound, which GBA games can and do use alongside the DAC. For example Sonic Advance makes heavy use of the legacy Game Boy PSG for bass and hi-hats, with the rest of the instruments and drums/cymbals handled by the DAC.

[@slowscan]

This is exactly the reason the Z80 is still in there. The sound hardware on the GBA side only has 2 channels meant for sampled audio though more could be mixed in software. The rest of the audio is handled by the Gameboy's Z80, giving it the 2 original square pulse channels, 4-bit wave table, and noise generator from the Gameboy.

[@kaitlyn__L]

so.. wait. the DS can play GBA games just fine, and i loved sonic advance, and played it on my DS a lot. but the DS can't play GBC&GB games, and i was told it was bc it only had an ARM chip in (like the GBA), and no Z80. but if the GBA relied on the Z80 for a lot of sound.... how?? D:

[@AlchemiconSilver]

The DS can emulate the Z80. It isn't perfect, but it is close enough to not notice any of the inconsistencies.

[@kaitlyn__L]

SlidingSilver man, i wish they'd used that to enable game boy color games then D: they could've had a backlog of 16 years for the DS instead of just 5 years

[@pixelprime5908]

But the presence of the z80 means that theoretically it would be possible for the Gameboy micro to play Gameboy Color games if there was a voltage regulator installed

[@Killermy3]

I'm not even a collector, but I just loveeee small gadgets like these, I got 2 of these, one to bring out and play, and one for my personal viewing pleasures. mmhmmm.

[@Maisonikkokufan]

Killermy3 when and where did you buy your GBA micro's? I'm interested in getting one, but for a cheap price

[@matt25675]

What other small gadgets do you like? I’m interested

[@cow77cow]

I love collecting nintendo game and watch handhelds :)

[@TheRetroFuture]

Another great video Colin! How about a collection video for 30k?

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

Maybe!

[@marcmiyamoto]

@@ThisDoesNotCompute 259k still waiting...

[@MikeZdoesitz]

Done and done, your visual camera panning and shots / atmosphere are brilliant, I really enjoy watching your reviews and tear down content, keep it up.

[@demonhunter635]

God damn it I was just about to sleep.

[@christimoore2820]

lol

[@leem1076]

Have you finished got any sleep?

[@trulygg]

I wanted a micro back in the day and I still do but it's so pricey.

[@Sponge1310]

Rie Kugimiya the Queen of Tsundere I got mine secondhand for ~€20 iirc... They're not that expencive..

[@trulygg]

I've not personally seen any that cheap.

[@Charlie97L]

You got lucky then! Currently they're 65-80 US on average. I got mine for 9 out of a clearance bin at Best Buy years ago, but I know that was unusual.

[@KaienSander10Official]

I resently picked one up. Its a great console but was quite expensive (€50.-)

[@DjStiv3]

na ive seen some recently up to 100+ theyre getting rare. Ive had a few a few times and sold them cuz i got them for a decent price and figured why not make a couple bucks.

[@SamwichTime]

Great video Colin, I'm always amazed at the quality of your videos, you can really see the time you put into them!

[@SuperJTthunder]

I remember wanting one of these back in the day - I still do! Those removable faceplates are still so appealing :D

[@michaszachniewicz6983]

mega video Colin!!! One of the best in your channel!!!! Relaxing music and one of the best topic! I love you channel!

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

Thank you!

[@Gaizure]

Just picked up my third Micro today, the red Famicom one. I love those things so much... they're really nice to just tote around with you, and I'm never afraid that I'm going to crack the screen or damage it.

[@chikiwings]

Just got one of these babies used for a great deal. Thanks for sharing your awesome technical knowledge. I always learn a lot. 😊

[@deadair32101]

If I'm not mistaken ,the reason that the micro had to have the z80 core even though it doesnt do gbc mode is because gba games could use the z80 core for extra sound processing when in gba mode. Without it, certain games wouldnt work right or at all

[@dennisbarcelo]

Love your commentary. Gameboy has been a part of my childhood days!

[@WillemVerb]

I clicked on this video thinking it was just going to be a guy unscrewing the thing and thats it but I absolutely love the in depth explanation behind each chip and the general context of the console at the time of it being sold. Very nice :))

[@BigJoker]

So if a switch was built in to the GBM to change the voltage to that required for GB/GBC games (like the one found inside the GBA models), could the backwards compatibility possibly be unlocked? Or do you think there are more changes on the board than that?

[@ok_engineer]

There would have to be more changes. That battery does not supply 5 volts, so a DC-DC convert would have to be added and keeping the same profile would not be possible.

[@apokefaleart8918]

I bought the Micro about a year ago, not really for playing but for my collection, because I thought that I could not play it comfortly at that small size. But after a couple of minute I got used to it, and now I really like playing it on the go with many people wondering what I am doing there.

[@BowserN64]

Wow your video is so thorough and answers some really big questions I'd been pondering about the Micro for years! It truly is the best Game Boy ever. It just came on the scene a little too late to take off. Now is they had gone ahead and released Mario Kart Super Circuit as the first launch title for it, it would have been easier to draw players to the new console.

[@CMBoan]

I'm repairing my old gbm r right now. Cool little machine, can't wait to play on it again

[@mitchyz101]

I own 6 brand new all different micro's with individual cases to suit. All in a display cabinet with other treasure. Nintendo doing what it does best. Perfect design made it the best game boy ever. The ultimate mini video games system. Great video thanks!

[@dearbobby83]

great video, never got one of these although I remember seeing them in the shops and remember thinking how tiny they were.

[@HyperDroids]

Damn! So many memories.... It's so funny how I completely forgot about the GB's for so many years, and yet it was such a part of growing up.

[@iKokomo]

Just ran into this video! I have always liked this version of the GBA, bought 2 of them at $35 back in the day! Will keep them for a very long time!!

[@jordangordon2350]

it's actually my favorite gba because of the pixel perfect display.

[@KlingonCaptain]

I loved my Micro. I really want a new one.

[@dareelcatskull]

Awesome video! Thanks for making it!

[@Contempl8Tech]

Excellent video, I really like the micro so this was way cool to see. ^_^

[@ben-officialmassive7982]

Nice getting one now off Ebay!!! I've already got the original and a DS Lite but want this for the collection. Real interesting vid!!!

[@GeomancerHT]

Awesome video! The GB Micro only has one fault (two if you count the lack of compatibility with GB/GBC) and that is the awful noise you hear when you are using headphones. Is like every INGAME action would make noise, if that could be fixed/filtered it would be the best portable. I have a flashcart and it's awesome.

[@pedrodorantes3527]

I find kinda funny that, I now own a GBA SP, but back in the day (10 years before this comment) I was the only kid playing PSP... Everyone else had GBAS 😂😂

[@Matthew_Murray]

I love the Micro....I lost mine about 5 years ago but I have hope that it will eventually turn up. I absolutely loved how small it was. I could just have it in my pocket and not even notice it then when I had some time I just pull it out and play Megaman Zero for a bit. Oh dam I really need to find it again.

[@dege13]

If only it played GB and GBC games, it would have been the best GB.

[@Inv8erZlM]

dege13 It's very small. You can play gb/gbc games on it with goomba and it's so tiny.

[@TheZeroSbr]

More like if only it played GB(C) games and didn't have a special charging/link port that makes getting accessories for it even harder/more expensive than usual.

[@gabrieleriva651]

Goomba is an emulator and as it is, it's very inaccurate.

[@Inv8erZlM]

+Gabriele Riva Yeah, but it plays gb/gbc in the correct resolution so at the very least the size of the picture is correct.

[@gabrieleriva651]

Inv8erZlM On the Micro that means a less than 1' size picture..!

[@dariusq8894]

I got the Famicom GBA Micro on the cheap when the system was being phased out and have never regretted it. Easily the most portable system I've ever had with a huge library of amazing games.

[@thepumpkingking8339]

I love the Micro that much I have x3. What I do want though is a replacement shell as the one I use the most is well scratched and tatty looking.

[@noemario2348]

Good video Colin. I love mi GBA Micro. I own a famicom edition, sadly it has several scratches and it turns off suddenly. I wonder if there's replacement shell packs somewhere.

[@CristianHernandez-hj6jc]

Thankyou very much for your help and sharing your video thanks again I have a grey and black gameboy micro

[@gentlemani9150]

this one is my fav portable console of all time. I own the green and blue one,,, green also with its box and everything

[@jordanzish]

I've wanted one of these since I first saw then previewed on Tech TV (the good old days. Actually it was probably already G4TechTV by that point) in 2005. Really wish I didn't wait till they started hitting collector prices.

[@KillerandUndertaker]

I really enjoy this type of video.

[@xelthos2051]

I love my Micro, I still use it today and I bought mine at launch.

[@Aqua_Xenossia]

Let's not forget that it also was the first(to my knowledge) to feature Nintendo's redesigned D-Pad/style, which remained in use through the Wii U. Vast improvement over the DS's murder tool, and the GBA/GC's mushy pad.

[@mordapie171]

ahh... this awesome. I think I'm going to save up and get a boxed one in good condition. good stuff!

[@narata1541]

I had the special NES version of the Game Boy Micro. Sadly, I was low on money so I had to sell it. I miss it, but I'm happy I still have my clamshell Game Boy to play Advance games.

[@Knight_Astolfo]

I remember thinking the micro was pretty dumb, since my SP was already fairly small. Now that I wear skinny jeans instead of cargo pants, though.... I get it!

[@pearlmax]

I thought skinny jeans were dumb at one time. And I still do.

[@Knight_Astolfo]

Seems like a personal problem.

[@Knight_Astolfo]

I wish I knew wtf you were talking about. I guess your taste makes sense to you. But fuck off me, jackass.

[@ChannelYasirOfficial]

the thing is, micro's smaller screen provided better clarity in graphics.

[@YB90Gaming]

So glad I bought mine back in the day when they were trying to get rid of them £10 for one of these in GAME

[@leighdappa]

I'm British from England and I RUE THE DAY I saw Micro's for £10 in 'GAME' and I WALKED. PAST. THE. SHELVES.

[@brickman409]

I think the Micro is underrated. Such a beautiful little handheld. Really feels modern even today.

[@tykralin756]

still have my original one still use it too...love it...

[@chandlerboan4149]

I used to love my micro. eventually I plan on getting another one, even if I only to put on display.

[@panachristou1919]

Nice video! Was wondering, is there any upgraded screen for the GBM? Would love to fit and OLED in there.

[@evalonia]

Subbed! A lot of interesting info.

[@Jawmsie]

I bought one of those original units when it was out. I was also incredibly disappointed when I found out that I couldn't plug it into my GameCube. Good times. I still have it somewhere.

[@KaienSander10Official]

What would happen If you remove the case, plug in a original game boy game and turned it on?

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

Nothing -- a number of people have tried over the years to get backward compatibility to work, but all the more they've been able to do is get the original Game Boy boot screen to appear. Actually getting that far is what confirmed that the CPU still has its Z80 processor core.

[@8bitbubsy]

I wonder how they did that, because GB/GBC carts are 5v and GBA carts are 3.3v. Unless the GB/GBC switch still is present in the cart slot, I guess they either manually supplied 5v, *or* that the game simply doesn't run because 3.3v is too little.

[@KaienSander10Official]

+8bitbubsy maybe they used a level shifter

[@lowmax4431]

They were trying to market the Gameboy micro as that "Stylish, sexy and small tech product" ala the ipod mini, which was insanely popular at the time. I really don't think nintendo beleived they were creating the micro to be a niche product. They wanted it to sell like crazy just like the ipod.

[@thoughtsauce7225]

I had one of these bad boys. I want another one 😩

[@camposjoao28]

Great video! Greeting from Portugal!

[@nicholsliwilson]

I love the Micro and still have mine in good, cared for condition. I played right through Advance Wars 1 & 2 and Broken Sward on that tiny screen! XD Given just how infamously inaccurate Nintendo volume sliders are (and my New Nintendo 3DS XL is no exception) I really wish Nintendo had adopted the volume rocker from the Micro generally.

[@Eastonv1000]

Hey Colin, do you know what happens if you strip a Gameboy Color game down to the board and put it inside a Gameboy Micro? Since it clearly won't fit with the case on, would it play with just the bare board

[@KratosAurionPlays]

6:04 That's a lot more than I was expecting.

[@ukeyaoitrash2618]

why would it make sense not to use a standard screen if it is good enough? i mean my gpd q9, xd and win all have standard IPS displays which look absolutrly stunning; why design your own???i think the vita has a standard screen tough and i like my vitas screen too... why spend the extra costs?

[@ZanaGBYT]

If i remember correctly, the first DS used the same charging port as the SP, so going back on the port like that is a bit weird, but, gotta save space i guess.

[@emeraldtf8982]

Even tho I never seen one in real life, the micros screen looks beautiful

[@llugnuto7795]

the mitsumi chip is either a DAC or the sound chip from the original gameboy

[@TheZeroSbr]

I hear that the Micro sounds even worse than the original GBA if you use headphones. Is this true?

[@ChiruKobra]

It's been years since I've been able to play on a GB Micro, but from memory... no. It sounds about the same.

[@Meltrx]

FYI, the reason the Z80 is still included in the micro is that the GBA makes use of the chip for some audio processing.

[@prodbytutto]

Damn I love these I remember some lady at a mall sold me her Mario edition one or whatever (red and gold) and my first game was Pokémon leaf green

[@brandonevans9342]

what is a discreet circuit mean? is it like a proto type work up before they make a system on chip or is it something else. you said like 2 chips made into 1 z80 and arm

[@RicardoCon94]

I've always wanted a Micro and a PSP Go for their very small designs that they'd fit in my pocket better than my GBA SP did and the actual PSP (3000) I have.

[@ChiongZ]

Hi Collin, would you have any source where can I get a replacement battery for GBA SP? After seeing your mod for backlit GBA, I'm contemplating to try as AAs battery are kinda more "future-proof" or maybe there is alternative in sourcing GBA SP batteries.

[@daikiryoku]

The mico was nintendos way of testing out BGA board manufacturing.

[@sidewaydriver]

I found one in excellent condition at Goodwill for 13 bucks a couple weeks ago. Didn't come with a charger though.

[@benjaminbrady2385]

I think I still have my old gba micro in my room somewhere

[@ATthemusician]

I used to have one, but a teacher took it away and I never got it back! I'm buying one soon though, I think its the definitive way to play GBA.

[@nicktirken2967]

+This Does Not Compute I had the idea of taking a game boy micro and putting the hardware inside a super Nintendo controller. Obviously I'm going to need to cut out a section for the screen and cover up the X and Y button holes. Is there any advice you could give me that might help me out? And is it even possible?

[@ShinxtheGamer]

I JUST GOT ONE YESTERDAY ITS LIKE A GAME YOU LEGIT YOU CAN TAKE ANYWHERE

[@Metal2328]

Could you make a video on how to replace a speaker on the Gameboy micro ?

[@MAELU-hj2ez]

Hi friend, I have a problem with a SNES, if they light but do not read the game cartridges, open solution

[@user-zo9dc1lu3q]

I love your videos !!!

[@dsade]

you made me want to buy one and regret not buying one back then..

[@bobbyhinner3225]

I love mine, but it’s the limited famicon edition (as a kid I didn’t know this) and I don’t want to carry it around and play it because I want to preserve its condition, but getting another is so expensive

[@Marc_Wolfe]

What makes you so sure the Z80 is still in there? If it is, wtf other components could they not add?

[@0Imtheslime0]

I stood in South America years ago wanting to buy a Game Boy. Lady at the store had a regular SP and the 20th Aniv. Micro which looks beautiful. But i took the SP instead because it had larger screen. I feel so dumb now. The Micro i was looking at goes for high price today.

[@xXHacksAndTipsXx]

Thanks for the video.

[@LoboWarriorForever]

Does it have the same specs as SP? Which is faster ?

[@NeoTechni]

The z80 from the original GB is used as the sound chip in GBA, like how the PS1 CPU is used as a BIOS in PS2

[@Pasiafood]

Can you give me the link to the 'detail teardown video' of the Micro?

[@franciscoreyes5132]

Great video!

[@JigglyPKMN]

I clearly remember seeing a clearance bin with several of the Famicom edition micros in 2007 for about ¥5000 ($50) each. I bought a PSP instead. Big whoops.

[@UtsukushiSekai]

Had one, sold it back in the day. Couldn't play it longer than an hour or so without my eyes starting to hurt, and I had the SP as well at the time so the purchase wasn't particularly well thought out.

[@vanduopmchoover2333]

always wanted a micro :(( feel like buying one now if they're not ridiculously expensive.

[@Akyla0177]

Wait, it's a standard screen used in other devices as well, but it just happens to have the same resolution as the original GBA?

[@GiuseppeGaetanoSabatelli]

A lot of things are like that. Like how the Pokémon Mini was basically a smaller TI-83/84 Plus screen.

[@sparktite]

While I no doubt spent more hours on the older consoles and loved that time a great deal... I still consider the micro my favorite device to play GBA titles. I definitely shared more fun and love for the platform with friends than any of their other consoles, and that played a big part, but the fact that wario ware twisted (my favorite title among my favorite game series for all the handheld nintendo console) played better on the micro than it did on anything else pretty much cemented it as my favorite game boy. It was just a bonus that I got to play the Pokemon and other beloved titles on this console.

[@adrienbrasseur8809]

The game boy micro has a really nice screen like the ds lite screen

[@superhylia]

Another possible reason it has that GB backwards compatibility chip is because some GBA games actually use that chip for improved performance.

[@bluestraveler2342]

Hey Colin I love your content.so informative and you have very pretty eyes.

[@gaeljehnno]

buyed for cheap brand new in store back in the days (like 50 €), i use it even today (for a little sfa3).

[@josephhuffman2757]

I got a micro but returned it because the small screen gave me headaches.

[@silasmayes7954]

I used to have a gba micro I don't know what happened to it. I feel so stupid for not knowing that is had brightness controls.

[@matthewbain21]

I always thought it was the ds's gba slot packaged into its own unit.