Game Boy Micro - Unboxing and Review

The Game Boy Micro was released in 2005 and introduced a new way for people to play Game Boy Advance games on an extremely small and compact screen. Unfortunately after being greatly overshadowed by the Nintendo DS which was released only months earlier in 2004, not many units were sold and as a result many people have likely not had the chance to experience gaming on a Game Boy Micro, and some may not even realize that it exists at all.
Today we are doing an unboxing of both the North American and Japanese versions of the Game Boy Micro box, as well as reviewing the console and having a look at how exactly it works, what it looks like while it's being played, and how the face plates are removed and changed. The Game Boy Micro is not compatible with any software or accessories from either the original Game Boy or Game Boy Color, and is not compatible with any accessories from the original GBA or GBA SP line of products without the use of adapters or dongles which could only be bought online from www.Nintendo.com similar to the Nintendo Gamecube Component cable. It is however compatible with all Game Boy Advance games, and they fit perfectly into the bottom of the console without any annoying protrusion as was the case when playing GBA games on a Nintendo DS Lite.
Considering that the Game Boy Micro marks the last ever product released in the Game Boy family, it's a shame that it isn't better remembered. Nintendo originally planned for the Nintendo DS to be a console completely separate from the Game Boy line, and perhaps failed to anticipate just how greatly the DS would overtake the Game Boy as the king of portable consoles as a result. Regardless though, today we remember the Game Boy's final step into the spotlight, and hopefully through this video you will learn more about exactly what the Game Boy Micro was and why those who have had the chance to play one have fond memories of doing so.
Check out my Twitter page where I post updates on new videos, images of my collection, news about what games I'm playing, and more!
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[@TheGameDisplay]

Thank you so much for watching! If you enjoyed, please consider liking and subscribing. I frequently upload videos looking at retro gaming technology, cheat codes, game translations, playthroughs, and much more! :)

[@Marlevlyn]

Was the Micro brand new, if yess how much was it

[@TheGameDisplay]

@@Marlevlyn The console originally sold for $99 USD.

[@Weezer1801]

If this guy bought it in the US, I bet he paid damn near $400 for a boxed or almost new GBM. I’m jealous.

[@gamerdude612]

One of these days I'm gonna get me a GBM it looks so damn cool I love how the games look on that smaller screen.

[@dani_dupae]

gamer dude 6:12 Bruh same!

[@TriplePixel]

I want to so badly Its just so hard for me to justify $100+ despite being an awesome collectible!

[@GregStallion]

Please spring for Japanese or heavily used one. I’m a Millennial who grew-up with one of these and you Zoomers make it impossible to buy the ones that we Millennials grew-up during our childhoods.

[@gamerdude612]

@@GregStallion I'm a 92 baby I grew up with the Gameboy family too if I ever do get a GBM it probably will be used but I'm ruining it I only want one lol for now I have a little device that looks like a micro and play on that.

[@ENNEN420]

This thing flopped so hard that in like 2007-2009 or so retailers were selling these for $25-30. In fact, the little GBA displays that were usually scattered around Walmarts at the time didn't even use the Micro after it's release, they still used the SP which shows how much they cared about this thing.

[@IslandRyland]

I always wanted the Micro when I was a kid... I only saw it one time at my local Walmart back then and unfortunately couldn't get it. Awesome video, thanks for taking me on this journey!!

[@TheGameDisplay]

It really wasn't in stores for long! I only have memory of seeing it once myself. Thank you very much for watching and commenting! :)

[@jairo8994]

The gameboy micro looked really ahead of its time

[@gachanicoishere1146]

You *WHAT?!*

[@MiguelGarcia-vj7oo]

@@gachanicoishere1146 he's trying to say it looks very modern. They were copying Apples simple industrial design philosophy..... It has aged very well and the quality of the micro is better then any gameboy.... The button tactile feel is great. aluminum housing feels great. Screen is sharp..... A little dull in color... But still great.

[@gachanicoishere1146]

@@MiguelGarcia-vj7oo It Was A Parody In Fools In April Tom Asked You WHAT?!

[@GregStallion]

I’m so fortunate to be a Millennial and not a Gen Z-er. I got the North American 20th Anniversary Edition of Nintendo one back in 2005 for Christmas. I had just started Middle School and despite owning both a GBA and SP, this became my primary Game Boy throughout all three years of Middle School.

[@Mr._Issu_Fresh]

Funny when i was a kid i can't afford this thing. Then now that i have a job i bought one of that even though it's not on the trend anymore. More like i promise to myself that i will have one. Hahaha

[@doukdouk2550]

I'm doing the same! Really wanted the gameboy micro when it came out so I'm hunting for one now!

[@bfredd3333]

Gonna get one to sneak in class

[@pbower4378]

I should’ve done that growing up but I never did. I would’ve been perfect for that. Lol allows boring days of middle and high school... dang it

[@tani4925]

So happy you're using Megaman Battle Network music and show casing Megaman Battle Network 3!

[@TheGameDisplay]

Of course! Mega Man Battle Network 3 is one of my favorite games of all time. I'm always glad to hear that others like it as well. Thank you for watching and commenting! :)

[@goodkill8335]

I saw one of these about 10 years ago at an arcade as a winnable prize of one of those games that had exprensive prizes. Haven't seen one since

[@Evilotto12]

Just found your channel and I like it! Keep up the good work.

[@TheGameDisplay]

Thank you very much for checking out my content! :)

[@mrwii5741]

Hey Great Job on this Review Of The Game Boy Micro! Keep up the great work with your Videos!

[@TheGameDisplay]

Thank you very much Mr Wii! I'm really happy that you liked the video!

[@michiganmade5351]

I had tow of these gave one to my cousin and played with the other until I couldn't anymore good old days

[@Matty_On_GameBoy]

Cool to see you making videos again Andrew! been watching since you're game room tour like 7 years ago lol.

[@TheGameDisplay]

I can't believe my game room tour is that old! Thank you for supporting me for so long! :)

[@Matty_On_GameBoy]

@@TheGameDisplay I know man, its crazy how time fly's. And thank YOU for sharing your collection and making awesome content!

[@minino1998gameplays]

Here cause i want to remember that 2005 christmas

[@TheGameDisplay]

Sounds good to me! Thank you for watching. :)

[@computerkid1416]

I just bought one of these, my first time seeing one in person, and it's much smaller in person than I thought. I can't believe how tiny it is.

[@TheGameDisplay]

Right? I think that's everyone's first impression! I expected it to maybe be a bit smaller than the original GBA, but they really took the name seriously! Thank you so much for watching and commenting. :)

[@madbb0147]

I remember my parents buying me this GBM I was so happy, it came with 9 games which are now probably lost from what I remember. It still works though.

[@foreskinracer8753]

You sell it

[@madbb0147]

Can we reach 5.000 subscribers with no videos? Nah man I’m sorry

[@MakoyUnggoy]

This is the only Gameboy I've never owned, I love the style of it but I just don't know how practical that screen is to play on these days after playing the Switch in handheld for the last couple of years!...Nice video by the way!

[@TheGameDisplay]

Portable gaming sure has come a long way! I agree that the Micro is very cool, but is definitely a little bit small for longer gaming sessions! Thank you very much for watching! :)

[@TerraWare]

This is an amazing console, I love it. The backlot screen looks amazing. I own most handhelds, I collect them and the Micro is what I play on when I take the subway. I’ve been hooked on Golden Sun, I actually purchased the sequel and the DS one because I’ve been loving the game so much

[@pbower4378]

I’ve owned the Gameboy Micro since I was seven. I’m almost 22 and I still pull this sucker out to play on. I had the DS that was released the same year and a DSi. And I still LOVE my Micro.

[@neeko5918]

YOOOO HOLY CRAP. The KZbin recommend tab saved me I remember watching you like. 6 years ago. With your Pokemon blue GameShark thing with "John's" when you were called Andrewsgamedisplay. Totally catching up

[@TheGameDisplay]

Hey there! Wow, thank you for remembering me after so long! I really appreciate that you enjoyed my videos back then. I took a bit of a break from KZbin, although I think after returning my videos aren't reaching all of the people who once followed me. I guess you can blame the KZbin algorithm or something for that. Regardless, thank you for your support again! I hope you enjoy my new videos. :)

[@neeko5918]

@@TheGameDisplay I absolutely do enjoy them! They are just as professional. And quality as I remember. You have a loyal fan. It's so cool to actually hear from a creator

[@bene.1639]

I love the micro! I do wish however that they made more creative designs on the faceplates like they did with the New Nintendo 3DS.

[@TheGameDisplay]

That would have been neat! I really like the look of the blue faceplate though, and hope to get my hands on it someday!

[@jackiw7]

Mine came with different faceplates than the video. I always used the pink one

[@IntriguedGaming]

GBA Micro is so cool looking. Great Video

[@TheGameDisplay]

Thank you very much for watching and commenting! :)

[@supervirtualboyshow]

Very cool. Such a niche product from a time when Nintendo was taking risks -- for better or for worse. Great video, as always. Do you also have the smaller New 3DS with the changeable faceplates?

[@TheGameDisplay]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting! It really was a cool time in Nintendo's history, and despite not being a huge seller I think it's really neat that the GB Micro exists! I don't own the New 3DS, although do know someone who does so I have been able to have a look at the interchangeable faceplates. Who would of thought that of all the features the Game Boy Micro had, that would be the one to reappear again someday!

[@quantum0151]

I remember I got this as a gift from my aunt. I used to play the DBGT game on it. I got it when I was 6 so i didn’t know the name of it.

[@tylergates772]

Did yours come with the pouch? Mine doesnt have the pouch in the US release box

[@spankysmp]

I've got my UK one here. Same kind of box as the Japanese one (with the two flaps) but larger. We didn't get any extra faceplates included here in the UK nor the tool. I presume that that came with any faceplates you could buy additionally. It's a great unit, screen is awesome but it's far too small for prolonged use.

[@TheGameDisplay]

That's interesting to hear that the UK's box mirrors the one from Japan! I wonder why they went with such a different approach in North America. And I agree that's it's neat to use for a while, but I definitely have trouble playing it for long periods of time as well! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@TerraWare]

You don’t really need the tool to remove the faceplate. You can use a pen to pop the latches one at a time. Be careful not to force anything because the latch mechanism isn’t replaceable on its own and is a part of a much bigger part. As far as I know you can’t buy the part, I seen a video where someone bought a “for parts” unit to replace the big plastic peace that is part of the bumper button assembly.

[@near5280]

Cool, I bought a replacement battery for my micro. after a google search I discovered the battery life was supposed to last like 7 hours but mine didn't get to half hour before the lights go red

[@Alexis-cttr]

Do some know where I can buy a battery charger ? It is so hard to find it. Thanks in advance for your help !

[@pokemon5662]

damn and I was selling my gameboy micro for $20 on garage sale weeks ago. good thing it's still collecting dust inside a box after I play one Pokemon game lol

[@angelpadilla4852]

Poke mon Are you still interested in selling it? I’ve been looking for one for so long. I had one as a kid. I remember playing with it so much. I remember how I broke it too. I thought it was a good idea to play super Mario under water while I was taking a bath. Obviously that didn’t last long. Was never able to get it working again. I always remembered how sad I was that day. I was only 6 years old haha.

[@pbower4378]

If you want to sell it let me know! I need to replace my old glitchy one that I’ve had since I was 7. Let me know :)

[@xXPepePeppersXx]

This video feels like more of a flex on your 7 stars for MMBN3. Still regret trading my GB Micro for a DS to this day though

[@Retromicky82]

i got rid of mine couple years ago has i suffer problems with my hands and could not use small handhelds anymore . i did playthrough pokemon emerald with it though :) .

[@TheGameDisplay]

I suppose there's only so small you can make something before it becomes difficult to use. It seems to be a common theme that the Game Boy Micro is tough for people to hold or play for long periods of time. The previously released GBA SP definitely seems to be the better choice to go with for portable Game Boy gaming! Thank you for watching and commenting! :)

[@Retromicky82]

@@TheGameDisplay i loved the micro just over time my body did not .

[@TriplePixel]

I keep trying to find a micro reasonably priced, but 100 seems to be the lowest I can find

[@5thkiechannel]

For new or used?

[@TriplePixel]

@@5thkiechannel for used, I ended up getting one for $50 but it's not in the best shape. Buttons are dinged a bit, and the replaceable screen plate needs to be changed

[@5thkiechannel]

Triple Pixel dang it’s gone up since! Even in mild used condition I can only find it at $80+ on ebay

[@davidfunes8137]

I wish it was $100 now lol

[@wehttam_1]

Anybody have any advice where to get a GBM thats not like 150$ cause everywhere I look they are like the price of a new SWITCH

[@plumb3311]

Should I get a psp go or a gameboy micro?

[@rc653]

Also, the Japanese version doesn't come with face plates. Wonder why.

[@3DSage]

10 minutes ago I just posted my video game console INSIDE and Game Boy cartridge!! :)

[@jesuschrist1173]

Nice video. my childhood was unboxed. my micro broke

[@TheGameDisplay]

I'm sorry to hear that. I'm happy you still enjoyed the video though! :)

[@peachyalo]

I have a question, so when the game is displaying black colors is there a white hue on the screen? But when there's other colors on the screen it looks good right? I was just wondering if that's a thing on the micro when displaying games with black colors for examples and whether or not the screen has a white hue. I'd really appreciate it so much, thank you

[@thatonedudenamedvalentine7836]

Might be because of the saturation of the lcd screen and the size of it my best guess.

[@carsonhaddad2302]

My only problem is the screen is a bit too small

[@rodolfoperales1357]

I got the gba micro for Christmas then the next year got three more on black black Friday at 40$ a piece

[@n_2289]

I remember when I used to play Pokemon emerald in that console. When my saved file was deleted because of my reckless brother, I got REALLY mad. I punched him and my mum went really mad and I was so pissed I have to repeat everything all over again. Hahaha memories.

[@christopherbaldwin3359]

That’s a big collection

[@TheGameDisplay]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@christopherbaldwin3359]

The Game Display your welcome

[@TerraWare]

I found a Gameboy Micro at a goodwill store for practically nothing. It’s in a great shape, there are no scratches in the body and it even has the Gameboy Micro knitted sock that came with it. The faceplate has a few minor scratches however and I’ve been wanting to buy a new faceplate. I’ve heard that the unofficial aftermarket ones online have a cloudy plastic resulting in a worse image than the official plates. Does anyone have any experiences with good ones you can get online? I don’t want to trial and error it when the faceplate price is 1200 % of the price I paid for the Micro.

[@pbower4378]

You can get replace meant screens on AliExpress

[@vanyadolly]

Knitted sock? Mine came in a black drawstring pouch.

[@TerraWare]

@@vanyadolly Yeah it has what looks like a knitted sock material, it's gray and has a Gameboy or Nintendo little tag.

[@sklavenspy]

I have a Game Boy Micro and it works perfectly, but the creamy coloured part has broken and it can’t hold the on/off switch and the battery cap in place. I want to know if that part can be replaced. Thank in advance!

[@TheGameDisplay]

With how niche the Game Boy Micro is, it might be difficult to find a replacement part or someone who is able to replace it. Unfortunately I'm not too knowledgeable in that area, although you might have more luck posting on a message board that deals with the repair of video game consoles. Thank you for watching, and sorry that I can't be more help!

[@sklavenspy]

The Game Display You’re right, thanks a lot and keep up the good work!

[@pbower4378]

Cream colored part on the inside next to the mother board can’t really be purchased right now. I would ask a refurbisher if they can get one 3D printed for you that you could buy as a replacement.

[@jakobrahn8555]

Good job on the videos as always my friend keep up the awesome work now that's what I call a tiny console I liked the cameo faceplate my little brother was a military man so I like anything cameo I'll talk to you later my friend I'm going to go take a nap I'm working hard on the creepypasta I'm going to send you

[@TheGameDisplay]

Thanks Jake! I think it's really cool that you can customize the console with various faceplates. I think you could do that with the New 3DS as well, although I don't think I've ever seen any replacement ones for sale. :P

[@sasukemanis8694]

Gameboy Micro 😔😔 pengen sejak dulu

[@SapphireCrook]

It really, really bothers me that the A and B buttons are in lower case instead of upper case. >:V

[@TheGameDisplay]

On prototype Wii controllers you can see that the A and B are also lowercase. I guess for some reason around 2005-2006 Nintendo was thinking of changing them up a little bit! Personally I think it looks okay.

[@SapphireCrook]

@@TheGameDisplay I guess it might be a stylistic choice. Smaller letters, small handheld.

[@marvinpuerto4006]

Sapphire Crook it goes with name gameboy micro micro aka lowercase letters as well never bothered me

[@steviefpv]

The reason the box has them slanted edges is because I’d you turn it in it’s side it’s the same shape as the gameboy micro 👍🏻

[@TheGameDisplay]

That is actually incredible! Thank you so much for watching and commenting. :)

[@steviefpv]

@@TheGameDisplay I’m a massive micro fan it’s the best one even tho the screen is small the games look so much better. Play mario cart on a normal gba it looks pretty pixelated then play it on the Micro and it’s way nicer

[@jaji666]

Amazing how this could have a headphone jack but the gba sp "Couldn't".

[@nerdtvch5]

I would argue that the GB Micro is the best Gameboy, they do have link cables, wireless connection adapter, and you can even get a GBA SD card cartridge and play all the Gameboy games on it. An adapter to play the GB cartridges would be nice, but oh well.

[@LowCountryMatt]

Dude, how did you get all 7 stars in MMBN 3 without pulling your hair out

[@TheGameDisplay]

MMBN3 is one of my all time favorite games! Not only did I have to play White, but I had to play Blue to get Bowlman V4 as well. I could play them forever! Thank you for noticing the stars, and for watching the video! :)

[@Ike12]

I'm getting myself a Game Boy micro with a copy of mother 3

[@AloysWalterStefan]

reading the booklets? what are you doing

[@Ruslan.88266]

I got mine for 20.00 in a discount bin in 2006

[@pbower4378]

It was still worth $89 in 2006. Damn dude. Lucky then, lucky now.

[@Lightwaves7984]

Are you a megaman battle network fan? I hear a lot of it in the background music in this video.

[@TheGameDisplay]

I absolutely love Megaman Battle Network. I have already 100%ed 1, 2, and 3 Blue in the recently released Legacy Collection, and am currently working on 4 Blue Moon!

[@Lightwaves7984]

@@TheGameDisplay yeah man i love it too, played them all as a kid. Might start legacy in a few days

[@pbower4378]

I got this game as a gift for Christmas when I was 7. Lost the silver screen (didn’t like it anyway because it was too plain lol). But I still have the flame and camo faceplates. It’s glitchy from when I dropped it in the tub when I was 7. But still works once I get it on. IF ANYONE WANTS TO SELL THEIRS, LET ME KNOW :)

[@destintosell5548]

From a box on the shelf perspective I prefer the Japanese box.

[@TheGameDisplay]

I agree! It's very sleek and nice looking. Thank you for watching! :)

[@alexandreberthault9942]

Today I've discovered that I had bought the Japanese version ten years ago.

[@Jesusisking2096]

Where did you get this

[@TheGameDisplay]

These are all things that I have accumulated over many years of collecting.

[@loading...948]

I seriously need me one of these I can't see what I'm playing

[@TheCludo]

i got mine importet from japan as i did not like the european coloe variants of the system (mine is black)

[@georgebushskates2066]

Price ?

[@TheCludo]

@@georgebushskates2066 I don't know anymore, it's ben a while that I bought it

[@TheRealDustinNunn]

I would avoid the Game Boy Micro because: 1. The Game Boy Micro is not compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color game cartridges. 2. The Game Boy Micro is way too small. 3. The Game Boy Micro's screen, despite it being very well backlit, is way too small for adult gamers to see what they are playing on it. 4. The Game Boy Micro's faceplate muffles the Game Boy Micro's speaker. 5. The Game Boy Micro's smaller screen is fit for a child's eyesight. 6. The Game Boy Micro's built-in rechargeable battery has crappy battery life. and 7. The Game Boy Micro's built-in rechargeable battery cannot be replaced.

[@TheGameDisplay]

You have some valid points, although some of these things aren't true. The Game Boy Micro's faceplate being over the speaker is no different than any other handheld console having some sort of plastic over the speaker. As shown in this video, the sound quality is actually quite good! And as seen in my look through the instruction booklet, it is definitely possible to replace the battery. Getting your hands on a replacement might be a bit difficult today, although that doesn't change the fact it's definitely replaceable. Your points about the size are pretty true though. It's definitely easier for a small child to grip and play the Micro for long periods of time. I would recommend the GBA SP to anyone who wants to play Game Boy games on the go, although I still think it's neat that the Micro exists!

[@pbower4378]

Lmfao... all video games back then were made for kids tbh. It’s only recently that it’s not taboo for adults to still be gamers. But the battery life is 5 - 8 hours on a full charge. That’s pretty damn good for a console from 2005. It’s 15 years old and still works amazingly. And you can not only change out the rechargeable battery, but you can still buy newly made replacements and screens.

[@zinebfiguigui9993]

no problemo

[@Ike12]

good God how many NES games do you have back there

[@TheGameDisplay]

Thank you for watching! It's over 700 games.

[@Kuehnpiano]

The box is same shape has the mirco😊

[@TheGameDisplay]

That's so cool! Thank you for watching. :)

[@glaciiz]

I want a gbm now... how did you get a brand new one?

[@TheGameDisplay]

Unfortunately you're probably not going to be able to find a brand new one these days, or if you do it will be very expensive! If you want one complete in the box then buying online might be your best bet, although it still likely won't be cheap.

[@glaciiz]

@@TheGameDisplay the cheapest I found was £55 and it was pink. But still they are probably in most opinions the best gameboy out there! Well despite the lack of backwards compatibility.

[@sheffrespawnz7235]

The gameboy micro has the same charger as the ds lite

[@TheGameDisplay]

They look very similar, but they are actually not the same.

[@captoonschannel]

How does he have that many NES games!!?

[@condorhassi2235]

The music from virtual boy wario land

[@psveditx1273]

Where did you buy it?

[@TheGameDisplay]

Many years ago off of someone who owned it previously!

[@psveditx1273]

@@TheGameDisplay i have the games that i want to play but my gameboy micro has broken so i want another but i can't find it anywhere

[@TheGameDisplay]

@@psveditx1273 Unfortunately Micros can be hard to come by, but I would suggest getting a Game Boy Advance SP as it will play all of your GBA games and more! Try to get the 101 model if you can as it has a better back-light.

[@pbower4378]

Παναγιωτα Βαμβακουση what on it has broken? You can buy a new battery for it, new screen and new buttons. Try researching what needs fixing on it. If not, sell your old one online for parts

[@psveditx1273]

@@pbower4378 Thank you.That is a great idea.

[@jjjj7302]

If I wanted one now (2020) would my best bet be eBay?

[@TheGameDisplay]

There's a small chance that a local retro game store might have one, although regardless you're likely to pay a bit for it unfortunately.

[@mr_ranger6035]

Japan version went through hell

[@changui2012]

Wait...can you read Japanese?

[@TheGameDisplay]

I can! Reading a box like this is no problem. I have also read my way through many Japanese video games and am even the head translator for the Starfy 1 GBA fan translation project.

[@TuxEarth]

The one Nintendo handheld no one asked for.

[@zinebfiguigui9993]

please give me one game boy sp and one game boy micro

[@Ninnurtu]

69 views

[@riccardo96862]

this was terrible, i had bought it only because i was a child

[@madmonkey8090]

I had one when I was younger and sold it probably for cheap 🥲