The Game Boy Advance, the final installment in Nintendo’s Gameboy series, has become a sought-after item among collectors. The prices of its games can vary significantly based on whether they are sold as cartridges only or complete with the original box. The Game Boy Advance is now considered a valuable and desired piece, much like its predecessors in the Gameboy lineup.

SIDE NOTE: Counterfeit GBA cartridges, especially of popular titles like Pokemon games, are widespread in the market. These fake cartridges are easy to produce due to the small size and low production costs. It is important for new collectors to be vigilant and research thoroughly before making any purchases to avoid falling victim to scams. By being cautious and informed, buyers can protect themselves from being deceived by counterfeit products.

Pokémon Emerald Version

Pokémon Emerald Version, released in 2004 by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance, is a role-playing video game that follows the success of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. It takes players on a journey through the Hoenn region, where they must defeat eight Pokémon Gyms, challenge the Elite Four and Champion, and thwart the plans of two villainous groups. With gameplay similar to its predecessors, Emerald includes Pokémon from Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, and Silver. The game was well-received upon its launch in Japan in 2004 and globally in 2005, with praise for its new Battle Frontier feature and storyline enhancements.

Pocky & Rocky with Becky

The third installment of the Pocky and Rocky series for the Game Boy Advance, “Pocky & Rocky with Becky“, draws parallels to its SNES predecessors with its multidirectional shooting action. Released exclusively in North America and Japan in 2002, the game is highly sought after, with complete or sealed copies commanding a significant price. Despite being part of the GBA catalog of SNES ports, developer Altron took more inspiration from the original arcade version, obvious in gameplay elements such as finding keys to access boss rooms. The game offers a slightly toned-down difficulty and shorter levels, making it well-suited for handheld gaming.

Ninja Five-0

Ninja Five-O, developed by Hudson Soft and published by Konami, is a sought-after Game Boy Advance release known for its rarity and high market value. While not as scarce as some other titles, Ninja Five-O’s cartridge is highly desired for its unique and engaging gameplay on the GBA platform. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics, the game did not achieve strong sales, possibly due to limited marketing and its exclusive availability in the US and PAL regions. However, Ninja Five-O’s homage to classic games like Ninja Gaiden and Bionic Commando contributed to its recognition as a top Action title on the Game Boy Advance Hidden Gems list.

Ice Nine

Ice Nine is a first-person shooter game released for the Gameboy Advance in 2005, towards the end of the Handheld lifespan. Despite showcasing the capabilities of the GBA, the game received only average reviews due to its standard gameplay and story. Originally intended to be connected to the 2003 movie “The Recruit” starring Al Pacino and Colin Farrell, the game likely faced challenges in development when this association did not materialize. Despite its mixed reception, Ice Nine has become a sought-after collectible among collectors, particularly because of its limited release in the US and Europe.

Drill Dozer

The Nintendo DS’s release in 2004 overshadowed the Game Boy Advance, leading to overlooked games like Drill Dozer by Game Freak. Despite its late release, Drill Dozer tells the story of Jill, who leads the Red Dozers to reclaim the Red Diamond from their rivals, the Skullkers, after her father is sidelined. This engaging drilling adventure didn’t receive the attention it deserved, making it a regrettable forgotten title on the GBA and in the gaming community.

Disney’s Magical Quest 3 Starring Mickey And Donald

DemiKids Dark Version and DemiKids Light Version

“Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – Light Book” and “Dark Book” were released for the Game Boy Advance in Japan on November 15, 2002, and in North America on October 7, 2003. The “Light Version” follows Jin as he teams up with rebel forces in Valhalla to take on the Imperium, with the Sun Lion Rand as his ally. On the other hand, the “Dark Version” focuses on Akira, who is called upon by Lucifer to tackle portals in the realm of Dem, accompanied by the dragon Gale. The term “Pokéclone” refers to games centered around collecting lively beings, similar to Pokémon. In DemiKids, players collect and train demons to save the world, following a repetitive pattern of merging creatures and battling. The game features typical RPG elements like exploration and random battles, with a clichéd narrative and uninspired character development. Visually, DemiKids is designed for a younger audience with clean interfaces and varied demon designs. The soundtrack is forgettable, serving as background music. Overall, while DemiKids offers some variety, it may not hold the interest of players looking for a more engaging experience in the collecting genre.

Car Battler Joe

Released in 2001, Car Battler Joe is a vehicular combat game developed by Ancient and published by Natsume Inc. for the Game Boy Advance. Players participate in car combat within an action-packed environment that includes RPG elements. The game combines elements of vehicular combat with action RPG gameplay, drawing parallels to the 1985 title Autoduel.

Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2

Developed by Banpresto for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance, this title is an action role-playing game and forms part of the Summon Night series. It serves as the follow-up to Summon Night: Swordcraft Story. Atlus was responsible for the game’s English localization. Players have the option to play as either Edgar Colthearts or Aera Colthearts, who are accompanied by one of four mystical creatures. The game’s various endings come from the different alliances you form along the way. You can craft and enhance weapons across six categories. Expect upgraded, colorful, and sharp pixel art visuals. Combat is in real-time but is not too challenging since the foes have predictable patterns. It can be bothersome if you run out of weapons mid-fight and get stuck. Overall, the game delivers fun with witty lines, lively animations, and engaging tunes.

The Game Boy Advance remains popular, attracting collectors with rare and valuable games like Pokémon Emerald and Ninja Five-O. These games, which vary in genre, are prized for their collectability, nostalgic appeal, and gaming significance. As interest in retro gaming grows, understanding the allure of these elusive titles is crucial. Collectors must also watch for counterfeits to ensure the authenticity of their prized games.