Product Description

The Game Boy Player allows you to play Game Boy or Game Boy Advance games on a TV through the Nintendo GameCube--it attaches to the High Speed Port on the bottom of the GameCube and you can use the GameCube controller or any Game Boy Advance system as a controller. The GB Player can be connected to other Game Boy systems for multi-player games and is compatible with all regular Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance game paks, though it won't work with motion sensor or rumble feature game paks.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9481 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Nintendo
• Model: VANIN 045496950309
• Released on: 2003-06-20
• Platform: GameCube
• Original language: German
• Subtitled in: German
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 2.75" h x 9.25" w x 11.25" l, 1.25 pounds

Manufacturer's Description
The Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Player attachment is set to blur the division of home and portable gaming even more! Now you can view your Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games through your Nintendo GameCube on your television. Featuring a thin platform that the Nintendo GameCube rests on top of, you can insert your favorite Game Boy games into the device, play them on your TV, and use the Nintendo GameCube controller, WaveBird wireless controller, or (via the Nintendo GameCube/Game Boy Advance Cable) your Game Boy Advance to control the action. The Game Boy Player also allows multiplayer gaming using the Game Boy Advance Link Cable. One player can watch the game on their television while the other enjoys the game on their Game Boy Advance. In some cases, a second copy of the game may be necessary for multiplayer game play.

Customer Reviews

Great add-on, but be careful!
This thing is great. The actual installation took under two minutes. I've got a selection of about 25 GBA, GBC and original Game Boy games, and all of them work perfectly.

In most cases, playing GBA games on a GameCube is far better than on a GBA. The games play exactly the same, yet look fantastic on a TV. I can pick up graphical detail that I just couldn't make out on a GBA screen. But there are several things you should be aware of...

(1) Using the GameCube's control pad. Theoretically you can use either the analog or digital pads on the GC controller, but as you will also be using the L button, the D-Pad is not really accessible unless you have huge thumbs.

In most cases the analog pad is better than a D-Pad, as it's more comfortable. But there are exceptions: if you have to double-tap a direction, or you instinctively feel you should have analog control over the game (eg. Super Monkey Ball Jr). In these cases, while gameplay is still possible, the GC controller doesn't make it as easy.

(2) The GB Player does not offer any of the facilities that the GBA-GC cables do. This is despite the fact you can plug GBA games directly into the Gamecube, and can also connect a GBA to the GB Player! I found this really annoying, and I think Nintendo have made a huge mistake here. (This means you can not use a GB Player to call Tingle in Wind Waker, Connect Metroid Prime to Metroid Fusion, or connect the Animal Crossing games or Sonic games, for example).

(3) The top and bottom of the screen in not used. This is understandable, since the GBA screen is a different size to a TV. But when you play GBC or original Game Boy games, they appear as they do on the GBA - with the left and right parts of the GBA screen cut off. What you end up doing is looking at a small square in the middle of your TV, with huge border of wasted space all around it!

Playing most Game Boy games on your TV will be great, and I do think this product is really good. I simply warn you not to believe they are a perfect and complete answer to linking and playing any and all GBA games!

An innovative accessory
Typically installed in a few minutes, the GameBoy Player attaches to the underside of the GameCube, having the same footprint as the GameCube, itself. Included in the box is a black GBP, a boot-disc, two screws and an excessively-long manual.

Games, when displayed, are vibrant in colours and are bright. The controls are sensible, with L and R on the GameCube pad being assigned to L and R on the GBA, respectively. However, it must be said that the controls lack in response, with the joystick feeling unnatural for four-way movements. Nonetheless, the boons of large-screen GBA gaming, and the no longer requirement for batteries outweigh this flaw to a large extent.

Being a few pounds cheaper than at other online retailers, and qualifying for Super Saver delivery, the GBP remains a commendable purchase from Amazon and, taking into account the above, makes for a splendid Christmas gift.

From LCD to wide screen... what a result!!!
When I first heard of the Game Boy Player I thought it was ridiculous, with the resolution of a game being destroyed when made to go from a small LCD screen to anything between a 15" to wide screen television... Then i saw it in action...

Its clear and precise, and adds 'flavour' with its selection of borders to choose from. With it fitting snuggly in the bottom of the Gamecube makes it take up next to no space, and even leaves the serial ports for modem/broadband connectivity to be achieved. It even still allows multi-playing games to be played with the multitap port being in the front of the product.

One problem for those who want to use it as a connectivity for Gamecube games; with the Game Boy Player, you cannot use the Gamecube/GBA connectivity in games such as The Legend of Zelda the Wind Waker, as a special 'GBA' disc is placed in the Gamecube to allow the Bame Boy Player to Work.

But, with over a 1000 titles compatible, the ability to use either a GBA or a gamecube controller when playing, and the Time limiter for those parents who worry their kids play too much computer games (I'm not one of those) makes it a success in my books... And with Final Fantasy Tactics having a special viewing option for the Game Boy player, I suggest all Hardcore GBA players (especial those who love RPGs) to purchase this amazing product.