Previously on My Gaming History…

1. ColecoVision
2. Atari 2600
3. Nintendo Entertainment System
4. Game Boy
5. Super Nintendo
6. Nintendo 64
7. PlayStation
8. PlayStation 2
9. PC Gaming
10. GameCube

The early 2000s were a magical time for handheld gaming, thanks to Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance. This little portable powerhouse succeeded the Game Boy Color and packed some serious tech under its hood. With a 32-bit ARM processor and vibrant color screen, the GBA helped usher in a new era of on-the-go gaming.

While I didn’t own a GBA myself back in the day, I was able to get my fix by borrowing my mom’s system when I worked the night shift. Those all-nighters were made much more bearable with classics like Metroid Fusion and Zero Mission keeping me company. As a longtime Metroid fan, having two new adventures in my pocket was a dream come true.

The GBA also gave me my first taste of Final Fantasy II with the Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls compilation. Up until then, the game had remained an elusive gem, so I relished the chance to experience it. I’m sure my appreciation was enhanced by playing it in short bursts between shuffling paperwork.

Of course, no GBA memories would be complete without Mario Kart: Super Circuit. This pint-sized racer delivered all the chaotic fun of its Nintendo 64 predecessor in a brilliantly compact package. Drifting and launching red shells was immensely satisfying during breaks.

I may have even tried to rail grind and pull off sick combos in one of the Tony Hawk Pro Skater games at some point, but my middle-aged brain might be fabricating those memories. Extreme sports games and I didn’t really mix.

Despite its relatively short lifespan of just four years, the Game Boy Advance carved out an impressive legacy. It boasted an amazing library, played host to some of Nintendo’s biggest franchises, and pushed the boundaries of what handheld gaming could achieve. For kids and night owls like me, it provided an invaluable source of entertainment and an escape from the daily grind.

Those are just a few of my fondest recollections of this iconic portable system. What are some of your favorite GBA games and memories? Let’s get nostalgic in the comments! Just don’t ask me to break out my non-existent skating skills.