Table of Contents
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
includes the SP and all Game Boy & Game Boy Color entries (backwards compatible)
The final system in the Game Boy line, and still successful akin to the ones before it. Releasing on June 11th, 2001 in the USA, the Game Boy Advance featured a 16.8 MHz ARM7TDMI CPU, paired with a Sharp LR35902 8080-based CPU for the purpose of Game Boy/Color backwards compatibility. Alongside this, the GBA held a “RAM system” comprised of 32 KB RAM/96 KB VRAM in CPU and 256 KB DRAM outside of the CPU. It's screen was 240×160 pixels in 15-bit color. Unsurprisingly, it fared very well, with it's latter-day SP design giving hints to the Nintendo DS that was to release in 2004.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Boy_Advance
https://gametrog.com/nintendo-game-boy-advance-information-specs/
Operating Systems (ARM7TDMI, Sharp LR35902)
Bricks-OS
the GBA can use all resources of the NGC
A distributed microkernel-based OS. The GBA port seems to be the 2nd best one, having the largest amount of development focus, written capabilities, programs, and visual functions.
https://github.com/rickgaiser/bricks-os
https://sourceforge.net/projects/bricks-os/
https://code.google.com/archive/p/bricks-os/
https://forum.gbadev.org/viewtopic.php?t=16166
https://web.archive.org/web/20090222060403/http://bricks-os.org/
BSD 2.9 + other SIMH OSes
doing so is increasingly harder (and after a point, impossible) as system requirements increase
An offshoot from the gbaUnix project, again: running on a PDP-11 emulator. Same principles.
https://web.archive.org/web/20200429182212/http://www.kernelthread.com/publications/gbaunix/
Console emulation (potential)
Whether these emulators support operating systems for these consoles is unknown; it must be looked into further. Consoles without meaningful OSes are not included.
https://www.zophar.net/consoles/gameboy.html
https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Emulators_on_GBA
Bandai WonderSwan (Color?) - SwanAdvance
Coleco ColecoVision – CoG, ColecoTech, Cologne
NEC TurboGrafx-16 - PCEAdvance
Nintendo Entertainment System – PocketNES, InfoNES, Famicom Advance, HCVA
Super Nintendo Entertainment System – SNES Advance
Nintendo Game Boy (Color) – GbonGBA, Goomba Color, PocketGB
Sega Master System – DrSMS, SMS Advance
Contiki
runs the text-based CTK conio engine
Not much seems to be online about this port, but it is known to work correctly.
http://hitmen.c02.at/html/tools_contiki.html
https://github.com/adamdunkels/contiki-1.x/tree/master/contiki-gba
Emulation Nest
This device runs an operating system which is known to emulate various devices with EOPs. See the MSX page.
Ethernut’s NUT/OS
The GBA port hasn't been finished yet. Timer interrupt handling will be next
While functional, the port is not perfect, and it requires certain outside hardware to transfer it on.
gba-kernel
a simple gameboy advance kernel in assembly
Self-explanatory, in that is it only a kernel, rather than an operating system. It still provides a little.
gbaUnix (5th Edition Unix)
has provisions for experimenting with a few potentially performance-affecting aspects
This is actually a port of a PDP-11 emulator, which is configured to run 5th Ed. Unix. No keypad driver, so thus, all inputs must be set up in a file beforehand. Very slow on real hardware but still functional.
https://web.archive.org/web/20200429182212/http://www.kernelthread.com/publications/gbaunix/
Java4GBA
it brings to GBA almost all Java interesting features like Exceptions, Threading, Monitors
Despite being limited, it's capabilities in outputting to console make this closest to an “operating system”, rather than emulation or other. It's very old and it doesn't seem to have developed further, which is a shame - but it's nice to see anyway.
PC emulation (potential)
Whether these emulators support operating systems for these computers is unknown; it must be looked into further. Computers without meaningful OSes are not included.
https://www.zophar.net/consoles/gameboy.html
https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Emulators_on_GBA
CHIP-8 – DrChip 8
MSXs – MSXAdvance
Sinclair ZX Spectrums – Foon, ZXAdvance
Texas Instruments 83 – TI-83emu (requires calc BIOS)
Prex
The driver for on-screen keyboard is provided to emulate a generic keyboard
Probably the most useful and effective OS port for the GBA, due to it’s effective onscreen keys.
http://prex.sourceforge.net/doc/gba.html
http://prex.sourceforge.net/downloads.html
https://mb.srb2.org/threads/operating-system-for-the-gameboy-advance.1180/
RedHat’s eCos + RedBoot/Insight (via 150K Xport Devkit 2.0 + SDRAM)
Xport 2.0 with 150K gates (3 times the logic resources!) 16 Mbytes of SDRAM and the rest
In essence, a board that turns a GBA into a development experimentation system, complete with an operating system, various codecs, added flash memory, some more RAM, etc.
https://web.archive.org/web/20050307161433fw_/http://www.charmedlabs.com:80/
uCLinux
Download the current uClinux distribution and choose the GBA as target in the pre-configuration
Functional with shell access and keypad. Audio drivers in development.
https://docs.huihoo.com/media/uclgba//index.html
https://docs.huihoo.com/media/uclgba//gba-howto/index.html
https://github.com/rhuitl/uClinux/tree/master/vendors/Nintendo/GBA
https://www.slideshare.net/Sim0n_kxk/portando-linux-game-boy-advance
https://github.com/rhuitl/uClinux/blob/master/Documentation/NINTENDO-GBA-HOWTO
Unix 6th native port, Macintosh System 1, old DOS on 8088 emu, etc.
It would be a good exercise for operating systems students
A few very interesting proposed ideas on the gbaUnix page, all at relatively conceivable levels. Future projects for our team?
https://web.archive.org/web/20200429182212/http://www.kernelthread.com/publications/gbaunix/#IDEAS
Internet
ESP32 Wi-Fi Cartridge
control stuff over the web with a Game Boy
Made for a hackaday project, with not much else done with it. However, it works.
Mobile Game Boy Adapter
users could exchange text messages between each other. Another feature was access to the Mobile System GB homepage
Allowed online gaming and trading, but more crucially, e-mailing and access to certain pages.
https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Mobile_Game_Boy_Adapter
So-called useless dialup products by Datel
Datel probably knew the product wasn't going to sell and therefore wouldn't bother
There seems to be no trace of these online, outside of this one blurb on an otherwise unrelated page about N64 internet connectivity peripherals.
X-Tra Fun Bluetooth
Inside the module is an eCos embedded kernel and web browser
A never released peripheral that would have added an SD card slot, bluetooth, and internet access.
https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/54188-gameboy-owners-will-surf-the-web
Other
Calculator
A non-advanced calculator for the GBA. Throwing it in an emulator reveals it to be what it says on the tin.
https://sites.google.com/site/komojo/Calculator.zip
https://web.archive.org/web/20200701000000*/https://sites.google.com/site/komojo/Calculator.zip
Calculator Advance
A calculator for the GBA. Could be better than the other calculator, or maybe not.
Campho Advance (GBA Video Caller)
An extremely rare Japanese peripheral that allowed users to make video calls from their GBA. It depended entirely on phone lines, so it could theoretically still work today over existing landlines. If you have one, maybe contact The Retro Future to “arrange” such a thing?
Competition Pro GBA Mini Cam
that disc is a rare relic, and if you ever get it in a computer that works I'd recommend uploading it to archive.org
One of the several attempts to make a Game Boy Camera for the Advance. While it can take pictures and film video, it is in a very poor quality and transferring it requires some very outdated drivers which were not successfully obtained by the video creator. Hopefully the drivers are out there somewhere, but nobody on YouTube seems to have them.
Dan Cotter's eBook Advance
If you would like to have access to the search function (I don't think it is available in the variable version) you may want to insert tildes
An eBook reader for the GBA! Only requires a simple generation of a ROM file on the computer side of things. Multiple versions are available, depending on the orientation one prefers to read their GBA eBooks in: vertical, horizontal, or variable.
https://gbatemp.net/download/dan-cotters-ebook-advance.22900/
Game Boy Advance MP3 Player
Also includes a voice councillor to coach your karaoke skills
Not the Play-Yan. A little peripheral which allows users to record audio samples and listen to them later. Oddly enough, it can fully function as a playback device without even being connected to the GBA - the GBA simply supplies it's graphics. Contrary to the second link's claims, this device can most definitely work on the SP, as shown in the first link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYZBOFh_oM8
https://www.genkivideogames.com/gba-music-recorder-mp3-new-kemco-nintendo-hardware/kez10j
Game Boy Advance WormCam
Yet another attempt of creating a Camera for the Advance. Both of the videos linked don't even get the device working, and the form factor is only compatible with the original Game Boy Advance (unless you disassemble it completely).
Game Boy Book Reader
New Text Import Functions HTML, RTF, PDF.
Another quite comprehensive reading program for the GBA, which converts files over from txt. The example screenshot implies the ability to insert images, which is very cool if true. Also has a version available for the original Game Boy. Capable of processing a multitude of languages, too!
GBACraft
with some unique features
The first Minecraft clone for the Game Boy Advance. While remaining as just a tech demo, it is possible to build with quite a variety of blocks in a “creative” esque mode. Very impressive!
GBA JPEG Viewer
With Jpeg Packer you can convert your original pictures in a “photo gallery” rom.
A program which can view converted JPEGs. By using a companion PC program, it is possible to convert JPEG files to a GBA ROM which can be loaded like any other GBA ROM. Boasts a level of compression which can squeeze up to 1000 images on a 64MB flashcart.
GBA Notepad
There are 3 MODES in GBA-Notepad. You can press two arrow keys at the same time so diagonal movements are possible
A simple notepad program for the GBA, supporting up to 59 pages.
https://gbadev.org/demos.php?showinfo=1378 BROKEN! EVEN IN ARCHIVE
https://pdroms.de/files/nintendo-gameboyadvance-gba/gba-notepad
GBA Photo Slide Show Viewer
without any programming create a GBA rom that would contain a selection of your photos
A program which specializes in creating easy slide-shows to be viewed on the GBA. Capable of adding transition effects and text!
GBA Scrabble Dictionary
A good excuse to bring your 20 year old handheld to family board game night. It's from 2003, so many of the “newer” additions to Scrabble will be missing.
GSM Music Player
This person ported the GSM RPE-LTE codec, originally used on mobile phones, to the GBA. With this, one can play up to 150 minutes of music (assuming 256MB flashcart) on the GBA! Follow the GitHub link as it is the most recently maintained version, ported to a newer DevKitPro.
LabSound
A sort of music creation program for the Game Boy Advance.
https://pdroms.de/files/nintendo-gameboyadvance-gba/lab-sound
MOD Player for GBA
VMP comes with GBFS support, allowing you to compile your own albuns[sic]
Capable of playing up to 10 hours of MOD files (assuming a 32MB ROM compatible flashcart). Has been tested on a variety of GBA-compatible hardware, including the DS Lite and GBA SP.
MusicPlayer Advance
once you've got the .pcm file, open up the MPAwrite.exe. In the bottom of the program you find something called 'MusicPlayer Advance Encoder', that is what you need
Seems to be one of the more capable music playing applications available for the GBA. With a series of conversion and “injection” programs, one can play audio (as .MPA, a custom format) on the GBA.
http://www.gameboy-advance.net/emulated/musicplayer_advance_gba_mp3.htm
Nyko DigiCam SP
Another absolutely ridiculous attempt of a camera for the GBA, this time only for the SP. This appears to be functionally very similar to the WormCam above, as both were made by Nyko. Luckily, this time, the video creator actually gets the camera working! What a feat.
Play-Yan
known as the Nintendo MP3 Player in Europe
A media player released by Nintendo for the GBA in 2005. It's primary purpose was playing mp3 and mp4 files off SD, but the original version also allowed the user to play 13 specific mini-games, provided they were installed on the SD card. An updated version called the Micro released later in 2005, adding support for more file formats but axing support for the minigames.
Version & Revision Guide
For general information, see the Game Console Revisions Overview.
Versions
There are four versions of this console, arranged chronologically.
Game Boy Advance AGB-001 (2001-2003)
RECOMMENDED OVERALL (for versatility - but mod it!); LOWEST PRICE
The very first GBA, and possibly the most common one. Easily identified by it's moderately sized rectangular-ish shape, and the “Game Boy Advance” text on the bezel. Features no screen light, a headphone jack, and compatibility with a variety of weird accessories and add-ons. One important note about these add-ons, is that a significant quantity of them are designed in a way that makes them impossible to use on any SP or Micro system - mostly 3rd party accessories. For this reason alone, the original GBA system holds water nowadays, and it's shape and ergonomics may be more appealing than the SP's for certain people. Modding these systems is relatively simple, although there are differences between motherboard screen pins (required for a backlit screen) that are important to know - they have been noted under “Revisions”.
Game Boy Advance SP AGS-001 (2003-2005)
Nintendo's first model change for the GBA line, and certainly a welcome one in some aspects. Easily identified by it's “DS-like” clamshell design that can be opened and closed. Major changes include the aforementioned radical shift in shape, alongside the removal of the headphone jack and the introduction of a screen light. However, the screen lighting introduced is a mere front-light, which is an improvement but certainly not a definitive improvement. With this addition, a “light control” button was added immediately below the screen on the system's lower half. In regards to the removed headphone jack, an “AC-to-headphone” adapter is required to use conventional headphones with the GBA.
Game Boy Advance SP AGS-101 (2005-200?)
RECOMMENDED OVERALL (for usability)
Normally, the AGS-101 would be considered a revision. However, it has been included as a version due to it's externally significant changes that can be identified with ease.
Very similar to the AGS-001 SP, outside of one very important change, this change being the introduction of a backlit screen. While identifying a mere GBA SP is very easy (clamshell design that can be opened), specifically identifying an SP as a 101 can be slightly more difficult. Luckily, the underside of any GBA SP will distinguish between if it's a 001 or 101 - simply check the sticker. If this is unavailable, look at the screen - a 101's turned off screen will be almost perfectly black, while a 001's turned off screen will be “green-greyish”, similar to a classic GBA or GBC. Of course, if the screen is on, games will look very vibrantly colored and tremendously bright. Outside of all this, however, the 101 is essentially the same as the 001, but this one change is enough to make the 101 a definitive buy for the most part.
Game Boy Micro (2005-2008)
The smallest, rarest, most expensive, and potentially most interesting of the GBAs. Easily identified by it's small “inwardly curved rectangle” shape and it's interchangeable faceplates. Not compatible with basically every GBA accessory available, including the link cables (a special Micro-compatible link cable exists). Similarly, the Micro is not compatible with any GB or GBC titles - only GBA. Despite these major removals, the Micro's tiny size, bright and vibrant screen with greater sharpness, and customizable faceplates certainly hold appeal. One benefit of the Micro over the SPs is the reintroduction of the headphone jack.
Revisions
32-pin vs 40-pin in original GBAs
The difference between pins impacts the way one mods their original (non-SP/Micro) GBA's screen. In the past, 32-pin vs 40-pin meant that some systems got the shorter end of the stick when it came to modded screen brightness and quality, but nowadays, these issues have been eliminated, making 32 vs 40-pin only impact the cable one should buy online.
https://godofgamingshop.com/blogs/news/difference-between-32-pin-40-pin
https://www.reddit.com/r/Gameboy/comments/89cyr2/32_or_40_pin_gba_which_is_better/
https://www.nathandickman.com/40-pin-or-32-pin-game-boy-advance-agb-001-screen-type-how-to-tell/
BEST RELIABILITY couldn't be assigned.
https://gbhwdb.gekkio.fi/consoles/agb/
https://gbhwdb.gekkio.fi/consoles/ags/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Boy_Micro
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Boy_Advance
https://retrogamebuyer.com/gba-sp-ags-001-vs-101/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Boy_Advance_SP
https://gametrog.com/nintendo-game-boy-advance-information-specs/