Christmas has come early for me. I’ve gotten myself a fancy, modded GBA SP
This bad boy is kitted out with a fancy IPS screen, a fancy new speaker and amp, a fancy clear case and even fancy white buttons. All in all it’s very fancy.
I have to admit, opening up the GBA for the first time did give me the biggest hit of nostalgia. I vividly remember my first GBA, which had like, tribal stripes all over it. I took it everywhere with me, gaming on it constantly, which started my life long passion for ignoring reality. My childhood GBA was no where near as fancy as this one though, I only wish my childhood self could see me now.
This GBA is great and all but it’s also useless without any games. Obviously, I bought FireRed, this whole blog would be pointless if I didn’t buy FireRed, but I also want to show off some of the other games I bought myself the other day. I found a retro gaming shop near by, and bought myself a few little treats. I’m going to go in order of my own personal nostalgia.
Crash Bandicoot Fusion
To be honest, I don’t think I ever played this in my youth, however come on it’s Crash Bandicoot. I definitely played a lot of Crash Bandicoot in my youth. Judging from the reviews online it looks about as classic as Crash Bandicoot could be. Get those apples (were they apples?), spin around and crash about.
Super Mario Bros. 3
This one was on the more expensive side, but I saw Super Mario and before I knew it I was paying for it.
I don’t think this needs any explanation. It’s Super Mario. Everyone should play Super Mario.
The next game might not be the most exciting the most, but to me this was the best game I bought on my little trip to the retro game show.
Madagascar!!!!!!! In the original box!!!! With the original booklet!!!!!!!
I played the living shit out of this game in my youth. I didn’t even like the movie that much, although it’s a great movie. As I walked into this retro game shop and saw this game, it was like this entire room in my brain was unlocked and suddenly I was flooded with memories of playing this game. I finally understand why nostalgia is so often weaponised by right wing political parties and dictators, in that moment I would have voted any party in who told they could take me back to that time, worts and all.
The best thing, it only cost £10!!! Best tenner I’ve ever spent.
Anyway, let’s see the main event.
Pokémon FireRed
This is a genuine copy of FireRed, factory stamped and everything. The label is a little worse for wear, but that just tells me this was once well loved by another gamer. It feels like I’m holding a little bit of gaming history.
I’m maybe spending a little too much on these Pokémon games, but if I want to trade these pokémon between the other games, the cartridges have to be genuine. I’d rather spend more money on them, than buy the cheap knock-offs and find out I can get the poor Pokémon out of the game.
All in all, I’ve really happy with the GBA, especially the IPA screen. I love retro but I love back-lit screen even more. I have everything I need now to start this project now, and start I shall.