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Noteworthy GBA Light Accessories
December 2001
by jjswift
A horde of light accessories have been released in the past month or so, in the seemingly endless search for the perfect GBA light. Most are simply new generations of previous models, with slight changes in design and/or color. As for the younger generation of GBA fans and those unfamiliar with the issues surrounding GBA light accessories, many will fall for the "new and improved" marketing ploy. The unfortunate truth is that some 3rd party accessory manufacturers are primarily concerned with profit over performance.
For those familiar with GBA light accessories, it has become easy to distinguish the gimmick lights from those which are a legitimate attempt at a quality product. There are a few worth mentioning, and for modification purposes, one or two may be worth buying. Please note that the following notes are based on images and assumptions based on visible features. In other words, no actual testing was performed on the products.
The Armlight Advance provides light from two overhead lamps. Months ago, one light enthusiast on gbaprojects.com produced the Frankenlight, two wormlights used at the same time. The Armlight Advance is essentially the same concept. As unique as the design is, it's not very sleek-looking, and it sure is not compact. Most surprisingly is the steep price of $26, most likely because it is a Nintendo licensed product. Since Asian video game companies are known for their cheap prices (most GBA light accessories are less than $10), it's curious whether the price is in any way indicative of its performance. It is powered by 1 AAA battery and claims to use 4 super bright white LEDs. Judging from the image, the lamps seem like they have a lot of adjustability. This product is available from DCS Links, Goldenshop, and other similar online video game companies.
The Light Shield Saver is a shield similar to the Intec Game Shield. However, this product is unique in several ways. First, it does not obtain its power from the GBA, but from 2 AAA batteries which are built into the shield. It also has two storage bays for 2 AA batteries. The shield may also be able to store a GBA game. The bulb type is unknown, but it is contained in a round lamp with a large reflector. There is an on/off switch but there is no dimmer switch that is visible from the picture. For modification purposes, the battery storage bays provide more than sufficient space for additional and/or larger lights.
The Power Zoom Light Magnify Shield is made by the same company as the Light Shield Saver, and is almost identical in its general design. It is also powered by 2 AAA batteries, but it does not have storage bays for 2 AA batteries. Instead, there is a zoom lens that folds out and is positioned a few inches above the GBA (like most zoom lens accessories). There are two lights (type unknown) built into the frame of the zoom lens which are directly overhead the GBA when the zoom lens is folded out. Both the Light Shield Saver and the Power Zoom Light Magnify Shield look a lot thicker than the Intec Game Shield. In fact, these products may be even thicker than the GBA itself. Both the Light Shield Saver and Power Zoom Light Magnify Shield ($6 and $8 respectively) are available at Goldenshop and other online video game companies.
The Light Shield is the kind of product that the Pelican LS should have been. For gbalight.com members, this is what we have been working to achieve. It is essentially the same shape as the Pelican LS. It is powered by 1 AAA battery, has an on/off switch and dimmer control. The bulb type is unknown, but if it is not one of the better LEDs, it will be a pretty simple mod. Because the Light Shield is self-powered, dimmer control will only be an issue as to the bulb, and will be no risk to the GBA itself. It is available at Goldenshop and perhaps other online video game companies for $6.
Although the PM frontlight will be the ultimate lighting solution, there will be, for some people, some concerns. First and foremost, young children and probably their parents will be hesitant to open up the GBA and perform a soldering job (no matter how simple). Installing an on/off switch may be equally difficult for those who are not knowledgeable or adept. Finally, although the cost of the frontlight may be worth its performance, the cost of replacement may be an issue at some point. For now, it's good to know that the quality of these types of products is improving, and hopefully soon there will be light accessories to satisfy every GBA owner's needs.
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