GBA2 Introduced In 2005?

If the analysts at CNN are correct, we might get a glimpse of the GBA's successor in 2005.

The analysts over at CNN started a small investigation and came up with an interesting story to say the least. With Nintendo's new console (the 'Revolution') set for a release in 2006, Nintendo leaves room for the successor of a new handheld. The analyst report suggests that Nintendo is planning to release the GBA2 by the end of 2005. "We believe it is likely that the next version of the Game Boy Advance SP will ship as early as this holiday, ahead of most expectations of calendar year 2006," wrote P.J. McNealy of American Technology Research.

CNN apparently also believes in the rumoured March-announcements, since according to the analysts the GBA2 could actually be announced officially as early as March 10, when Nintendo president Satoru Iwata is scheduled to give a keynote speech titled "The Heart of a Gamer" at the Game Developer's Conference in San Francisco as we reported earlier.

CNN does not make any claims about possible features for the GBA2 to incorporate, however they do speculate about a possible price: $99 at release, with the original GBA (SP) falling to $49. Nintendo DS prices however will stay unchanged.

The release of the GBA2 close after the release of the Nintendo DS is not something odd if we remember the words of Nintendo: the Nintendo DS is meant as a third pillar; a product range targeting the 'older and more mature' audience. Also, back in June 2004, we reported about David Gossen speaking at the ELSPA Games Summit. Back then, Gosen stated that "new Game Boy iterations are under review right now, before the first DS is sold". He added that the releasedate for the new handheld was not yet determined: it all depends on how the NDS performs on the current market. If the NDS sells hotcakes, Nintendo has a stronger position to enhance the GBA2 even more and delay the releasedate of the successor. Even if the NDS would fail miserably and the Sony PSP absorb the market entirely, the GBA2 was not supposed to hit the stores before early 2006, something which seems awfully close to the analysts' opinion at the moment...

src: CNN

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Comments

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  Interesting!

  Viruscool, 30-11--0001 at 00:00
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  I doubt it. It would steal sales away from the DS which is just starting out. I highly doubt Nintendo would do this. If it ends up being true, I'll eat my words.

  Opium, 30-11--0001 at 00:00
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  Hmm... Well, if there is a GBA2, I don't think I'd buy it unless its graphics or performance are better than the DS. Oh, and opium: If you do end up eating your words, salt them. It tastes much better.

  Nintendude, 30-11--0001 at 00:00
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  Funny that Spong keeps talking about that PalmOS license... According to GameSpot's sources, it's bogus.

  Dennis, 30-11--0001 at 00:00
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  Seems very likely from what I know.

  Andrew, 30-11--0001 at 00:00
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  I have finally remembered my password. I can login again! :-) A new Game boy sounds interesting and weird! I got my DS in Dec last year. I can't yest be buying new hardware.

  hazuki, 30-11--0001 at 00:00
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  Hmm, we will just have to wait and see eh? www.ben-johnson.co.uk/forum

  skarma, 30-11--0001 at 00:00
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  december 2005 you kidding i got my nds today. And next yeur it is useless no way this is a yoke

  gamer247, 30-11--0001 at 00:00
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  Gamespot has sent out in the latest newsletter something about the new GBA. No new info, they just know about it, so maybe they'll do some investigating. :)

  Nintendude, 30-11--0001 at 00:00