E3 2005: Nintendo reveal the Game Boy Micro

Classic portable resurgence

Nintendo's press conference today was about more than just the future. Going back in time featured quite heavily, so while the announcement of the Game Boy Micro came as a complete surprise it fitted in quite well with the tone of the presentation. This miniaturised version of the GBA will come with a backlit colour screen and be fully compatible with all GBA titles. That's a library of around 700 games. Nintendo plan on releasing the GBM in America towards the end of this year with no word on their plans for other regions. No price has been decided on either.

The GBM is a tiny wee thing. Measuring in at 4 inches wide, 2 inches tall and 0.7 inches fat, it's approximately the size of a ten pack of cigarettes, although we can’t see Nintendo using that comparison in their sales pitch. The GBM will barely register on the scales either, with its weight coming in at 2.8 ounces. Nintendo assures us this is the equivalent of 80 paper clips. The GBM is covered in a swish looking chrome casing which compliments the minimal design of the handheld. Owners will be able to purchase from a selection of replacement covers to personalise their GBM. On an ecologically friendly note, the GBM will have a rechargeable lithium-ion battery tucked away in its innards and will feature adjustable screen brightness.

George Harrison, (no, not that one, he's dead) Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications, commented: "We're making the gorgeous Game Boy Micro for image-conscious folks who love video games, the ones who want the look of their system to be as cool as the games they play on it. Because of its diminutive size and industrial-hip look, Game Boy Micro immediately identifies the person playing it as a trendsetter with discriminating style."

Nintendo also noted that Game Boy Micro "represents the latest evolution in the image of the Game Boy Advance line, but it is not a successor to any current system", which kills any speculation that a successor to the GBA would be announced at this year's E3.

By Sam Gibson