Nintendo's GBA upgrade (GBA SP) looks more like the original/pocket/color design, interestingly. When it's unfolded, that is. Folded, it's a three inch square... which strikes me as very small to hold. In fact, to test my grip, I just assembled a block of post-its and pretended to hit an imaginary d-pad and shoulder buttons. I'm not entirely sure I like the size, but then I have yet to hold a real one. One of the nice features of the horizontal GBA layout is that your hands get spaced apart roughly as they do when holding a regular console controller, so it's a natural feel when you play it.

The key addition is the lit LCD screen. That's obviously a huge bonus, because it removes the mental weight of having to prepare your GBA playing space by sitting under a lamp, in a room with even flourescent lighting, or outside in a treeless pasture at high noon. The changeover to a rechargeable battery pack positions the SP as a higher-end device, to my mind. Although carrying around an AC charger on long trips is less convenient then just an extra 4 pack of AAs.

Word is they're not going to make this the new defacto GBA; you'll still be able to buy the original edition (probably even cheaper now.) And there is no hardware change at all... which may seem disappointing, but it's better than Nintendo having to release separate "Only for GBA SP" games. Doesn't look like the SP is e-Reader compatible either, with that front-loading cartridge slot. (UPDATE: The e-Reader is 100% compatible. With the e-Reader inserted into the cartridge slot, the male link port plug just lips over the bottom part of the SP.)

Seeing as I have every other iteration of the Game Boy, the SP will most likely be in my cramped, oversized hands on launch day (March 23.)