How will GBA work with Nintendo’s next-generation console, the GameCube?

All of the specifics on how GBA will interact with GameCube have not been revealed yet, but the fact that they will work together has been emphasized many times by various Nintendo officials. The two systems have been designed to work with each other in a variety of ways though the entire scope of the interaction is still unknown.

At least one aspect of the two systems’ connecting will be having the GBA plug-into the NGC’s controller port and function as a secondary controller that uses the GBA screen to display information privately to a player. Additionally, data may be exchanged between games on the GameCube and GBA, not unlike games on the N64 and GBC (Mario Golf, for example). Whether real-time interaction between games on GameCube and GBA is possible remains to be seen, though is very much anticipated.

What is Mobile 21’s involvement with GBA?

Mobile 21 is a joint venture funded by both Konami and Nintendo. The company’s first priority is to develop software that allows the GBA to connect with GameCube. Mobile 21 will also work on software that allows the GBA to use cell phones to connect to the Internet.

What is Olympus Optical (the camera maker) doing teaming up with Nintendo for a joint GBA venture?

Nintendo and Olympus have reached an agreement to produce the E-Card system that will allow gamers to use paper datacards, which will carry special audio and graphic information, to enhance gameplay. Pokemon is but one of the projects (most likely the main one) that will incorporate this innovative new "card swipe" technology. An E-Card reader can be attached to the GBA so cards with an advanced type of bar code (courtesy of Olympus) that will allow access to special data. Nintendo has said it will unveil the system worldwide by the end of 2001.

Will the Game Boy Advance use a link cable?

The GBA will definitely make use of a link cable, though the GBA will be able to connect with 4 other units instead of 2 like the original Game Boy. This is one of the good points of the original Game Boy that was emphasized when making the GBA. Expect good support of the link cable from developers.

Will you need more than one copy of a game to play via the link cable?

No, you will only need one copy of a game and a set of link cables. This is one of the best new features of the GBA. If you want to play Mario Kart Advance with four friends, all you need is 4 GBAs, link cables for the 4 systems, and only one copy of the game.

Reportedly, all multiplayer games may not support this feature though most are expected to.

Besides GameCube, other GBAs, and E-Card, what other forms of connectivity can we expect?

Game Boy Advance should have very impressive connective properties. Besides GameCube and GBA linking, Nintendo says that Game Boy Advance will feature Internet capability. Potentially the Internet can allow players to play games, transfer information, and even see one another using a video camera accessory. Cell phone connectivity was mentioned in the initial GBA announcement, though specific details have not been given.

Peter Main recently mentioned in a speech at the August Gamers’ Summit that GBA would work with a modem, however, there are no details on this device. Finally, an infrared communication port accessory has been mentioned and could allow for yet another means of communication.

Speaking of accessories, what can we expect for GBA?

Besides the previously mentioned E-Card Reader, modem, cell phone adapter, infrared communication port, and 4-way link cable, Nintendo plans on having a camera and a printer available for the GBA, not unlike those seen for the original Game Boy, though presumably these new accessories will be more advanced. Peripheral companies such as Interact and Nyko should also have plenty of products (carrying case, screen magnifier, light, etc.) to enhance your GBA experience with convenience & style.

Will there be an MP3-player for Game Boy Advance?

There hasn’t been any word on this sort of accessory, but given Nintendo’s staunch position on protection of intellectual properties and their current legal battles with the makers of the Song Boy MP3 player for Game Boy Color, it is highly unlikely there will be such a device.

Will the GBA make use of the Mobile GB?

Yes. According to Nintendo’s Japanese web site, Mario Kart Advanced will make use of the Mobile GB allowing for all sort’s of online Kart racing mayhem...well, at least in Japan. Unfortunately, no announcement has been made about bringing the Mobile GB over to the U.S. yet. Still, we fully expect online support for the GBA in the states, we're just not sure how yet.