Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter

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The Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter is an accessory for the Game Boy Advance, and was released by Nintendo in 2004. It provides an alternative to the Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable but does not enjoy the same popularity due to a number of issues.[citation needed] The Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter is also compatible with the Game Boy Advance SP, Game Boy Player, and e-Reader.[1]

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are also bundled with this accessory and these titles were the first compatible with this accessory.

Contents

[edit] Connectivity

A Game Boy Player with the wireless adapter attached.
A Game Boy Player with the wireless adapter attached.

Like the Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable, this device allows for multiplayer gaming with the Game Boy Advance, and attaches via the External Extension Connector. The range of this adapter is short compared to the built-in wireless function of the Game Boy Advance's sibling, the Nintendo DS: Nintendo recommends players stay within 10 ft. (about 3m) of each other for best results.[2] Note that due to the Game Boy Micro's different style link cable port, the Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter will not attach to it. However, a Game Boy micro Wireless Adapter is available for the Micro which is compatible for linking with the Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter.[1] Neither wireless adapter can connect with the Nintendo DS since the DS does not support multiplayer mode in Game Boy Advance games.[3]

One of the wireless adapter's greatest uses is in Pokémon FireRed, Pokémon LeafGreen, and Pokémon Emerald. While all three still support the Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable, up to thirty-nine wireless adapter-connected players can convene in a virtual in-game lobby called the "Union Room" for battles and trades. The wireless adapter is also used in Pokémon games to download special data via the Mystery Gift option at various Pokémon-related events.[4] Besides the Union Room in certain Pokémon versions, the wireless adapter only supports up to five players.[5]

A major drawback of the Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter is that it is not backwards compatible; that is, older model Game Boy games do not support the wireless adapter. As of April 2007, only about twenty Game Boy Advance games support the wireless adapter, leading to some criticism that the wireless adapter is an expensive gadget that is compatible with just a few games.[citation needed] Many of the supported games are those in the Classic NES Series. Some would argue that such criticism is unfounded,[citation needed] as the Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter was packaged with Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen, essentially given away free.

[edit] Search feature

This feature can be accessed when no game cartridge is present in the Game Boy Advance. Simply turn on the system with only the wireless adapter inserted. It will continually search for compatible games that are being played nearby. This allows players to easily see who is hosting a game that can be joined.

[edit] Marketing and pricing

The accessory was packaged with Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen, but it has not been released in other package deals.[citation needed] Nintendo of America sells the device separately on its online store for USD $19.99.[6]

There are some third-party devices that use the wireless functionality but act more like a link cable.[citation needed]

[edit] Compatible games

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b GameFAQs: Compatibility FAQ by ArsonWinter.
  2. ^ Nintendo Customer Service: Wireless Adapter FAQ.
  3. ^ Nintendo Customer Service: Link Cable Selector Tool.
  4. ^ Pokemon HowTo: Mystery Gifts in Diamond and Pearl.
  5. ^ IGN: Nintendo Wireless Adapter.
  6. ^ Nintendo Online Store: Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter.
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