The Game Boy Micro is a handheld game console by Nintendo. It was first released in Japan in September 2005 as a smaller, lighter redesign of the Game Boy Advance. The system is the last console in the Game Boy line, alongside the AGS-101 model of the Game Boy Advance SP. Unlike its predecessors, the Game Boy Micro lacks backward compatibility for original Game Boy and Game Boy Color games.
The Game Boy Micro retains some of the functionality of the Game Boy Advance SP, but with a more compact form factor. It cannot play original Game Boy and Game Boy Color games due to design changes. Although it still has the required processor and graphics hardware necessary to run games from older Game Boy systems, it lacks other internal hardware necessary for backward compatibility. Additionally, it has a backlit screen with the ability to adjust the brightness. The shape itself is oblong, similar to the style of the Nintendo Entertainment System controller.
The system is quite small, measuring only 50 x 101 x 17.2 millimetres (1.97 in × 3.98 in × 0.68 in) and weighing only 80 grams. The screen measures 51 mm / 2 inches and features a backlight with adjustable brightness. Resolution sits at 240×160 pixels. The unit features a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, with up to 5 hours of battery life with top brightness and sound or 8 hours with both features on default The Micro has a two-way switch on its right side for adjusting volume. By holding down the left shoulder button, the switch can also be used to adjust the backlight between five levels of brightness.
The Game Boy Micro features removable, decorative housing called a faceplate. faceplates were praised because they allow for personalization and protect the high-resolution backlit screen.
The system, along with its predecessors, were discontinued in December 2009 and system sales shipping ended on May 15, 2010, ending the 21-year history of the long-running and classic Game Boy line.
