Review
- StickBoy Advance
(Added 9th June 2001)
Introduction
 I've
heard quite a few complaints about the GBA. Two of the
more common ones are that:
A. It is too small and slim to grip comfortably.
B.
The trademark cross shaped directional pad is uncomfortable
for long term use and rather unresponsive to diagonal
or semi-circle movements (particularly in fighting games).
These complaints are of course subjective. Not everyone
has the same type or size hands, and so for some, the
GBA is either too small, just nice or way too big.
For those who subscribe to the two complaints I've
mentioned, however, then the StickBoy from Blaze could
be just what the doctor ordered...
Purpose And Features Of The StickBoy
The StickBoy is an add-on that you slip on your GameBoy
Advance.
According to the product specifications, the StickBoy
will:
A. Offer better control with its enhanced
circular type D-pad and A & B buttons.
B. Provide better grip with its extended sides
handles.
C. Protect
your GBA with its side shock absorber and prevent scratches or
a broken screen with its protective lid.
To get a better understanding of these features, check
out the pictures below. As you can see from the pictures,
the StickBoy is one cool looking accessory. Blaze is
one of the better 3rd party accessory manufacturers
on the market, and has constantly churned out good quality
accessories and peripherals for the GameBoy - the StickBoy
is no exception
Made from quality grade plastic, the StickBoy features
a well though out ergonomic design that slips on your
GBA and snaps in place. No screws or glue is required,
and it can be removed easily. It also comes in 4 colors
which are white, blue, transparent blue and (gasp!)
transparent pink.
Using The StickBoy
As I've mentioned, the StickBoy is very easy to use.
If you see the pictures below, you will understand how
to attach it to your GBA. Although the plastic is hard,
it isn't too rigid, and you can easily, albeit carefully,
bend and slip the StickBoy into place on your GBA. Once the retaining
pegs snap into place, however, the fit is solid, and you won't
find the StickBoy moving about.
Pros Of The StickBoy
As advertised, the StickBoy will enhance your grip
on the GBA, thanks to its extended side handles. Those
with large hands will find this a relief. Aside from
improving the grip, the extended side handles also serve
to protect your GBA. If you see the pictures, you will
notice that the handles have a rubber backing that
acts to absorb shock from knocks or bumps to the side
of your GBA. Thanks to
the rubber, you also won't have to worry that the StickBoy
will scratch the sides of your GBA when you slip in on or
take it off.
The best thing about the StickBoy is the circular
type extended D-pad which is superimposed onto the regular
D-pad on your GBA. This type of D-pad was employed by
the NeoGeo Pocket and widely praised, but unfortunately,
Nintendo never thought to adopt it for the GBA. I must
admit, a circular D-pad is more comfortable to use,
and because it's extended, it does offer much better
diagonal and circular movements. For those who aren't
use to it, however, it does take some time to adjust.
The protective lid is also a good feature, especially
if you don't want your screen scratched or shattered.
It opens up at an angle that is slightly more than 90
degrees, so you don't have to worry about it obstructing
the GBA screen. Besides that, it also looks awfully
cool!
Lastly, nothing important is covered by the StickBoy,
aside from the D-pad and A & B buttons.
Cons Of The StickBoy
If you really have a problem with grip, then you
probably won't mind the fact that the StickBoy does
add some bulk and weight to your GBA, making it just
a little more cumbersome to carry around.
I also found that the extended D-pad a little stiff,
but I figure it needs to be broken in. The protective
lid, although a good idea, should have been removable,
but it's not. This could be a problem if you play your
GBA in low light conditions and need to angle it just
so to get the best light.
Another thing that I would have loved is for Blaze
to have lined the whole underside of the StickBoy with
rubber or some kind of soft material (and not just for
the side handles). You all know how much I hate scratches,
and although nothing was scratched when I slipped on
the StickBoy, it would have given me peace of mind to
know that there was some kind of buffer between the
StickBoy and my precious, special edition Pokemon Center
GBA.
Final Comments
Indeed, the StickBoy is a cool accessory. It's not
for me, but I would recommend it for those who want
better grip, better control and some kind of protection
against knocks and screen scratches. It's also reasonably
priced, and considering the myriad of features it offers,
the StickBoy Advance is one sexy attachment that's worth
considering.
Pictures
Click on pictures for larger view:
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