How Much Is A Game Boy Advance Worth In 2023?
Buying or selling – it doesn’t matter; it’s important to know what a Game Boy Advance (GBA) is worth either way. And with three very different models – Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP, and Game Boy Micro – it can be quite difficult to get an idea of what the GBA is actually selling for.
How much is a Game Boy Advance worth today? The original Game Boy Advance sells for $65 on average, according to recently sold eBay listings. While the redesigned Game Boy Advance SP (model AGS 001) goes for $85, and the brighter backlit SP (model AGS 101) sells for $120. Additionally, the Game Boy Micro – the GBA's final redesign – sells for $158 on average.
| Model | Loose (average price sold) |
Complete-In-Box (average price sold) |
Amazon (starting price) |
Game Boy Advance (original)
|
$65 | $115 | $55+ |
GBA SP (AGS 001)
|
$85 | $240 | $88+ |
GBA SP (AGS 101)
|
$120 | $160 | $100+ |
GBA Micro
|
$158 | $240 | $239+ |
As you can see, GBA prices vary quite drastically. And this is based largely on several key factors, including the model, the condition the console is in, whether or not the system comes with its original box and manual, and even the retailer used to buy or sell.
There are a small handful of new GBA consoles on sale online at retailers like eBay. However, like other retro consoles, there isn’t a “going rate” for new, in-the-box GBA consoles because they are so rare. That being said, expect to pay hundreds and even thousands of dollars for a factory-sealed unit.
(Please note: Prices and information below are accurate as of May 19, 2023. This article has been and will continue to be updated to reflect current rates, but prices can fluctuate. Additionally, the information provided is based on the models released in the United States. Models released in other regions may differ from the prices shown below.)
How Much is a Game Boy Advance worth?
Pricing Overview:
- Console Only: $65-$75
- Complete-In-Box: $115-$180
- Refurbished: $110
- New: ~$1,150+
Pricing At Popular Retailers:
- eBay (console only average price sold): $65
- Lowest price sold: $65 (good condition)
- Highest price sold: $75 (tested and working)
- eBay (complete-in-box average price sold): $115
- Lowest price sold: N/A
- Highest price sold: $180 (good condition)
- Amazon (third-party sellers’ asking prices): $55+
- Amazon (Renewed): $110
As consoles are often bundled with games, it is certainly helpful to know what those are selling for too. For more information on the price of GBA games, please check out our continuously updated article: How Much Are Game Boy Advance Games Worth?
The eBay prices above are calculated using the retailer’s data of units sold within three months previous to when this article was last updated (May 19, 2023).
How Much is a Game Boy Advance SP (AGS 001) worth?
Pricing Overview:
- Console Only: $85-$100
- Complete-In-Box: $115-$400
- Refurbished: $200
- New: ~$900+
Pricing At Popular Retailers:
- eBay (console only average price sold): $85
- Lowest price sold: $86 (working with charger)
- Highest price sold: $100 (bundled with 3 games)
- eBay (complete-in-box average price sold): $240
- Lowest price sold: $115 (bundled with 3 games)
- Highest price sold: $400 (like new)
- Amazon (third-party sellers’ asking prices): $88+
- Amazon (Renewed): $200
The eBay prices above are calculated using the retailer’s data of units sold within three months previous to when this article was last updated (May 19, 2023).
How Much is a Game Boy Advance SP (AGS 101) worth?
Pricing Overview:
- Console Only: $110-$149
- Complete-In-Box: $142-$205
- Refurbished: $190
- New: N/A
Pricing At Popular Retailers:
- eBay (console only average price sold): $120
- Lowest price sold: $110 (bundled with 3 games)
- Highest price sold: $149 (great condition)
- eBay (complete-in-box average price sold): $160
- Lowest price sold: $142 (good condition)
- Highest price sold: $205 (like new)
- Amazon (third-party sellers’ asking prices): $100+
- Amazon (Renewed): $190
The eBay prices above are calculated using the retailer’s data of units sold within three months previous to when this article was last updated (May 19, 2023).
How Much is a Game Boy Micro worth?
Pricing Overview:
- Console Only: $133-$179
- Complete-In-Box: $225-$269
- Refurbished: $320
- New: ~$500+
Pricing At Popular Retailers:
- eBay (console only average price sold): $158
- Lowest price sold: $133 (in good condition with faceplates and a new battery)
- Highest price sold: $179 (in good condition with charger)
- eBay (complete-in-box average price sold): $240
- Lowest price sold: $225 (in good condition)
- Highest price sold: $269 (like new)
- Amazon (third-party sellers’ asking prices): $239+
- Amazon (Renewed): $320
The eBay prices above are calculated using the retailer’s data of units sold within three months previous to when this article was last updated (May 19, 2023).
What are the differences between the Game Boy Advance, the Game Boy Advance SP, and the Game Boy Micro?
All of the handheld systems in the GBA family of consoles look quite different from one another, but there are a handful of important, non-obvious distinctions to note as well.
Game Boy Advance
- The Game Boy Advance is the original model in Nintendo’s GBA line of handheld consoles.
- The unit has a comfortable ergonomic design.
- The original GBA plays Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, and original Game Boy games.
Game Boy Advance SP
- The Game Boy Advance SP’s screen is much brighter than the original model (thanks to its backlit screen for the 101 model, or the frontlit screen for the 001 model).
- The SP switched over to a clamshell design.
- The SP still plays GBA, GBC, and original Game Boy games.
- The SP requires an adapter to connect standard headphones.
Game Boy Micro
- The Game Boy Micro is the final console in the GBA family.
- It is by far the smallest of any of the GBA consoles.
- It features an extremely bright and vivid backlit screen.
- The Micro can be customized with swappable faceplates.
- The console can only play GBA games.
- It requires an adapter to connect to other GBA consoles.
This is just a brief overview of the essential differences between the different GBA consoles. For an in-depth breakdown of all of the pros and cons, check out our complete comparison: Game Boy Advance vs GBA SP vs Game Boy Micro.
What is the difference between the Game Boy Advances SP AGS-001 and the AGS-101?
The two SP models have important differences but are actually incredibly similar – making it difficult to differentiate between them. So, how can you tell the difference between the AGS-001 and the AGS-101?
Well, the main difference between the Game Boy Advance SP AGS-001 and the AGS-101 is the screen brightness.
The AGS-001 is the first of the two SP models, and it was a major step up from the display of the original GBA thanks to its frontlit screen. The AGS-101 took it one step further with its backlit screen and by adding an option for an additional level of brightness resulting in a march sharper display than the AGS-001.
It is important to note, though, that both models will look very similar upon startup, but the 101 has another brightness level that is unlocked by pressing the backlight button a second time. The AGS-001, on the other hand, only has the ability to turn the front light on or off.
Even without even turning the consoles on, there are actually a few other ways to tell the two models apart. The first (and perhaps most obvious way) is to look for the serial number on the back of the system.
In the top-left corner, the Model No. will either read “AGS-001” or “AGS-101”. Also, the 001 will have a grey screen when the power is turned completely off while the 101 screen will appear more black.
Lastly, the AGS-101 came in the following colors: Pearl Blue, Pearl Pink, Graphite, Surf Blue, Pink, and Tribal. Also, the AGS-101 came in a couple of limited edition models featuring both SpongeBob SquarePants and Pikachu.
To see more about the differences between the two SP models and how to tell them apart, check out our complete comparison: Game Boy Advance SP AGS-001 vs 101.
What about limited editions and color variants?
Like most modern handheld consoles, the GBA family of systems had its fair share of limited editions. The original GBA came in a wide variety of colors, and the SP had its share of color variants as well.
For the most part, colors don’t appear to affect pricing too much, but there are a couple of limited edition consoles that can bump up the unit’s value considerably.
For the original GBA, the Pokémon Center New York system seems to be the only model that goes for significantly more than the other original units. Notably on the SP side, the NES Game Boy Advance SP, the Gold Game Boy Advance SP, and the Zelda Edition Game Boy Advance SP are worth more than the other models as well. And, as for the Game Boy Micro, the 20th Anniversary Edition usually goes for more than the standard model.
Related Questions
Does GameStop buy Game Boy Advance consoles?
No, according to GameStop's website, they are no longer buying the Game Boy Advance family of consoles.
Does GameStop carry Game Boy Advance systems in-store?
No, unfortunately, GameStop no longer carries Game Boy Advance consoles.
Where else can I buy and sell Game Boy Advance consoles and games?
Local used game stores, flea markets, and pawnshops are all good places to buy and sell used games. Garage sales and stores like Goodwill are also really underrated places to find some hidden gems if you're looking to buy.