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 The
GameBoy Advance is an Edutaining Kids Recommended product (with
the SP edition featuring significant improvements to warrant its
purchase). It's a fantastic portable gaming platform.
GameBoy Advance Videos are now
available for the platform. Kids can't interact with them, but for owners of the
GameBoy Advance, these videos can bring welcome relief when
families with young children are traveling—whether it's to
the grocery store or to another city. Families can also take the
videos along on trips to the doctor's office or any situation that
requires kids waiting patiently. The videos feature episodes
of popular TV series in full color. Of course, the screen is only
approximately 1.5 by 2.5 inches big, and the sound quality is not
fantastic. However, kids love the videos. If big brother or sister
already owns a GBA, many families will want to purchase at least
one GBA Video for their preschoolers. Older kids might enjoy the
videos as well, but usually don't enjoy watching them again and
again. Preschoolers, however, are notorious for watching the same
videos over and over.
GameBoy Advance Video:
SpongeBob Squarepants Volume 1 features 4 full Spongebob
episodes: Bubblestand, Ripped Pants, Jellyfishing,
and Plankton. Whether it's a contest to see who is the most
talented at blowing bubbles, or a hilarious (and unintentional)
case of ripped pants, these episodes are sure to delight young
SpongeBob fans. One of our testers was delighted that some of her
absolute favorite episodes were included in this volume. The
series is zany and fun, and there's no contesting Spongebob's
popularity. The four episodes contained in Volume 1 are superb.
This product runs 44 minutes
total, and features the ability to pause the movie, control
brightness, move to the previous or next chapter (using the Left
and Right buttons), as well as fast forward and rewind capabilities.
Parents are able to lock the directional pad control so that kids
are unable to fast forward or rewind the movie.
Many children are attracted to
the VideoNow unit, but if you already own a GameBoy Advance, these
videos make more sense. The sound is superior, and the screen is
larger. If it comes down to a choice between
purchasing a VideoNow or a GameBoy Advance, keep in mind that the
GameBoy Advance can do a lot more than just play videos. We
recommend the GBA system.
Also available: Game Boy Advance Video: SpongeBob SquarePants, Vol. 2
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Pros: |
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- Excellent for passing time on car
trips and situations when young children have to wait.
- Four full episodes with chaptering,
fast forward and rewind, and pause features.
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Cons: |
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- A tad pricey
- Sound quality is not perfect, although
young children are unlikely to notice.
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[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Game Boy Advance Video: SpongeBob
SquarePants, Vol. 1] |
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| Reviewed January 2005 |
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