they aren't just for games anymore

Ever since I got my GBA SP I've been obsessed with its potential as more than just a gaming platform. I mentioned SongPro a while back, and then how it should be converted into a mobile multiplayer gaming platform. The NY Times has a really cool article on various technologies used to bring full-length movies to the GBA (link via gizmodo). Majesco is offering something called a "Video Pak" which has a video pre-loaded onto it, and will be manufactured by Nintendo. TuneIn Entertainment is creating a battery-powered docking station for the GBA, which would then play 3" CDs with movies on them. Both are cool concepts in theory, but I can't really see the quality of the video being that great; the article says it would be equivalent to VHS. Still, I think that these emerging technologies to expand the use of the GBA are great and will only help to extend the usefulness and life of the product. Apparently Sony is developing a similar device for its upcoming Playstation Portable system that was announced at E3 this year.

The more I read about this stuff, though, the more I am reminded of the Sega Game Gear. It was released in 1991 with a backlighted screen and you could purchase a TV tuner for it. I suppose Sega was just cursed with bad timing; every one of their products was advanced for its time.