Nintendo of America unveiled a new model of its popular Game Boy Advance handheld at a press conference held in New York this morning. The Game Boy Advance SP features a new clamshell design, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and an internal light to make it easier to use under a variety of lighting conditions. The clamshell design serves to protect the screen from scratches and reduces the unit's overall size when closed. When folded, the handheld is a little more than three inches square and about one inch thick. The GBA SP is completely compatible with all GBA games.

　　As for US specifics, the Game Boy Advance SP is scheduled to ship in North America on March 23 for a price of $99.95. While three colors have been announced for the GBA SP's launch in Japan and Europe, only two colors, platinum and cobalt, will be available in the US.

　　Nintendo has revealed some additional details on the new device's rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is designed to provide 10 hours of gameplay with the light enabled and 18 hours with the light turned off. The front-light feature is controlled via a button on the unit's face, which can be used to turn it on or off as needed. It's worth pointing out that the GBA SP does not include a dimmer. The battery will require three hours to recharge and can be charged while the GBA SP is in use. The lithium-ion battery will be the only means of powering the system, as it will not be possible to use standard AA batteries. Nintendo estimates the lithium-ion battery will last roughly three years.

　　One notable difference between the two GBA models, besides their size, is the GBA SP's lack of a headphone jack. However, it will still be possible to use headphones with the system via a cable, sold separately, that will plug into the power-adapter port. Pricing for the headphone jack cable has not yet been announced.

　　During a question-and-answer session following the unveiling, it was revealed that the Game Boy Advance SP is intended to complement the existing Game Boy Advance currently on the market. Nintendo intends to produce both Game Boy Advance units for the foreseeable future.

　　Following the press conference, we were able to check out prototype units. The GBA SP is compact and felt comfortable in our hands. The light worked exceptionally well on the games that were on hand for the demo, most notably Metroid Fusion. The power switch, situated on the right side of the unit, was similar to the one on the present GBA model. However, the volume control--which is situated on the left side of the unit--is now a slider as opposed to the original wheel design. Cartridges load in the front of the unit. The face buttons, including the new light button, are all recessed into the unit, which works with the small rubber feet surrounding the screen to protect it when the unit is folded. The shoulder buttons have been shortened considerably compared with the original GBA design in order to accommodate the two ports on the back of the unit: the GBA link cable port and the AC adapter port.

　　Here's a full list of specs for the Game Boy Advance SP:

　　Approximate Size (Closed): Height 3.33 inches, width 3.23 inches, depth 0.96 inches

　　CPU: 32-bit RISC CPU with embedded memory

　　Screen: 2.9-inch reflective TFT color LCD

　　Light Source: Front lights have been integrated with the existing reflective LCD

　　Display Size: 1.61 inches by 2.41 inches (identical to the Game Boy Advance)

　　Resolution: 240x160 pixels (identical to the Game Boy Advance)

　　Color: Simultaneously displays more than 32,000 colors (identical to the Game Boy Advance)

　　Weight: Approximately 5 ounces

　　Power Supply: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

　　Battery Life: 10 hours continuous play with three hour recharging period; 18 hours continuous play with light function disabled

　　Hardware Color: Platinum and cobalt (metallic)

　　Release Date: March 23, 2003

　　Suggested Retail Price: $99.95

　　Peripheral Devices (Sold Separately): e-Reader, Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable, Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance Cable, Game Boy Advance SP Headphone Jack Adapter

　　Look for more on the Game Boy Advance SP in the coming weeks.