2001Game Link Cable
The wired way to play together. Chain up to four systems; in single-pak mode only one player even needs the cartridge — the game is sent over the cable.
- Up to 4 players
- Single-pak & multi-pak modes
- Also links to the e-Reader
Accessories hall
Accessories
Cables, adapters, a card scanner and a TV base — the official add-ons that stretched what a Game Boy Advance could do.
2001
2001e-Reader
A card scanner that plugs into the cartridge slot. Dot-code strips printed on cards carried whole NES games, new Super Mario Bros. 3 levels and Pokémon battle data.
- Reads dot-code cards
- Classic NES games on cards
- Does not fit the Game Boy Micro
Games that use it
2002GameCube – GBA Cable
Connects a GBA to a GameCube controller port. The handheld becomes a controller with its own private screen, or trades data with the console game — unlocking extras on both sides.
- GBA as a second screen
- Data transfer with GameCube games
Games that use it
2003Game Boy Player
A base that clips under the GameCube and plays GB, GBC and GBA cartridges on the TV. It is not an emulator: inside is hardware nearly identical to a GBA.
- Real GBA hardware inside
- Needs a boot disc
- Plays GB / GBC / GBA
Games that use it
2004Wireless Adapter
A small module for the link port that replaced the cable with radio. It arrived late, so only a few dozen games support it — but it turned Pokémon trading into something you could do across a room.
- Up to 5 players in a game
- About 46 compatible games
- Separate Game Boy Micro model (2006)
Games that use it
2005Play-Yan
A cartridge with an SD card slot that turned the GBA into an MP3 and video player. It drew too much power for the original GBA, so it ran on the SP, Micro and DS.
- MP3 & MPEG-4 from SD
- Not for the original GBA
- Never sold in North America