Yes, the Game Boy Advance is Absolutely Still Worth Something Today

The Game Boy Advance (GBA) is a 32-bit handheld video game console that Nintendo released globally between 2001 and 2004. As one of Nintendo‘s most beloved, best-selling, and influential gaming systems, the Game Boy Advance holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers today.

But beyond just nostalgia, is the Game Boy Advance still actually worth anything in 2024? Can you still make money by selling GBA hardware or games?

The short answer is: Yes, absolutely! Vintage and retro gaming consoles like the Game Boy Advance are seeing a resurgence among collectors and gamers. Both loose systems and complete-in-box (CIB) GBAs are selling for solid prices on eBay and other marketplaces.

Certain rare games are going for hundreds of dollars, especially sealed. So while the GBA may not make you rich overnight, selling off your old collection can definitely earn you some nice extra cash today.

Below I‘ll provide a detailed look at exactly how much your Game Boy Advance gear could be worth, which models and games fetch the highest prices, factors that increase value, and why the GBA market is growing.

Game Boy Advance Console Values

The Game Boy Advance had several different models released over its lifespan, along with many special and limited editions. Here‘s a closer look at how much each GBA version sells for today:

Original GBA (AGB-001)

This is the first Game Boy Advance model, initially released in 2001. It featured a frontlit screen but no backlight.

• Loose – $50 to $100
• Complete in Box (CIB) – $150 to $200

Image source: Nintendo

Game Boy Advance SP (AGS-001)

The clamshell GBA SP arrived in 2003 with a frontlit screen and rechargeable battery. It sold over 43 million units.

• Loose – $75 to $130
• CIB – $200 to $300

Image source: Nintendo

Game Boy Micro (OXY-001)

The tiny Game Boy Micro was released in 2005 as the last GBA model. It lacked backward compatibility with older Game Boy games.

• Loose – $80 to $150
• CIB – $250 to $400

Image source: Nintendo

Most Valuable Game Boy Advance Games

The Game Boy Advance had an amazing library of over 1,500 games. While most are affordable, some of the rarest titles can sell for exorbitant prices:

Common games like Super Mario Advance or Mario Kart: Super Circuit generally sell for $15 to $40 loose. But brand new, sealed copies can sell for over $100 due to rarity.

Why Game Boy Advance Prices Are Increasing

So what factors are driving up prices for the GBA and its games over time? There are several key reasons:

• Nostalgia – Millennials who grew up with the GBA are now adults with disposable income and a longing for their childhood favorites.

• Collectibility – Retro gaming has become a popular hobby, with collectors seeking rare and valuable games.

• Limited Supply – GBA systems and new-in-box games are getting harder to find, making them more scarce.

• Investment Potential – Some buyers see vintage games as an alternative asset class similar to comic books or trading cards.

According to PriceCharting, the average resale price for loose Game Boy Advance systems has increased nearly 60% from $43 in 2020 to $68 in 2022. Complete-in-box (CIB) prices have jumped from around $100 to nearly $200 over the past 3 years.

Clearly, Game Boy Advance demand is on the rise, and that trend seems likely to continue.

Tips for Making the Most Money from Your GBA

If you have an old Game Boy Advance or stack of games sitting around, here are some tips to maximize their value:

• Clean and Restore – Refurbish the system and games to look as close to new as possible. This can significantly boost value.

• Keep Original Boxes/Manuals – CIB complete sets fetch much higher prices than loose cartridges alone.

• Check for Rarity – Research which games and editions are hardest to find to spot potentially valuable titles.

• Grading Services – For especially valuable games, professional grading/authentication services like WATA can maximize resale prices.

• Auction Listings – Consider auction-style listings to let bidding drive up prices rather than instant Buy It Now sales.

• Bundle Games/Accessories – Selling systems and games in bundles can attract buyers and increase overall value.

Should You Buy a Game Boy Advance in 2024?

For gamers who don‘t already own some Game Boy Advance gear, is it worth buying one today? I would say absolutely, yes!

Here are some of the best reasons to get a GBA in 2024:

• Affordable Price – Even "expensive" CIB systems cost less than modern consoles.

• Great Game Library – 800+ games with many iconic Nintendo franchises and RPGs.

• Portability – Compact size makes it perfect for gaming on the go.

• Homebrew Options – Huge scene for emulators, ROM hacks and fan games.

• Vibrant Community – Still an active ecosystem of collectors, players and developers.

• Investment Potential – Continued price gains make GBAs a solid investment.

And thanks to the GBA‘s simple hardware and legacy support, they are easy to keep working and playing games on today. Getting into Game Boy Advance collecting and gaming is both fun and affordable!

The Game Boy Advance Legacy Lives On

The Game Boy Advance represents an amazing era of portable gaming innovation by Nintendo. With its fantastic game library and sleek hardware design, the GBA was one of the most popular handhelds ever made.

Over 81 million systems were sold during its lifespan from 2001 to 2008. And because of its nostalgia factor and increasing rarity, the Game Boy Advance market is more vibrant than ever today in 2024.

Both as retro collectibles and as still-playable handhelds, the GBA and its games are absolutely worth real money to collectors and gamers in 2024. Reliving childhood memories or discovering its library for the first time, the Game Boy Advance provides endless, high-quality portable fun. Its legacy and value will live on for decades to come!