my grandpa gave me his gba sp that he got from a garage sale for one dollar and it's the ags-101 model

I lost my first 101 on the subway, I got the 001 as a gift, but man, you don’t know what you miss until it’s gone.

I remember getting my first GBA SP. when I heard a new GBA was out and had a screen that lights up, I immediately wanted one, and asked my dad to get me one. I was surprised when he said sure, and that evening we drove for 2 hours to the nearest Target to buy one, and then another 2 hours back home. I picked the Surf Blue edition AGS 001 (AGS 101 was still not out as the GBA SP was brand new). I loved that GBA SP, but my dad still wouldn’t let me play it at night in the car because of “glare” (in the days before cell phones, people weren’t used to driving at night with lights on in the car). I eventually gave my SP as a gift to my now ex-girlfriend. I just went online and bought a GBA SP IPS v2, but also bought a very lightly used GBA SP AGS 001 just for the nostalgia, and can’t wait for them to arrive so I can replay Pokémon Emerald and Leaf Green. 👍

AGS-001 master race. Play with ease in the sun, don't burn your retinas to ashes while playing in the dark

I had one of these when I was like 8 then I moved and forgot to bring it and I like actually cried

I prefer the 001. I struggle with migraines so the additional brightness bothers me when I'm playing at night time with low light. I can see why most would enjoy the 101.

These two both have their up's and downs. AGS 001 +play in sun light +Less Ghosting then AGS 101 +Longer battery +Cheaper -Washed out colors. -less rare then AGS 101 AGS 101 +More Rare the AGS 001 +Brighter Screen +Two Brightness levels +Better Color -Less Battery play time -Screen has motion -Not as good in Sun light -More Money The AGS 001 last about 6-8 hours with volume up all the way and light on. The AGS 101 last about 4-6 hours With volume Up all the way. Fun modded is installing a DSi XL Battery in AGS 001 or 101 AGS 101 Last about 8- 12 With low bightness and volume up all the way, I put a ORBITAL RECHARGEABLE BATTERY 2000 mAh 3.7v in it

I got a 001 as a kid but I still love that thing. Fantastic device.

The 001 is actually pretty good, especially in the sunlight, but it's also pretty good in the dark. But if you're looking to get a gba sp for cheap I would recommend getting a 001 because it's also very common.

I was feeling nostalgic for my old gba sp and I ordered one off of amazon only for the lighting to be super dark, a lot darker than I remember. I thought it was broken, so I went online and found this video only to realize I ordered the wrong model smh. Ah well, still works beautifully in every other category.

I personally prefer the 001 I can see the whole screen night and day, I can play on roadtrips under the sun, youll be hard pressed to to do that with 101 though not everyday is a roadtrip.With a grain of salt.

I use everything with very low brightness to save my eyes, so I love the 001. Longer battery, plays in sunlight.

Pokemon Crystal meth, a game you can stay up playing for four days!

I prefer 001 cause of the battery life and the kinda reverse amoled effect where the screen doesnt turn on where white is

I’m glad I found this video I had a AGS 101 aqua blue, and I sold it due to my carelessness and financial distress. I recently bought a new Pink GBASP and I was like “wasn’t the screen brighter” only to realize I bought the 001 model. The device is perfect condition with barley any scratches on it. The dim screen is a blessing in disguise since I have eyesight issues and get headaches from bright scenes. So I’m happy I realized my game boy wasn’t broken and just a different model. Thanks so much man.

Yeah, I actually prefer the AGS-001. The brighter light on the 101 is nice, but I tend to keep my brightness settings low because I play for long periods of time. The option to turn the light off helps keep me from getting headaches or hurting my eyes in a well-lit room.

I had both systems. The 001 brightness is perfect to me. 101 tends to wear my eyes faster.

For the new backlit models (AGS-101) the colors are Black, LIGHT Blue, and Pink... i put light blue in all caps because there is a dark blue and that is the original release model so keep that in mind... LIGHT Blue

video was a bit long for what it needed to be, but the 101 is a crazy price, where i can pick up a 001 for a tenner with charger

Took me 2 years to find both with no scratches at all.. worth the money and time. I love them both.

Thanks for the video brother, really appreciate it! Helps a lot as I'm hunting for a Gameboy SP right now!

Thank you, very informative. Didn't realize there was any differences.

i’m spending my 18th bday money on an sp woohoo i love adulthood

I'm sure someone else has said it but the black one is known as Onyx and the 101 model has buttons darker than the shell. The 001 version has lighter buttons. Cobalt is blue.

I had the original gba but now I wish I had these. I thought they were stupid looking when they launched but that backlight makes a world of difference.

DAMN!!! I had no idea there was a difference. Thank you so much Jarrod! Ive been looking around to get a pair of GBASP's and this is more helpful that you could imagine.

The older model uses a screen that's designed to be read without any back/front light. This allows significant battery saving and during the day it's bright enough. But it comes with significant drawbacks - the colors are muted to increase light reflection and with the front light on, it's hard to get it very bright - but since that's only designed for when you're using it in the dark, that's not too much of a problem. The 101 uses a backlight similar to most modern displays and the image can't be seen with no back light but it can be brighter and the colors more vivid.

I have had a 101 since I was 4, still have it to this day :))))

AGS-101, DSi AND 3DS and you're good to go. DS games look so much better on DSi than they do on 3DS. I prefer to play Soul Silver on my DSi XL anyway.

I’m super excited I put a pink one on hold! I had a choice between regular blue and the pink, I had no idea the difference but it turns out pink is gas 101! $20 with a copy of fire red and a case!

I quickly ran to check my old abandoned SP and found out that sadly it's a 001. But people in the comments pointed out a few pros of the 001 like a better screen under sunlight and more battery life. Two elements that definitely would have helped more than a 101 if I think back to my childhood, 2003 to 2006 playing Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald with class mates between first and fifth grade, in the school garden during recess and lunch break, under blinding sunlight 🥲 Good memories

thankyou for doing this comparison video, i was playing pokemon ruby on my sp black with graphite buttons and was literally thinking what type i have now i found out i have the ags 001 :( i miss the 2nd version very good

I have owned two AGS-101s, one of which got the screen busted and the hinge cracked. Recently, after 6 years, I ordered a replacement shell and one of those new IPS screens that are actually cheaper than the original backlit screen, and it looks phenomenal. I recommend to anyone with a SP that needs to be restored or they just want to upgrade, especially if they have the AGS-001 (frontlit) model.

oh my god so glad i found this. i have an old sp laying around and was about to spend 12 bucks on a charger so i can play it again. you just saved me 12 bucks good sir

I actually checked mine today! They both powered up like they did 10 yrs ago. Wow great batteries

I use to have 2 or 3 of these when I was a kid. An honestly was probably my favorite hand held device I’ve ever had. Now I can’t find one any where. Pawn shops never have them marketplace never has then. Craigslist usually only has broken ones ment for parts. For some reason I’ve been feeling hella nostalgic lately an I been wanting one.

I don't mind my sp, but it's just quite dim. I do like how you can turn the fronlight off, though. Like the og Advance, playing in a bright place really shows off the screen and makes it look like that of a 101.

Thanks! I just found out I also have the 101! I Appreciate it 😎👊🏼💯

I actually prefer the 001 model, because I brightness is killing me with the 101 model.. :-)

I grew up with a Gameboy Advance so in 2021 when I got my first SP AGS 001. I was still very happy with it. I still want to have both just for collecting purposes. but there's nothing wrong with playing a AGS 001.

Wow I own both models and I didn't even know until now!

Wow what a screen difference. I just picked up a modded GBA with backlight installed. Its soooo awesome for gameboy games! Need do a vid to show it

+Project COE I was wondering, could you swap the hardware from the 101 into the 001 shell?

I used to own this black beauty. I miss it soo much... The only advantage of 001 is that you can play it in the sun since it's not backlit. This could actually be really handy if trying to play in the car on a sunny day. With 101 I always had to put covers on the car window. Ah the memories.

my eyes get really sensitive to brightness, the AGS-001 is perfect for me. yes the colours aren't as good, but at least the light shines UPWARD onto the screen, rather than OUTWARD and destroying my retinas if i play in the dark lol

I grew up playing the original Game Boy back in the very early 90's. I stopped buying systems after N64 came out. That was the last console I ever bought. Now for the past 3 years I got back into it for the nostalgia. I never owned a GBA, I'm pretty sure since I still love the original Game Boy that I'd probably be happy with a 001.

Bought the red 001 with 2 games and charger for $45 yesterday.... Will buy the 101 eventually.

I still miss my AGS 001. :( might not be good in modern standards, but it was amazing when it came out, especially since my family would go on long road trips and my dad wouldn’t let me use the car light to play, having a built-in light was completely outstanding.

thanks for the tip i was thinking to get a gameboy sp and now i know why i realy wanted a backlit screen on the 101 model.👍👍👍😇😇😇👍👍👍😇😇😇👍👍👍😇😇😇👍👍👍😇😇😇

You missed the most important thing in this review. AGS 001 screen could be powered by the power of the SUN, no way that 101 can match that ^_^

I just bought a 001. Was sad that the screen was so dim. Then was given a 101 and I love it

Thanks. Going to Goodwill and check the serial numbers

Thanks great review!

The AGS-101 backlit model is the superior model.

Just bought a 101 with a bunch of extra stuff for $120 on ebay, I was happy to find one for relatively cheap.

I have both, had the 101 as my childhood gameboy and one day yeeeears back I found a gameboy on a garage sale for 10$ with games included that had had different lighting to my old one, turns out it was the 001 I can't believe I just found out today after so many years 😅 but it's nice to play on both

I had the old gray model when I was little and dropped in water. Never got a new one. Getting one now at GameStop making sure I get the newer model!

I got the side-lit/front-lit version in 2003 - I didn't even know about the back-lit version!

I got a 001 for $20 Canadian at a Value Village. Works perfectly after cleaning the charging port and battery contacts. When I bought originally bought it it refused to charge and was completely dead.

Is it possible to swop the ags 001 screen with an ags 101 screen by taking them apart and installing the 101 screen on the 001 circuit board?

Thanks this was so helpful

Legit just bought one for $57 with a charger and car charger in mint condition too

I have the original GameBoy advance. I never had an SP version. My original one sure got a lot of use though back in the day!

Thanks for the help bro. u answered all my questions. 👊 to ebay now 😃

Just ordered me a Graphite AGS 101, it was a $174 I hope it’s worth it for that brighter screen, also I’ve always wanted a 101.

Very nice video!

How does the 001 compare to the launch GBA when used outside?

i just got a pristine legend of zelda themed gold one that is DEFINITELY ags 101 but the back claims that it's ags-001 so i'm kinda confused. does this make it more valuable?

I recently purchased a combo meal deal (001, and 101 with Pokemon Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby, Leaf Green) for a damn good price. I have owned these units for about 3 days and I started a fresh run of Emerald. I actually got my shiny Torchic very quick...my game has about 24hrs on it already and Torchic is a Blaziken (L52). 90% of the time I love my 101 because its bright; but I found that the 001 is fantastic at night. The 101 is is just too bright for night time play the light (at the low setting) is piercing. The 001 has just the right amount of light for night time play. I had my 001 up for sale up until I made 2 realizations...I need a second game boy for some evolution and the night time play preference with the 001 screen. If you are going to own one get the 101; but I'd pick up a 001 beater for night time play.

So I never realized this when I got my SP for $20 last year but I have the 101 model & now found out people are paying big bucks for it 😅 I'm keeping mine mind you but when I see any for sale I'll snag them up for sure!

There both great gba they both are different because one is brighter then the other there still fun and you can pick them up and you can still buy them online at different prices I have both models love them both.

It's also a baby blue looking color for the last color of the 101

I have a 001 but i like it, my first gameboy, never gonna trade

I don’t know why but I like the 101 model a lot more. I’ve always liked bright screens for some reason.

wow that’s crazy sbsvv me and my brother got our gba sps for Christmas as kids and i always thought mine had a brighter screen than his ... turns out mine was the 101 😅 not selling it though, I love the thing to death and I still play it all the time 💞 I always thought my screen was just a fluke as a kid

Who remembers using the nyko side light with the GBC??🙋🏻‍♂️. Also have this sweet spider man light for the regular GB advance. So coming from that my sp 001 was like heaven lol.

This made me interested so i found my old blue GameBoy... it's an iQue manufactured AGS-101 model! Cool.

i just upgraded my 101 with a 18650 quad 8 Ah battery. now it lasts up to 40 hours

I use the 001 SP sometimes when playing in almost/total darkness. 90% of the time though AGS101 modded original GBA.

I might get the 001 for longer lasting battery, even the 101's lowest setting can be too bright.

I prefer the first model. I liked that front light.

I can’t wait to get it but it’s been hard to find it.

I knew I got the wrong gameboy! As a child I remember the screen was brighter even at the lowest setting! Thought I was delusional for a second! Great vid my guy

Ags 101 logics: Dark:Bright Bright:Way too Bright GBA. IS MARIO KART CONFIRMED

Didn't know I had the 101 model. I didn't even know about these differences 10 years ago when I got it. Despite what people say, battery on 101 model is pretty good

My gba looks pretty bright with the the setting on and it looks like the 101. But it looks more like a 001 when i turn the brightness off. I can still see the game fine but it doesnt show much of the resemblence to the 101 with the light off. So im confused if mine is a 101 or 001, because there isnt a sticker on the back because it was peeled off

Can someone help me? I had one of these (don't remember which version) when I was a kid. I want to buy one now but I can't decide which one should I go for. I want to play with it while I travel (I travel at least 3 hours a day) so I thought I should buy the 101 because I could see it better in sunlight, but everyone here says that the 001 version is better in sunlight. Any advice? thanks in advance!

Great stuff Sir! I'm on the hunt for a 101... eBay is full of "rebuilt" 101's, do you know if they are any good?

I found my ags-001 at my parents with Pokemon gold and final fantasy 7, I forgot how great this little system is

What is the price of AGS 101 in good shape with few games and accessories? Where is worth to buy? Amazon? Thx

Big difference between the two models screens. I owned the original GBA and then bought an sp when they came out. Mine had the front light and it was great at the time, but everyone should try and get a 101 backlit version. I own the green micro which looks brilliant with its adjustable backlight but some people hate it due to the small size. Its awesome for taking with you on the go though and is miles cheaper than an sp 101. Unless you get a limited edition or something

I mean... i have a 369 games in 1 cartridge for the GBA and i have 2 GBA SP's: one AGS-001 and one AGS-101... so yeah i will try and use the AGS-101 as much as possible but let's say it starts running low and i still wanna keep playing, i have no problem switching to the AGS-001 continuing my gaming session on that AGS-001 GBA SP....

I got two GBA SPs. One was in mint condition and it was an AGS 101 but it was silver. I got it in a trade for a cheap BBQ Rib Banquet Dinner and a can of Pepsi. I got the AGS 001 in avg-good condition I would say (it has two scratches along the outer shell) for free. Just need to get a new battery for it as it only holds a charge for about 20 mins and then dies.

I used to have the NES Edition GBA SP, it was amazing

I honestly prefer the 001 model. the battery seems to last longer and the screen is easier on my eyes

The AGS 101 model also came in a special Spongebob edition

Perks of 001. Longer Battery life. Easy on the eyes allowing for longer game play with out eye strain. You can play it outside in the sunlight. Honestly I prefer the 001 over 101.

I have both, and tbh I like the frontlight better, idk why

Had a friend i was living with at the time throw his 101 in the trash. It wasn't even broken. Needless to say I grabbed it out of the bin and have been playing it myself since.

You really didn’t have to make this long video just to say that the AGS 101 has a brighter screen Lmaoo