GBA Cable

Description

The GBA Cable is a special accessory that connects the Nintendo GameCube console to a Game Boy Advance (GBA) handheld system. It plugs into the GameCube controller port on one end and the GBA’s link cable port on the other. It was used in a number of ways:

1. Bonus Content: Some games offer extras like new levels, characters, or items when connected to it.
2. The GBA as a Controller/Screen, offering a dual experience that was a precursor to the Wii U GamePad.
3. Transferring  data, either save data or small games that could be temporarily played on the GBA.

Although not commonly used by developers, it certainly was not rare, with many good examples of it in practice. I bought a retail boxed version before realising I’d end up with a number of them included with software that utilised the feature.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures used the GBA as both a controller and a personal screen, allowing each player to have their own view during multiplayer gameplay. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles let players use GBAs to access private menus like inventory and maps, making co-op gameplay more immersive and strategic. Animal Crossing used the cable to let players visit a secret island, transfer items, and even download NES games to play on the GBA. Sonic Adventure 2 Battle and Sonic Advance allowed players to raise and transfer Chao creatures between the two games, think the Dreamcast Visual Memory crazily improved. Sonic Team also implemented it in Phantasy Star Online Ep. 1&2 with some special time-limited online events. I recall finishing a Christmas mission would trigger a game being downloaded online then transferred to the GBA to play. You could disconnect and play the game, but it was only stored in the GBA memory, so was lost once powered down. Still, in 2002 we had game distribution over the internet to a portable device! This really was a versatile accessory.