Can you use Headphones with the GBA SP?

Chris Rock · 05-20-2003, 12:41 PM

OK, maybe I'm nuts, but it doesn't look like you can use headphones with the GBA SP? What am I missing?

Chris Rock · 05-20-2003, 12:43 PM

Ok, so I'll answer myself.

From the IGN review:

Quote:

The only real beef I have with the new design is that Nintendo omitted a headphone jack. I understand that concessions had to be made in order to fit the innards into the small case, but a headphone jack seems as if it should have been a priority. I use my GBA on the road frequently and I always use headphones with it. In order to use headphones you must buy a small adapter that fits into one of the jacks on the back panel. Granted, the adapter is very small and only costs about five bucks, but it's still a hassle. It's one more thing to carry around with a system that should be more self-contained. Further, I have a hard time believing that an 1/8-inch headphone jack and miniature headphone preamp couldn't be squeezed in. As it ships, sound comes from a mono speaker set right in the middle of the lower half of the body.

Brian Ruth · 05-20-2003, 01:12 PM

Chris:

If I'm not mistaken, 1/8 is the size used by most phones for combination earpiece/headset designs. I'm not totally sure, but I think any converter that converts standard size (3/8?) to 1/8 SHOULD work.

Mr. Brian · 05-20-2003, 01:13 PM

If you order GBA SP headphones through Nintendo, you don't need the adapter. They come terminated so it fits right into the jack. I think they are only available as a free gift with a one year subscription to Nintendo Power Magazine.

Brian

Michael St. Clair · 05-20-2003, 02:21 PM

Quote:

If you order GBA SP headphones through Nintendo, you don't need the adapter. They come terminated so it fits right into the jack. I think they are only available as a free gift with a one year subscription to Nintendo Power Magazine.

Yeah, but they aren't going to sound as good as the KSC-35 phones I use for all portables.

**HTF Ads**

MikeAlletto · 05-20-2003, 03:44 PM

Quote:

If I'm not mistaken, 1/8 is the size used by most phones for combination earpiece/headset designs. I'm not totally sure, but I think any converter that converts standard size (3/8?) to 1/8 SHOULD work.

The problem isn't the jack size, its that there isn't a jack at all. The adaptor plugs into the slot that you put the recharge AC adapter into. I haven't seen the adaptor at stores but Nintendo does list it on their site.

Brian Ruth · 05-21-2003, 01:48 AM

Mike:

Thanks for setting me straight on that.

I'd just keep your eye on the nintendo website - it'll be on there soon, I'm sure

DonRoeber · 05-21-2003, 08:24 AM

I got a non-Nintendo brand adapter for about $8 at EB a few months ago. Works great. There was a bunch of discussion on this very topic in the Video Game Hardware forum shortly after the GBASP was released.

Chris Rock · 05-21-2003, 11:40 AM

I picked up a Mad Catz "Macro Kit" for $15, including a hard case, headphone adapter, Car Charger and crappy Headphones.

Not bad.