What You See is What You Get
David A. Dodson

Do you want a backlit GBA, but don't feel like shelling out big bucks for the SP? Do you likewise feel intimidated by backlighting kits that require major surgery to upgrade your GBA? Well Innovation Technologies welcomes you to the happy medium with the introduction of their Halo backlighting system for the GameBoy Advance. The Halo Light replaces the front protective lens of the GBA with a transparent lighted screen. The effect is supposed to be an even and thorough illumination of the playing screen no matter what the lighting conditions.

But does it work? Yes, and pretty well too. The lighting is indeed bright and consistent, even in pitch dark. Installation is a snap; simply pop off the cover screen with the handy removal tool (included), pop in the new Halo screen and plug the control node into your link port. If I went too fast for you, it comes with excruciatingly detailed instructions. Another bonus is the ability to dim and turn the power on and off from the outside without cutting the case. At full power, you can expect six to eight hour runs with conventional AA batteries.

The only drawbacks were actually sacrifices for the easy to install design. Other backlighting kits require that you place a sheet of anti reflective film over the LCD screen itself to reduce internal glare and color washout, a procedure eliminated here due to the dangers of dust and other foreign debris. Unfortunately that means you do get a little washout; it's not bad, but it is noticeable. The other problem comes from the external control node. Though it saves you the hassle and dangers of soldering wires to your motherboard, its sheer bulk prevents the GBA from fitting into some peripherals (most notably the TV Tuner, where a backlight is needed the most).

Aside from these relatively minor issues, the Halo Light is an excellent idea for those of you who want a great lighting system for just playing games. For about forty dollars, you can grab one just about anywhere games are sold, or online at ebgames.com.