Mostly, this is just a way to have a more portable version of the GBA. It still has the top L and R buttons, so it is still fully functional. However, it is not backwards compatable like the other versions of the GBA. In other words, it can't play any type of Gameboy games other than the Advance ones. Personally, I wouldn't get it unless it was free, but that is because I already have both the SP and a Nintendo DS. However, if you don't have one of those, or just need something a bit more portable, it's a good idea. Some of the faceplates are actually pretty cool, too.