This looks to be a prototype for Australia. It contains a Ctick used in AUS and Nz similar to the FCC Mark. It also contains an Australian Company Number or ACN that is still registered to Nintendo of Australia Pty Limited,, Formally called Meshelfco NO 170 PTY Limited. I am unsure when the name changed. I wonder if it was a protype used in Australia that was sent back to head office. I am not sure about the origional GBA but the GBA SP only contained the C Tick, no FCC markings at retail. Using a lack of fcc as a retail vs non retail distinguishing marker is not reliable if the prototype origionates outside the USA as they are the only user of fcc then and now Hope this was of interest and maybe added to the possible backstory a little
That's so odd, there's tens of Meshelfco companies all registered on the same date… Meshelfco No. 170, No. 57, No. 61… it's likely these were registered by a company that specializes in starting up companies. With a name like "Me shelf co", it seems a bit too obvious[1]. You would contact them and pay them to help you setup a company. Having the company already registered saves two purposes: faster transfer, artificial "aging" of the company. 1: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelf_corporation
@@brandonnesfan well it is revolutionary if you have been playing GBA for almost 3 years straight, beside that is hearing that tone coming from the Console is something that im not used to
"Spinning Around and Around" is actually just a mistranslation of Kurukuru Kururin, which had a prototype shown at Spaceworld 2000. The European release (it was unreleased in America until virtual console) uses the same name as the Japanese version albeit not in Japanese characters. The name is a pun on spinning as "kuru" means "spin". Guess Kururin could translate to Spinrin but that would be weird. (also just found out there was a level editor released for the GBA games, nice that the series is getting some recognition for once.)
You know what's strange? The proto and devkit's graphical glitches are introduced into emulated environments by simply using that prototype of the bootstrap.
I thought as well. The PCB itself looks pretty much identical to retail unit (at least the earlier, 40pin screen revision) with the exception of CPU having no markings, so I suspected the bios is responsible.
Another awesome video. Big thanks Tony, love the channel and you serving as a platform to showcase this stuff for the many hunters and collectors doing the Lord's work. You have played a pivotal role in preservation.
It's beautiful. Next GBA I mod, I'm going to replace the buttons with orange and make the case silver. My first one I just did is red, with black buttons.
This is such a good UA-cam channel, I don’t know any other channel that provides such extensive research and such a drive to preserve some of gaming’s rare oddities that I would never know about. Thanks for everything that you do!
One thing I notice, the prototype used a crystal oscillator (HC-49 SMD), while the retail appears to be using a ceramic resonator clocked at 4.194 MHz (with a 4x phase lock loop). The difference in clocks would most defiantly result in a 1% slower performance for the prototype version.
Notice how the battery compartment has that fin. Even the prototype had it. That's crazy. That fin stayed in use all the way to the Wii. It's probably back for the JoyCon battery pack for all I know. You could put 3rd party, 'Nyko Charge Station' Wiimote battery packs into the WaveBird & GBA just fine, but not be able to place the battery cover on it. Or on anything, actually. (Typical Nyko.)
Wonder if there’s a way to use this BIOS (or at least the animation) in a retail unit? I much prefer the sound of this one and would also love to build a replica.
The BIOS is probably a mask ROM. If it is, you'd need to get a programmable ROM chip and flash the prototype BIOS to it, but then you'd probably have the same issues with later games that the prototype system has.
So glad they ditched the silver colour scheme. Nintendo always seem to the paint plastic casing silver and this can wear away over the years. This happened to my silver Gameboy pocket.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Space_World I have worked very hard to glean every possible article about all them spacey bois n put em here. Check out how many bois sat in the cold outside, awaiting Shoshinkai 95 -- lotta lotta bois
The colors kinda line up with the original idea of the colors for the GameCube (Star cube) www.nintendoworldreport.com/guide/1749/gamecube-faq-star-cube
Gotta say, this is no entertaining prototype, if it can be called that way. It was like 95% finished retail model, I consider a prototype more to be some non-finished console. Gave a like nontheless.
You are correct. Most people refer to anything pre release as prototype though. Just wish this channel would correctly refer to a 'late development unit'.
@@kieranb3815 I think it is a moderate form of clickbaiting, or maybe some people just don't know better than to call anything pre-release a prototype.......
@@gamefreakjoey I was planning on doing it but I am just worried about shipping it again because it does have some issues and I don’t want to risk anything with it. I hope you understand stand. Thanks, Tom
the only cool game I ever got that was a "special" game was I got the retail unit of pokemon black or white, whichever one it was, and though the case had it as the last copy of it and the guy was supposed to let that one be the one still in there so people can see what it is that's on the floor for sell in Target, I got it when it came out and because I was going to just leave home sad and get it another day the guy considered still selling me it even though he wasn't supposed to cause of it being needed to show the kids what game it is they'll be buying, so I'm glad that he did, my dad I think was becoming friends with him beforehand, so I think thats one of the reasons as to why he reconsidered listening to the ruling of the video game floor that he had to manage :P
If you can make a longer, 10-20ish minute ASMR video of you just comparing the button sounds on that table, i'd appreciate it. It's a nice set of sounds.
A prototype is not a pre-release unit. If we are to record these correctly then call it what it is, a development unit and a very late one. There is a prototype out there, hopefully it still exists, but this not it. 'Proto' means the first or earliest form.
This looks to be a prototype for Australia. It contains a Ctick used in AUS and Nz similar to the FCC Mark. It also contains an Australian Company Number or ACN that is still registered to Nintendo of Australia Pty Limited,, Formally called Meshelfco NO 170 PTY Limited. I am unsure when the name changed.
I wonder if it was a protype used in Australia that was sent back to head office.
I am not sure about the origional GBA but the GBA SP only contained the C Tick, no FCC markings at retail. Using a lack of fcc as a retail vs non retail distinguishing marker is not reliable if the prototype origionates outside the USA as they are the only user of fcc then and now
Hope this was of interest and maybe added to the possible backstory a little
That's so odd, there's tens of Meshelfco companies all registered on the same date… Meshelfco No. 170, No. 57, No. 61… it's likely these were registered by a company that specializes in starting up companies. With a name like "Me shelf co", it seems a bit too obvious[1]. You would contact them and pay them to help you setup a company. Having the company already registered saves two purposes: faster transfer, artificial "aging" of the company.
1: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelf_corporation
Hey all! Bios was dumped! It's the same as another dumped prototype bios - which makes sense considering how it ran the games, etc.
if stuff like this is getting found, then it's only a matter of time until the Super Mario 64 demo is found
I hope* so sorry I have a french keybord
I hop so 2
i hope so 4
I hop so 5.
I jump so
2020 has been such a crazy year for finding so much lost games and consoles
2:20 My god hearing the boot-up sound in the GBA prototype its soo mind blowing, I mean im soo used to hear the normal boot-up, I got no words
How is it "soo mind blowing"? I mean yea its neat seeing a proto bios boot, but nothing too revolutionary
@@brandonnesfan well it is revolutionary if you have been playing GBA for almost 3 years straight, beside that is hearing that tone coming from the Console is something that im not used to
This channel is quickly becoming the go-to place for beta and prototype gaming shits. Love it!
Same here
OMG the sound button pushing comparison is a dream moment
I'm really digging that prototype start up. Sounds great.
Man theses units survived 2 decades... and they are still so clean... wow..
DAMN this brings back memories!!! Was at Spaceworld 2000 and remember this like it was yesterday.
As a kid I wanted this color badly and was really disappointed it never came out.
I've really wanted to build a GBA with the Spaceworld colour scheme for a long time, congrats on having the real deal
Same - I keep looking at the one in my drawer of DS and PSP parts I got from Japan a few years back and thinking it could be the one for it.
"Spinning Around and Around" is actually just a mistranslation of Kurukuru Kururin, which had a prototype shown at Spaceworld 2000. The European release (it was unreleased in America until virtual console) uses the same name as the Japanese version albeit not in Japanese characters. The name is a pun on spinning as "kuru" means "spin". Guess Kururin could translate to Spinrin but that would be weird. (also just found out there was a level editor released for the GBA games, nice that the series is getting some recognition for once.)
Honestly, “Spinning Around and Around” sounds like a legit localized name for some reason
I notice these units had a fairly similar color scheme to the 2DS xl.
Wow, you're right!
Also I think the should've released the GBA with these colors aswell because I like them!
You know what's strange? The proto and devkit's graphical glitches are introduced into emulated environments by simply using that prototype of the bootstrap.
I thought as well. The PCB itself looks pretty much identical to retail unit (at least the earlier, 40pin screen revision) with the exception of CPU having no markings, so I suspected the bios is responsible.
0:28 I thought he said “in the year 2010-tendo” or “2000 and ten-do”, like how some people say 2000 and 7 for the year, for example.
I’m fully expecting kits to customize a GBA to look this way now.
I'd buy a kit i like this look
Man I would kill for the blue button version
Very nice
Another awesome video. Big thanks Tony, love the channel and you serving as a platform to showcase this stuff for the many hunters and collectors doing the Lord's work. You have played a pivotal role in preservation.
It's beautiful.
Next GBA I mod, I'm going to replace the buttons with orange and make the case silver.
My first one I just did is red, with black buttons.
Only $600 for all of that? INCLUDING the prototype? Shit, he really lucked out.
I think the seller didn’t know he had a prototype and seeing it has graphical glitches maybe he thought it’s was a defective unit
arturoehr most likely the only explanation
Almost twice a Switch OLED...
Then again, I don't know how much these prototypes cost, but regularly that's a lot of money!
This is such a good UA-cam channel, I don’t know any other channel that provides such extensive research and such a drive to preserve some of gaming’s rare oddities that I would never know about. Thanks for everything that you do!
That start up sound is a lot softer and more pleasing to the ear
One thing I notice, the prototype used a crystal oscillator (HC-49 SMD), while the retail appears to be using a ceramic resonator clocked at 4.194 MHz (with a 4x phase lock loop). The difference in clocks would most defiantly result in a 1% slower performance for the prototype version.
Notice how the battery compartment has that fin. Even the prototype had it. That's crazy.
That fin stayed in use all the way to the Wii. It's probably back for the JoyCon battery pack for all I know.
You could put 3rd party, 'Nyko Charge Station' Wiimote battery packs into the WaveBird & GBA just fine, but not be able to place the battery cover on it. Or on anything, actually. (Typical Nyko.)
finally! I've been looking to look at a good quality picture of one of these for months!
You guys are seriously so awesome. One of my favorite retro videogame channels.
3:23 The retail GBA was probably ready for mass production by early October 2000
Great stuff Tony and AWESOME find Tom!!
I have a platinum retail GBA, I might get its buttons replaced by some of those custom orange ones so it looks more like one of the prototype systems!
New N2DS XL Colors
Wonder if there’s a way to use this BIOS (or at least the animation) in a retail unit? I much prefer the sound of this one and would also love to build a replica.
The BIOS is probably a mask ROM. If it is, you'd need to get a programmable ROM chip and flash the prototype BIOS to it, but then you'd probably have the same issues with later games that the prototype system has.
I like that it the new 2ds xl would eventually use one of the color schemes
I was always hoping to buy my GBA in the prototype colors, but ended up going for an Arctic White when I bought mine.
Nice, answered my question. Was wondering if this would have the same graphic glitches as the TS2
That's super cool! I really like the silver body and orange buttons!
Very nice OST from a very nice Saturn Game. :)
Ahhh this is so freakin cool!
Hard4Games!
Now new with button klicking ASMR!
Do you know how to make a custom Shoshinkai 2000 styled GBA using a retail shell and using those special buttons
cant wait to see a gamecube prototype to popup next
So glad they ditched the silver colour scheme. Nintendo always seem to the paint plastic casing silver and this can wear away over the years. This happened to my silver Gameboy pocket.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Space_World I have worked very hard to glean every possible article about all them spacey bois n put em here. Check out how many bois sat in the cold outside, awaiting Shoshinkai 95 -- lotta lotta bois
The colors kinda line up with the original idea of the colors for the GameCube (Star cube) www.nintendoworldreport.com/guide/1749/gamecube-faq-star-cube
I remember seeing those GBA in magazines and wanting them I was kinda disappointed when we didn't get those colors
I'm kinda disappointed now aswell!
You shure are hard4games
Find the Shantae Risky's Revolution beta and i'll really be happy.
would you mind uploading the full res photos of the prototype pcb? the video kinda makes it a bit blurry when zooming in and I'd like to compare
I have a real belief that you will be the one to find another snes CD
It would be cool to have some mods what restore back early boot up sound that also applies for gba SP and Micro
That's a very lucky find
I hope one day a Zelda oracle of secrets demo is released, or a fan romhack, since those games were meant to be a trio
Hope you’re doin good this fine Saturday, TONYY.
Did anybody else only just get a notification for this?
Love that color combo!
Awesome stuff as always.
NGL I was very sceptical to begin with, just thinking it was a custom gba
I’d like to get these colors for my retail GBA.
Gotta say, this is no entertaining prototype, if it can be called that way. It was like 95% finished retail model, I consider a prototype more to be some non-finished console. Gave a like nontheless.
You are correct. Most people refer to anything pre release as prototype though. Just wish this channel would correctly refer to a 'late development unit'.
@@kieranb3815 I think it is a moderate form of clickbaiting, or maybe some people just don't know better than to call anything pre-release a prototype.......
GBA button pressing ASMR, huh.
Not gonna lie the prototype gba looks nice
That website consolevariations, do they care about prototypes? is this already on there?
Yes it's on there I am actually friends with Don from Console Variations on Discord.
Hung Tony 🔥
Love the year 2000, fuck 2020.
Saturday!
Yo. I want that gba startup bio sound 2:20
Lol dude seems like he getting tired of doing this show anymore. Don't burn yourself out my man, take a vacation if you need to. Much love and prayers
Very cool.
I really want a GBA that looks like this.
It might be possible I am actually working with someone to make replica shells of this console :)
@@MarioDS64 I’m very interested in this. Please let me know if you’re still doing anything with that!
@@gamefreakjoey I was planning on doing it but I am just worried about shipping it again because it does have some issues and I don’t want to risk anything with it. I hope you understand stand.
Thanks,
Tom
Amazing
We already did years ago.
i wonder if anyone will find that silver and blue one🤔
i hope so mario land 64 and wario land 64 beta have play day
🤩 soooo cool
Can it run Doom though?
I hope the beta boot rom gets dumped, would love to flash it onto a retail unit
yeah i'd like to see this boot rom as well.
Cool
Noice
the only cool game I ever got that was a "special" game was I got the retail unit of pokemon black or white, whichever one it was, and though the case had it as the last copy of it and the guy was supposed to let that one be the one still in there so people can see what it is that's on the floor for sell in Target, I got it when it came out and because I was going to just leave home sad and get it another day the guy considered still selling me it even though he wasn't supposed to cause of it being needed to show the kids what game it is they'll be buying, so I'm glad that he did, my dad I think was becoming friends with him beforehand, so I think thats one of the reasons as to why he reconsidered listening to the ruling of the video game floor that he had to manage :P
Yahoo Auctions Japan is the pot at the end of the rainbow...
Pretty much!
Apparently, ou missed the last 5 minutes of this video.
If you can make a longer, 10-20ish minute ASMR video of you just comparing the button sounds on that table, i'd appreciate it. It's a nice set of sounds.
4:15 If you want to skip to the good part.
thank you for not playing the horrible theme song
Oh it's still played every episode.
Damn I missed out on bein first to comment. At least im in top 10
A prototype is not a pre-release unit. If we are to record these correctly then call it what it is, a development unit and a very late one. There is a prototype out there, hopefully it still exists, but this not it. 'Proto' means the first or earliest form.