Written by Matt Swider  on July 11, 2002

Accessories: The bird with a long beak brings us a link cable of the same length.

Tweet

Comments

One of the more prominent features of the first Game Boy released was the ability to connect to friends using the link cable that was packed with the system. Doing this would allow players to transfer data and take on each other in head to head games. However, times have changed and companies no longer pack extra goodies like this with systems. Instead, they give gamers the bare minimum: the system and if it's a console, a single controller. With the library of titles for Game Boy Advance releasing with multiplayer modes, it seems impossible to resist testing them out with a friend. For this reason, most people who pick up the portable system will also feel the need to purchase a link cable at the same time or will soon realize it's something they desperately need to experience.

Still, the accessories are available separately, but they can become a bit pricey when with so many different items to purchase. Luckily, there are third party manufacturers that step in, offering the same hardware without the high cost that first-party companies like to charge consumers. Companies like Pelican come to the rescue in terms of supplying affordable link cables that not only cost less than most available, but also includes extra features you won't find many other places.

Initially, Pelican's Multi-Player Link Cable Advance only allows players to connect two Game Boy Advance systems together. However when combined with two and then three of the same cable, players can enjoy its four player connection capabilities. Between the first cable ends is a hub that contains an output. From this, players will need to purchase a second cable and attach it to that port. After doing the same with a third cable, the setup is complete. Combining them takes a little bit of knowledge, not to mention the extra cash, but shouldn't be too hard as it's the method that almost every link cable manufacturer uses.

The end that is clearly marked 1P on the link cable is equipped with a green LED indicator that gives its users the status of the cable. When things are transferred from the system or feed to it, the link cable will then flash to verify that it's in use. It may seem like a trivial feature, and I can't deny that it doesn't have a whole lot of relevance, however it adds an extra touch to the sending and receiving operation, which other link cables typically don't have.

Although most other reviews for standard link cables would stop here, Pelican's Multi-Player Link Advance goes on to deliver another aspect that isn't found on too many other devices. While Nintendo has decided to make things seem hard for consumers by forcing them to purchase different link cables for each of the Game Boy systems in the series, Pelican has made things simple in allowing them to utilize their cable for both Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Color. On the hub, opposite from the extra port, lies a switch that allows users to utilize the link cable between either the Advance or Color systems. This eliminates the cost of buying another separate link cable for each system and the hassle of carrying two around.

Pelican's take on the Game Boy Advance Link Cable is superior to many of the other third party devices I have seen out there. With the additional features of a LED indicator, a longer cord length, and the ability to switch between using it for a Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Color, features are top notch. The only complaint that I have is the consistent description that the link cable is capable of providing a four-player connection when customers really need to purchase three cables to achieve that. It's definitely capable, but by stating it this way, some may buy into the product thinking they can hook up more than two Game Boy Advance systems out of the box. Still, this ambiguous description doesn't effect the performance of Pelican's link cable. Though you're sure to find some cheaper than Pelican's version, the quality matches the price you pay. So, if you're up for a link device that's a tad more expensive than the bottom line, but are still to cheap to buy one from Nintendo or feel it doesn't contain the same great features, then Pelican has the right gadget for you to pick up. Just be prepared to pay almost $25 to experience the full capability of four-player gaming.