BIOS: Technology Means Business

Nintendo's latest gaming device, the Game Boy Micro, has started shipping in Japan. The world's smallest videogame console will make its way to US stores at the end of the week and Europe at the beginning of November. Probably one of the most sought-after gotta-haves heading into fall and the holiday season, the edgy hardware will come in both silver and black versions, each with three removable faceplates so you can personalise the device.

Nintendo are hoping to steal Sony's thunder ahead of the launch of a white version of the PSP console later this week. Nintendo aims to sell 4 million Game Boy Micros worldwide by the end of its business year next March. It currently holds over 90 per cent of the handheld gaming market and hopes the Game Boy Micro will help it keep that crown.

The Game Boy Micro measures 100x50mm and weighs 79.37g, which is about the weight of 80 paper clips. Yet it boasts the same power as previous Game Boy Advance models, complete with the ability to play all Game Boy Advance games - a library of more than 700 titles. The Game Boy Micro features a 2-inch screen and Start/Select buttons that glow with the cool, neon-like blue found on many mobile phones.

The black Game Boy Micro will include one faceplate with a 'Flame' design of fiery yellow double helixes on an orange background. It also will come with a green 'Camouflage' faceplate and a chic silver faceplate. The silver Game Boy Micro will include an 'Ammonite' faceplate with a dark blue swirling pattern. It also will come with a 'Ladybug' faceplate that features a ladybug on a large pink gerbera daisy, and a slick black faceplate. The faceplates also serve a protective façade over the luminous screen.

It has a directional pad to the left and its rounded A and B buttons are to the right of its display. Billed by Nintendo as its 'brightest screen to date', it also features adjustable contrast for when you want to save on battery life. The system also has standard headphone jack that was an inexplicable omission from its predecessor, the Game Boy Advance SP. Hardly a PSP killer, it's a real shame Nintendo hasn't introduced any new technology - it's essentially just a redesigned version of the same system.