GBA

[Joelcool7]

Japan is a different market, a market that cares alot about technology in a country that's economy is sustained through such technology. Japan is a much more difficult market to sell some cheaper obsolete device. Also most of the GBA games being released aren't targetting the Japanese audience. The last true push with the Japanese audience was the remakes of FinalFantasy series and the release of Mother 3 (EarthBound2).

Both EarthBound and the FF re-releases did very well in Japan as far as I know. EarthBound sold more then 3-million copies (correct me if I'm wrong) which is a huge deal considering GBA was on the verge of extinction. Look at the games being released on GBA today and you'll notice RPG's/RTS really don't make up much of the list if any of the list.

Along with the lack of Japanese targeted software their is a lack of solid franchises. With no first party Nintendo support the Japanese market is far more inclined to support a different platform. Also the Japanese user base has in most cases prefered titles created in Japan, their isn't that many Japanese developers still supporting GBA.

In the end the GBA is fairing better in North America due to the targets of the software (North American's) also I'm betting Nintendo Of America is also putting more effort into selling GBA then Nintendo LTD is in Japan. The DS is trumping GBA in Japan but here in North America the GBA is a verycheap alternative and tons of great games so people continue buying it!