Game Boy Advance SP Cartridge Compatibility: Only GBA Games

Yes. The Game Boy Advance SP (AGS-001 front-lit, AGS-101 back-lit) accepts only Game Boy Advance cartridges. It cannot physically or electrically read:

• Original Game Boy (DMG) cartridges
• Game Boy Color (CGB) cartridges
• Game Boy Advance Video Paks (rare, but same form factor — these do work)

Why Backward Compatibility Was Dropped

• Voltage: GBA carts run at 3.3 V; GB/GBC carts require 5 V. The SP's cartridge slot lacks the 5 V regulator line.
• Physical keying: The SP slot is slightly shorter; GB/GBC carts have a longer notch that prevents full insertion.
• Z80 coprocessor removed: Original GBA (AGB-001) included a Sharp LR35902 (Z80-clone) for GB mode. SP omitted it to save space/cost.

Workarounds

• Original GBA (AGB-001): Plays GB/GBC carts natively (but no backlight).
• Game Boy Player (GameCube accessory): Plays GB/GBC/GBA on TV via GameCube.
• Flashcarts / Emulation: EZ-Flash Omega, EverDrive GBA X5, or emulators on modern handhelds (Analogue Pocket, Retroid, modded 3DS).

If you only own an SP, your library is strictly GBA titles — still 1,000+ excellent games.