If you live in Japan, your game boy advance just took on new powers. For a mere $100, you get a small camera, microphone and earphone so that you can have video-phone conversations with other GBA owners.

The units are only available in Japan right now, but undoubtedly it won't be long before someone starts marketing the kits in the US and other countries as well. There are 34 million GBA units in operation around the world. With this attachment, any user could call up another user and chat, share information and make plans.

It won't be long before kids in school use their GBA to arrange after-school gaming sessions, and for parents to check in to make sure everyone's home for dinner.

Keep your eyes and ears open for more news on this breakthrough!

NOTE: This was written in September 2003, and sadly, the advance never made it into the United States. Even with the subsequent releases of the Nintendo DS, they never moved on to the phone stage. You would think this would be a brilliant improvement to the Nintendo handheld line, but it seems we have to wait a few years more for this breakthrough.