Advance Link Score: 90% Developer: Nyko

Function: One of the perks of owning both the GameCube and Gameboy Advance is their ability to connect to each other and share data. A cool idea, but until now it's been all talk and looked like it may be headed to the 'Graveyard of Ideas that seemed like a good idea but never made it'. It is also rather fitting that the first company to use the feature is also the one that has the most plots in this graveyard, Sega. While I am not all too wild about how the link system is used with the two Sonic games, (I have never been much on the virtual-pet thing) there's a certain cool factor to the whole thing.

Performance: The end that attaches to the GameCube has a very nice fit, so there should be no worries about it suddenly popping out in the middle of a game. The end that attaches to the top of the GBA is also tight, especially with the two clamps that hold it into place. Not that I'm suggesting you walk around the house swinging your GBA around on the cord like a mace, but the connection is tight enough that when it's on, it's not going anywhere. As far as the actual in-game performance goes, the Advance Link works. Data transfer was good, and I never experienced many problems, however since I really have nothing to compare it to, I cannot comment on speed. The cord got the job done, so what more could I ask for? I am eternally grateful to Nyko for including instructions on how to use the device on the back of the box. To some people, just linking the two systems together might be a no-brainer, but it is still nice to have.

Features: Allows GBA and GameCube interaction Spring-loaded release levers provide secure connection 9-foot cable

Drawbacks & Problems:: I liked the two metal clamps that help to hold the cable into place, but the clamp releases are a little too tight. This made trying to pull the GBA off the Advance Link a chore. However, I discovered a way to pull the cable off with as little fuss as possible - just wiggle it. The clamp release buttons also presented another, rather painful problem. The release buttons are so small and the moldings on the grips are a little 'sharp', so when you push the clamps in, it hurts your fingers. Problems aside, if you are looking to link you GC and GBA, it is hard to go wrong with the Advance Link.

-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker