When Nintendo released the Game Boy Advance SP a few years ago, I thought the portable system wasn’t going to get any smaller…or recreated for a third time. Nintendo proved me wrong on both accounts with the third GBA (same hardware) in an even smaller form factor. The Game Boy Micro was released in Japan today for around $109.

The Game Boy Micro weighs in at only 2.8 ounces (lighter than the RAZR) and is only 4 inches wide, 2 inches long, and 0.7 inches tall (slightly larger than an iPod Mini). Yeah, it’s that micro. But even with its smaller size the controls are more comfortable than the previous SP model. The tiny screen handles GBA games well thanks to its backlit screen and high resolution.

Nintendo is even trying to make a fashion statement with interchangeable face plates. In fact the device comes in 2 different base colors (black and silver) and each come with 3 face plates. In addition to looking good, these face plates cover the screen and therefore are removable if you get scratches!

Does the micro have what it takes to make it? So far it’s sold very well in Japan, though short of the numbers when the SP debuted.

It’s sexy, small and sleek, but should Nintendo be concentrating on more power instead to compete with Sony’s more powerful PSP?