As if the Gameboy line wasn’t already a massive juggernaut for Nintendo, now they start including video playback for their little handheld. DC Studios (for Majesco) has created and figured out a way to put 45 minutes of video onto a 128 Meg cartridge for use on the GBA. They even say they’ll be able to substantially increase the amount of video they can get on the cartridge in the next few months.

The video play back gives you the option of fast-forwarding/rewinding using the control pad. You can skip chapters by using the shoulder buttons, and you can adjust brightness using the A and B buttons.

Gameboy Advance video has already been out for while, but the big seller for the new feature is about to hit the market. Pokemon is going to have episodes released later this month: For Ho-Oh The Bells Toll! and a Hot Water Battle will be the first 2 episodes released.

The new feature won’t impress anyone with its audio/video quality, but quite frankly that doesn’t matter. The video playback feature isn’t targeted towards videophiles, or the people likely to purchase a Sony PSP. This is squarely going after kids, and parents who want a quiet ride to the cottage. The price is right, and since the GBA is so widespread parents won’t have to worry about buying expensive hardware to play the software.

The video quality itself is fine for playback on a Gameboy Advance screen, and should keep any kid happy, and focused on what’s playing. The tiny cartridges aren’t compatible with the Gameboy player (an add-on for the Gamecube that will let you play your GBA titles on your GCN), but that’s a good call by Nintendo. If you hooked this video up to a TV it would expose just how bad it really is when you compare it to a TV signal.

The new features and these episodes are targeted strictly at kids, and parents that want their kids enjoying wholesome entertainment. If your kids start asking for these videos, gladly walk yourself over to a store, and purchase them. Even if they don’t ask you to buy it; if your kid is under 13, buy it for them anyway. Pokemon is as safe a bet as they come when purchasing for a kid and you’ll thank yourself for buying something that will keep them entertained for at least 45 min, giving you some quiet time, not to mention peace of mind in knowing your kids aren’t being turned into evil spawn while you aren’t looking.

A definite recommendation to parents for their kids.