Nintendo launched Game Boy Advance on 21 March 2001 in Japan, 11 June in North America and 22 June in Europe. The new handheld incorporated a 32-bit ARM processor and a 240 × 160-pixel colour screen, representing a major technical leap over Game Boy Color. It retained compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges through additional hardware, while its own games used smaller dedicated cartridges. It could also connect to Nintendo GameCube in certain titles, anticipating a closer relationship between Nintendo’s home and handheld platforms.