Nerdism at its best

December 12, 2017

Game Boy Advance Mod and Restore

I enjoy playing old platform games and have a lot of fun repairing and modding old systems like the Game boys.

I am sure there are people asking why not just play on a GBA SP. There are a few reasons why a fat GBA is my preferred system. First it is larger and fits my hands better than an SP. Second it uses AA batteries instead of a rechargeable pack. Third you can play GBC or GB full size cartridges in the best position. Games like Kirby Tilit and Tumble will not play properly in a GBA SP because the cartridge is upside down and sticks out the bottom, and this also gets in the way of your cramped hands on a SP. Do not get me wrong I still love the SP.

The original GBA does not have a backlight and is difficult to play in low light conditions and impossible to play in the dark even with a worm light.


Getting on eBay I sourced out the parts I needed to make the GBA a one of a kind. I Picked up a Backlit LCD and the proper adapter cable. I got a glass screen and replacement shell and buttons and sat down to work. The install was pretty simple. Overall I am pretty happy with the results. I can now play GBA, GBC and GB games in color in the dark without getting hand cramps. I like the glass screen and it should stand up better to scratches than the original plastic.

Front

Back

Both GBAs side by side after restore and mods

One Comment On “Game Boy Advance Mod and Restore”

  1. Man, I can still here that crunchy music and sound coming out of that little speaker grill. Soo good! They look great!

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