Honestly if the switch didn't exist I don't think I would own any devices with USB C and even with the switch I just get an adapter and plug my micro USB cable in anyways Long story short who gives a crap if it uses usb c or micro usb because you ate going to need both cables anyways.
Man I used to have my GBA modded with afterburner kit with a dial to lower brightness unfortunately my apt was robbed and they took that along with many precious instruments and electronics. Scumbags...
Watching this gave me a warm feeling of happiness, seeing how this machine I used to play with as a kid is still so beloved to the point that it's never really gone away. As I watched this, it felt like I was watching an old, favorite car get revived and ready for more fun on the road again. Very well done!
Glad that the 3D printed bracket worked out well for you. I’ve been doing the 3D printing for HHL for the past few months while they wait for a replacement printer.
I like how people nowadays keep supporting a old desired system so easily, it just shows that technology evolving allows us to improve things and maybe bring back stuff that has ended production a long time ago. I guess we aren't forced to adopt new stuff we don't like, its more like build yourself to achieve your personal taste.
If emulation is okay, maybe à Vita ? You natively have access to PS1, Psp and Vita games, plus every console up to the super Nintendo and GBA with emulation. You'd have to do with the Vita buttons layout, so no original experience, but for 150 bucks I got an original reconditioned model with OLED screen.
This is the reason I keep on upgrading my GB and my GBA it's so Amazing to see Some companies realy made more of this upgrade.. I hope more in the Future so that we will be able to preserve our units.. Good Content and hopefully new updates in the Future... good content Sub+Likes
@@R1SKbreaker The Funnyplaying IPS screen v1 has screen tearing. Maybe that's what you're thinking of. The new IPS v2 screen has no lag or screen tearing. It's definitely the best screen on the marken today.
I wish the shells didn't have branding on the front. I appreciate that they've invested in the moulds.. but I'm not playing on a 'Retrosix' GBA. The shell is literally the cheapest bit of it all. For other things I'd consider essential, flash cart.
@@MixUpTheVideos yep that's true but you have to consider that it's not some fake Chinese crap that tries to pass by the original shell. Rather retrosix is one that's already made with mods in mind, so no extra work, so if you like the original feel and look of the oem shell, then grab a used one in good condition and mod it (I wouldn't recommend this for the ips but the ags 101 because the ips requires so much trimming that you may end screwing up the oem shell) but if you want to pick up an aftermarket shell for your build then grab retrosix's your not going to regret it!! 🤓🤓
100% agreed! I made the mistake to buy one on eBay for Freeplay CM3 mod and saw that only when I received which was disappointed. I ended up not using it.
Yeah I would be alright with inconspicuous, small branding on the back. But this has big gaudy branding on it. It's too much and I think I'll have to pass.
The reason they have the retrosix branding on it is copyright. While most cheap Chinese shells off eBay don't care about it, retrosix is based in the UK (I think) so therefore have to work around the copyright laws to be able to produce the shells
A word for anyone interested, I am in Canada so I ordered from RetroSix after watching this video. The parcel arrived over a month later. Let me tell you, the ****ing cases are INCREDIBALLY beautiful and extremely detailed. I am so amazed that someone has manufactured cases so beautifully. On the bad side, the IPS panel they ship is not that good. I have shimmering on SuperMarioWorld when "running" right. They claim it is v2.
Thanks for reigniting my childhood nostalgia with this console, once I'm done school this year and have some money back in the bank I might give this a try! Wanna try 3D printing my own shell
I love the look of the retrosix shells, but the fact that it has their logo on it (especially on the back) just really bothers me?? I totally get that it's a copyright thing so it's an unfair concern to raise lol, but I just dunno if I could look past the logo
They sell a new version now with the USB-C hole pre-cut on the battery cover that doesn't have the Retrosix logo on the front. It says "for Nintendo". It's not perfect, but it's better than their logo.
It truly is amazing how far we've come in terms of Game Boy mods in the last few years! I still remember watching your front light mods from about 5 years ago and wishing for a more elegant solution. And as for future mods, I'd love to see a cleaner solution for addressing the lack of a headphone jack in the SP. EDIT: Why does this video have comments from days ago?
Yeah oddly enough, I feel like I should’ve picked one up, but didn’t since I had a ds at the time, they are kind of collectable now, since no one really bought them....
I just got a gameboy advance today! And just by seing this video, i got myself a shell, button, glass screen and IPS v2 to upgrade it! I’m so exited to start moding it ❤️
Protip: if you're worried about scuffs, grab an old sock of yours that you can't find the matching sock for and use that as a holder. It costs nothing and keeps the boy clean and scratch free
A console mod I think we need: Dreamcast VMU rechargeable battery mod, there are a lot of VMU games that doesn't get much atention because of the battery life of the system.
Just got mine in the mail (entire set basically). Packaging was excellent, quality of the shell is amazing (got myself the pearl green finish). The logo on top has changed, it now has the nintendo logo with a small "for" added. Excellent, I'm not expectimg the original but this comes close. Again, impressed customer here! Thanks for the video which got me on this product.
2021 here, I ordered a bunch of GBA stuff from handheld legend. And I might make a quick low budget DIY video for 2021 . It won't have anywhere near the production value as you pro guys have , it's just taken me all this time to realize how awesome the GBA IS. when I wished for one when I was a kid,, and actually got one for Christmas. This was a big deal for me growing up in a poor family. This thing was like my portal to a new realm. I want to bring these old experiences to my new family in a new way. And I cant wait to start this mod, that is a no solder solution.
Ever hear of the GBAccelerator? It's a variable crystal oscillator that can overclock your GBA (as long as you're using physical cartridges and not an ever drive).
I've been following your GB/GBA videos for a while and every time hoping for the perfect solution. This time I think you have presented the perfect solution. A little work but totally worth it. I will start to build one :)
So good to watch. I could afford one when they came out. I'd love one of these now but have too much occupying my time but I like to watch the reviews ) mods
I would love to see good quality replacement shells and mods for the DSi. I still use mine several times a week and for long periods of time. the buttons and shell are showing wear, and the screen could use an upgrade.
I already have an AGS-101 but that IPS screen looks fantastic. To anyone with both: is there much of a difference in quality? And are there SP shells with a comparable quality to RetroSix's?
I own both. I actually dont really have that much of a preferrence. On video and photo you can clearly see the IPS is better but in real life they both have their pros and cons. For example black is really black on the IPS, on the 101 its more greyish. Details are better visible (castlevania has this map with tiny openings in the walls that indicate doors, its hard to see on 101 but clear on ips). However, I do think some colors are better looking on the 101. They look more retro and fitting for some games. I often game outside in the backyard in sunlight, so the brightness of the screen is something I find important and the IPS goes MUCH brighter. Thats why its the console I grab the most often. Clear GBA SP shells have a great feeling, bumpers around the screen work great. I love them. But they do scratch easlity and I think they're less sturdy. Chances that I drop my console are way less then when I was a kid, so I dont mind. Hope this helped.
Yes there is a pretty big difference in quality between the two (much sharper and brighter) but the ips doesn't have that checkerboard pattern which I like. If i had to choose one I would go with the IPS
Thanks to your video's I have been able to confidently give my entire Gameboy family a new lease of life. Thank you so much. Only a few days ago I modded my GBA with a retrosix screen, purple case and clean juice mod. The results are as good as you say. The whole console just has a much higher quality feel to it. The ips gives a really colourful and incredibly sharp image. I would definitely recommend replacing the case if installing an ips mod because it's so much easier than trimming the existing one.
I discover your channel with this video. Very cool presentation, you talk slowly and intelligibly, no crazy cut, it's interesting and pretty relaxing as well. We need more like you, SUBSCRIBED!
I got my parts in over the weekend and did the whole build today in about 3 hours! I opted for the solid purple retrosix shell with white buttons. Looks like a futuristic take on that classic indigo model. Can’t thank you enough for the recommendation, it does feel like a super solid aftermarket shell. Just wish i could have kept the Nintendo branding. Still this mod was a super fun quarantine activity. I hope that handheld legend restocks so others can take a crack at this! Anyone else who tries, do the build in his order. Clean amp first, then IPS. Have the battery charge outside of the system while assembling so you can just plunk it in fully charged! Im gonna say the shell+bracket aren’t optional because it made it SO EASY compared to other builds ive done that required shell trimming. Also, the handheld legend after market buttons had some little extra plastic bits. If you take flush cutters and clean these bits off they get closer to the quality of the retro six shell and fit much nicer. So make sure to clean them up before installing!
With small volume stuff like this, a significant chunk of the price is the designer recouping their R&D time. The only reason the “$2 board from China” would even exist is because a hobbyist went through the work of designing it and having it manufactured. That said, yeah, it’s hard to stomach a $40 MSRP when looking at just the BoM and what it does.
Correct, I buy any components from AliEx, 35$ screen (the same function), 2$ front glass, 5/6 for case with cutter parts... Save 50% or high ;). Battery mode? mmmh I don't have idea how much cost But, i like AA Battery
"Is there a console you wish had a specific mod but doesn't yet?" There most certainly is! The Wonderswan Color / Crystal. It could really use both a backlit screen mod (that's affordable) and a headphone jack mod.
I currently have a very early mod on my GBA. It is the innovation TV out kit. It replaces the back of a GBA and provides power, Stereo out via the Headphone jack, and Composite or S-video out. Love it and it still works.
I'm utilising the IPS v2, new buttons with just the front half of a high-quality pre-cut replacement shell. I already had an original white shell, bought a white replacement shell, and kept the back of the original so it would feel right texture-wise and have the original label. It is a pleasure to use, I never like my Gameboy Advance, even all those years ago because of how poorly lit that screen was. I'll now play a good few of those games I missed out on.
Thanks for recommending handheld legends. I just placed an order for new shells, screens, and buttons to outfit mine and my partner’s GBA. My follow-up will be a custom modded DMG GB for my daughter!
I don't know that it's essential, but grips on the side similar to a controller could always be cool. If not directly attached then simply an attachment you could lock your gba into. While you play so that you can still have it be more portable whenever you want.
Very surprising how far modding has come that we only need soldering for the volume mod and brightness control. Super easy for joe shmoe to drop an IPS screen and rechargeable battery into this.
Phenomenal upgrades! I'll begin by saying I absolutely love modding and your videos are excellent. I'm sure the company is dope and I totally respect they didn't flat out rip off a Nintendo logo like many qwackulator thin repros on Ebay. But it ain't much a Nintendo for me when you're not looking at, listening to, or touching original hardware. The screen is a no-brainier upgrade and I can go along with battery and sound. Original shells are an integral part of my understanding of a Nintendo's identity and feel.
Great video! Theres a Mod I actually like, the Bumpers replacement...OG bumpers in the GBA clicks with little feed back, some people replace the Mechanism with a taller "Clicker" one, requires soldering and looks like a game changer for games that relies on L and R
My dream is a gameboy advanced with a rechargeable battery that uses usb c, an ips screen, and an all bead blasted aluminum shell with matching buttons and triggers. If it were possible I’d want some kind of small upscaler or line doubler module to increase the picture quality. But I think the thing that would make it the ultimate gameboy advanced would be also setting it up to allow connection to a tv via usb c and use it as a controller to play gameboy on tv.
A kind of clear but not see through back cover with RGB lighting around it and a button dedicated for color settings would be amazing and I would still use that nice green front cover.
I got the Blue GBA IPS ready shell and just ordered a IPS V2 screen, getting a GBA tomorrow and will follow your guide to install. I also followed your DMG backlit screen tutorial a couple of years ago. Can't wait!
The new shells for the GBA look great, as well as the IPS screen. It would be interesting in a follow-up video to show the battery life comparing - alkaline, rechargeable AA's and the clean juice battery pack. I enjoyed the video.
In addition, if you plan on doing a video showing battery life, it would be nice to see a comparison of the CleanJuice vs Enelope rechargeable batteries on all three consoles [Gameboy DMG, Gameboy Color and Gameboy Advance], since we now have IPS upgrades for all three systems. Thanks again!
I might just need to get a Game Boy Advance and do this, but I do have the Game Boy Micro and love on how it's just has a wonderful backlit screen and you can charge it without worrying about batteries which I hated on the very old consoles... I remember as a younger kid playing the old brick game boy I just used too many batteries and even on trips going to the park or stuff I had enough juice to play a good session of games, but I always had to change those darn four batteries which I always regretted... Still the Game Boy Advance did it better and the other Game Boys, and finally the DS, DSi, and the Micro came along and they made the Game Boy experience I dreaded all my life... Just a relief...No more batteries to recharge or place in anymore, and just needed to charge them whenever they got low... Couldn't really tell on the batteries...:/
I wish the IPS mod could add external buttons for those of us that don't like the idea of soldering to our current buttons but want the control the brightness.
Personally I dont really think the upgrade it worth it that much. At least in my SP 101 compared to my SP IPS. Thing is the GBA 101 goes a little less bright often. But if you have a brightness mod on the GBA agb I wouldnt go through the trouble upgrading.
I would say one of the must have mods for the GBA is the overclock from Retro Modding. It is a huge benefit in RPGs like Final Fantasy or Pokémon to grind out before the end of the game. Sadly it tends to make my reproduction carts and rom hacks crash, but for official Nintendo carts the over locking feature is amazing.
Omg, with those brackets its finally a viable mod for me to do! My house is incredibly dusty and i never did an original gba ips mod because i only get one shot at putting in the screen dust free. With that bracket i get as many retries as i want
I have IPS GBA from ebay but hate quality of the cheap case and buttons so just ordered almost everything from the RetroSix (a bit of play with soldering and speaker mod). Matt black case - what a beauty! 😊
when you asked if there were any mods for consoles that dont exist yet, i instantly thought of an idea i had the other day; Gameboy Colour Advance. It's just a Colour shell with an Advance widescreen. The other day i was mucking around with my old gameboys and i put the advance lens over the colour screen and thought how good a widescreen Colour would be by being able to swap the screen into it. The advance lens almost matches the width of the colour so i know the screen would be a very tight fit and the power light would have to go, but with a dremel/milling tool you could easily fix the shell. As for compatibility between my own parts (pcb and screen) idk, but i'm sure a mod should exist.
No GBA mod video ever talks about the GBAccelerator. It allows you to "overclock" the GBA with some button presses. Speeding up long boring dialogues or grinding in RPGs at 1.75x normal speed is extremely helpful
You could do with cleaning your iron and using flux. Doing so with give you shiny joints that are well rounded. It will avoid cold weak dull looking joints.
The one thing I would change is adding a pair of stereo speakers where your thumb won't cover one of them. GBA games were so much better on the DS because of the stereo sound.
USB C, as it should be. Well done to whoever made that mod. 👍
Honestly if the switch didn't exist I don't think I would own any devices with USB C and even with the switch I just get an adapter and plug my micro USB cable in anyways
Long story short who gives a crap if it uses usb c or micro usb because you ate going to need both cables anyways.
@@bland9876 because micro usb is a shit connector that breaks way too quickly
@@YodielandInhabitant710 just get a new cable if it breaks. There like $10 max and then be careful with it this time
@@bland9876 It's the port itself that breaks as well. Also, usb C has way more options for faster power delivery.
@@bland9876 there's no be careful. You've never had a ps4 controller. Those ports are shit.
Me, who didn't play with the GBA in 15 years: "I NEED IT".
Man I used to have my GBA modded with afterburner kit with a dial to lower brightness unfortunately my apt was robbed and they took that along with many precious instruments and electronics. Scumbags...
Me after both of my GBA SPs stopped working: *Crying in the background in the fetal position*
IKR XD
Also me who never have a GBA: *"I NEED IT"*
@@crazipali I know the feeling. My gameboy pocket was stolen. Even after years of it stolen, I'm still mad about it.
Watching this gave me a warm feeling of happiness, seeing how this machine I used to play with as a kid is still so beloved to the point that it's never really gone away. As I watched this, it felt like I was watching an old, favorite car get revived and ready for more fun on the road again. Very well done!
That Wario-styled yellow and purple shell looks awesome!
same for the waluigi pink-black and the luigi green-blue
Yeah it gives me Lakers vibes too lol, love it !
I wish I could travel back in time and hand one of these to my 13-year old self.
OH GOODNESS DONT WE ALL?! 😫👌
Or you can hand yourself a Nintendo Switch lol
Back to my 13, at 90s, I had the original first GameBoy, the white one, so advance was sci-fi back then!
@@avancenekrosiz5107 bruh every 3ds>switch
Every gb>switch
Ds>switch
Pretty much every old nin console is >switch (except of wiiu)
Love the green/blue color scheme. That is fantastic.
Agree that looks really great.
itse luigi time
Agree
Ouija Thyme
First comment gg
Wow, I've seen many GBA modding videos, but this has really made me want to finally build my own GBA mod. Very helpful and easy to follow video!
0:07 well now I know why I can’t find any gba’s, you’ve got them all in a box
I checked Ebay and theres tons of them listed for parts.
@@tsohgallik I know, I was trying to make a joke about how many he had, I personally own 3 that I have bought as faulty and fixed over the years
I have one in my drawer in mint condition, after seeing this video I will sell it lol
Your videos sent me to a journey through Nintendo systems, buying, restoring and collecting them. Thank you!
Glad that the 3D printed bracket worked out well for you. I’ve been doing the 3D printing for HHL for the past few months while they wait for a replacement printer.
For real??
That’s awesome! I just ordered one :)
I like how people nowadays keep supporting a old desired system so easily, it just shows that technology evolving allows us to improve things and maybe bring back stuff that has ended production a long time ago. I guess we aren't forced to adopt new stuff we don't like, its more like build yourself to achieve your personal taste.
I honestly hope in the future, handle held systems can actually fit in your pocket again. I use to carry my GBA SP and DS everywhere.
You could put an emulator on an android phone.
@@Rebel1280 Screen buttons are bad, mkay.
@@xXthevenomousXx I use my xbox one controller with a clip for my phone most of the time but yeah I get it :)
If emulation is okay, maybe à Vita ? You natively have access to PS1, Psp and Vita games, plus every console up to the super Nintendo and GBA with emulation. You'd have to do with the Vita buttons layout, so no original experience, but for 150 bucks I got an original reconditioned model with OLED screen.
Time for cargo shorts to come back lol
This is the reason I keep on upgrading my GB and my GBA it's so Amazing to see Some companies realy made more of this upgrade.. I hope more in the Future so that we will be able to preserve our units.. Good Content and hopefully new updates in the Future... good content Sub+Likes
Man I thought i was the only shaky hands solder guy, and most of my family and friends are like... How do you do it... And I say.. timing broskis
The cover + the USB C battery is a no-brainer. You could still play on a classic screen but man the usb-c charging is such a needed thing.
I remember when ags-101 is were like 50 bucks on eBay good thing I still have mine from back in the day or well technically my sisters
Yeah the Ags101 price goes up in the last year but the ips is the better screen and cheaper
666Gothicgirl The IPS LCD is although better and cheaper, the battery life is lower than an AGS-101 LCD unfortunately.
I heard there is some lag, however minimal I would assume, with ips screens, compared to the ags101. Maybe that info was wrong, I dunno.
what is sister's is sister's
@@R1SKbreaker The Funnyplaying IPS screen v1 has screen tearing. Maybe that's what you're thinking of. The new IPS v2 screen has no lag or screen tearing. It's definitely the best screen on the marken today.
Love how those shells look, can't wait to get my hands on that pearl finish. Btw great video!
I wish the shells didn't have branding on the front. I appreciate that they've invested in the moulds.. but I'm not playing on a 'Retrosix' GBA. The shell is literally the cheapest bit of it all.
For other things I'd consider essential, flash cart.
Yepppo. I'd rather have a "cheap" shell rather than one that has some manufacturers logo on it!
@@MixUpTheVideos yep that's true but you have to consider that it's not some fake Chinese crap that tries to pass by the original shell. Rather retrosix is one that's already made with mods in mind, so no extra work, so if you like the original feel and look of the oem shell, then grab a used one in good condition and mod it (I wouldn't recommend this for the ips but the ags 101 because the ips requires so much trimming that you may end screwing up the oem shell) but if you want to pick up an aftermarket shell for your build then grab retrosix's your not going to regret it!! 🤓🤓
100% agreed! I made the mistake to buy one on eBay for Freeplay CM3 mod and saw that only when I received which was disappointed. I ended up not using it.
Yeah I would be alright with inconspicuous, small branding on the back. But this has big gaudy branding on it. It's too much and I think I'll have to pass.
The reason they have the retrosix branding on it is copyright. While most cheap Chinese shells off eBay don't care about it, retrosix is based in the UK (I think) so therefore have to work around the copyright laws to be able to produce the shells
A word for anyone interested, I am in Canada so I ordered from RetroSix after watching this video. The parcel arrived over a month later. Let me tell you, the ****ing cases are INCREDIBALLY beautiful and extremely detailed. I am so amazed that someone has manufactured cases so beautifully.
On the bad side, the IPS panel they ship is not that good. I have shimmering on SuperMarioWorld when "running" right. They claim it is v2.
Thanks for reigniting my childhood nostalgia with this console, once I'm done school this year and have some money back in the bank I might give this a try! Wanna try 3D printing my own shell
Damn.. that are a lot of improvements with this gba.
Thanks for sharing need to look into this myself 😎
I love the look of the retrosix shells, but the fact that it has their logo on it (especially on the back) just really bothers me?? I totally get that it's a copyright thing so it's an unfair concern to raise lol, but I just dunno if I could look past the logo
ya i dont like seeing a 3rd party logo on my shells.
There's nothing unfair about it. You like what you like.
They sell a new version now with the USB-C hole pre-cut on the battery cover that doesn't have the Retrosix logo on the front. It says "for Nintendo". It's not perfect, but it's better than their logo.
r.i.p Steven Universe
id much rather get a metal GBA shell from boxypixel, been meaning to get one for awhile
It truly is amazing how far we've come in terms of Game Boy mods in the last few years! I still remember watching your front light mods from about 5 years ago and wishing for a more elegant solution.
And as for future mods, I'd love to see a cleaner solution for addressing the lack of a headphone jack in the SP.
EDIT: Why does this video have comments from days ago?
Early access for Patreon supporters.
I would never play this but it's just so damn cool what GBA fans have done here. The shells, the USB-C charging, the panel. *chef's kiss*
Man those game boy micros. I always wanted one of theme. Even though I had an original DS around when they came out. They were just so cool and small.
Yeah oddly enough, I feel like I should’ve picked one up, but didn’t since I had a ds at the time, they are kind of collectable now, since no one really bought them....
Just to make you feel worse, the GB Micro is amazing. It's honestly worth it if you can get past how small it is.
Great to see some love for this amazing console. The result is stunning.
I bougth one IPS Screen from Handheld because of you and have no words how amazyn my gba now looks!
I just got a gameboy advance today! And just by seing this video, i got myself a shell, button, glass screen and IPS v2 to upgrade it! I’m so exited to start moding it ❤️
Protip: if you're worried about scuffs, grab an old sock of yours that you can't find the matching sock for and use that as a holder. It costs nothing and keeps the boy clean and scratch free
But when your socks are all the same then how do you pick one?
What if i don't want my gameboy to smell like feet?
but what if i accidently grab a crusty sock
@@SoDamnMetal if you cant determine whether a sock is musty or not you need to check yourself
Put the GBA in ladies pants and pull it out in the public.
A console mod I think we need:
Dreamcast VMU rechargeable battery mod, there are a lot of VMU games that doesn't get much atention because of the battery life of the system.
Just got mine in the mail (entire set basically). Packaging was excellent, quality of the shell is amazing (got myself the pearl green finish). The logo on top has changed, it now has the nintendo logo with a small "for" added. Excellent, I'm not expectimg the original but this comes close. Again, impressed customer here! Thanks for the video which got me on this product.
2021 here, I ordered a bunch of GBA stuff from handheld legend. And I might make a quick low budget DIY video for 2021 . It won't have anywhere near the production value as you pro guys have , it's just taken me all this time to realize how awesome the GBA IS. when I wished for one when I was a kid,, and actually got one for Christmas. This was a big deal for me growing up in a poor family. This thing was like my portal to a new realm. I want to bring these old experiences to my new family in a new way. And I cant wait to start this mod, that is a no solder solution.
I went for the v2 ips panel too and it is absolutely brilliant. Given new life to an otherwise painful to use gadget.
Ever hear of the GBAccelerator?
It's a variable crystal oscillator that can overclock your GBA (as long as you're using physical cartridges and not an ever drive).
Your content is a boredom killer! Thanks for helping so many of us through quarantine
5:32 I saw that focus change.
Fookin' love those shots.
Really cool video, thanks!!!
Super generic comment, thanks!!
Generic response, thanks!
I went the GBA Consolizer route. Love being able to use my SNES asciipad on the big screen for Metroid Zero Mission.
I've been following your GB/GBA videos for a while and every time hoping for the perfect solution. This time I think you have presented the perfect solution. A little work but totally worth it. I will start to build one :)
WE ARE BACK IN BUSINESS BABY! Hell yeah! I love the GBA BTW, this is awesome
So good to watch. I could afford one when they came out. I'd love one of these now but have too much occupying my time but I like to watch the reviews ) mods
I would love to see good quality replacement shells and mods for the DSi. I still use mine several times a week and for long periods of time. the buttons and shell are showing wear, and the screen could use an upgrade.
I'm a simple man, I see a video from Colin, I like.
That mod seem more awesome than the previous !!!
I need those IPS Screens(Or even OLED) screens to mod my 3DS with TN panels.
Or the DS lite
I already have an AGS-101 but that IPS screen looks fantastic. To anyone with both: is there much of a difference in quality? And are there SP shells with a comparable quality to RetroSix's?
You can buy clear colored SP shells that are really nice.
IPS does not have the motion blur of the 101 but there is an occasional weird ghosting effect. Still much rather play sidescrollers in IPS than 101
The IPS V2 slaps on my 101 .. it's the equivalent of the brightness and clarity on a current cellphone from 2016+ I think
I own both. I actually dont really have that much of a preferrence. On video and photo you can clearly see the IPS is better but in real life they both have their pros and cons.
For example black is really black on the IPS, on the 101 its more greyish. Details are better visible (castlevania has this map with tiny openings in the walls that indicate doors, its hard to see on 101 but clear on ips).
However, I do think some colors are better looking on the 101. They look more retro and fitting for some games.
I often game outside in the backyard in sunlight, so the brightness of the screen is something I find important and the IPS goes MUCH brighter. Thats why its the console I grab the most often.
Clear GBA SP shells have a great feeling, bumpers around the screen work great. I love them. But they do scratch easlity and I think they're less sturdy. Chances that I drop my console are way less then when I was a kid, so I dont mind.
Hope this helped.
Yes there is a pretty big difference in quality between the two (much sharper and brighter) but the ips doesn't have that checkerboard pattern which I like. If i had to choose one I would go with the IPS
Actually 2020 is a good year for me. Nothing's changed with my life except it's gotten easier and my friends have time to talk to me
Thanks to your video's I have been able to confidently give my entire Gameboy family a new lease of life. Thank you so much.
Only a few days ago I modded my GBA with a retrosix screen, purple case and clean juice mod. The results are as good as you say. The whole console just has a much higher quality feel to it. The ips gives a really colourful and incredibly sharp image. I would definitely recommend replacing the case if installing an ips mod because it's so much easier than trimming the existing one.
I love watching these videos and pretending I know what he's talking about
Dang it, I'm so jealous! That GBA looks absolutely gorgeous. Is it too early to ask Santa for a Colin-built GBA for Christmas? 😂
I discover your channel with this video. Very cool presentation, you talk slowly and intelligibly, no crazy cut, it's interesting and pretty relaxing as well.
We need more like you, SUBSCRIBED!
I got my parts in over the weekend and did the whole build today in about 3 hours!
I opted for the solid purple retrosix shell with white buttons. Looks like a futuristic take on that classic indigo model. Can’t thank you enough for the recommendation, it does feel like a super solid aftermarket shell. Just wish i could have kept the Nintendo branding.
Still this mod was a super fun quarantine activity. I hope that handheld legend restocks so others can take a crack at this!
Anyone else who tries, do the build in his order. Clean amp first, then IPS. Have the battery charge outside of the system while assembling so you can just plunk it in fully charged! Im gonna say the shell+bracket aren’t optional because it made it SO EASY compared to other builds ive done that required shell trimming.
Also, the handheld legend after market buttons had some little extra plastic bits. If you take flush cutters and clean these bits off they get closer to the quality of the retro six shell and fit much nicer. So make sure to clean them up before installing!
Looks great ? I only knew of RetroModding. But of course the ips screens and build GBAs are out of stock
I prefer wiring the screen to the front of the board. That way the wires don’t get snagged if you ever need to life it.
imgur.com/a/i2UfklA
They are some chunky wires my friend.
UzzyT 28 Guage is not chunky. The shmuck that wired it before me used wires that are took thick: imgur.com/y8u0okV
Just ordered a full kit, minus the speakers (out of stock). So looking forward to playing 15 mins and then leaving it alone for the next decade!
It's crazy how far the GB modding scene has come. Modding for handhelds in general I'd say, even the NGPC has replacement shells now.
$40 for the battery is disgusting, I think I'd make my own and order a board from china for $2 and probably end up spending no more than $10 in parts.
With small volume stuff like this, a significant chunk of the price is the designer recouping their R&D time. The only reason the “$2 board from China” would even exist is because a hobbyist went through the work of designing it and having it manufactured.
That said, yeah, it’s hard to stomach a $40 MSRP when looking at just the BoM and what it does.
Correct, I buy any components from AliEx, 35$ screen (the same function), 2$ front glass, 5/6 for case with cutter parts... Save 50% or high ;). Battery mode? mmmh I don't have idea how much cost But, i like AA Battery
Nice 8 minutes commercial...
"Is there a console you wish had a specific mod but doesn't yet?" There most certainly is! The Wonderswan Color / Crystal. It could really use both a backlit screen mod (that's affordable) and a headphone jack mod.
that juice battery - could revolutionise ALL battery powered devices -
I currently have a very early mod on my GBA. It is the innovation TV out kit. It replaces the back of a GBA and provides power, Stereo out via the Headphone jack, and Composite or S-video out. Love it and it still works.
Your videos and the ones from Retro Future have inspired me to pick up an old GBA and mod it. Thanks and I got finally subscribed
Was excited to see Retro Six offering pre-assembled units. Immediate purchase :)
Retrosix is scummy
I love the brightness and the perfect clear screen. Nice video.
I'm utilising the IPS v2, new buttons with just the front half of a high-quality pre-cut replacement shell. I already had an original white shell, bought a white replacement shell, and kept the back of the original so it would feel right texture-wise and have the original label.
It is a pleasure to use, I never like my Gameboy Advance, even all those years ago because of how poorly lit that screen was. I'll now play a good few of those games I missed out on.
Thanks for recommending handheld legends. I just placed an order for new shells, screens, and buttons to outfit mine and my partner’s GBA. My follow-up will be a custom modded DMG GB for my daughter!
I'm digging these options! Also, love the production here :)
I don't know that it's essential, but grips on the side similar to a controller could always be cool. If not directly attached then simply an attachment you could lock your gba into. While you play so that you can still have it be more portable whenever you want.
That plastic looks pretty nice! I wish they had made replacement shells for the Switch as well, I'd definitely jump on that.
This video really feels good, can't really explain why.
Very surprising how far modding has come that we only need soldering for the volume mod and brightness control. Super easy for joe shmoe to drop an IPS screen and rechargeable battery into this.
Phenomenal upgrades! I'll begin by saying I absolutely love modding and your videos are excellent. I'm sure the company is dope and I totally respect they didn't flat out rip off a Nintendo logo like many qwackulator thin repros on Ebay. But it ain't much a Nintendo for me when you're not looking at, listening to, or touching original hardware. The screen is a no-brainier upgrade and I can go along with battery and sound. Original shells are an integral part of my understanding of a Nintendo's identity and feel.
After watching this, I built a GBA with a Retrosix clear shell and IPSv2 screen. Damn. Simply the best screen to play GBA with. 💯👌
Great video! Theres a Mod I actually like, the Bumpers replacement...OG bumpers in the GBA clicks with little feed back, some people replace the Mechanism with a taller "Clicker" one, requires soldering and looks like a game changer for games that relies on L and R
My dream is a gameboy advanced with a rechargeable battery that uses usb c, an ips screen, and an all bead blasted aluminum shell with matching buttons and triggers. If it were possible I’d want some kind of small upscaler or line doubler module to increase the picture quality. But I think the thing that would make it the ultimate gameboy advanced would be also setting it up to allow connection to a tv via usb c and use it as a controller to play gameboy on tv.
Look into the GBAccelerator as well!
GBA's design with a backlight is perfect.
This looks awesome remember playing my gba always as a kid will pick this up in the future cant wait to build my own one
That rechargeable AA mod sounds like it could be amazing in other things that take those batteries, like some of my Palm PDAs.
A kind of clear but not see through back cover with RGB lighting around it and a button dedicated for color settings would be amazing and I would still use that nice green front cover.
I got the Blue GBA IPS ready shell and just ordered a IPS V2 screen, getting a GBA tomorrow and will follow your guide to install. I also followed your DMG backlit screen tutorial a couple of years ago. Can't wait!
I recently picked up a cheap GBA with the intention of upgrading it to make my perfect GBA, so this video was incredibly useful!
My cat looks just like you. When I look at her I say “hey guys it’s kitty, how’s it goin”
I would totally pay this guy for classes on how to do this awesome builds step by step. Great content!
The new shells for the GBA look great, as well as the IPS screen. It would be interesting in a follow-up video to show the battery life comparing - alkaline, rechargeable AA's and the clean juice battery pack. I enjoyed the video.
In addition, if you plan on doing a video showing battery life, it would be nice to see a comparison of the CleanJuice vs Enelope rechargeable batteries on all three consoles [Gameboy DMG, Gameboy Color and Gameboy Advance], since we now have IPS upgrades for all three systems. Thanks again!
I might just need to get a Game Boy Advance and do this, but I do have the Game Boy Micro and love on how it's just has a wonderful backlit screen and you can charge it without worrying about batteries which I hated on the very old consoles...
I
remember as a younger kid playing the old brick game boy I just used too many batteries and even on trips going to the park or stuff I had enough juice to play a good session of games, but I always had to change those darn four batteries which I always regretted...
Still the Game Boy Advance did it better and the other Game Boys, and finally the DS, DSi, and the Micro came along and they made the Game Boy experience I dreaded all my life...
Just a relief...No more batteries to recharge or place in anymore, and just needed to charge them whenever they got low...
Couldn't really tell on the batteries...:/
I wish the IPS mod could add external buttons for those of us that don't like the idea of soldering to our current buttons but want the control the brightness.
This video is amazing! This was what I was looking for the whole time! This really does put my AGS 101 mod to shame. I gotta try this!
Personally I dont really think the upgrade it worth it that much. At least in my SP 101 compared to my SP IPS.
Thing is the GBA 101 goes a little less bright often. But if you have a brightness mod on the GBA agb I wouldnt go through the trouble upgrading.
I would say one of the must have mods for the GBA is the overclock from Retro Modding. It is a huge benefit in RPGs like Final Fantasy or Pokémon to grind out before the end of the game. Sadly it tends to make my reproduction carts and rom hacks crash, but for official Nintendo carts the over locking feature is amazing.
Omg, with those brackets its finally a viable mod for me to do!
My house is incredibly dusty and i never did an original gba ips mod because i only get one shot at putting in the screen dust free. With that bracket i get as many retries as i want
you can clean the screen or use air spray blow the dust before place the lens.
I have IPS GBA from ebay but hate quality of the cheap case and buttons so just ordered almost everything from the RetroSix (a bit of play with soldering and speaker mod). Matt black case - what a beauty! 😊
when you asked if there were any mods for consoles that dont exist yet, i instantly thought of an idea i had the other day; Gameboy Colour Advance. It's just a Colour shell with an Advance widescreen.
The other day i was mucking around with my old gameboys and i put the advance lens over the colour screen and thought how good a widescreen Colour would be by being able to swap the screen into it. The advance lens almost matches the width of the colour so i know the screen would be a very tight fit and the power light would have to go, but with a dremel/milling tool you could easily fix the shell. As for compatibility between my own parts (pcb and screen) idk, but i'm sure a mod should exist.
Amazing content! I'm about to spend an obnoxious amount of money modding old consoles, the addiction has taken hold of me. :)
Just put together one of these last weekend. I went with a blue front and black back. It came out amazing!
No GBA mod video ever talks about the GBAccelerator. It allows you to "overclock" the GBA with some button presses. Speeding up long boring dialogues or grinding in RPGs at 1.75x normal speed is extremely helpful
You could do with cleaning your iron and using flux. Doing so with give you shiny joints that are well rounded. It will avoid cold weak dull looking joints.
The one thing I would change is adding a pair of stereo speakers where your thumb won't cover one of them. GBA games were so much better on the DS because of the stereo sound.
this room/background is amazing.
I love the original GBA and i love this channel. For me, the original GBA is the best portable console. Thanks for content Colin.
Awesome video! As always, keep on the great work!
That screen looks un freaking believable...