KozTech Tips 05 - GBA Backlight Mod and Shell Replacement
5Hey everyone! In today's video I go over modding a GBA, including replacing the LCD display with an IPS backlit one as well as replacing the shell. It's a long video, and that's after cutting out bad footage and speeding up parts. I still tried to keep as much intact as possible, including any mistakes I made so you know what to expect in case you want to attempt this mod. But because of its length, I'll put in timestamps in case there's a specific part you want to skip to. I'll also publish a shorter version with non-essential parts either cut out or sped up some more.
Also, neither the shell kit or the IPS kit came with instructions, so I kinda had to wing it based on various instructions that exist online, something else you may need to keep in mind when performing this mod. I'll include links below to resources I used to help with this mod.
0:00 Intro
2:25 Mod start - Disassemble the GBA
7:04 Dry test of display
9:50 Begin shell modifications
17:34 Begin screen install
23:14 Discussing brightness controls
24:45 Beginning of case assembly
37:51 Final screen test before completion
43:42 Wrapping things up
43:53 Showing off final mod
44:45 Demoing GBA game
47:55 Demoing GB game
48:43 Conclusion and final thoughts
BGM:
Metroid: Fusion - Sector 1: SRX
Link to short version:
https://youtu.be/1JElih8rais
Source info:
https://handheldlegend.com/products/game-boy-advance-ips-backlight
https://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-Gameboy-Advance-MOD-LCD-Backlight-32-or-40-Pin-GBA-SP-IPS-Backlit-Screen/193652132404?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
https://www.retromodding.com/blogs/tutorials/game-boy-advance-ips-v2-lcd-installation-guide
https://funnyplaying.com/blogs/gameboy-advance-news/gba-ips-lcd-relative-centering-installation-tutorial
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Game+Boy+Advance+IPS+Blacklight+mod/130367
https://www.retromodding.com/blogs/tutorials/game-boy-advance-ips-lcd-installation-guide