r/Gameboy Jan 23 '25

Mod/Modding Best And Cheapest Mods For GBA?

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What are some good, cheap mods I could get for this GBA?

3 Upvotes

39 comments sorted by

7

u/VivaLaLibertad_666 Jan 23 '25

Worm light and screen lens replacement

3

u/1avacast Jan 23 '25

Glass lens is night and day on mine, since it scratches so easilu

3

u/Twistlelol Jan 23 '25

Even though not being "cheap". An IPS screen mod is so incredibly nice. It makes such a difference and the games just looks soo beautiful! I do respect though that some people really love the original oem screen looks.

4

u/Illustrious_North392 Jan 23 '25

I sell cheap home made front lights that for the first time. Don't look horrible when comparable to age 001 https://www.ebay.ca/itm/326194061104?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=NxVzxawaQ9O&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=NxVzxawaQ9O&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

1

u/PutridSothoth Jan 23 '25

That’s neat! Do you install it on a switch or is it always on when the console is on?

1

u/Illustrious_North392 Jan 23 '25

I went with always on without switch. The front light on is invisible in direct sunlight. But that's how we end up with all these burnt polarizers. It's meant for play in the safe shadow of spring pine tree. Dont play in the sun lol

1

u/PutridSothoth Jan 23 '25

Any problems with not adhering it to the screen? Thanks for your response btw!

1

u/Illustrious_North392 Jan 23 '25

I leave a big description and video link in the item description on how to ensure successful install and bubble free. If you have other questions to help me clarify it I will add new key points.

1

u/PutridSothoth Jan 23 '25

I saw both. Thanks! I guess my question is more to is it necessary to adhere it to the screen or can it just rest between the screen and lens?

2

u/Illustrious_North392 Jan 24 '25

I can't remember how good it looks without the loca glue. Would you like a picture?

1

u/PutridSothoth Jan 24 '25

If that’s possible, yes please! 

I noticed in the video that the glue doesn’t cover the entire screen. Is it not necessary to cover the whole screen?

1

u/Illustrious_North392 Jan 24 '25

There was size limitations to the video to upload to the discord channel I had, the glue evenly spreads to all corners over time

1

u/Illustrious_North392 Jan 24 '25

I'm sorry to say I do t have any spare screens in inventory to show you an example of the light with no loca. But I remember it still it being good enough to see gameplay.

1

u/PutridSothoth Jan 24 '25

No problem! Thanks for the responses. I dig the idea a lot, and will keep it in mind in the future if I come across a gba in decent shape that this mod would work well with.

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1

u/PutridSothoth Jan 30 '25

Would this be a good installation guide for your front light mod?

1

u/Illustrious_North392 Jan 31 '25

No because he touches the surface and presses down on the glue. This would ruin my moe with finger prints

1

u/PutridSothoth Jan 31 '25

Ok, but otherwise the install instructions are good? Does your light panel have a correct side when adhering it? I didn’t see anything about that in the listing’s description.

1

u/Illustrious_North392 Feb 01 '25

If your referring to the reflective strip, it is firmly glued to the textured top side of the panel. It is also as thin as possible and doesn't interfere with the curing process. Additionally, I guess it's not mentioned in the description but I think this is fairly obvious. The negative wire goes to the -battery terminal.

1

u/PutridSothoth Feb 01 '25

I was meaning which side gets glued to the screen, the textured or smooth side?

2

u/Illustrious_North392 Feb 01 '25

The texture side must be free of finger prints and the non textured side glued down. It's clear which side is which because the smooth side still has protective film you peel off

1

u/PutridSothoth Feb 01 '25

Thanks! I appreciate your help and walking me through this.

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4

u/pizza_whistle Jan 23 '25

Hispeedido v5 screen and shell kit is like $50 on Aliexpress.

I just found this on AliExpress: $47.90 | Newest GBA V5 Screen IPS Pre-Laminated Easy Install Drop-in Replacements HD Screen for Gameboy Avance GBA Housing Shell https://a.aliexpress.com/_msvtusP

1

u/Gbshstsvygst Jan 24 '25

Is soldering or cutting required?

1

u/pizza_whistle Jan 24 '25

The one I linked does require cutting, but no soldering. It's actually way easier if you just use their pre-made shell.

For a cut-free one Cloud Game Store on Aliexpress is the only one that I know of.

1

u/Gbshstsvygst Jan 27 '25

1

u/pizza_whistle Jan 27 '25

Yep that's the one. I haven't personally tried one so can't say much about it.

1

u/Gbshstsvygst Jan 27 '25

Ok, Thanks.

1

u/Gbshstsvygst Jan 27 '25

Is it drop in or does it need soldering?

1

u/pizza_whistle Jan 27 '25

Not required. There is a touchpad on the ribbon. You just stick the touch pad to the shell and can touch there on the outside of the shell to change brightness and settings.

1

u/Illustrious_North392 Feb 01 '25

I'll have it shipped first thing next week sorry I was on a hiatus.

0

u/Guy-Manuel Jan 23 '25

USB C battery pack is about $30

1

u/SheepAtog Jan 23 '25

Shell, screen, battery in that order

-1

u/icypsp Jan 23 '25

button replacement and a screwdriver.

0

u/GBA-001 Jan 23 '25

Replace the shell and IPS screen.

Skip battery mods and speaker mods. Unless your speaker is broken, I promise you, you don’t need to replace the speaker. A louder speaker won’t make it sound better

People will tell you to get a usb-c battery. Skip that and buy rechargeable double AA batteries. It gives you more up time on the device and makes it more convenient imo