GBA backlight mod

So I wanted to get a GBA and wanted to mod it with a backlit screen. Basically I was gonna get a beat up original GBA, replace all buttons and new housing, put one of those glass screen protectors on it, and find a GBA ags 101 that is beat up or broken for cheap and transplant the screen from that. Wasn't there at one point in time screens readily available for cheap? I priced everything out and by the time I purchase everything to do the mod myself, it's not much more to buy an already modded unit. Does anyone know of any high quality screen replacements I can use for the backlight mod? Or does anyone have any insight into the GBA backlight dilemma?

 

This might help you out.

 

Installation itself is not the concern I have, it's more of sourcing out a backlight display. The new screen kits are like $100 and up. I was hoping someone knew where to get the screens for cheap like they were a few years back. I'm thinking all of the new old stock really is gone now. The only alternative is to harvest out of a broken AGS 101. Still gonna probably cost me like $50, which isn't bad, but it's a used screen so it probably won't last as long as a brand new old stock screen.

 

The guy in the video used a screen from a gba sp.

 

the better screen is in the ags 101 model. other then that try aliexpress

 

Just to verify with you guys, this screen I linked down here will work right? I might actually have my old GBA original model still. If not I'm gonna pick one up this weekend. Aliexpress proved to be a better price compared to ebay. Ebay cheapest I saw was like around $70.

https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32622199888.html

 

check the feedback from the item you posted. alot of people used it for their gameboy advances but check to be sure.

 

The screens became expensive because they went out of production. A few years ago you could order them for $20 or less. And don't forget the adapter!

 

If and when you do get a backlit screen (especially if you get it from Aliexpress, since it would be nice for reflection from someone on here to the quality), do update the details of your mod.

 

I picked up the GBA at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo over the weekend. I will purchase the screen within the next day or two. I checked and mine is a 40 pin, so no additional soldering is needed. I solder enough in this hobby so I wasn't worried, but one less step in the process is always a bonus! I will be sure to update the thread as progress is made.

Just paid for the screen.

 

Nice! The most annoying part for me was always using a rotary tool to clean out the plastic from the shell that's in the way of the larger backlit display. From what I remember, you only need to solder the wire coming off the ribbon cable adapter if you want to run the display at its higher brightness setting. I always did this because the higher brightness setting made it easier to see in the daytime. You could also run a switch so you can toggle between the two settings. But honestly, its more of a PITA than it's worth!

Good luck

 

I found this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Game-GBA-Ne...7e229be&pid=100005&rk=2&rkt=6&sd=142146767549 But I'm too scared to pull the trigger. I already screwed up a LOCA install.

 

Remember to factor in the price of the adapter. Probably will be around $50-60 all said and done. I don't know if I would do this mod for that price. I still have a small inventory of screens and adapters, and glass lenses, too! But they're my own personal stash