Backlight Your Gameboy Color in 15 MINUTES! (No Soldering!)

[@KyleAwsm]

STOCK UPDATE + LINK (3/28/21): I've received some questions recently about when BennVenn is going to have more of his FreckleShack kits in stock again. He's informed me that he actually adds some to his store stock for sale every week, and they are available both with and without the custom screen lens. However, the kits sell out pretty quickly. So keep a close eye on his store page for a chance to get your hands on a kit if you want one! bennvenn.myshopify.com/collections/aftermarket-lcds/products/aioli-our-tastiest-freckleshack-yet-ready-to-ship?variant=32427215159399&fbclid=IwAR3FI56CpHdE1SpCEFWJ7six4_biUkoGDTX-zli0WxpDlR_9fU6doIm9zO8

[@miguelmendoza3638]

@kyleawsm do I need a new jelly belly lens if I’m using my old shell?

[@greggidley]

Did this have much impact on battery life?

[@bz5791]

Page is 404!

[@mikesavage4357]

April 2023 here, I’ve tried going to the websites but the links aren’t working. Are the mods still available to buy?

[@kathrineolivares]

As a noobie, can you provide updated links so I dont purchase the wrong thing? 🙈😩

[@labfifteenco2176]

To those that have asked for a custom lens or one that more like the original. This isn't and problem at all, i can fully customise them to what every you like. Just drop the information in the box when adding it to the basket and i'll get it sorted for you. Thanks for all the orders so far :)

[@GameInterest]

The only comment needing pinned.

[@labfifteenco2176]

@@tspooner01 stickers are coming with the LCD from Ben. Customs stickers arnt something I can offer in low qaunities sorry

[@DhinCardoso]

It's very sad your screens would be a luxury item for Brazil customers, the British pounds folds seven times here or more! =(

[@VIRACYTV]

Thomas John Circumference of a baseball*

[@DJAlexUnderBase]

Guys , did you have in plans to restock the GBCL_GLASS ? Thanks

[@matthewdavenport9549]

Just did my freckle shack install. It was the first mod I've ever done and took 30 minutes max. This is wonderful.

[@gamemaniac22]

This really is the definitive GBC mod. Benn is truly a genius with his engineering

[@bennvennelectronics]

Thanks mate!

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

No it's not. The screen is smaller than the original. There is more work to be done for it to be the definitive mod.

[@mikewat6693]

@@afistfulofpimples1745 Its' smaller to keep a accurate 1 to 1 pixel replication, a lower resolution screen could be used but it would look worse.

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

@@mikewat6693 So why not use a higher resolution screen but larger, to equal the size of the original. No one wants a smaller screen. Faithful pixels or not, playing on a smaller screen is no fun. More work needs to be done.

[@bennvennelectronics]

@@afistfulofpimples1745 it's a start! I have an AMOLED kit for the GBC in the proto stage. It has full sized screen area, a bucketload of shell modding to get it to fit, and a ridiculous price tag. You could argue 'it's too expensive' or 'too much modding' Just as the last lot of Commenters on the 101 mod. The fact is, this is a huge step forward. No it's not perfect but with the days of 1:1 screen aspect well in the past, the chance of a 100% drop in no mod solution is drifting further away. This is the best we're going to get for this simplicity and price tag. You may be surprised but the design of this kit wasn't by accident or a random panel selection. This is the best we have in April 2019...

[@jjgarnham]

Got very excited when the thumbnail for this video appeared right at the top of my recommended section. Have so been looking forward to this video being published. Totally worth the wait!!!

[@KyleAwsm]

I'm glad to hear that! 😊 Thanks for watching, man! I'm glad people are responding so positively!

[@jack3927417]

This is truly the final solution. 2019 is an amazing time to be alive.

[@gigidyyy]

I'm sure we will get a 1:1 proper sized screen one day! That screen is still smaller.

[@scottmorrison147]

I decided to keep my clear Japan exclusive GBC all original including the screen except for the FS mod. The silver sides of the screen look good in the clear console.

[@BagilicousG]

Your past self was jn for a treat oh boy

[@bunkernuts6293]

$70 isn't too bad considering that the previous mods were double and some cases close to triple that. BennVenn did an outstanding job on this.

[@kaylas5645]

Thank you so much for making this video, it was super helpful! I just installed my Freckle Shack and I’m in love with how it turned out.

[@odysseos12]

BennVenn needs to find a reseller in Europe. Its a shame really tons of great products but with shipping and taxes they double in price by the time they reach Europe.

[@leopardleopard521]

Same for middle East. It's really a shame

[@calvo131]

Not really bennvenn's fault. Its Australia post's shitty prices and our exchange rate to the rest of the world that kills us here in Australia.

[@bengrimmett1239]

We're working on a EU distributor. Is the UK still in the EU?

[@bengrimmett1239]

@@relo999 OK, I'll put the word out to EU distibutors and try make it worth their while. If you know anyone, pass the word on.

[@COPKILLER4FUN]

@@bengrimmett1239 BREXIT, BABY!

[@washerface]

This is it... The moment you've all been waiting for... You've done the frontlight mod, and maybe the ags-101 screenswap. But now we finally have the ultimate solution. Thank you Kyle.

[@RetroManHarv]

Fantastic video and I look forward to doing mine one day, but the links are sadly outdated or product unavailable.

[@cljoe35]

His voice is so calming. It’s perfect for a step by step surgery video

[@baseballnathan97]

This was a great guide. My drop-in LCD finally arrived, I followed this guide and it took no less than 15 minutes with no problems.

[@kiozoki9090]

Hey how long did it take to arrive

[@baseballnathan97]

@@kiozoki9090 When I ordered, they were currently sending out the first batch. Mine was part of the 4th or 5th batch, so it didn't arrive for like a month or two. I imagine it might be worse right now with the virus.

[@rachelknowles3917]

I screamed when I saw this video!! you did an amazing job explaining everything, it was totally worth the wait!!!

[@KyleAwsm]

Thank you so much! 😃 I appreciate your comment, and thanks for watching!

[@Deltax5]

This new screen he found is still smaller then the original. I thank him that it's easier to work with. Not all of us are handy with the iron. I hope one day he finds a nice screen for use that is same size or bigger.

[@KyleAwsm]

Well, he's theorizing ideas for another screen that is identical to the GBC's original, but that's likely still a long ways off. Honestly, with the Freckle Shack LCD being backlit, AND with a custom lens (you don't see a reminder of tape over the LCD housing), you don't even notice the size difference. Plus, it's only a 2 mm difference anyways. Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@TheAfroman]

This is the video I was waiting for.. and.. Ordered from Retro Modding. Fantastic work. SO MUCH simpler than shaving the case down.. Now to order a glass screen cover from Jelly.. and a nice replacement shell

[@tein357]

If possible I would be nice to see a side by side comparison of the AGS-101 vs the Freckle Shack mods.

[@Rippedblunt]

Noe Gonzalez i second this

[@Yami_Industries]

I third this

[@KyleAwsm]

Okie doke! I'll try to fit this into my next video coming in a few days. Thanks for watching!

[@HieiTF76]

@@KyleAwsm And also a comparison with an original game boy color screen would be nice (one comparison with direct light, and one without drect light).

[@TheMiracleOfTheValley]

So, if you do this DIY and make the micro USB mod for the battery replacement you will get the best Gameboy color ever?

[@destination_orcas3781]

“You won’t have the supply problems of the 101 mod” *clicks link only to find out that the kit is sold out* 🙄🤦‍♀️

[@cptcaveman26]

Looks like you have to be really lucky to get any bennvenn products still looking for one of those gbc flash cards 😔

[@rikprince8414]

It would appear that JellyBelly customs is either completely out of inventory, or out of business. Is there another resource for lenses?

[@andrewromo4918]

Rik Prince I ordered a replacement shell on eBay that came with buttons and a glass screen

[@oldbayzor8836]

I want that white shell! can you link me?

[@MrDbzfan001]

Thank you both for this! Can't wait until mine arrives in May!

[@shanmann3022]

New version has brightness control. anyone know how to install it? looks like I have to solder one part. Kyle please help and make vid of this.

[@bradyt4571]

I have the same gameboy color with that clear purple case, and have had it since I was 5 or 6 years old as a gift from my grandmother. I am so tempted to order the kit and try it, but part of me thinks I wanna keep my childhood gameboy color as is, and buy a second hand one to do this mod. Thanks for the tutorial! Great content and you got my sub:) I'll be saving this video for future reference.

[@KyleAwsm]

Thanks so much! 😊 And take it from me: DON'T mod something that is sentimental to you. Keep it stock and pick up another decent GBC on Ebay for $30 - $40. Thanks again for your support! 😎

[@SpikerDragon95]

Well time to save some money, I waited like 10 years to see a user friendly mod for my GBC, now its time my dudes

[@KyleAwsm]

*A WILD WEDNESDAY FROG APPEARS!* 😂 It is WEDNESDAY, my dudes. 😎

[@knickymusic]

This guy is chill but also like super scary. I feel like he's bout to kill me

[@Bro-cx2jc]

That's a damn weird thing to say

[@tree_sentinel3776]

This is great, we don’t have to tear apart a good gba sp for the lcd

[@califpv]

Congrats on the awesome job editing on this video... I don't think the gaming community realizes how big of a deal this is.... Ben is a modding God! Awesome job with the weight loss Brotha.. Lookin' good 💪

[@KyleAwsm]

Hey man, thank you very much for your kind words! 😊 I really appreciate that! It's been a journey, that's for sure! 🙂 Good to see ya man - Let me know if ya need anything!

[@zerocks88]

literally the only time I've ever heard someone say "if you liked this video" and I actually clicked the like button at that point in the video lol

[@KyleAwsm]

Hey, thanks so much for that! 😊 I really appreciate your support on this! Thanks for watching! 😎

[@stephanielangley2952]

do i have to use a jellybelly lense? i wanted to mod my gold and silver gbc

[@RazgrizReZEL]

Thank you so much for this!!!! Looks like I know what my summer project is. It would cool if he made screens for the GBA if the AGS-101 screens run out.

[@Espingify]

I CAN´T BELIEVE THIS, LET´S WATCH IT!!!

[@Tetsujin-28]

Late to the party. Just picked up a GB Color at a show. All the links you've listed are sold out.

[@KaguyaH]

Nice tutorial, I'd kill to get one of the limited edition Card Captor Sakura GBCs and do this.

[@bigmacjack4308]

Rei Houraisan I am a police officer is that a threat?

[@bubble_ghostie3438]

Great video, Kyle! Thank you for making such a thorough guide. I’m looking forward to getting my Freckle Shack in and installing it. I feel a lot more confident about doing it after watching your video. :)

[@KyleAwsm]

Thank you, Ghostie! 😊 I appreciate it!

[@UchuNoko]

You should do a review on the new version of the freckle shack, the Aioli.

[@AndZee360]

Looks great and seemed like one I'd like to purchase as a beginner, went on the website to get one for myself to find that it's been sold out for about a year and no responses from the BennVenn regarding restocking... bummer.

[@keithstone001]

Site says sold out is there more coming or another site that I can purchase one?

[@monsterstorm78]

wow amazing how long all that take u to do

[@blindguitarfox]

Well worth the wait, thank you and Bennvenn for everything!

[@KyleAwsm]

You are most welcome! 😊 Thanks for your support and for watching!

[@ant_989]

Does anyone have any tutorial how to install brightness controller that came with Freckle Shack? BennWenn said on his page that you need to solder 1 cable to make it work.

[@stephenwitmer90]

BennVenn has outdone himself with this mod. Its exactly the quality the community needs! I hope he can keep up with demand.... As always great video brother! Your highlighting effect in the tutorial was clever and really goes to show the dedication you put into your vids. Keep them coming!

[@KyleAwsm]

Hey Steve, thanks so much for your support! 😃 I really appreciate it! Keep an eye out in the coming few days for a couple more videos. 😎

[@djmips]

It's very nice but how much smaller is that new screen?

[@eskimojoe6564]

So awesome I wish the kits were in stock

[@FireMrshlBill]

Go to the site and look for batch #5 pre-order for a july shipping date. Just put one in myself, and it apparently adds in brightness control if you choose to solder in a wire

[@Snowdustdragon]

Looks great! Benn is a master of his craft to create something like this. I'm just waiting for a few parts to finish a 101 mod for the gba sp. But I'd like to have a go at this one too and update the screen on my old original pokemon gold/silver. gbc.

[@HAL_NOVEMILA]

I really want a similar kit for my GBA SP ags001, I'm really terrible at soldering...

[@snailmilk785]

I cant wait for August, when mine arrives. This is gonna be epic, gamers!

[@drew8235]

We live in crazy times. I'm still having a lot of difficulties getting the GBC 101 mod done the old way. The one soldering point needed to the board is just insanely small, and honestly nothing fits no matter how much it's trimmed down.

[@frankgile1996]

Now, if only there was a kit similar to the FreckleShack, but for the DMG Gameboy... Awesome work, though... Seriously considering saving the money to buy this kit...

[@enthusiasticgamer88]

Man we're in the golden age of retro gaming. Can't wait to get my GBA Consolizer once they release!

[@bennvennelectronics]

Did you take a look at Kyle's sneak peek of the VGAMITE?

[@enthusiasticgamer88]

BennVennElectronics just watched it that's some pretty awesome tech for sure! Personally I'm going all hdmi to get rid of the OSSC in my setup, Super NT, Mega SG, UltraHDMI N64, AVS NES and soon to be GBA Consolizer but I opted to wait for the full case option so I expect that to be a few more months.

[@bennvennelectronics]

@@enthusiasticgamer88 were currently playing around with hdmi so expect some awesome new affordable gadgets!

[@SatoshiMatrix1]

A couple questions before I purchase one of these bad boys. 1. Is the backlit screen the same size as the stock GBC screen? 2. How important is it to install a custom screen lens? I refurbished my GBC with a glass screen lens only a year ago for a stock GBC screen. Is there any reason that a stock GBC screen lens won't work with this mod? 3. How is the backlit screen with motion blur, viewing angles, etc? Thanks!

[@KyleAwsm]

Hi there, thanks for your questions! 1. The screen is a few mm smaller than the original screen, but since it's backlit you really don't notice the size difference (just from my experience). 2. A custom lens isn't required, but it definitely helps the look of things. If you don't use one, you can cover the borders of the LCD with matte black vinyl (no residue) or electrical tape (leaves residue). 3. There's no ghosting on the Freckle Shack lens. None. 🙂 (Unlike the AGS-101). I hope this all helps! Thanks for watching!

[@SatoshiMatrix1]

@@KyleAwsm Okay...then if it's not 1:1, that opens up a whole other can of worms. What is the screen size for this aftermarket screen and what is the aspect ratio? The original GameBoy Color LCD uses a 10:9 aspect ratio that aftermarket unit such as the GB Boy Colour do not match, creating a slightly stretched image. The reason I'd be interested in this to to get a lit screen that also adheres to the proper aspect ratio. The other points sound good to me, but please explain this difference in screen size.

[@KyleAwsm]

Pixel ratio IS 1:1, just smaller pixel pitch. Same aspect ratio. A few mm smaller than the original LCD.

[@muckersTGN]

Great video, Kyle! Very informative and a perfect example of how to do a tutorial video like this *right*. So many videos do a poor job at things like this. End results look incredible too. Where did you get the custom shell from?

[@KyleAwsm]

Thank you so much for the kind words! 😊 And I went to Godofgaming on Ebay to purchase my white one. They tend to have higher quality aftermarket GBC shells on-hand. Cheers, man! Also, do yourself a favor and just foot the money for the custom lens. 😉 Trust me, it's worth it. Thanks for watching!

[@muckersTGN]

@@KyleAwsm Ordered the lens and pre-ordered the new backlight kit; hopefully get the latter by May! Thanks for the tip on the eBay seller, I'll definitely check them out.

[@Butanico]

Great tutorial, but when i can buy the gameboy sp screen?

[@rambo191c]

Omg. That so simple!! Can't wait to try mine :D

[@The_OiGAMER]

Really good I waiting since years for the perfect gbc backlight mod and this it, thank you. Now my dreams come true and I can mod my GBC 😍

[@ant_989]

Is the screen the same size as original GBC screen? Why there's so much space between so we have to use new screen protectors instead of original ones? Is the screen smaller/more narrow? I don't get it.

[@trigger796]

When will they come back in stock???

[@maracullis4965]

Just placed the order. Can’t wait until it arrives. Thanks for guide.

[@zengwenxin8402]

The new version has brightness control function with one wire soldered. Does any one know where to solder?

[@mjc0961]

4:41 - That is what's missing from that other MW embedded mod KZbin keeps trying to make me watch. No way I'm installing a screen mod and then spending my game time staring at 3 bezels.

[@mjc0961]

Yeah, it looks so much better with a proper lens over it. With the original lens, it would be obnoxious.

[@DwightCastillo]

I have a question: Why installing a smaller screen indeed of a small one? I know it's a better one but if you put lot of effort and time why release a smaller version? It's due to pixel sizes or what?

[@KoSLoW27]

Dwight Castillo i have the same question. Too bad to use a smaller screen it doesnt look authentic anymore :(

[@bennvennelectronics]

To me it was more important keeping the aspect ratio the same. We could have filled the screen with a squashed image similar to the Gbboy image but in my opinion it is not good enough. This is a little smaller but ticks the boxes for price, aspect ratio and simplicity.

[@sintiendomevivo]

Hi, could you tell me the precise screen size in inches? Thanks! :)

[@NASIRUB1]

I honestly never really gave the original Gameboy and Game boy Color a real chance. I have played maybe like 5 games from those 2 handhelds line of games, but that is about it. I mainly played GBA because it was just a better portable console to me at the time when I had one. Now I mainly play GBA on my phone and I love how the back light makes my games, pop! I now can't go back to playing on the original GBA hardware. I might dig deeper into the Original Gameboy/Gameboy Color library of games, however, what games should I pick up as a new adopter?

[@KyleAwsm]

Hi there, thanks for your comment! I've been meaning to reply to this for a couple days now. I'd recommend definitely getting your hands on The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX (the Color version), Metroid 2, and Pokemon Yellow, Red, or Blue (I'm biased towards Yellow since I grew up with it). Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages are a secondary pick; They're not my favorites, but they're alright. I'm also partial to Pokemon Silver. I hope this helps you in your quest! 🙂

[@NASIRUB1]

@@KyleAwsm Thanks, I will check those games out.

[@SOCTeddy]

Will the OEM lens or standard sized lens work with this mod? Thanks

[@bennvennelectronics]

Yes though you'll see some inactive lcd area and some metal framing. Nothing some tape won't fix, or the custom lenses being produced

[@ericochoa4034]

There also a Mcwill LCD now available for the gameboy color! Lots of options now!

[@Hmbs271]

Gotta hand it to them, this is pretty awesome! Man do I want these....

[@FISTROMANtheMAN]

I was looking forward to this. Great job on the video! Mod looks fantastic :D

[@KyleAwsm]

Hey, thank you very much! I appreciate it! 😊

[@thegmkiller1967]

Do you have to have the jelly belly customs glass screen. I have a few standard replacement glass screens. Will this work?

[@FR099Y]

Not required but highly recommend has the new screen is about 2mm smaller than original using an original lens you will see more of the inside of the device.

[@KyleAwsm]

What F7099Y said - I highly recommend the custom lens! It just COMPLETES the mod. You can also do like I did in my GBC101 part 2 video, using tape/vinyl to cover the LCD housing/border. I hope this helps! 🙂

[@TheHeadmaster1972]

Just installed it today and working flawlessly. Finally can see better. Only wondering if you can add 'scanlines' by software like I can with my Game Gear modded screen?!

[@colossus27m]

A while ago I did a bodge job on a front light mod and some loca, finally can finish that project

[@SauciestBucket]

Is there a way to change contrast? It doesn’t work with the gbc screw thing in the back

[@GoofyGoober9775]

Would it still work if I used the original shell?

[@Hey_Its_Thor]

If not suggested, make the spacers longer. Even if you get it aligned, i found mine is between a 64th" to 32nd" off on one side. So it looks crooked.

[@ethanlewis2218]

is there a rechargeable battery mod for gameboy color yet? combining that with this screen mod would be the dream system for playing gameboy

[@TheRetroFuture]

Certainly is!

[@okimoto3101]

Brilliant

[@andrewknapp5775]

Need the instructions on how to wire the brightness control.

[@scottind]

Do the spacers need to be glued down? Will they rattle around?

[@tristonpalmer1752]

So it's no longer a 101 display? That's a plus because I'm loosing it with this lack of screens for my repairs, honestly it makes it harder to make a profit from 101 sp's

[@retro8919]

Just order for batch 6

[@TrickArrow]

Thank you for this! I'm refurbishing my old consoles, and didn't like how the previous mod left the Gb color.

[@IDozer1]

Very nicely done!

[@nathanmead140]

Would it be possible to get a different screen thats the same size as the thing on the front of the GBC?

[@MyGuySlevy]

nathan mead if they were able to find an lcd that has the same dimensions as the original AND is able to be manufactured easily as well as unlimited, then yeah. But for now this is the best I’ve ever seen for a modded GB color.

[@KyleAwsm]

Ben is looking into this possibility, but that solution is likely a long way off yet. Thanks for watching, man! 🙂

[@swingstylez]

that's great totorial. Thanks for your efforts.

[@nintyfanuk6744]

Now I seriously can't wait to get mine done. Such an awesome video

[@KyleAwsm]

Thank you very much for watching! 😊

[@darrell5363]

Does a backlight exist where you don’t butcher your case?

[@PLATESWEEPER]

Yes. Aliexpress has one for 36 bucks as of yesterday.

[@PLATESWEEPER]

Completely drop in with touch brightness control that doesnt need any soldering. Its nice but the screen is even smaller than this one.

[@PLATESWEEPER]

It does have some frame skipping and tearing because it doesnt auto adjust the fps like the freckleshack and its kind of annoying.

[@TheRoughGo]

Awesome video, can really see the workmanship behind it! Cant wait to see what's next!

[@KyleAwsm]

Thanks man! I've got a couple more videos on this coming out in a few days. Thanks again for your support! 😃

[@thechineseguy5468]

This is awesome!

[@KyleAwsm]

Hey man, thanks a lot! 😊 Good to see you around here. Let me know if you need anything!

[@thechineseguy5468]

@@KyleAwsm I need a Chinese wife :)

[@KyleAwsm]

@The Chinese Guy 😂😂😂😂

[@RobertStacker]

This is the video I’ve been waiting on! My kit should be here soon, awesome job Kyle!

[@KyleAwsm]

Thanks Robert! 😃 Great to see ya!

[@noahnetwal497]

When will there be a restock?

[@TesserLink]

I'll definitely be picking one of these up soon.

[@GainingDespair]

Whats battery life on something like this, can't imagine it's close to the original life but I also imagine it will run for more than 2 hours as well.

[@NeoByteNL]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@GameInterest]

Yup, getting some Kapton tape now. I've always used electrical tape but it tends to get gummy after a while.

[@KyleAwsm]

Same! People REAMED me in the comments on my old GBC101 videos for not using Kapton tape. Cheers, man!

[@thomasbourland3605]

What width Kapton tape? Might be helpful.

[@KyleAwsm]

Half inch 👍🏻

[@KibethSE]

Will this fit in the BoxyPixel Shell?

[@DawnVengeanceX]

Thank you for this, I followed it and it works perfect!

[@aaliguy9986]

Yay, finally, the wait is over! Amazing video and tutorial, Kyle :D

[@KyleAwsm]

Hey Aali, great to see ya! I appreciate your kind words! 😊

[@thesnorlaxagenda]

404 error when I go to buy it 😢

[@brutalhonesty07]

I’ve been waiting for this.

[@devbat4638]

Simply beautiful!