Backlighting A GameBoy Pocket - Worth It?

Mod Kit US - ebay.to/2H3ZFLC
Mod Kit UK - ebay.to/2RisqsI
GameBoy US - ebay.to/2LYJ3Un
GameBoy UK - ebay.to/2FkZmKP
Check out other links below!
Hey! Hope you enjoyed this backlight video. Originally I was meant to be doing a full DMG refurb and mod, but I broke the screen! Hopefully you enjoyed this video in its place!
Things I Use:
- Screwdriver Set: ebay.to/2QCjLNO
- Soldering Iron: ebay.to/2xiSKqv
- Tool Box: ebay.to/2OuGPwm
- Camera: ebay.to/2NMPhtL
- Cutting Mat: ebay.to/2NNxEtH
- GB Boy Colour: ebay.to/2xfFPWu
- Retro Console I Like: ebay.to/2NPAHSj
Support me: / theretrofuture
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Music:
- Intro: ollyrybarczu...
- Outro: / reubenfalle
- Other: strangesoul.bandcamp.com/albu...
- Other 2: bonuspoints1.bandcamp.com/alb...
Disclaimer:
The links above are affiliated where possible. This will give me a very small amount of commission if you buy anything through the links.
Please note links above are affiliated where possible to support the channel. Thank you for your understanding.

[@TheRetroFuture]

Contrast is now perfectly fine and stable! Turns out my batteries where on their way out! I will be biverting this GBP in a future video, so I will make a follow up video then! To address the main point, I cut the polarizing film at that angle because that was the optimal angle for my specific film, I tried to make it clear in the video that had I not done that, the screen would have been very dark.

[@flibblesan]

I wouldn't use zinc batteries either, they just don't last long in a device like a game boy.

[@shinynewjb]

My problem with backlighting Pockets is that I use fresh batteries, it looks ok, then as soon as the batteries are even a TINY bit depleted (like 5 to 10 mins use) it's back to faded again... It works fine when plugged into the mains. Backlighting 2 Game Boy pockets was actually my first modding experience and I was amazed I managed it without breaking the screens. But overall, a pretty lackluster result...

[@oregoth8695]

Worth it it has this gameboy office package feel to it

[@oregoth8695]

Great work!

[@janfredlken4425]

When your biverting it can pls try the new pocket biverter from hand held legends?

[@KlingonCaptain]

I would enjoy the videos where you mess up on things if you posted them. It's a learning experience.

[@TheRetroFuture]

Thats the next two months content sorted then! 😂

[@ThePokemaster8]

Blooper video maybe

[@opencouchgaming8100]

@@TheRetroFuture as someone who's just getting into modding and repairing old consoles, those kinds of vids would actually be really helpful. maybe just cover a few tips and tricks you've learned to deal with unforeseen issues.

[@TheAutoholic]

Seriously! We learn much more from failure than success. ;)

[@Davedarko]

I have five working backlit + biverted Game Boy Pockets here, always a pain to remove the reflective material + filter, but worked in the end. I love my yellow backlight on the pocket in classic colours.

[@RetroRexzi]

Great video. Removing the back film and loca glue is a thing of nightmares. The amount of pockets & Dmg’s I have without screens now is just depressing. Very rewarding when you nail it though.

[@kiko12000]

A very good tip when removing the reflective film and polarizer, peel some of the film off the top, then spray a bit of WD-40 between the film and the screen then leave it. The WD-40 will eat at the adhesive without harming or putting pressure on the screen or the ribbon cables. After a bit, you can super easily just slide it off the screen. It will take some cleaning to get rid of the oily residue of the WD-40, but I think it’s worth it

[@TheRetroFuture]

I need to give this a try! Everyone always points this out! Next time, thank you!

[@kiko12000]

The Retro Future No problem! I have a red backlight on the way and I’m gonna be trying that method! I’m thinking of doing an all red themed Pocket

[@trzarector]

Can you not use heat to remove the polarizer?

[@kiko12000]

trzarector I’m sure it would help the film to come off more easily, but I think the WD-40 is the best method as you’re not putting any stress on the screen

[@kr4t0sg.28]

I know why it looks so horrible. You cut your polarizer slanted. I asked myself why did he do that, its always supposed to be at a 90° angle. Screen and polerizer standing flat on the table then you cut away the edges. After you cut the edges you turn it to the LESS darker position. Reason why is because you are not installing a bivert. If you are installing a bivert then you want it to turn it to the DARKER position. I have 2 pockets and have exellent clarity.

[@kronos43]

Yeah Ive backlighted a few pockets and I really don't know why he cut the polerizer sideways...

[@chamoo232]

It's like he though the contrast looked best in that position without considering at all that there will be a backlight. There is even market lines on it from the bigger uncut sheet it came from that shows direction.

[@kr4t0sg.28]

@@chamoo232 yes exactly. He made a good mod but he should correct that polarizer. Start with a new one. Results would so much better.

[@TheRetroFuture]

@@chamoo232 thank goodness! I thought I forgot to mention that in the video. Im glad you heard it!

[@kamealex]

Exactly. Pretty surprised he didn't notice while editing the video. A pretty obvious mistake, even for me, that know nothing about modding.

[@AlexLaTerreur]

I love modding gameboys so I though I could give you a few tips. First, the gameboy pocket you used looks like it got its top polarizer replaced with a different one. The original polarizer features a circular polarization(hard to find) and the one you used is most likely a linear one. What it does is it basically make your screen like a Dmg. When I backlight a pocket, I use chipquik to desolder the lcd connector to give me an easier access and to prevent dust. You need to be very careful as the connector is very brittle. I use iphone polarizers and just like you, I have to cut it to the correct orientation but when I do that I mark where I have to cut it with the backlight on to give me an idea of the result. The thing is with these kits, the polarizer that comes with it are not sticky on either sides and are the same for all colors and a few degrees can make a difference in contrast. You can purchase gb pocket lcd inverter on kitsch bent and they are very easy to install and in my opnion are well worth it. I also use different solder points for the backlight. I don't remember which one but I could always check. Having said that, I think you did a great job.

[@Martin-ry3vy]

Great video like the new intro / tempted to do this mod my self look difficult though

[@SuperLegolover23]

Loved the new intro (and your T-shirt) !

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

I don't

[@cajakit]

Oh, man, that background music is the icing on the cake.

[@genesischris1297]

I feel like the results would have been a LOT better had you used a better kit. Because those can come out really well when done right and a good kit is used. Personally, I like the one from Hand Held Legend. That's just my opinion though. Great video either way!

[@kr4t0sg.28]

Yes, the kit he used is odd and cheap. Handheld legend sells very good kits. I use nothing but his kits when it comes to backlight and bivert mods.

[@DokterRoetker]

Loved the intro, keep up the good work

[@SenyorDonGatoo]

Nice editing and music. Keep it going!

[@Albert-ru7ob]

Old Elliot is helping me with all my problems

[@BILLTHORPE]

I had no idea how hard it was to do this! Good job!

[@TheRetroFuture]

Thanks man!

[@Chriva]

Awakening. Now that's a blast from the past! Had that, donkey kong land 2 and pokemon on my gameboy pocket. Think it was a green one :)

[@esotericsean]

Nice job! Biverting and installing a voltage regulator really helps, but it's much more difficult to do. I'm going to attempt a series on backlighting and modding every Game Boy version this year, Pockets will definitely be in the mix!

[@marshj6594]

Looking forward to it! I got my first GBP, but I haven't quite found a good bivert guide

[@TheRetroFuture]

I look forward to it dude!

[@AndrewWendling]

esotericsean please do it! I’d love to see a pocket bivert backlight w voltage regulator video. I kinda abandoned mine due to everdrive support.

[@EL_Bi_]

Modded both of my pocket with voltage regulator. Strongly recomend doing it, is defineltly an easy thing to do ! In one the extra regulator powers only the backlight, on the other I decided to use the built in voltage regulator to supply power to just the backlight and used the extra regulator to power the board. The regulators I used were from banggood and cost almost nothing.

[@esotericsean]

Lorenzo Bassani Yeah! There are a few different ways to install one. But anything that takes the stress off the built in converter helps!

[@sydr]

Wouldja look at that I’m early again (rediscovered your channel and I’m obsessed lmao)

[@Dirty_Habit]

Almost 100k subs man!

[@zipzopbeesopdro]

New intro love i love it 🤤

[@ssjtrunks1234]

Loving the new intro

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

I'm not

[@midierror]

i backlit my gb pocket and its great. only downside is it rinses the battery! I'm not sure the angle you placed the polariser on is right. The contrast on mine is fine

[@garfieldepicmoments]

Would say the biggest problem with Game Boy Pocket backlighting is that it reduces battery life down to 2-3 hours, making it pretty impractical as a handheld

[@uncleslip22]

Other option is change to a slightly larger resistor value to dim the backlight a fraction

[@FrezzyYT]

Better size and smaller than Gameboy light. Perfect!

[@samsantos1843]

Just by the title I would give a FAT yes that it is worth it

[@thebigskip-e]

Your videos have some of the best music

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

No they don't

[@loganjorgensen]

Yes it is worth it ultimately speaking, a lot of hardware tends to sit around or get discarded because they lack convenience, even the GBA's lack of backlight makes it less desirable. In NA a lot of CRTs will end up on the scrap heap because they don't have RGB inputs.

[@onotrain3020]

Like the new intro!

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

I don't

[@YesNo-rw5se]

Good job Eliot

[@briansegarra9312]

I did it real easy just like you did but after i separated a bit of the polarizer y used a credit card and alchool ,instead of my finger and its working well :)

[@mullinsjm1]

Was gonna backlight and nicer my dmg regular gameboy soon.

[@blindsniper9794]

Have you tried using a hot air gun to heat the backing to make it easier to peel?

[@rhi2dtwo93]

I’ve got an old gameboy pocket that’s got a broken screen. Would love to do this when replacing it! Would you say it’s achievable for the average joe though?

[@WBlaX]

Biverting the thing is actually easier than installing the backlight, in my experience. Cut two tracks, solder six cables and you're done. You can go pin lifting, but I think it's less dangerous to just cut the tracks. Might be a bit annoying to decide where to locate the chip itself, but the mod doesn't really jeopardize the console as much as removing the film from the screen. So, in my opinion, once you've installed the backlight, all the rest is easier. Can't really see the difficult part on the bivert mod. It's time consuming since you have to locate cables and all, but even if you manage to break the motherboard (which is not easy, mine has a thousand do-overs due to one thing I wanted or another, also a LiPo battery mod and even the oscillator was changed and now located into the battery slot for further dual-oscillator mod) you can get another one from a GPB with a broken screen for cheap, if you don't have one already from a screen you broke yourself. If you didn't break the ribbon, then the hard part is done.

[@ActualCharky]

The first pocket I backlit was honestly so easy I thought everyone had been overhyping it. I decide to sell that one and do another one (in a DMG style shell) and managed to break it. I do wonder if the cable was already damaged when I started, because I didn't do anything differently at all...

[@KyleRVeenstra]

Charky - Yeah it’s really not that difficult in my opinion.

[@TheRetroFuture]

They seem to differ from unit to unit!

[@ActualCharky]

I think I must have got two ends of the spectrum. I'm keeping an eye out for one to take the screen from when the January clearouts start!

[@shinynewjb]

I modded two pockets as my first mods. Took my time and they went ok in terms of installing the backlight. Modded a DMG afterwards and the polarising film was absolutely gummed on. Took ages! Took my time and it ended up ok, it was just very hard work. The key with these mods is to just go steady. Don't think you have to match the pace of experienced modders.

[@hitara5053]

I'd rather use a backlit advance. More expensive to mod but it has backwards compatibility and it had that rechargable battery mod

[@TheRetroFuture]

Yeah fair enough!

[@baileythesleepless9966]

less street cred though

[@drew8235]

For some people it's just not enough. Like I'm not gonna sit for hours on end playing a nice Gameboy RPG on a backlit GBA with that cartridge sticking up all goofy the entire time.

[@hitara5053]

@@drew8235 yeah it would look rather silly XD

[@Bro-cx2jc]

@@drew8235 I always thought it looked cool :(

[@sannepolman6526]

Where do you get all your screwdrivers? I can't find the right ones for a 2ds repair

[@at0m1zed]

I just bought an atomic purple and regular pink Gameboy pocket both with screen burn and I just want to know if I should replace the screens with backlit ones or if I should just repair the old ones in thinking of the ladder but I would like some other peoples thoughts on it

[@superduperman7202]

Did this today. Added a DSi battery with recharge board in the back. This gives a massive boost to the screen. Stop the light stutter on Pokemon games....AND....Also for much longer play and stability with the Everdrive. This mod is almost pointless if you don't have a decent 3.7v battery running.

[@SparksNZeros]

ye it did bother me a bit that ladbible posted your video because by sheer coincidence they went on to 'feature' (steal) the content of 3 other videos from youtubers I follow, the argument that it gets more people directed to their content is very weak when so often they don't credit the creator and deliberately reedit the footage. That aside this was very exciting to see, I've never been able to succesfully modify a gameboy pocket, they die without any effort for what is a very small benefit unless you bivert them which is even more difficult.

[@erniemccarthy4111]

At least they asked for permission and linked to the channel. That way he agreed to this and it wasn’t stolen.

[@odaddy47]

I would always recommend Bi vert Mod, not hard

[@xXSpartan029Xx]

Any idea if there's a way to fix a gameboy pocket with a broken ribbon cable? I've had one sitting around for years, I'd love to fix it

[@jacenharding2674]

Ryan Sumner Get a new screen

[@petergplus6667]

You only heated the solder but not the wire. This might be a cold solder. I thinks it's better to heat the wire for good permanent connection.

[@deltafunction0]

I still have one of these gold pockets!

[@angahchelsea7146]

I love gameboy pocket, coz that was my 1st gameboy,and i like it in original state..

[@drew8235]

I'm really holding out for like an IPS equivalent for this.

[@toypilot9811]

Is it normal once you use the Bivert chip that you have to run the contrast at max to get the right picture? That’s what mine does 🤔

[@1Raphael]

sick bro

[@jeb_leeds2928]

How do you tell your battery life on the old gameboy pocket s like this

[@pawelmieczkowski]

I'm trying to install backlit screen on my GameBoy pocket. I struggle with the self-adhesive polariser film. I assumed it needs to be stuck to the back of the screen. It is really difficult to position it correctly without leaving air bubbles, fingerprints etc. Mainly because the screen tape gets in the way. I have ruined already couple polariser films. Have you guys got any tips how to do that? Or am I going in totally wrong direction and the polarizer should be stuck to the backlit panel/board instead...

[@lorelaiwarrior3076]

i just bought a gameboy pocket how much do charger to do it

[@kronos43]

Would you consider doing a Gaboze Pocaio video?

[@theboy181]

is there not a contrast CHIP that can improve the contrast?

[@Hotdogman351]

Can you reduce the light using a higher ohms of resistor

[@Coorhagen]

But you don't have that little resistor to make it more dim?

[@bongobongo1239]

I'm trying to do this mod as we speak. Do you only have to solder one wire for it to work? What does the black wire do? Thanks.

[@gyu9058]

Can u make a video of u putting the gba guts in a Gbc shell?

[@manoelfelipe1807]

Can you actually adjust the brightness?

[@angrygamer45]

Is it possible to add an ags-101 screen into a gameboy pocket

[@jesusperez3215]

Here i am, still enjoying a 5 year old video

[@thisthingmint250]

Wouldn’t a ips lcd kit be a lot better of a purchase?

[@nix2939]

I've been using the GameYob emulator to play Gbc games on my DS lite recently. I'd highly recommend it if you've got a flash cart (which let's be honest most people have). It's extremely good emulation

[@aizatsyaszani5922]

hi bro nice video, can i make request? can u make video tutorial how to change top LCD for N2ds Xl

[@justcraig3588]

Also would like to see how to bivert a gameboy pocket.

[@GHE_05]

Maybe not. It's a learning experience and maybe one day you'll succeed!

[@jamesconnolly344]

I've back lighted like 4 before and the first 3 failed. The fourth one worked and had A giant dead pixel line down the middle. I spent over 300$ and it it was just for A project... Yeah. I don't recommend back lighting it unless you're A professional, It can waist A lot of money and time. In the end though I do now have a bunch of replacement parts and shells to customize My Gameboy Pocket.

[@Nifterific]

Isn’t rotating the polarizer film like that a step of biverting? I don’t think you were sent the wrong polarizer, I think you caused that by rotating it when you were talking about getting better contrast that way. Just my two cents, always love your vids, just something I wanted to mention.

[@MrVickyjr]

I agree, he cut it out at a diagonal angle , he should of went the full 90°

[@chamoo232]

When you bivert you rotate the polarizer 90 degrees but he installed his at a 45 degree angle. that's why the contrast is messed up.

[@Nifterific]

chamoo232 my understanding from This Does Not Compute’s video on it is that rotating the polarizer period messes with the contrast. So it doesn’t matter if he did 45 or 90, the contrast would be wrong without biverting. In this case, I think his contrast would still be wrong if he biverted.

[@DreamDaddie]

I see why you hate putting one of these together. Looks gorgeous though

[@bryan2garcia]

Where is the link for the LAD video

[@colemanprevatt7555]

Will the contrast wheel still work?

[@Jaguar13.exe.]

This looks so much harder than on the original DMG

[@majora748]

YES PLEASE.

[@jacobspatterson3844]

Where can I get that shirt tho?

[@sackchief]

Yeah, no. I’d rather just pay up for the Japanese GameBoy Light model. The pocket was not made for this lol.

[@JeanRodo]

Maybe just pick up a modded pocket with a bivert on it, only reason I say that is because Japanese pockets light isn't as strong compared to these.

[@nix2939]

We're you on the IGN vita forums back in the day?

[@sackchief]

@@nix2939 Yes I was :) You have a good memory.

[@bluefrancis14]

IGN vita forums? Can you tell us a story?

[@sackchief]

bluefrancis14 Not much to tell. It was a fun place to talk about the Vita. They got rid of it though.

[@erniemccarthy4111]

Did LADBIBLE ask for permission to use your video? Facebook pages like that have a reputation of reuploading rather than linking to your vid, making it look like their original content.

[@TheRetroFuture]

Yup! Asked me, linked me and watermarked me. Very happy with it!

[@erniemccarthy4111]

The Retro Future nice. Thanks for responding btw, you’re one of my favourite channels.

[@makuchisoichi3649]

youtuber also has same reputation.simply austin using robbert dunnart instagram video without his permission. just sayin

[@stankozniewski9385]

any chance you can throw in a ags 101 screen in a gb pocket?

[@genesischris1297]

No. The screen would not fit. And if someone manages to (like with the GBC), I feel like the pocket wouldn't shut.

[@emanueletrentini2504]

I did the bivert, not worth it. Ended up swapping the mod (backlight and bivert) to a DMG.

[@kr4t0sg.28]

I agree, you can hardly tell the difference if not any at all. Not worth the trouble installing a bivert. Mine are just backlit.

[@xCrossBite]

Yes, a bivert is great for a traditional DMG but is not needed on a GBP.

[@lowercase7455]

Can you do a backlight on gba plz

[@Athermian]

I subscribed because your name excites me

[@adrienbrasseur8809]

But the other gameboy has not the same size screen

[@Transmedal2]

We wana see a before and after shot or clip of the differences in back lit vs not back lit

[@tandju4922]

Next time put some kind of insulating material around the resistor tips. The may cause shorts

[@bigburtystoyshowcasing3815]

Thanks for the video. I’ve been on the fence, but this has made me realise it’s not worth trying to backlight my Pocket. A Color is even more of a pain to do, so I guess I won’t be having any backlights unless I buy an OG GB.

[@xCrossBite]

Don't let this video discourage you, and I would recommend looking up other backlighting videos. Backlight on a Pocket looks amazing if it's done correctly. You don't want to bother with lighting a GBC though. You'd be better off using a GBA SP or a clone system if you want lighting on a color system.

[@Indigofrost]

I say give the bivert a shot, bc a backlight on this is wasted without it from the sound of it

[@sjm4306]

Definitely should have a bit higher contrast probably down to orientation/quality of filter. I definitely love my biverted backlit pockets though, pitch dark blacks and vibrant backlight colors. Example of what one of my biverted pockets looks like (also has my custom softswitch bivert and digital rgb): kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2OlqoF9aLF9e5o

[@waul24hr]

Is it possible to make this backlight switchable?

[@reigen4030]

That's what I thought because surely it will reduce battery life???

[@genesischris1297]

@@reigen4030 Not really. If I'm correct, the backlight uses LEDs. Which don't really affect the battery life much.

[@Duke_of_H3ll]

Can you make a Gameboy macro plz

[@ebmeverything9035]

5k gang

[@irimilian5702]

Nice intro

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

No it's not

[@adamhenry6793]

Good stuff!

[@TheRetroFuture]

Thanks Adam!

[@adamhenry6793]

@@TheRetroFuture Y'Welcome!

[@MasterSinister3]

You just made the game boy light

[@TV2_Productions]

Or you can buy a gameboy light witch is a gameboy pocket but with a backlight

[@Boofy95]

Is that a new intro?

[@wattuh]

Gameboy pocket with backlit only on japan (gameboy light)

[@erickramos8314]

love you're stuf keep it up

[@TheRetroFuture]

Cheers Erick!

[@justcraig3588]

That was completely different to the way you did it before

[@RetroPlus]

I want to backlight my red Gameboy pocket with a green backlight, I hope I don't break it.

[@kiko12000]

Retro Plus If you know how to fix broken gameboys. Try to find a broken Gameboy that has something like power issues or a burnt screen on eBay for about $10 and repair it. That way, if you fail on the backlight, it won’t be as bad, cause it was just $10.

[@RetroPlus]

gno That's a good idea, but I'd rather risk backlighting my good one because I don't want to pay extra money.

[@jesser5369]

What is your favorite model of Gameboy and what color/edition?

[@TheRetroFuture]

GBL Toys R'Us!

[@camelazo]

6:03 i cant trust this because you MUST leave your solder tip with solder , nice job dude cutting the POLARIZED FILTER diagonally without checking the BLACK must be black not GREY!!! smartasses everywhere!! 9:05