Battle of the Game Boy DMG Screen Upgrades!

IPS replacement display kits have taken the retro handheld game console scene by storm...and now there are two options to pick from when it comes to the original Game Boy. So between the Funnyplaying and RIPS v3 kits, which one is better?
Be sure to check out Pad Chennington's unboxing and impressions video on one of the handhelds I built in this episode! • The ULTIMATE Vaporwave...
These are my favorite flush cutters -- they work very well and are actually surprisingly inexpensive (affiliate link): amzn.to/3kwfU3F
Retro Modding parts used in this episode:
RIPS v3 DMG kit: www.retromoddi...
Funnyplaying "retro pixel" DMG kit: www.retromoddi...
UV printed shells (not available in the US at the time this video was published): www.retromoddi...
Completely clear glass screen cover: www.retromoddi...
Featured music: "Passion", "Everytime I Cry" and "Power Drive" by Dan Mason (danmason.bandc...) and "Riverside Drive" by Night Tempo (nighttempo.ban...).
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Please consider supporting my work on Patreon: / thisdoesnotcompute
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram! @thisdoesnotcomp
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Additional music by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsou...).
Intro music by BoxCat Games (www.box-cat.com).

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

As many have been keen to point out, the pixel grid on the Funnyplaying kit can be toggled on and off by holding the adjustment wheel for a few seconds. Turning it off also improves the contrast, to about the same level as the RIPS kit. The Funnyplaying installation instructions include trimming the display cutout in the shell; I didn't do this as I didn't find it necessary. I suspect their suggestion comes from the fact that they expect users to install the kit by adhering the display to the shell with double-sided tape, which may not result in perfect alignment. The 3D-printed bracket is a much better way to go as it's much more precise in getting the screen image to appear in the middle of the display cutout, reducing or eliminating the need to trim it.

[@Bro-cx2jc]

This is very satisfying news; I was originally just thinking of Version 2 after seeing that crazy looking primitive display on Version 3. But if it truly can match the feel of Version 2 just by holding down the brightness knob like a button (which should be a function on more mods and devices in my opinion), that makes it the winner for me. I personally feel like widescreen displays should be saved for widescreen devices; I just don't like the idea of extra bits of screen going completely to waste, and obviously you can't just trim them off like with the bits of the shell. I'm probably not going to be buying anything like these screen mods anytime soon due to budget and also the fact that I don't have the tools required for even the simple ones yet; I'm not great at modding, as when I tried to put a region wire into my Sega Genesis, I ended up sticking it permanently into Japanese Mega Drive mode. Either way, your content is well made and fun to watch, seeing how far modders can bring older tech into the next generation. Personally if I ever do want to buy a mod like this, I might try one for the Game Boy Light instead, as it's the only one that was even meant for a backlight (so I won't feel too much like I'm ruining its original feel). Plus, the battery life being reduced to half or less with these mods on the original feels pretty scary; I like the bulky feel of the original, and a heap of battery life on it pretty much completes the picture.

[@mbe102]

Can you do Gameboy Color, and Gameboy Advance, please?

[@joeymasterson4395]

You want to cut out the shell a little bit. The screen is 11% larger and its awesome! Im glad I bought the larger one from funnyplaying. The screens are tiny to begin with, so anything bigger is a huge win

[@OkiDingo]

Nope, you have to trim with the FunnyPlaying kit. In the video it’s clear that some of the image is going in to the frame. On a non-transparent case you would be missing some of the image.

[@AHCOSTYA]

Hey Colin, quick question for you. I noticed you mentioned how you didn't see a need to trim the shell with the FunnyPlaying Retropixel kit. I'm wondering if I can get away with not trimming my shell with that kit or if it is absolutely necessary. What's your opinion on it? I'll be using a classic gray DMG replacement shell, so not translucent. Am I going to notice the display cutout blocking some of the screen when in use or is it pretty negligible?

[@Madblaster6]

7:45 you can turn off the pixel grid to get a MUCH crispier image. Just hold down the contrast wheel.

[@Bro-cx2jc]

I do like the more contrasty image much better. Having it available for on / off toggle feels better than just having it as the only option, as I imagine there might be a few games out there that would look better the other way, or at least it would be fun to see how they went with that mode. Besides, Version 3 has the gray shades fixed; there's a fix for Version 2 that can undo that mistake as well, but of course it's better to have the damage eliminated right out of the box with a new mod.

[@MachoNachoProductions]

Great video as always Colin! The dot matrix mode can be turned off on the FunnyPlaying kit by holding in the multifunction toggle switch for a few seconds. Also, on a side note, I just got a Thinkpad x220 from watching your video on it and I’m enjoying it immensely. The keyboard is so nice! Cheers dude!

[@Michaelwave64]

Some of these mods look so good that they look like the screen was photoshopped on

[@mrb1801]

Literally said this word for word to my gf last night

[@SuperLuigiSixty4]

That Funny Playing screen looks fantastic! The retro grid and larger screen really speak to me.

[@amuzulo]

SuperLuigiSixty4 Yeah, I never noticed it until I updated Gambatte for the RG350M and turned on the new DOT MATRIX 3X scaler. Omg, it’s so much better now and I could never go back!

[@GameboyZeroOfficial]

I am the artist of the Fiji and Arizona. Very cool to see my work on your channel. Love your videos.

[@Deanster101]

Great review thanks. I’ve been backlighting old dmgs for years and did my first IPS mod a few months ago, it really is astonishing what these people have achieved and support for the gameboy is stronger than ever it seems.

[@Dogy0909]

I’ve watched so much Odd Tinkering that the loose screws made me nervous! Great vid.

[@enzomagioli]

I never get bored watching your videos, their quality is just stunning!

[@TrackDayMaker]

I LOVE Mizucat's art. Her stuff is so amazing if you love vaporwave/80's style stuff!

[@Madness832]

Just pulled out the original GameBoy that I purchased in 1989. It still works!

[@amuzulo]

Madness832 Awesome! Last time I did this, it worked, but had so many lines going through it that it was unplayable. 😢

[@Kumimono]

Fascinating stuff. Amused by that random Techmoan t-shirt. :)

[@startedtech]

I really like the dot-matrix effect. On camera at least it looked like it was native res.

[@Two-Eyed_Boy]

I'm so glad there is always a video to cover even my most obscure interests and curiosity 🤣. I was making a cart for all the components I'd need to do a new screen on my DMG and when I saw these exact two opinions I put the ordering on hold for research.

[@voteDC]

As soon as someone comes up with solderless upgrade kits for these screen replacements the amount of old handhelds that'll be getting upgraded will be incredible.

[@PadChennington]

Here's the video of the build that Colin was working on in the video! Thanks for sending it over brotha kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqOphIKjgq2nm5Y

[@BlueShotgunShells]

Got a DMG ips screen coming in tomorrow. Can't wait!

[@izzieb]

Enjoying all the console mod videos recently.

[@Nick-cb2ht]

This is great! Thanks for the explanation. You have a good way of connecting with the audience. Also that game Tetris that you briefly showed, looks amazing! And really makes me want to buy that game and also makes me want to mod my gameboy.

[@BrightSpark]

This video comes just at the right time for me! I recently received an old DMG off of eBay, fixed the display up (It had the ol' blind display columns issue), cleaned out the cartridge port with isopropyl alcohol (some crud made it unable to read any carts) and did a custom LiPo mod (the DMG may expect 6v from the battery terminals, but I can confirm that it happily takes 5v as well, so you can just use a generic LiPo/LiIon charging circuit with 5v output and a compatible battery pack - I happened to find a local vendor on Amazon that sold one that ALMOST fit, literally just had to shave a few millimeters off from the battery bay. Whole mod cost me like 15€). However, using a DMG again after decades makes me realize how absolutely dreadful the screen is compared to modern displays, so I was already looking into modern replacements, and the Funnyplaying kit looks like the best candidate.

[@Mr.HowToTech]

I've been a big fan of your channel for some time. I've actually purchased certain mods based on your review and nothing has failed me since. I've been an active modder for some time, but never had anyone check out hardware before I purchased the mod. I can't wait to try this new DMG mod, I put a backlight using the old, strip the reflective back method, this looks way better.

[@Morinasan]

Thank you very much for this helpful and valuable content. The video production is superb, the explanation is clear and the voice very calm and relaxing. Great work!

[@lactobacillusprime]

Thank you for showing these two mod variants. I have a gameboy that I might put through one of these now. Your video shows that it is actually quite doable to do.

[@anasevi9456]

amazing work, thanks for your diligence Colin.

[@japanesemickeymouse6694]

I like the yellowing of the case it makes look more real

[@YeagerFilm]

That white shell is legit.

[@rengstrom]

You can turn of the screen door effect on the Funnyplaying kit I think.

[@SatansLtlBaby]

yes you can

[@lePoob]

Yes, hold the toggle wheel in for about 4 seconds. Also pushing the wheel in once (without holding it down) switches between brightness and color adjustment.

[@philipmarchand9018]

I have this and yes we can, big miskate to not mention it

[@cboyslim5490]

love the arizona green tea shell

[@deltakid0]

I gave it a like just by seeing the intro haha, it's so cool and this time I'm actually interested in the title. Thank you Colin.

[@matthysloedolff]

Those shells look amazing. Might see if I can get my hands on another old DMG just so I can mod it with one of these shells.

[@sasquatch6237]

They’re both wonderful options!

[@GuyManley]

Think I prefer the Funny playing kit, but the real star of the show are them shells. Wow those like so dope.

[@RetroSho]

I need that Arizona shell YESTERDAY! Holy crap.

[@hunter654ful]

That transparent blue gameboy ist gorgeous.

[@RetroPCUser]

Ordered the Funnyplaying IPS kit, a new shell (IPS ready), glass screen, rechargeable battery, battery cover, speaker, and motherboard battery terminals to rebuild a broken DMG-01 and will order another set for a second one along with a couple of those DC boards in case they go out.

[@gamer_radix7195]

Thank for the review that help me decide what i whanted love your work .

[@guitarboyjeff]

I bought my stuff from Hand Held Legend and Retrosix for my GBA because of your video of the IPS V2 screen mod!!!! Thanks bro!!!!! I prefer them over Retro Modding. I never understood why their GBA mods like the MetalJesus GBA was so expensive with the AGS 101 mod. Now I have the same and it cost me under $180. I built a gba on their website an it was over $400. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Olympiansunrise]

45 mins can mean a whole trip without gaming Thanks for the vid

[@emotionz3]

I have installed both and the Funnyplaying kit is substantially better. The larger screen and faithful reproduction of the original style alone are the selling point, but other things not covered in this video is the superior adjustment dial for the screen modes, the ipsv3 kit is the kit with shorter (by an hour) battery life due to the larger screen (it still takes power to energize the dead area of the display) and unless you are installing a GBamp, the ipsv3 circuitry seems to add audio buzz from the backlight driver or something through the controller interface PCB. A GBamp (which I feel is never really necessary on a DMG due to its larger 29mm speaker) obviously fixes this but it’s a necessary added cost in my opinion if buying the ipsv3 kit.

[@ev4n5eli0n01]

I have a V2 that I love to death, but I may need to make a 2nd DMG to have one with that new square IPS and that lovely clear case!

[@TenaciousJ728]

I would happily shill Arizona Green Tea and Fiji water as I love both. The case designs too, love 'em.

[@BlockABoots]

So who does do the best rubber membranes for d-pad and buttons?

[@Eyetrauma]

ngl I wasn’t sold on the funnyplaying one until, as you mentioned, I realized that the aesthetic (no pun intended) was trying to ape the old screen. The color choices don’t hurt either.

[@mariagriffin6360]

Is there a back-lit screen that keeps the iconic green screen

[@jheitz223]

You should do a video on the latest GBC IPS Kit from Retro Modding & FunnyPlaying. It’s the definitive LCD mod for the GBC. I’ve installed it for myself and I have to say it is hands down the best screen mod for the GBC.

[@coderkind]

You can turn the scanline option off on the FunnyPlaying kit; supposed to make a big impact on screen contrast.

[@bulletpointmediadotnet]

I'm pretty sure those flush cutters are EVERYONE'S favorite pair :)

[@mjc0961]

Wait, there's a 45 minute difference in battery life? I wish you would have elaborated on that more, it's kind of huge. Which one lasts longer?

[@AppleVsGravity]

Not really when they both get about 13+ hours.

[@VanguardRaven]

As someone who just bought a second hand DMG with a less than stellar screen, this is the perfect video.

[@doorht]

Pretty sure there is an option to turn off the pixel grid on the funnyplaying kit. I installed the same IPS screen (with a different board) into a GB pocket and it has an option to turn off the grid.

[@Jojo_Bee]

I hope one day, they'll sell the same kit but this time with the speaker intact. And I think it's possible it's an amplified speaker to improve the sound as well!

[@MatSpeedle]

I've done a normal backlight mod and bi-vert on one DMG and now just this week did a V3 IPS. No contest for me, I love the v3 IPS mod. Grab it on Aliexpress with the screen bracket super cheap :) mine arrived to the UK from china in only 1 week :)

[@englishbannana1232]

Sadly my shell didn't come with battery contacts or even a screen lens. I thought it also came with replacement buttons but nope. I already ordered some matching buttons and screen lens. But other than that im very happy

[@joshuak4553]

Is that a 3d printed bust behind you? If it isn't, you'll eventually print one. Or twelve. I'm still hyped to see you join the 3d printing community. Those Prusa machines are nice, they just work

[@SuperNicktendo]

I prefer the ips screen. I get wanting to see the pixels, but there’s something about a crispy gameboy picture. Also I really want to get a uv printer and make custom shells. The first company that offers that service gets all my monies

[@turbinegraphics16]

I like the high contrast look a bit more.

[@hbarudi]

Looks good for restoration of original black and white gameboys, but what about the gameboy color?

[@BryanX64]

Wait so you don't have to cut the window open? The funnyplaying instructions said to do so. Also you can turn the pixel grid off which was a feature previously on their GB Pocket kit.

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

Because the image fills up the whole screen cutout, I think they recommend trimming the opening in case the display didn’t get centered properly. Everything looks great to me using the bracket to install the kit.

[@milesdoodling1054]

Really interested in these. I have a couple of gameboys with completely broken screens

[@dcashley303]

Looks like you just hold in the brightness dial on the Funnyplaying one to turn off the pixel grid. I can't believe two of the colours were flipped in V2 of RIPS, glad I didn't pick one up early as that would have drove me crazy!

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

It’s possible to fix the flipped colors on the V2 kit, but requires careful soldering on the DMG’s motherboard. Definitely not a viable option for beginners at modding sadly.

[@schmidsgamebox5883]

Thanks for the Review :)

[@Bryan181]

Those UV printed shells are gorgeous. I can't wait 'til they're available in the US as well.

[@tonycoffee7335]

I think no matter what we go with these days its going to look better then the OG screen. :) I have dmg ver.2 and its greats make me want to play gameboy again.

[@tom940]

i really want to see comparisons in battery life of TFT and IPS displays. I recently put together a clear gbc with a clear lens and went with the tft so i wouldn't have to trim the case and noticed it lists longer battery life than an IPS, but by how much? id think the most extreme case would be in a gameboy pocket with the AAAs but I couldn't find any good tests on them. Only have 1 of each gameboy myself or i might do a test

[@OkiDingo]

My v2 version was really bad. My contacts were polished silver and had to be scuffed. I’m sure someone else has said this already, but you made two big mistakes on the FunnyPlaying kit. First you didn’t trim the frame for the screen. Second you were in retro pixel mode. Hold the brightness wheel down to turn it off.

[@BenWillock]

I think making the bracket black would help a lot with light bleed

[@UserOnline1324]

There’s a new rips v5 kit out (not the tv out version) maybe you could make a video on it next?

[@UserOnline1324]

The UV printed Fiji water one for the states says “Fijiboy” instead of the Nintendo Gameboy in the same font but great nonetheless

[@Meoiswa]

Could you show us the Retro Pixel screen with its' "pixel grid" disabled? According to the product page: "When the grid line mode is turned on, some game scenes will flash when switching", which implies it can be turned off

[@thegreatjonzini]

I think you turn the grid off by pressing and holding in the contrast dial.

[@zincmann]

excellent Colin

[@jochenwuerfel]

What an awesome mod 😲

[@SatansLtlBaby]

hold the contrast button down for 4 seconds to turn off the screen door on the funnyplaying kit i think. these also have pallet swaps as well that you didn't even touch on!

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

Yeah, the number of options on the Funnyplaying kit is crazy, it would have taken forever to go through them all!

[@boxman139]

Your techmoan shirt is killer!

[@rsreston]

Great video, but screen text to specify which kind of screen we're looking at would've helped a lot.

[@Wheels8504]

Does the Funnyplaying kit have an orange screen option? I've wanted an IPS orange screen.

[@chris1683]

Hey Colin, did you notice any flickering on the new Funnyplaying screen when it starts up? As always, thanks for your clear and concise videos!

[@TheNiteNinja19]

I still have an OG Gameboy with the clear shell. One of these kits would really breathe some new life into that bugger. However, I don't know if I should modify a perfectly working vintage model.

[@DanaTheInsane]

Look for a broken one with lines in the display. That's what I did.

[@Madblaster6]

5:57 except it's a black bar instead of blue.

[@Doomchild2XL]

"Unused scruples" - I felt that.

[@tony714keene]

I have a handheld Chinese consul and certain areas you can see backlight.

[@saullima1587]

I would LOVE to get one of those kits 😭😻

[@superlink]

I want that retro 80's/90's shell on the far left at 0:56 but it's not on the store's site T_T

[@chaostoasty]

Why arent there ips kits for the ds lite?

[@theshadowman1398]

I prefer the more contrasty one

[@philipmarchand9018]

The funnyplaying can be as crisp as rhe other by pressing the well 4 sec, but 11% bigger!

[@Madblaster6]

6:40 the new PCB is thicker I believe.

[@MrAdam802]

Very cool but this all just makes me glad I got an Analogue Pocket!

[@DanaTheInsane]

Just did this mod. Thanks for the great video. I only screwed up once!

[@ALEXGIBSONCMG]

E ink game boy next

[@28_babyshark]

Do they make one of these or a game boy advance already put together shipped to your house ready to play?

[@daifuku74]

Colin, what is your double side tape, the red one please?

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

It’s VHB tape from 3M.

[@daifuku74]

@@ThisDoesNotCompute Thank you very much! Keep up the great work!

[@josephsager9425]

Why is it a good time to get into this? I don't have my old Game Boys anymore or the games. Are donor GBs and used games easy and affordable to find?

[@PotatoFi]

That bracket on your Prusa MINI looks fantastic! What kind of filament is that?

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

It’s PLA from a company called Coex. Seems like good-quality filament, and I also like that they sell off-color spools for like $18, which is great for running test prints.

[@KoosGoossens]

Which specific color did you use for the buttons on both these Game Boy consoles?

[@stevieh6]

My IPS funnyplaying screen is a bit flickery on startup. Is this normal?

[@SAckTheGoof]

the fact that now a days you can make game boy look like in the adds, its amazing to me, it looks like tec got just that good over the 20 or so years and why wouldn't it, but man those screens are a bit too pricy, i mean sure i have a GBA sp ags-001 that i could mod to have a 101 screen but idk how to solder and i want brightness controls, a bit of a mess with me but yeah, amazing what you can do for a 20 year old lcd screen.

[@rikrok7098]

Do any of these screens work well in direct sunlight like the original did?

[@nerb6833]

if the funnyplaying is like the gbp mod they have if you press and hold on the color changer it will remove the dot matrix

[@waul24hr]

I want that second display for my MGB!

[@ikongod]

Do you happen to know if an e ink display will ever be possible? the battery savings would be so massive. Of course you would lose the back light but the original didn't have it anyways.

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

The problem with e-ink panels is that they have ridiculously slow refresh rates - it would pretty much render games unplayable.

[@DanaTheInsane]

I love E-ink displays, but gaming on one would be slower and blurrier than the original screen.

[@l3oomll7]

I think the funnyplaying mod need to cut out more space for screen and you can close grid mode in funnyplaying display by push down control wheel.