How to UPGRADE Your GBA SP! (In Depth Tutorial)

I promise I don't like the SP. I just make a lot of videos about them for you guys
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Jake Simmons
311 SW 2nd St #2502
Corvallis, OR 97333
Songs:
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[@zubairaliamirali]

Did the whole swap. My first experience with any mod including soldering. Thank you for it

[@earthskarma]

This is fantastic Jake, thank you so much. I followed this video as spoon-fed instructions while I did my shell and screen mod from retro game repair shop (use code Jake). I had excellent results. Awesome sauce. 🤘

[@riptide8718]

Thanks! Just upgraded an old SP from eBay using this guide! ips display, Pokedex shell and mahko's drop-in battery mod. Super helpful to be able to see every step and follow along!

[@JakeSimmons]

Thank you!

[@LionStark]

just used that white wave shell myself, the build quality and the finish is really nice!

[@l3p990]

Just replaced my faulty L button, got a new casing and soldered the ips mod in. It was the first time I tried soldering to such an important piece of memorabilia, so I did a practice kit first. I could not have done this without your guidance through this video, your links to replacement parts and the solder tool kit on your website. I am extremely grateful for you giving me a worthwhile memory to look back on. Subbed!

[@823Brad]

So glad I found this video as I'm looking to swap my sp to another shell and mod that sp. Can't wait to follow along with your video!

[@jericho357]

This is by far the best video for modding your Gameboy SP. I just modded my Gameboy with a IPS V2 HISPEEDIDO. It look great and I can't thank you enough. Its now time for some Metroid Fusion.

[@JakeSimmons]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@nicksteeves3652]

I'm upgrading my SP and this is the first time I've attempted modding before. Definitely using this vid HEAVILY to make sure I don't mess up the sodering or anything else!

[@JakeSimmons]

Good luck!

[@RebelOnision]

For people reading this, make sure to practice soldering on a test kit before doing it on your 60 dollar+ handheld. It's a useful skill to get good with and will only be more useful as time goes on.

[@SubzeroYoutube]

@@RebelOnision Recommended testkit?

[@utflaco811]

Completed this mod with a new shell and an LED board thanks to this video. Challenging but not overly difficult thanks to these detailed instructions. Thanks Jake!

[@k0dyw1thaK]

You're sick! Just finished the mod, thanks for the Walkthrough : D

[@donaldwingo9294]

Just followed your guide to the letter. Had a slight issue getting the ribbon cable pushed in far enough but got it eventually. Now I have a gba sp looking like a beautiful pokedex with a shiny new screen. Absolute great job with the walk-through. Many thanks!

[@Erw-In]

Great tutorial! Just modded my second SP while using this as a guide. Keep it up Jake!

[@carsonsharp2339]

I did it! Thanks man. Watched allot of your content before trying.

[@WhiteInk47]

Me scrolling through all these mod videos with absolutely no intention of modding my gba.

[@TTV_HAZEL]

Great vid man I’m a new subscriber and I really enjoy your content

[@Clanps]

The SP was the first system I did any major changes to. I did a full case swap and screen replacement.

[@azoo_23]

Thank you so much! your video was very useful, I wish I had took you advice about the volume button, I broke it! XD however I ordered a replacement.

[@MeowppleCider]

Don't tell me what to do.

[@outdoorsgamerTv]

I bought this exact case and same screen 😂 building mine this Saturday once my screen gets here, matches one of my tattoos so I'm inlove with this case design

[@Emmanuel-ti6ym]

This was a lifesaver, saved me hours of time and pain. More challenging than putting a laptop together. Unfortunately, mine didn't come with a wire. I did purchase a soldering kit just for this project. The new screen is vastly better and the image is much sharper! Just need to find out where I can find the proper wire by itself.

[@pixiestardust69]

used this to mod an old 001 i had lying around. It has a whole new life now ! Mario and luigi superstar saga never looked better

[@ZeroTwo-bd8ni]

i still have my gameboy sp but im afraid to mod it

[@thomasmoore3293]

do it! it brings it back to life

[@subtoyoungfogo]

Don't do it keep your memories

[@Gxbe710]

How about you do whatever you want and not worry about what anyone else thinks.

[@slushyyffa9240]

@@Gxbe710yea guys🤓

[@KingLarbear]

Do it

[@GoldOatMilk]

I'm still scared to do this BUT this is giving me a lot of confidence with how easy it looked for you!

[@GoldOatMilk]

Update! I just did the screen and case swap (with saudering that I've never done before!) And it all went smothly!

[@Solontire]

Any experience with soldering? I’m waiting on my screen and have no experience, but going to try my hand with soldering as well. Any tips or recommendations now that you’ve done it?

[@rnase3970]

@@Solontire Buy flux, soldering is much easier with flux.

[@Solontire]

@@rnase3970 will do appreciate the tip. I assume any reputable brand will do? Also is soldering paste different than flux? My soldering kit I got off Amazon which was rated as a “good starter kit for beginners” came with soldering paste but not sure what that is.

[@rnase3970]

@@Solontire Yeah, anything should be fine

[@BongoBrando]

I watched this video countless times in preparation and also while I was putting this exact screen into my SP. It's working flawlessly! However I have not soldered as I have no experience. I'm currently practicing on and old motherboard of mine until I feel confident enough

[@JakeSimmons]

Very nice! If you ever pop in a stream, I can show off how I solder and guide you through it

[@sonicspin001]

hey man, I recently modded my sp and wanted the usb c charging as the last touch but tripped at the finish line

[@SaraAB87]

I just made one with a kit I bought from Aliexpress with a drop in LCD (No soldering) and it works perfectly thanks to your video!

[@JakeSimmons]

That’s awesome haha I just did a video on a drop in kit for the sp today

[@josevirginia2577]

Loved the tutorial man this thing is legit 100% !! althogh i wish if theres a way you can do it on computer

[@saraherae1400]

I've never modded anything before. I just used this kit yesterday on my GBA SP (clear pink shell). If you follow along with the brands KZbin tutorial video, you won't have any issues. As you can tell from this video there are a lot of steps but it's nothing crazy.

[@birdfish86]

Have modded multiple gameboys. Have no need for these tutorials but I still like watching them for some reason. 😅

[@oxlaeg399]

Hey, I did the Mod, but my GBA SP is freezing the game after like 10-15 Minutes. Does anyone have a fix? It happens with diffrent Games and i also tried a new Battery :/

[@spicytunaroll559]

The wave is 🔥

[@GamersWorld22]

I’m glad you are noting what screws ur using I feel like people skip that part

[@DarthBreh]

Wait how do we swap the volume switch cover mine doesn’t come out, it feels like I’m forcing too hard and it won’t come out.. 18:18

[@stedog9681]

I accidentally put the screw through the ribbon cable and it still works is that normal?

[@jellocat9244]

I customized mine and the only annoying issue I had is that the long screw that locks down that piece of hinge, broke inside and so that hinge piece is loose. It doesn’t stop it from closing as I push the piece in.

[@sticasst]

I did the mode with retro repair shop and my screen keeps freezing do you know why and how I can fix it?

[@Kukujack42]

Are you able to check out a gameboy that doesn’t charge but powers on to see if adding a charging port will fix it

[@Nick-rc7il]

Does it matter if it’s an 01 or a 101 for a new screen?

[@811jdog]

Is there anything you can do about breaking the volume switch?

[@Dark03]

I accidentally bought a shell that is not cut out for IPS screen so would like some advice on how & what tools to use in order to mod the shell to fit the IPS screen in it instead of just buying a new shell

[@JakeSimmons]

I have never trimmed an SP shell before but I use flush cutters and my dremel to cut other shells

[@Hero1117a]

Luv the intro

[@leoneazy3800]

Wow ngl this all white model looks miiint

[@jordanmoorman8773]

Will the black precut screen be installed the same way into the white case?

[@Thryce23]

I mean, i just added a new shell and an aftermarket funnyplaying screen a few days ago. I managed to get it to all work after a few hours with little to no clue on what i was doing. The hardest part was figuring out the video ribbon needed to curl to move over and fit in the hinge area

[@lildagnamet8760]

Am a mod noob and I have done 2 eXtremeRate mods, their Scarlet Red shell with chrome gold buttons for my SP and Classic NES Style shell for my GBC (added a black lit screen) and they were all great. Tutorials were great when I got stuck though.

[@jeffdewe]

Actually swapping sides of the pins might make more sense if you think about bearing wear.

[@DanHorizon]

idk if I am missing this on the retro game repair shop site but which one is the mod kit used for this build?

[@JakeSimmons]

retrogamerepairshop.com/collections/gba-sp-displays/products/game-boy-advance-sp-backlight-mod-kit?variant=31378079744074

[@mattreynolds5122]

I can’t get the ribbon to stay in I think there is a short in it

[@LPalmTree]

So which gb is best to mod that covers them all?

[@SuperSkip64]

At 17:08 are you just using the head from the soldering iron to melt the wire onto the contact point or are you adding a teeny bit of solder metal to it?

[@JakeSimmons]

There has been a bit of solder there already so I didn’t add any. But you should add some solder to it first

[@SuperSkip64]

@@JakeSimmons sweet! Thanks for the reply! I’m looking forward to getting into this stuff 😄

[@danielrolon56]

Hey I followed your tutorial and it helped me so much when swapped shells and upgraded the screen, thank you! I am also using the same brand shell too, although a few days ago my shell started making a squeaking noise every time I close it, is there anything I can do to fix this?

[@JakeSimmons]

I’d guess it’s gonna go away over time but I really don’t know

[@NCA0896]

Where did you get the white bezel for the screen?

[@ThinkBeforeYouSleepYT]

The only thing I came here for was to learn how to put on the Nintendo logo on the top of the shell and YOUR CASE DOESN'T HAVE ONE. How do I put that damn thing on? I started by just placing it in the little slot thing. That didn't work. Then I thought it was a sticker so I removed the bottom part from the top of the logo and it turns out it wasn't a sticker and I ruined it. I'm confused. Outside of that, this was the best video I have seen so far on the screen mod. I wish I saw it before I modded mine because it would have made my life a lot easier.

[@JakeSimmons]

It is a sticker so you probably ripped the sticky part off😬

[@ThinkBeforeYouSleepYT]

@@JakeSimmons Found it. Thanks. Unfortunately, I already destroyed it so I'll have to order another one. Seems like the only company that sells them is in Australia so I guess it won't be ready in time for Christmas.

[@psamp08]

I just did a full mod on my SP and got OEM replacement hinges from retro game repair shop. I followed your steps to install. The gb closes and opens to the correct position but there is no click. Would you happen to know the reason for this?

[@JakeSimmons]

I've always heard that it doesn't matter which side you put the hinges in on, but every time I have them flipped, they don't click. You can always try flipping the hinges to the other sides if it bothers you that much

[@paramkore1101]

I’ve watched so many videos and I still have one thing I’m super confused about. I bought a shell and I have an sp 101. I just want to replace the shell, do I still need to solder that wire on or is that only if I’m replacing the screen with a new screen? Sorry if this is a silly question, this is my first time ever doing this

[@JakeSimmons]

No need to do soldering if you are using a 101 screen

[@Stinky0368]

I have my dads original game boy SP and it looks perfect beside it two scratches on the hinge and the bottom, should i not mod mine? Forgot to mention it is the game boy when he had as a kid

[@janke9913]

I'd try to get a second one to mod. That one probably carries a lot of sentimental value.

[@louiskorber8927]

On amazon there was one review that mentioned that the white shell got a yellow tint after a while. Did you experience something like that for yourself?

[@JakeSimmons]

I have yet to experience that. Keep your hands clean, don’t smoke, and don’t store it in direct sunlight and you’ll be fine

[@fourthburrito4579]

I just did a shell swap on a 3DS. would you say the SP is easier, just as hard or worse than that?

[@JakeSimmons]

A lot easier than a 3ds lol

[@kimtritran8746]

Hi there! What is that little mesh circle that goes over the speaker called? I'm trying to find a white one for my mod but I'm not sure how or where to search for it!

[@JakeSimmons]

I’m not sure what it’s called and I haven’t heard of anyone selling any that are different colors :/ all I really know is that it’s meant to protect the speaker from getting dirt in it

[@kimtritran8746]

@@JakeSimmons I appreciate the response! I'll see what I can find! (:

[@alex6qc706]

I had to open mine recently to fix an inge and was litterally at the verge of SHITTING myself because of the ribbon cable

[@mratkinson2265]

Nice video fella, what solder would you recommend to use 👍

[@JakeSimmons]

I believe I have some linked in the description but pretty much any electrical solder will do. I prefer lead free stuff

[@chesterwong8985]

I have a gbasp my mom brought to me when I was child, there is some problem on the screen so I will not play that one, should I try and learn to mod it? (0% experience)

[@chesterwong8985]

In addition, If I want to keep my old gbasp as it is, how and where can I buy the motherboard and other accessories?

[@jesseb4827]

Followed the build video and somehow the thing won’t charge. The light won’t even turn on when it’s plugged in. Wonder what i messed up on

[@JakeSimmons]

Does the orange light flash at all when it plugs in or is there no orange light at all?

[@pizzatime3335]

Just tried to do this exact mod but I broke 1 of the tabs on each hinge 😭😭

[@TheMasterPoe]

Jake I just finished my first mod with this ips screen and I still can’t adjust the brightness. Any ideas why?

[@JakeSimmons]

Did the brightness button work before? Also, you might want to go over your solder joints one more time just in case. Otherwise its hard to diagnose without seeing it or having more information

[@gaivoron]

Wait this was the hardest install? I knocked it out in a few. Woohoo

[@jackburton3175]

hey Jake, you ever use the retroglow mod? if not, why not?

[@JakeSimmons]

I’m not familiar with it

[@star43able]

whats the test cartridge?

[@ReckArdo88]

8:43 one for left one for right

[@rexkzo4578]

Before I thought sps don’t suck but now I agree with you sps do suck

[@bobthebuilder3485]

I also found the same case on Aliexpress, does the company also sell it there ?

[@JakeSimmons]

They do but they are the same prices and you can’t use my code to save money on AliExpress

[@brandonrandle6996]

Just modded my original 001 that I've had since it came out. Never done anything like this before, yet it went incredibly smooth thanks to this video! Used the same shell and one of the recommended IPS screens, and it's wonderful. Thanks for putting this video out! One thing I have noticed while playing today for a bit after making the changes is that sometimes the screen image will freeze but the game is still playing (Pokemon Emerald, and I've managed to save, power off/on and the screen works again). Anyone have any thoughts as to why that might be?

[@JakeSimmons]

I actually just had that happen for the first time ever on a customer’s game boy. It’s a problem with the ribbon cable which is unfortunately the expensive part. The only way I know how to fix it is to replace it :/

[@brandonrandle6996]

@@JakeSimmons Thanks for getting back, and so fast! That makes sense! Do you know offhand if it's possible to buy just the cable, or should I order and replace the whole screen?

[@JakeSimmons]

@@brandonrandle6996 you can buy them separately but it looks like everyone is sold out of just ribbons. You might be able to ask customer support if they could sell you just a ribbon

[@brandonrandle6996]

@@JakeSimmons I'll give that a go, and just get a whole 'nother set if that doesn't make it. Thank you VERY much for your help and guidance! Keep up the great work!

[@robertneumann180]

If you’re afraid to mod your gba sp, don’t be. I’m a complete beginner and was able to do this mod. I did break off the volume button.. make sure to remove it before putting the motherboard back in the shell. In the video he just talked about removing the volume button “if you haven’t yet” when the motherboard was already installed. Fml otherwise this build is super easy.

[@Kyubbigirl]

I’m actually debating on modding my sp from childhood and your comment is making me feel a bit better. So you’ve never done solder work before and you found this mod to be easy?

[@JarvisWashingmachine]

I must have missed it. Why do you not clean the motherboard on an SP?

[@JakeSimmons]

Sorry I totally spaced it but it’s the main point in my video from last week, “Why SPs Suck.” TLDR any liquid with layered components like the tactile switches on the SP is not good for it

[@danielrolon56]

Do you recommend any battery upgrades?

[@JakeSimmons]

IMO all the batteries for the SP are relatively the same. I use this here amzn.to/3KRHOGt

[@startingwithnothing5423]

Think I will keep my sp stock and just mod my gba lol

[@matthewbarrios1028]

The hinges are like $4. If that is the make or break of you modding your SP, you shouldn't be buying an IPS mod and new shell.

[@yaqeen-vv8pu]

Can you water cool a Gameboy?

[@JakeSimmons]

Why would you?

[@spicytunaroll559]

To make ur own wave lol

[@i.ate.the.batman]

If i send u my game boy sp will u mod it i really want a shell and brigther i am not begging just asking if u can i can send u it and when youre done send it back well only if u decide to say yes im to afraid to mod it im just a kid with no mod set😅i am getting pokemon emrald in like 30 days so u dont have to say yes but it would be nice😀

[@JakeSimmons]

Unfortunately I don’t do a send in service but I am modding an SP on stream at noon pacific that I will sell. It’ll also have the ability to output to a TV!

[@i.ate.the.batman]

@@JakeSimmons ok i will try to fix it myself no worries😅

[@omarvelco]

Do you do N64 mods for sale?

[@JakeSimmons]

Nope sorry

[@boulbot2925]

someone have the link for the screen please ?

[@JakeSimmons]

In the description

[@boulbot2925]

@@JakeSimmons the two amazon links redirect to the shells for the gameboy advance SP but not the screen that goes with it :/ ty for the answer !

[@pierreawad3880]

Articule Cousin!

[@SonnoMaku]

Of course the kit I bought didn't come with the screwdrivers lol.

[@doctorpepper6178]

I remember it by saying white to the right

[@mattreynolds5122]

I’m having a literal nightmare swapping my sp 😡

[@14bqdonk]

$200 is overkill

[@gabrielnobrega4521]

you're a god, with your tutorial I could upgrade my poor SP

[@TemperWolves]

Soon as bro why SP sucks click of the video and left

[@Dronetothetop]

Could've been much better video if you show us how it runs actually.

[@artlessdiamondmedia]

I love the SP but DS Lite is king for authenticity and 3DS is world leader for R4 roms & steam deck is a galactic alien who knows all

[@JomasterTheSecond]

Those aren't Tri-Wings.

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Cool

[@pres002]

lol SP's are so fun to mod you just are being over exaggerating

[@joeoak7090]

I did everything and now my light button doesn't work 😞

[@joeoak7090]

I DONT THINK THE AGS 101 WORKS WITH THE SEE THOUGH SHELL IM WATCHING THE VIDEO AGAIN BUT I THINK YOU HAVE A NORMAL 001

[@leoguardado13]

He says roll the intro but he’s the one that does it 😂😂😂😂

[@JakeSimmons]

No I hired someone that’s only job is to roll the intro…😂

[@leoguardado13]

@@JakeSimmons right….😂😂😂😂

[@joeoak7090]

BRO YOU NEVER CHECKED THE LIGHT BUTTON 🤔🧐

[@paramkore1101]

He checked it when he turned it on