Game Boy Advance Backlit Screen Mod

I was getting nostalgic for GBA games, but hated the reflective screen on my original GBA. What to do? Mod it, of course!
Be sure to check out the follow up videos to watch my setbacks and ultimate success with this mod:
Follow up: • Game Boy Advance Backl...
Tweak and final results: • Game Boy Advance Backl...
---------------------------------------­------------------------------------
Please consider supporting my work on Patreon: / thisdoesnotcompute
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram! @thisdoesnotcomp
TDNC t-shirts and apparel can be found at www.redbubble.com/people/this...
This Does Not Compute
PO Box 131141
St. Paul, MN 55113
---------------------------------------­------------------------------------
Music by Leandro Pulmones ( / leandropulmones ) and Jason Shaw (www.audionautix.com)

[@KapnHook]

5:13 "buttholes are all cleaned out"

[@gabrielmarteaga._]

Treble Hook he said button holes

[@walkingtree5]

That nigga said hes got clean buttholes.

[@vampirebruh8891]

Dan"get in the van"Schneider

[@KyoFanDuB]

Swirlking 2000 Dont be so serious

[@cordelwieberg2170]

I heard that too lol

[@dawnbreaker2912]

"Why not just go out and by a GBA SP?" To prove that Nintendo was completely full of shit when they claimed it was impossible to backlight the original GBA.

[@XxJustCMxX]

DON'T LOSE THIS

[@ashatteberry2127]

JustCM lol lost it 10 years ago

[@frankgile1996]

Oh, how I wish Nintendo is planning to make a GBA classic edition soon, with a proper backlit screen... Now, that'd be amazing!!!

[@biffjerky4859]

I think a gameboy classic system that has a selection of classic gb gbc and gba games that can also play carts, but maybe that's asking too much

[@frankgile1996]

@@biffjerky4859 What I don't understand is, AGS-101 screens are becoming super expensive, as they are getting more and more difficult to find... That's fine. But someone came up with a ribbon adapter to connect the AGS101 screen to the AGB001 motherboard. Aren't there any screens from the Nintendo DS line that would be suitable for the resolutions a GBA requires? Or is it the difference in the circuitry between the AGB motherboards and the newer DS Lite/DSi/3DS etc screens that would make them electronically incompatible by default?

[@tyrantcodex002]

But you won't be able to trade or transfer to another gba for pokemon games.

[@DoubleD96203]

@@frankgile1996 the ds screen, both upper and lower, doesn't have the same res. as the gba, also, it have different coding compared to the gba

[@frankgile1996]

@@DoubleD96203 I don't know about what sort of coding would be needed to transform the signal from the AGB motherboard to the DS Lite screen, so that's valid. As for the resolution, I guess it could only use part of the DS Lite screen if needed, to avoid stretching the image. And, another problem would be if the framerates are different between the AGB motherboard and the DS screen (which I think is what would cause screen tearing, which is also bad). But, ignoring the cost of a conversion adapter, it would be much, much cheaper than an AGS-101 screen, I imagine... If Nintendo ever decide to make a Gameboy classic series of consoles that accepts cartridges (which I think is pretty unlikely), they could make a lot of money...

[@HyperthreadMusic]

4:23 as an OCD habit I literally blew on my screen in an attempt to blow off the plastic from when you were shaving with the knife. What is wrong with me

[@mayaabueg9018]

lol

[@kalimagik4574]

Hey Collin, Love the video and hope you put out some new ones soon!! After looking at some other KZbin videos, I have found out that actually if you have a 40 pin GBA then you don't need to do any soldering at all as the adapter will already have a connection in the ribbon to supply the screen with power to the back-light. Its pretty awesome :) Just thought I'd throw that out there so people don't freak out when there screens don't work because you didn't specify if you have a 32pin or a 40 pin in the video although its quite obvious if you know what your looking for on the mobo :)

[@CRASHOLA4091]

Just wanted to say I really like your videos very informal and fun to watch. This video helped me out so much with my back light mod. Keep up the great work!!

[@2guitars1purpose]

See, if Nintendo decided to remake the original gba design and make it a little bigger, with a slimmer look to it, built in battery and back light, calling it the: gba xl, instead of coming out with the gba micro, they would have gotten a lot of money for it. But... They're trying to be like Apple and innovate...

[@Rednax35]

GoGoGaming Panda That Apple connection is true because Nintendo scrapped the Headphone Jack on the Advance SP

[@shadeymcbones6707]

well honestly the gba micro was kind of a cobbled together unit. Even the screen is stock and not custom. So it had a low production cost. If it wasn't for that it wouldn't have exited at all

[@mrlionX]

The GB Micro had a really sharp screen though I remember a friend had one and I thought it was amazing.

[@ArcardyArcardus]

Built in battery? Please, no. I moved from my GBA SP AGS 001 to the original GBA because it uses AA batteries. Much easier to use. Your're on a hurry and have low battery power? Just swap them out, boom. With a GBA SP, you have to charge it first which takes some time.

[@kalypso4133]

I liked the Gameboy Micro, it was a perfect travel size that wouldn't get in the way and was just the right size when you were on the move. Too bad they are now like $150 or I would replace mine.

[@ScruffyLookinRGB]

Crystal clear precision at its finest. So that little plastic latch is called a bail. Interesting and informative as always. Thank you.

[@MTNDEWGANG]

I'm defintley going to do this, thank you for posting this guide!

[@PantsuMann]

Thanks for the awesome tutorial. I had to solder the power cable to the ribbon cable myself, that was tricky. My converter cable looked a little bit different from yours. But it looks very good, surprisingly good to be honest. Had no problems whatsoever like the one you had, so it did not require to adjust the voltage or anything. Thanks again, wouldn't have done this if I hadn't found your video a long while ago :)

[@estonofuciona9146]

Hi, I`m a big fan of your work ! I've just done my first backlight mod following your video. Thank you very much !!

[@vitzie629]

That Gameboy Advance backlight screen upgrade installation mod was great!

[@Internetspaceships]

Thanks for the video! I finally got around to installing my backlight screen that i bought from rosecoloredgaming like a year ago. Glad i got it while it was still relatively easy to get ahold of. Weird i soldered the screen to the same spot to get power and i had no problem with the screen. I bought my Advance fresh in a sealed box back in 2001 and i havent done anything with it until now. I was surprised to see that it only had 1 screw inside to hold the motherboard down. Should be 2 or 3.

[@TheUltimateBlooper]

Got a modded one on ebay recently. Beautiful, bright, vibrant display on it - lovely and visible in any light!

[@crumplezone1]

" Gooched it " word of the week :) Great vid dude, greets from England

[@10p6]

I just did the mod for my sons GBA and it worked full brightness first time. I did not do the z pattern though, I just overlapped the excess with its self.

[@anonym-g-a-d7817]

Thank you for the high-quality 1080p video and could see 100% everything well, this LCD screen since 2014 of China came I would not have believed it and I thought it now came out in time. I will buy it very quickly in Amazon and do the same, in a few years later there will not be very many

[@RetroGameMage]

Great tutorial! I was able to modify my GBA perfectly using just this video!

[@SteelSkin667]

That's pretty much my dream GBA here. Unfortunately the part has become very hard to find indeed :/

[@alvodisco]

+SteelSkin667 Where are you looking? they are very readily available

[@SteelSkin667]

ebay ! The ribbon cable is really easy to find, the screen is not. I think I found one dude that actually sold the full kit, but it was crazy expensive.

[@alvodisco]

+SteelSkin667 just get an old ags101

[@SteelSkin667]

+Robert Gutierrez Yea, I'm looking for a beater to take apart. 101s; even in poor cosmetic condition, go for silly money these days.

[@Tudorgeable]

+SteelSkin667 What do you mean easy to find. Where have you looked? I have a DS Lite I want to repair that only has a broken cable, not broken screen.

[@sojannedos]

Thanks to you and The Retro Future, I modded my GBA and uploaded it on my channel. Keep up the good work!

[@skrolikowski]

Your videos are so well edited.

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

Thank you!

[@zootds]

This guy is funny af. I was laughing and learning the whole time 😂😂😂

[@jonnyblue2913]

Great tutorial! I have the exact same Model with a Backlit Screen now! Thanks dude! Greetings from Germany :D

[@rorykodimama]

I made one for myself a while back and did two more for friends who loved mine. I did another one recently with a cool gold/red custom paint job. have it up on ebay if you want to check it out. The soldering is definitely not for first timers--you have to be very precise or risk shorting circuits.

[@Keymaster2022]

Aaaaaand I already lost my battery cover to the infinite void.

[@Mineav]

Flattening the ribbon cable in half like that would not be good for it. You can gently bend it down, but you shouldn't try to flatten it like a piece of paper; you're going to affect the amount of electrical current or signal that is able to pass through the cable at that folded area. So I think that was your mistake. I'd ask for another of those ribbon cables, only this time don't fold it down so hard; bend it without folding it flat.

[@appletrontech8866]

im done with mine now. im really recommending it!

[@ariii1746]

If I’m being honest when I was little, when I’d play my GBA at night I’d just hold a torch in my mouth

[@HEXXZEN]

Good mod, i have one of them but the brightness is no much, i found the other part wehere you can soldering the red cable, for more brightness (20% more aprox.) you need connect the cable form the transistor to the side in the front of the moderbard i have images about this work but you can found other side for more brightness in the motherboard?, i think the screen need more voltages but how obtain this?, help pls master.

[@DAN00BIN8R]

"Gootched it" :v Thanks for this man! Very helpful.

[@newoldgames]

very well xplained! thanks!

[@tompeterson7067]

I want one of these original gameboy advanced systems with the backlight mod. I prefer the look and feel of the original design. Also I don't like that the flip up screen on the backlit sp is so close to the "L" and "R" buttons. They should never have redesigned it in that way and just put out the same physical design but with a backlit screen.

[@Zhark159632]

I totally agree. As much as I like how portable the sp is I feel like it was a very poor design. I mean there's no room for your hands and there's no headphone jack. The only advantages the sp has over the advance is that it has a rechargeable battery and a backlit screen.

[@donutmaster0]

I feel it, I like the L and R buttons. the ones on the 3ds are good too. I like the og gameboy line expect for the sp

[@christimoore2820]

dont forget that the sp came out when flip phones were cool

[@DannyCD]

There's some decent cheaply priced 3rd party grip accessories out there that are still sold brand new which give the GBA SP a nice comfortable grip similar to holding a modern controller. I got one for my GBA SP AGS-101 but I still think the original GBA design is better too, I can't stand the D-pad on the SP (I can't do moves on Street Fighter games with it at all). Unfortunately, getting my ultimate original GBA w/ backlit screen and rechargeable USB battery just costs far too much for me so I just use my DS lite for GBA games, and my GBA SP for GB/GBC games.

[@Kacpa2]

Well and once built in battery dies in the SP then its a done for, replacements may be out there but quite bad and dangerous even. While having good double A batteries(which can be rechargeable too) is much better.

[@DIRTYYETTI]

Great tutorial. Thanks man

[@bazahaza]

The brightness problem is because that DA1 point was not designed to output extra power for a display. When connected the voltage drops below 12v witch the screen needs to run a full brightness. You need a separate 12v step up regulator pcb to power the display this can be hooked up quite easily. There a few specially designed one available on Aliexpress or there are also other suitable boards available on ebay. These regulaters can also be installed in a regular AGS-001 along with the AGS-101 screen to make it backlit.

[@BryanX64]

I'm sure it's dim because it's the dimmer setting of the backlight. The SP 101 has that toggle button to make it brighter or dimmer

[@ogkrimkram4793]

Can you make a GBASP 001 screen in a GBA tutorial?

[@rs1n]

The other possibility is the potentiometer next to the screen. Adjust that to change the voltage difference and you might notice better screen quality.

[@pierceplays3675]

I like how he says don't loose the battery cover but not the screws or right and left trigger buttons

[@JAGomez]

Great Video! i want to do this soon! any tips on where to purchase the parts?

[@nathandantuma5378]

i got a used ags 101 for $25 off craigslist, pretty lucky.

[@poncho828]

I got one for free lol

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Hi. Do I have to remove that black sticker at the back and that front black rubber on the AGS-101 screen, to fit the connector beneath the board? I've already Dremeled, sanded it flat (being careful not to go beyond the black border infront, coz' it translucent. I removed the cover so I don't scratch the inside of the plastic cover for the screen) and craft knifed the plastic for the screen to fit. The board is rocking like a see saw. Thank you. God bless, Proverbs 31 I see that it doesn't have the thermal pad too and the black rubber gasket infront. The problem now is it's not starting, lol. Is that because I didn't solder (it's too small and I think I need to set up a magnifying glass and do it in the daytime. It took, doing it for the first time, around 4 and half hours. The most tedious is of course the cutting of the plastic and the positioning of the connector. I'll do another mod after this though, that should be faster). God bless, Proverbs 31 It's best to extend the blade of your craft knife (first reducing it with the dremel. You need a worn out smaller cutting disc). I used a hot knife the two corners which are the hardest, then sanded it down. God bless, Proverbs 31

[@xXxMaSt3rJoHnNyxXx]

Nice Mod bro, can you tell me where exactly you buy the backlight screen.? and, what can I do with my other screen, do you have some ideas.?

[@LocoSwede]

Thanks mate! Awesome video and thanks for getting back. Looking forward to checking out the others too. So, I have a few old DMGs I'm refurbishing, is the hydro peroxide / retrobright safe to use on colored plastics? Or should it only be used on white plastics like the original game boy?

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

Supposedly it'll work on colored plastic, but I've never tried it myself. Good luck!

[@Justj5271]

Sweet mod. I play with this more than my SP LoL.

[@-Cetus-]

This is something I need to do. It wouldn't be that an SP model would be too expensive for me, but honestly I want a handheld I can replace batteries for in case I can't have access to a charger at some point. Plus the classic GBA looks nicer I believe.

[@johneygd]

The reason why that cable does make properly contact with the screen causing some dim light is because you folded it into a Z shape wich will brake the cable internslly,causin unstable contact with the screen.

[@AlwaysBetOnVoid]

Would I need to get the SP screen already assembled with the adapter or could I just replace the adapter by itself and use my old screen?

[@determined_dev]

The sp ag-101 screen has the lights. The adapter is just to give power for the lights. So you cannot just use the adapter ribbon cable to an old screen.

[@JoelPhilosophy]

I like the idea of a backlit original GBA, it means that you can replace the batteries cheaply. SPs are great, especially the later models but no doubt it will be difficult to find a reputable replacement battery for it.

[@imbadwrench]

Apparently someone is manufacturing ags101 screens again. this is good for the community.

[@stykman2577]

I have the exact Gameboy, we have the same color. I just got one today.

[@dvaldez76]

Can someone assist me. I tried doing this mod and even though the GBA turns on I get a black screen.

[@Gaizure]

I know this is kind of old and done with, but this is useful advice for anyone trying to do this mod... Use a metal file to get rid of the plastic on the case in addition to the craft knife. It gets it much smoother with what feels like less effort to me.

[@chibi10111]

The screen looks so nice now! I wanna do this...

[@darthpaul3656]

In your dreams scrub!

[@nef-one8640]

I think your this is the best video on this matter. I was able to complete the mod however I somehow managed to crack the screen. Screen was pulled from a working GBA SP and must've happened when I was tried to tighten the case during the final step. Do you have any recommendations to avoid putting too much pressure on the lcd and prevent it from cracking?

[@philipposiadlo5779]

were did you order the screen from? Cuz amazon has them but they are going for around 100 bucks

[@RShiftt]

I love your handheld console mods, specially all of the game boys. Do you know if its posible to backlit gba 40pin with ribbon cable type B without soldering? And is it posible to backlit gba sp 001 with chinese backlit screen? Thanks

[@figuerman1]

Great vid! I did the same mod but the result was poor... I mean, the brightness on screen is great just when I turn gba on, and then it dims. Besides, the screen quality (same as that in your video) is less that the original ags101 screen, too noisy, (colors and shapes vibrate) to have a nice game experience... any ideas about these issues? Thank you!

[@adiposerex5150]

Well done.

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Hi. You mentioned some kind of regret for doing this mod in the where the backlit replacements went and it might have been this video you seem to imply. You were the one to first discover this and do this? Not to worry, I think it's a blessing in disguise later, the scarcity would force companies to really manufacture it themselves (and them some: for the GBC and Pocket too). Thanks. God bless. Rev. 21:4

[@carlosaraujo4740]

were i can find the screem like you havee?

[@jessylara3560]

Awesome Content

[@retro8beat545]

I love your channel and subscribed. May i know what video camera you are using when recording?

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

+retro 8beat These days I primarily use a Sony RX10. My first videos were shot with a Canon camcorder.

[@samkirkendall2920]

What type of wire is used between the ribbon adapter and the motherboard?

[@sawajiri100]

The replacement LCD screen on the back is metal/steel can be short circuit the main board or motherboard it will lead dead of console right?

[@philipmedeiros4945]

any specific wire size I should use still get a very bright finish

[@chidovimus]

Where did you get the screen, d really like to buy from this guy! He was so col to already solder that wire on

[@RyandBurtson]

Ok Collin, this should be the last time I pester you for help on this mod... I've gotten the correct ribbon cable adapter with a wire attached already, and I've soldered the wire to the top left leg of that capacitor you indicated in your video. But for some reason the darn thing just won't work. It turns on, but the screen, she won't light up. So I can't see anything at all, just hear it. Any tips or maybe you can think of what I did wrong? I've desoldered and resoldered at least 4 times now, im not sure what else I can do at this point.

[@ReddwarfIV]

Try flipping the connector between the screen and the adaptor. In many images I've seen, it was in the opposite way round to how mine worked. No idea why.

[@timbiedinger]

on the backside of the gba under the sticker is a hole. you need to take a screwdriver and inside there is some kind of weel, that you can turn. that fixes the screenproblems

[@RyandBurtson]

Hey there, Collin! Love your vids so much, I keep coming back to watch them even after I've already seen them so many times. I just got home and noticed my replacement screen had come in the mail. I'm gonna replace the screens tomorrow, but I have a bit of a problem. I noticed my ribbon cable adapter didn't come with that red wire you got, and neither did the screen. Will just any wire do? And if so would you know how I could connect it to the screen (do I solder one end to the screen or the ribbon cable? I just don't know). If you can help me I would greatly appreciate it.

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

Try the screen without the additional wire first, sometimes it's not needed. If you do need it, any smaller-gauge wire should do just fine. Typically there will be a solder pad on the adapter ribbon cable itself to attach it to. Good luck!

[@RyandBurtson]

+This Does Not Compute Thank you! I went to the store and picked up a 20 gauge wire just in case. I'm attempting the process now, so your luck is appreciated.

[@honesttable3261]

Nice video! Could you provide a link of the shop where u bought the AGS101 screen? Did it come with the adaptor as well? I think the standard to connect it to the board is different from the AGS-001, right?

[@rigsblo9310]

Interesting video thanks :)

[@DjStiv3]

link to tools used? the solder gun especially if its of decent quality. but the gba sp, there re many "grips" or grip handles you can buy to play more comfortably. I have a silver one andit feels much better as opposed to nothing on it.

[@jesusmunera2855]

bro cool tutorial, could you list me what Nintendo sp screen you used, I wanna try you method but i don't speak English very well so will be nice if you can help. ;)

[@lucafauna4824]

Hi Colin, any hint about where to buy the screen replacement and the ribbon cable? :)

[@LetsWinWithTim]

I would love to do this on my old advance... I am just a little shocked at how expensive these replacement screens are

[@jose5080007]

I just finished doing this, it's amazing. Mine was the 40 pin model and at first it was way too bright and washed out. Turns out you have to ground a pin on the board, much better now. Just look it up you'll see what I mean on google, there are plenty of guides out there.

[@Bonghotdogwater]

How did u find out u needed a 40 pin screen

[@schmevil4697]

Hey how do you just take the screen out of the shell and put it back in without damaging it

[@rs1n]

Regarding the lighting issues, sounds like you may just need to readjust the position of the screen ribbon cable.

[@demonicaldevastation]

Did this MOD but my housing doesn't really fit anymore after I put in the screws. Can somebody tell me what problem this might be? Even if I sometimes try to turn on the GBA it doesn't work. I have to try it another 1-2 times until it works.

[@jugrin0611]

Where to buy LCD backlight

[@jamiehinzer]

can you use the backlit screen from a ds and if so any specific model

[@donutmaster0]

I've never done this mod and I was wondering if you think Loca is a must for a Backlit mod

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

LOCA isn't necessary at all if you're installing a backlit screen, only for frontlights.

[@donutmaster0]

Sweet thank you

[@umbertocerrato1782]

Hi, I want to do the same mod with an ags001 screen from a broken gameboy advance sp. Could you please help me?

[@donutmaster0]

I'd love to know too

[@---yn4np]

Umberto Cerrato You can't sadly

[@ThePeoplesTemple]

Lacking certain tools toeclippers did a great job of removing plastic guys

[@gerhardprins1412]

This is kinda, well... lit.

[@synthkey7201]

+ what temperature of the soldering iron should I solder the screen cable to the mobo?

[@ghostpuppolter3207]

Wonder if one day it will be possible to use a ds lite top screen for this mod. As the ds lite screen is comparable to the ags 101 in clarity and brightness

[@Quincy35191]

I bout one of these and saudered the cable to the same spot you did, and my gba immediately cuts off when i cut it on. I dont know what i did wrong.

[@paulsmith8057]

i just lifted the soder pad on the ribben cable on mine from lifting the board out lol i need to order a new one

[@Zdef94]

i like it your like watching an ep of how its made ^_^

[@aarongallant35]

Hi Colin. I'm a big fan. I noticed your GBA took a 32 ribbon adapter. I'm about to start my GBA mod, but mine requires a 40 pin ribbon. In your video you connected too the left leg of DA1, can i connect too the same leg? I just have a feeling that mine doesn't. My apologies if I just missed it in your video. With my GBA being a 40 pin, will my mod have any difference too your mod? Thank you.

[@user-lp4gk1ub3d]

Where do u buy ags101 backlit screen??

[@zeldaguy8580]

amazon

[@zeldaguy8580]

or ebay

[@farenaxed2682]

Can someone help me? I bough the backlit screen with the 40 pin adapter but the flat cable wont fit into the board with or without the adapter? I seem to have a 30 pin??? btw the code you can read from beside the batteries is 10 6-2

[@gottsmilk13]

Does anyone know why games might not run with this mod? I hooked up the AG screen and it turns on and lights up fine, but after booting up the game won't start.

[@rajgill7576]

how is battery life compared to using the little OEM coil lamp thay plugs in the top??

[@jrosc2567]

I tired opening my gba and once I put it back together my screen no longer showed nothing and I only hear the sound. How do I fix this?!

[@farhanbaig404]

Just did the whole mod only to have my screen be white/washed out :/ Cant figure out whats wrong. Im using the 40 pin version of the GBA. Any leads guys?

[@fishandbagels]

May I ask where did you buy the screen and cable? thanks :)

[@TheBlackTitan9]

Hey could you tell me what camera you use please i love it

[@BogusLettuce]

I’m not getting any picture at all on this new screen after installing. help?