Game Boy Advance Macro kit full tutorial - easiest way to build a GBA from a broken DS Lite

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In this video I've put together an in-depth, step by step tutorial for installing one of the excellent Retro Game Restore faceplate kits for building a custom Game Boy Advance console commonly known as a Game Boy Macro.
This kit is a high quality, low cost solution that comes with everything you need to rebuild your broken DS Lite console into an awesome looking Game Boy Advance.
Music: Joe Bleeps
www.joebleeps.bandcamp.com​​​​​
/ joebleeps​​​​​
Camera: Google Pixel 6a
Hardware: 2012 i7 MacBook Pro with 2xSSD
Software: iMovie/Keynote

[@KappaCow]

Super awesome, but man without that low profile cartridge I would probably lose my mind lol

[@JoeBleeps]

It's still comfortable to play but yeah if the cart sticking out bothers you, definitely get the EZ-Flash Omega

[@sooperheep]

Thanks for this! I’ve been wanting to do this so just ordered all the parts and gonna follow along with this awesome guide!

[@JoeBleeps]

Good luck and thank you!

[@michaelashford6602]

Awesome tutorial! These videos have a Niel Buchanan Art Attack vibe and I’m here for it 🎉

[@JoeBleeps]

🤣🤣not what I was going for, but definitely high praise thank you

[@michaelashford6602]

I ended up doing this exact build today and I fully expected it to take the length of your video but found myself pausing and rewinding more than I care to admit! However a great end result, and not bad for a broken DS lite I picked up for £12! The wires were by far the hardest part for me, getting them to the correct length and routed safely to avoid being pinched! Thanks for the great video

[@JoeBleeps]

The same parts were what I found tricky too. I'm glad the video helped!

[@GC-ji3ye]

I omitted the speaker in favor of headphones and less headache in reassembly. Great video Joe.

[@JoeBleeps]

I didn't like the idea of wiring up the speaker using the usual contact points, but the ones I used are quite tricky. So that's understandable!

[@undeadunluck]

W video w channel w human w project im literally so inspired

[@JoeBleeps]

Thank you!

[@sonoman77]

Most excellent! Love your vids, please never stop bringing such awesome content to the masses. 🤙

[@JoeBleeps]

Thank you so much! I never really know what people want to see so I'll just keep posting whatever grabs my attention 😁

[@GC-ji3ye]

Hey Joe! Great video. Came across a busted DS lite a while back. Never got around to fixing it (hate ribbons cables). This is my next project for sure! Thanks!

[@zackm9910]

Great video i love all the tips you give also! I cant wait to get my shell and follow along. Thank you!

[@RetroGameRarities]

@joe bleeps Great tip to solder one point at a time for the resistor. First time doing this and I did two boards without error. 👍

[@JoeBleeps]

That's great news! Good job 👏

[@Breakbeats92.5]

I'm all over this!!! Perfect for the broken DS Lite I have in my Nintendo fanboy bag.

[@JoeBleeps]

Go for it!

[@mkuhnactual]

Neat. I don't have any donor systems I'd consider for this but it's neat all the same. What I really need is a high quality replacement enclosure for my original DS as the plastic on the hinge broke and last time I checked all the replacements on the market were poor quality and not worth using.

[@JoeBleeps]

The repro shells are definitely hit and miss. And even the better ones aren't up to the quality of the original parts, unfortunately. Hopefully a good quality solution will become available eventually.

[@chrunocus]

​@@JoeBleepspp

[@gbamck]

Superb. Cheers for the vid, Mr Bleeps. It feels like there could be some protection for the screen.. with the digitiser gone, it's a bit open to the elements, so to speak. I guess a tempered glass protector would help somewhat.

[@JoeBleeps]

I did have a similar thought. There's no aspect of the shell design where you could add a lens, but having cleaned up the screen a few times now it's more robust than I expected. It's also very slightly recessed which helps.

[@ivanmarkovic8368]

@@JoeBleeps looking for a solution for the lens I found this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYDJYmuCirmsf8U where the person in the video is using the lens from the top screen?

[@JoeBleeps]

@@ivanmarkovic8368 interesting. I'll try it later and see what the fit is like

[@JoeBleeps]

@@ivanmarkovic8368 just to give you an update on this, I tried it and it isn't a good solution, certainly not what the designer of this faceplate seemed to have in mind. The aperture of the screen window on the shell is smaller than the lens, so it has to sit on top, which looks a bit bodged. Also the screen fits flush against the inside face ilof the shell so adding anything else inside adds to the thickness and makes either a poor fit when reassembling or puts too much pressure on the screen and components causing possible damage. Felt you should know if you were considering this as an option.

[@ivanmarkovic8368]

​​@@JoeBleepshanks for update. I planned to try this, but now i think i will just use non-glass screen protector.

[@TheSlothFilms]

I wonder if anyone will find a way to move the gba reader up so standard cartridges fit flush with the console 🤔

[@yijunho]

Thanks for this video. You are literally (probably) the second person to do one for this mod. Can't wait to make this myself. Do you know if the Flex Amp by Helder would fit with this faceplate? Also, which NDS flash card do you recommend for a GB Macro?

[@JoeBleeps]

I think the flex amp should work but the position of the speaker would be different, I think those are designed with a space where a full size speaker would go

[@JoeBleeps]

I've found R4 carts work fine, I mainly use mine for NES emulation so I've a few older R4 cards with small SD cards in that work fine

[@JoeBleeps]

I mainly use the Macro consoles for GBA though so the EZ-Flash Omega is perfect

[@yijunho]

Thanks for your responses!

[@JoeBleeps]

@@yijunho you're welcome!

[@RETROGAME-FIX]

Hi. Thank you for the amazing tutorial. Does the resistor have to be exact same value??

[@JoeBleeps]

So far as I'm aware, yes. That's the one that comes with the kit, fortunately

[@j0hnnykarat3games]

Reminds me of a game watch

[@JoeBleeps]

Which is a good thing, right?

[@corazzellim]

i have a 2DSXL that i replaced a broken top screen on, however the aftermarket screen is annoyingly dim. I kinda wonder if it could be turned into a emulation macro with just the bottom half.

[@JoeBleeps]

I'm guessing yes but it's not something I've attempted!

[@fabiobezerra9569]

Great vídeo, do you have instructions for a Macro Boy from a DSI XL? ✌🏼🤓🎮

[@JoeBleeps]

I haven't tried that yet, I'm less motivated because of the lack of a GBA slot

[@simondenis1729]

Great video, too bad this faceplate does not come with a glass screen protection. Still it looks like a great cheaper alternative to the boxy pixel faceplates

[@JoeBleeps]

Yeah I'd have liked to keep the original layers but I do love that "new screen" effect

[@DocNeb3D]

By any curiosity, If i accidently solder a bit of metal in the P05 pad what would happend?

[@JoeBleeps]

So long as you don't bridge it to any other pads, you're fine

[@Stoneheach]

Nice Mod! I'm very interested in the Screw tray in the upper left corner of the video at around 7:15. Is it 3D-printed? If yes are the files available online?

[@JoeBleeps]

Thanks! I did those trays on a laser cutter with two layers of acrylic glued together, I did some MDF prototypes too but it should work in plywood. This was a long time ago now, before I had a 3D printer so maybe it's time for a redesign!

[@Stoneheach]

@@JoeBleeps With a laser and acrylic? Nice :D Sounds awesome. Maybe i have to make my own Versions. Thanks

[@JoeBleeps]

@@Stoneheach if I remember I might make a quick short to show the details

[@Stoneheach]

@@JoeBleeps ouh that would be awesome! Thanks ❤️

[@JoeBleeps]

@@Stoneheach or give me a DM on Instagram and I'll take a few pictures for you

[@devinmclaughlin7202]

I'm looking to buy The kit from zed labs I was curious if the faceplate can be modded so that the glass screens they sell will fit flush.

[@JoeBleeps]

It's not compatible with those lenses unless you just stick it on top

[@sdoren_9074]

The only negative is that the DS Lites shoulder buttons are NOTORIOUS for being awful. Everything else though, very, very cool.

[@JoeBleeps]

They are definitely tricky!

[@wolf314v]

Where's the screw holder/tray for the NDSL from?

[@JoeBleeps]

I designed and made it on a laser cutter

[@jonafic]

I wanted to use this tutorial but my DS lite has a broken power button, besides that everything works perfectly...Is there any other kit that maybe brings more things and just uses the screen of the DS?

[@JoeBleeps]

Just this as far as I know. Most times it's just a faceplate, this is the only one I know that has the other bits at all

[@8bitnation419]

As cool as this is it’s a missed opportunity for the Macro Switch mod. I wish they gave the option to fit a touch screen in. Otherwise there is no point in having those two extra buttons.

[@JoeBleeps]

I'd have liked to have had the option to keep the touch screen too

[@TTGBUNKER]

Where di you get the test cart? Google searches not turning up so much.

[@JoeBleeps]

Alas, I can't remember. I suspect it was eBay, I've had it a long time

[@jluca9219]

There would be no issues in leaving out the speaker completely, right?

[@JoeBleeps]

Apart from not having any sound, no. You can always use headphones

[@jensheinke1344]

Ive been trying this for 2 hours now. I just cant get the Audio cable to hold on that small contact. Is there anywhere else I can solder it to? Its my first soldering project.

[@JoeBleeps]

Yes there is a contact on the other side of the board. It's the one on the lower left of the headphone socket

[@jensheinke1344]

@@JoeBleeps oh man, thanks. I think I know where you mean. Theres already a big solder blob there. Gonna try that after work. Appreciate your Response :)

[@jensheinke1344]

@@JoeBleeps hey again. I just did it. Speaker works fine. But somehow I just cant manage to put it in the Frontplate from zedlabs. It just wont fit. Feels like something in the middle is blocking, but i cant find anything blocking it. The Board doesnt sit flush so the buttons wiggle around and easily Fall of. Any idea? I am crying here because I feel too stupid to do this little mod... God dammit

[@JoeBleeps]

@@jensheinke1344 are you sure the wire going to the headphones socket isn't blocking anything?

[@teamextreme86]

can you do it without the ohms resistor ?>

[@JoeBleeps]

No you need the resistor to trick it into thinking the top screen is still there

[@garburias]

Can I reuse the speaker wires from the upper part of the lcd?

[@JoeBleeps]

Yes you could, if they are long enough

[@garburias]

​@@JoeBleepsI tried it and it works perfectly fine! (I also bridge the wire between SPL0 and SPR0 to get the mono sound)

[@JoeBleeps]

@@garburias glad it worked!

[@colchonerox86]

Where can you buy that model of speaker?

[@JoeBleeps]

It came with the kit

[@chayeldridge3545]

Hey so I did this macro everything seemed to go okay. But when I put the device back together it won’t boot? The green led comes on… gets a little brighter then goes out? Any advice?😊

[@JoeBleeps]

Did you remember to put the WiFi unit back on the motherboard? It contains the bios

[@chayeldridge3545]

@@JoeBleeps thanks for your reply, yes that’s back on, the thing I’ve seen online is that the resistor might not be seated properly, so the ds won’t boot as it thinks the screens still missing. What do you think?

[@JoeBleeps]

@@chayeldridge3545 Yes that does sound likely then. It has the same effect

[@chayeldridge3545]

Thanks! I reseated the resistor and all is well now 👍

[@JoeBleeps]

@@chayeldridge3545 great news!

[@TheSlothFilms]

They also sell a gameboy macro lens cover can you use it with that top shell?

[@JoeBleeps]

You can but it's larger than the aperture in this shell so it would need to be stuck on top. It's more designed for the OEM faceplate

[@TheSlothFilms]

@JoeBleeps would it need trimming or would it just stick out from the top abit?

[@JoeBleeps]

@@TheSlothFilms you could trim but I think it would be easier and neater to just stick it on top

[@TheSlothFilms]

@JoeBleeps would love to see how it looks with the top replacement shell in a shorts video or something

[@JoeBleeps]

@@TheSlothFilms I'll do that

[@anthonyp2312]

When will this be in stock again?

[@JoeBleeps]

I have no idea but they get a new delivery every now and then, hopefully you'll be able to get one soon

[@michaelashford6602]

How comfortable are these to play vs the GBA and SP?

[@JoeBleeps]

Very comfortable. The d pad is really nice on the DS Lite, I think the form factor works well

[@michaelashford6602]

@@JoeBleeps thanks! Definitely going to give this a try, it’s so cost effective too!

[@JoeBleeps]

@@michaelashford6602 absolutely! The machined aluminium ones are amazing but this is a much cheaper option that still looks really professional.

[@Narque]

shame these are nev er in stock. everytime i have looked they are always out of stock

[@JoeBleeps]

They do sell fast unfortunately. Hopefully you'll get one next time around

[@KaPkAp79]

What kind of resistance do we need to buy? You only show it, but you don't give the reference number. Thanks

[@JoeBleeps]

Sorry, that may have been because it was just the resistor that came with the kit. You need a 330 ohms resistor

[@KaPkAp79]

@@JoeBleeps OK thank you very much 👍

[@JoeBleeps]

@@KaPkAp79 no problem!

[@masximo7615]

Does it come with the wires?

[@JoeBleeps]

I don't remember now! I don't think so

[@Owzitgoin]

Hi, do u teach Delilah Marrs, I’m her cousin :D

[@Charsept]

My DS Lite isn't broken. So I'm debating whether it's is worth doing this mod. 🤔 3:01 Oh haha, I see.

[@JoeBleeps]

Yeah keep those two screens!

[@Mr_Negative420]

one thing I feel is an issue for me, the DS games have no use anymore right? if not is there not a case that just hides Slot 1 as it's ugly as hell?

[@JoeBleeps]

There's always a use for the slot. I always make sure the DS slot is working when I build a macro console but I know some people use that space for a speaker. There's a mod I haven't tried yet but it's a button that swaps the display between the two screens. Some games like New Super Mario Bros work pretty well with just one screen. Also I have an R4 card that boots straight into a nes emulator with a load of ROMs, that's perfect on this format

[@Mr_Negative420]

@@JoeBleeps Oh, nice! I was curious about the R4 cards-I saw one earlier but wasn't sure what it was. I went down the KZbin rabbit hole watching other mod videos and forgot to look it up, 😂

[@JoeBleeps]

@@Mr_Negative420 funnily enough, that's a video I've been meaning to make for a few weeks now. I got the new ez-flash Parallel cart and wanted to do a piece about it.

[@Mr_Negative420]

@@JoeBleeps looking forward to it!

[@JoeBleeps]

@@Mr_Negative420 not this weekend but hopefully the following weekend unless anything comes up

[@Marlevlyn]

I get way too triggered whenever. I see somebody with a macro that has four buttons.

[@JoeBleeps]

What's the problem?

[@boxed-sound]

Some emulators use those extra buttons (lameboy for example)

[@zackm9910]

I agree that it looks odd but this top shell looks so cool compared to other alternatives without breaking the bank. I've seen some people make the y and x buttons black or the same color as the shell to help mute it. But I agree that the 4 buttons is not as nice as 2.

[@polloman15]

I have a barebones motherboard that hasn’t been turned on in about 8 years, is it worthy for MACRO conversion? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@JoeBleeps]

if it still works, yes!

[@elrinconderoller1560]

20 euros por un trozo de plastico?! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@neilsullada385]

this isnt for a gameboy macro its for a single screen ds lite mod... hence the x and y buttons still present

[@JoeBleeps]

Are you saying it's not a macro unless it's got just two buttons?

[@absoluteclownworld]

Much better ways to play GBA games.. no idea why this is much of a thing other than for less fortunate people maybe..

[@JoeBleeps]

It's a way to reuse a console that might otherwise be thrown away. That's got to be a good thing.

[@absoluteclownworld]

@JoeBleeps Yeah, that is true. I would and have repaired the DS Lite back to normal with parts, but yeah, it's better than throwing it out all together for sure.