Game Boy Advance SP - how to tell a genuine console from a copy

[@thetrustedone5250]

Got one as a birthday gift as a little kid back in 2006, still have it, knew it was very likely original, not sure if people already did a lot of reshells back then but good to have confirmation. The GBA SP is a really nice piece of gaming history.

[@LordTreeko]

Im sure they still sold SPs then 😂

[@thetrustedone5250]

@@LordTreeko I meant aftermarket reshells

[@LordTreeko]

@@thetrustedone5250 yeah, what im saying was, that was hardly a thing then. SP came out in 2002, in 4 years the console was still on the market. I could be wrong but since I was a child, most consoles stay on the market for about 4-5 years.

[@LordTreeko]

@@thetrustedone5250 for reference, in 2002 I was 6 years old lol, I got my SP when I was 7 or 8.

[@lightshadow3683]

Reshells weren't really a thing until retro gaming started to pick up in like 2016-ish? I don't know if you could even buy empty shells at the time and I doubt anyone would bother with a console that wasn't even out of production until 2009.

[@Gl1tchyV00d00]

Thanks man! I almost just bought a repro! The start and press buttons had no small rim at all as well as the corner stoppers being silver rather then grey which was silver as you said! You just saved me from getting ripped off!

[@JoeBleeps]

Glad to hear it!

[@scherge]

Very helpful video again, thank you! Especially the Start/Select area detail was something I didn't see before, but can't unsee now.

[@JoeBleeps]

Haha! It's funny isn't it. Good to have things to look out for like that

[@cibion7123]

This was awesome in identifying eBay authenticity

[@JoeBleeps]

Thank you!

[@warriorking9885]

Just got my second GBA today for multiplayer purposes and I do believe that it is a reshelled one unlike the first one that I got. I can tell that it looks different (buttons and logos look slightly different) and it’s hinges don’t snap. However, the console itself functions exactly like my other one, except for the fact that it is an AGS-101.

[@JoeBleeps]

A re shell isn't always a bad thing. Only when someone is trying to pass them off as a rare console I think

[@warriorking9885]

@@JoeBleeps the thing is that they can also be of a bit lower quality. The one that I just got not too long ago has a hinge that doesn’t snap in place and the battery cover is a bit less stable than one you would see on an original shell.

[@JoeBleeps]

@@warriorking9885 yeah that is definitely annoying. A lot of that is to do with how well it's been installed to an extent, certainly in the case of the hinges, but the quality is definitely variable.

[@dallows3235]

Another giveaway I’ve noticed with the original NES model is the top of the shell where the line pattern is, it has a physical embossed feel to it. The repro’s usually are straight up printed as a paint job.

[@JoeBleeps]

Good tip! Hadn't noticed that before

[@conpanbear]

Very helpful video, thank you! If possible, could you please make a video for genuine vs copy for other handhelds, like GBC?

[@CaracalCoolGuy]

Thank you for this, I have been trying to spot if the one im getting from ebay is fake

[@JoeBleeps]

I hope it steers you in the right direction

[@mrletsplayit]

The nubs at the top corners of the screen are a blatant giveaway for me. They are much more rigid and a bit glossy. The rubber stoppers on fake shells are less glossy and sink into their slots more. Also, the repro shells can be identified just based on touch because of how much cheaper they feel and how easily they scratch

[@gantsmaniac]

In conclusion, each year the repros are More and More difficult to identify and this videos are good to know some differences but bad in the sense to help the peps that do this repros to do a More similar desing yo the original v':. It was good that I get one but in the time the sp was launch :').

[@JoeBleeps]

I like it when the repro shells have new designs, like the Super Famicom one

[@dspencer8827]

As long as the electronic components are original its ok to reshell a broken gameboy maybe

[@JoeBleeps]

Oh I absolutely agree. Gives an old console a new lease of life. The problem is when people charge over the odds and try and pass them off as the original limited edition consoles.

[@clementm9161]

That was a great video. I'm in love with gbas.... I just have an sp ags 001 so far, but i wanna get my hands on an ags 101, and one original advance.

[@JoeBleeps]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@staffitup]

Sick! My wife has the 001 and im upgrading it to the ips v2 screen and a new case!

[@clementm9161]

@@staffitup That's amazing ! Modding it is so fun, and surprisingly easy. Good job :) I eventually got an agb also haha =)

[@shaffi3000]

Another comparison is weight. I've noticed that repro's always seem to be slightly lighter than the originals. Unless it's a clear shell like that red Game Gorilla one, but noone's passing any clear shells and genuine. Great video by the way, looking forward to your next one.

[@JoeBleeps]

Thank you! Well after reading that I just took the original NES one and the AGS-001 in the repro NES shell and weighed them both. Original was 146g and repro was 143g so you're right but you've got a very keen sense of weight there haha!

[@guristaex3119]

This was great and very informative. Thanks for doing this :)

[@JoeBleeps]

Excellent! Thanks for the feedback!

[@ronjeremy8189]

I can feel a difference in the plastic. The original shells are glass like smooth. The shell i got has the slightest gritty texture. Very little, but present.

[@Vmurph]

Yup, they’re also lighter weight. OEM shells are made of heavy plastic. There are several other ways he didn’t mention. The aftermarkets have slightly larger speaker holes, especially the four center holes. Another thing is that the hinge in the lids don’t make them snap closed like the OEMs. They close slower without that clamshell quick “snap”. AND, they don’t stay as tightly against the console, either. If you turn both on and shut the lids, a lot of light will leak out the sides of the aftermarket ones, but very little light shows out the sides of the lid. Lastly, the aftermarket power buttons are not as tight as the OEMs. They have a tiny bit of ‘play’ or wiggle when in the on or off position. OEM power buttons have ZERO play in either position. Tight as a drum.

[@slimcognito98]

@@Vmurph your comment is a money saver thank you

[@patrikw25]

Something I noticed to is the feeling of the new Shell's. And something I learn when I bought a GBA SP Groudon edition. Is that Nintendo puting Som marks on the inside of the shell. That's look like it's made by som pen. End I'm sure that SP I bought is original. Even if its good shape. It's have some genuinen ware on it. And the shell is so much nicer feel in the hands 😊

[@JoeBleeps]

The quality of the original parts is always better. That's why I've not done a shell swap on my Switch controllers yet!

[@TomboyGamerGal]

I also have the NES edition for the GBA SP back in 2006 and when I checked it while watching this video, I can tell it was the real deal.

[@HydroSheep]

hey! i have a gba sp that im trying to figure out if its real or not it has original sticker, start select buttons are right and all physical aspects are exactly as the original however i bought it with pre-installed games in it! and the games dont save and are mostly broken but it has quite a few games on it what exactly do i have??

[@JoeBleeps]

If it's got preinstalled games on it then it's not an official one. Still a cool thing to have though!

[@emilmyhreriksson7615]

What i've noticed on the Zelda GBA SP Edition is that on the repo ones the cap on the hinges are gold whilst being black on the og one.

[@JoeBleeps]

Ahhh yes you're right! Good spot!

[@he-dp3mk]

Wdym? The circles on the side of the hinge?

[@devinfitzpatrick593]

Great video, helped a lot! :) I noticed lately though, a lot of listings in places like Mercari show shells that pass all of these tests (rim around start/select, no extra plastic on hinge, buttons matching color for shells like pikachu) but the description includes the fact that it’s a re-shell. I was wondering, are fake shells getting better now, or are these people re-shelling with genuine shells? Been wanting to get my hands on a rayquaza gba adv sp but want to be sure it’s original. Thanks 😁

[@stephdoppenberg2672]

I was gonna buy this exact model but decided to check this video first. All signs showed that it was an original product, except for the sticker. The model on the sticker was 101, but the screen looked like an 001

[@JoeBleeps]

101 screen isn't black but it's definitely a much darker grey than the 001. Easy to tell with it switched on, with the 001 the brightness button turns the light on or off, with the 101 it changes between bright and dim

[@BastarB]

I having a truly mint condition Mario Limited Edition GBA SP AGS-001 that I bought back in the days because I thought it was an AGS-101, in my disappointment I only played like one hour on it before putting it back in it cartoon. This console really dont have ANY scratches on it, so now I feeling scared that people will think its a repro if I try to sell it although its 100% real and genuine.

[@JoeBleeps]

Just go for it. People will know what to look for to spot a fake 😊

[@carlosstrings1450]

To spot if your Game Boy Advance shell is repro, look at the holes of the speaker

[@JoeBleeps]

Always a good quick check

[@alfarebel8770]

Ok cool! Thank you for this video. I have a starlight gold gbasp coming my way and it looks original and not a repo

[@EJayNine]

Quality content

[@JoeBleeps]

Thanks Jay!

[@frickinfrick8488]

Great video! Very helpful

[@silverden8706]

also, those start and select buttons look differently on my pal version of the Zelda gba. They don't have that middle raise at all. And it is the one I got back when it released from the store, so it is genuine.

[@identity7845]

You say the clear reshells use a different plastic than the other reshells, but do the non-clear reshells also feel and weigh nothing like the original gba sp does? I ask because I only have one reshell and it's clear.

[@JoeBleeps]

Yeah I think the non clear ones sometimes feel like a softer, thinner, low quality version of the same plastic. The clear plastic feels very different like it's a bit less flexible

[@shane6840]

So if I bought a spongebob 101 and it has a bright screen it’s repo?

[@JoeBleeps]

No, not necessarily

[@marklai6952]

Are the ones with ips screens has the repro or the original outside model of the console?

[@JoeBleeps]

It could be either. There are some good repro shells now that are designed to fit the IPS screen with no cutting. The internals will be authentic though

[@thorntonfamily]

I think we have a 2002 Gameboy Advance SP ags-001 that was a display model. Are those worth more? It’s in rather used condition on the outside but everything works. I greatly appreciate your help!

[@JoeBleeps]

I'm not sure on the value side of things but anything outside of the ordinary will always get people's interest

[@anonymousidea9119]

now some of the pikachu SPs get really hard to spot... they're evolving

[@JoeBleeps]

Haha!

[@MariiieECs]

:S Please elaborate

[@parkerandrileyvlogs7169]

@@MariiieECs pokemon evolve

[@plushieproductionslol]

Hi, I’m looking to get a GBA SP for my 15th birthday, hopefully the NES edition. Looking for an NES edition, repro (to be cheaper) and backscreen lighting (or some other type of lighting that will allow me to play in the dark). Could you help me out here? I just don’t wanna get scammed ;)

[@JoeBleeps]

The repro shells for these are actually really good so yes, keep your budget down and go for that, you don't need to pay extra for the original. I'd say the original console with one of the drop-in IPS screens and a repro NES shell will do you fine. Let me know if you need any more specific guidance

[@bagaglio-a-mano]

What about Classic Gameboy? How can I know It It Is a replica?

[@JoeBleeps]

That's usually much easier to spot, the quality of the plastic isn't as good and the print, if there is one, is a brighter blue than the original

[@chuckboris7275]

How do you know the insides are orginal?

[@JoeBleeps]

They generally will be. Things like built in games would be a giveaway. But if it loads as normal and plays game boy, game boy color and game boy advance cartridges, it will likely be original. If the screen has been replaced that's usually an upgrade rather than a "fake"

[@filthyfiery5524]

Is there a way to determine if it’s an aftermarket shell through the screw in the back middle? Looking at eBay, I’m seeing many different screws. AGS-001 typically have the flat or rounded screws, AGS-101 almost always have the rounded screws, and some actually have a black screw. Wonder if this can be an indicator of whether or not a GBA’s shell is authentic. Please let me know any knowledge you have on this!

[@JoeBleeps]

If they used the new screws that can be a giveaway, however the original screws are better so many people use those on a new shell

[@nadnomad8117]

well done thank you so much

[@thisisaloadofbarnacles]

With the NES Edition repros, I’ve noticed that, in most cases, the speaker holes never quite match up with the NES matting evenly. On genuine models however, the speaker holes are almost perfectly aligned with the NES matting. You can see what I mean at 7:00.

[@JoeBleeps]

Yeah you're right there. Must be a very tricky one to line up

[@WebVManReturns]

Well, mine's genuine, then.

[@fabisayshi]

This isn't right. I have an authentic NES edition and the matte is slightly offcenter. It's driven my OCD nuts for years.

[@ThePreciseClimber]

Would be cool if Nintendo re-released their old handhelds for cheap in modern times. Fat chance, though.

[@JoeBleeps]

For a while, when the mini consoles were super popular, I was hoping for a new game boy but I think that ship has now sailed. Never say never though!

[@pamdionisio7832]

do you know where i can get a real one game boy advanced sp

[@kickedpigeonlol5797]

Thank you im going to a kinda sketchy store with fake game but not consoles maybe so this will help to see if its fake.

[@SELG88]

dude may i ask what kind of 3d printer is that?

[@GlassICE]

GBA has Fakes ? i want one where do they sell these ?

[@jamesthongproperty]

Can you fix my GBA With a New Screen?

[@willraya1791]

where do you buy all your gba sps

[@deepblue153]

Brilliant

[@julianx2rl]

So... the repro its better?

[@JoeBleeps]

The quality isn't as good but it's a great option when the original shell is damaged or worn, and it's fun to have the options for more eye-catching styles

[@wilpi2456]

Shed tour?

[@asoullikethesea]

Is there anyway I can message you personally about my GBA SP? No one seems to be able to answer my question lol

[@JoeBleeps]

Sure, feel free to message me on Instagram

[@jannikbloedorn]

Hey can you pls tell me, where you bought these great copies? I bought one on a Retro-Internet Store (where I thought i can get quality) and i got scamed really hard. I got one in a very bad condition, like blurred colors, bad centering, Start-Select are white printed and not red (same with the Nintendo sticker), spray residue on the hinges and so on.... PS: really nice video like your modding video!

[@JoeBleeps]

It's the luck of the draw really. I just get them on eBay, sometimes they are good, others not so much

[@jannikbloedorn]

@@JoeBleeps Ty for the very fast answer! Oh that doesn't sound like fun :/ Can you tell me how the feel of the shells was? So was it similar to the originals, or worse? Like cheap plastic (smooth, soft or greasy) or does the paint goes over to your fingers, for example because of sweat?

[@blackjacksike1808]

I thought GBA SP was mostly made of metal...

[@mohammedelazery5310]

This is a long video to be teaching us a little something!!

[@MrGringo418]

Be wary of "legit" counterfeits. The Flame Red GBA was only ever released as an AGS-001 in most of the world. The only place that got a Flame Red AGS-101 is Singapore. The Flame Red AGS-001 is $150 on eBay/Amazon Pick up any AGS-101 for $200 Do a shell swap, and add a Singapore AGS-101 sticker... Sell for $500 or more. Congrats, you've scammed someone all while still using genuine parts (excluding the Singapore AGS-101 sticker)

[@MrNemmith]

what if it says made in Japan?

[@JoeBleeps]

I'm not sure, but the points I raised here should be a pretty good indicator at least

[@EvidLekan]

Hi, sorry if I'm late or my bad english but there is two ways to tell in the japanese one (I have one of those): - the nintendo label (the one with red letter) the "o" is not higher than letter "e" or "n" (also the "r" is under the curve) -the inscription on the back ( the link cable and battery) are small and the arrows are pointing to the middle of the connectors

[@RandomDude-sp6vy]

Sorry if I ask but is this gameboy advanced and the cartridge legit? Here is the link www.reddit.com/r/pokemon/comments/kjlfru/is_the_gameboy_advanced_sp_groudon_limited/

[@JoeBleeps]

Looks like it. Wonder what the top looks like

[@cantiflascantiflas8460]

Ags001 with refurbished glow in dark shell for 70$ I just bought on offer up, I think it’s prob fake it was 150$ but got price cut

[@-kf1vf]

Did not show the back one time lol

[@JoeBleeps]

I never noticed that haha! I guess the stickers can be a giveaway