Gameboy Advance Screen Comparison (IPS vs. AGS-101)

In this more cinematic video, we take a detailed look at the AGS-101 screen mod for a Gameboy Advance, and compare it against the newer IPS screen mod, to determine which one, if any, you should use for your Gameboy Advance screen mod.
I decided to take a risk with this video, and went a completely different direction in terms of production style and video quality. Even better, we're in 4K now! But holy cow, I couldn't believe how much more time and effort it took to make this video! I apologize for not getting anything out sooner than this; most of my free time over the past few weeks has been spent working on producing this video!
If you liked the video, or you're interested in the content that we cover on this channel, please consider subscribing if you haven't already. Thanks so much for watching, and thanks for your interest in the channel!

[@steel5897]

I prefer the lower resolution display, it actually matches the content perfectly, while the IPS looks to me like an emulator or something. Hard to explain.

[@ComputerTechnic217]

quiet you

[@keishikura]

But easy to relate with. Smol things like that "ghosting" add up a lot to the experience when playing on these old consoles. Kinda like the guys who use CRT for retro consoles, just to experience it the original way it was intended to

[@Zekushion6]

@@keishikura another bad thing about IPS screen is the flicker effect in some sprites (mostly shadows sprite with transparencies), it's very annoying and happens with every version (v1, v2, v3).

[@vgrepairs]

@@Zekushion6 what kind of low quality IPS screen adapters are you using?

[@EshanTahir]

Pro tip: When taking close shots wait for it to focus and keep it there for a couple of seconds, then cut to the part where its focused and leave the unfocused parts out.

[@jackrussell3084]

Yep couldnt finish video, please heed this advice.

[@JamacomHD]

just use manual focus lmao

[@ShadowTV2006]

Wow I just watched spinning gbas for 11 minutes, still a good video!

[@totallyfrozen]

🤣

[@ed3n4pf]

Are you fckin kidding ? our bro just send specs from everywhere

[@MrSmitheroons]

This video looks super nice! I looked down and was shocked I was streaming in 480p, it looks so freaking nice! colors, crispness... So good! Really nice presentation, editing, pace, covered the basics. Great review! My questions are all answered and you clearly know your way around these mods in terms of installation and use. Thanks!

[@MarkosCT]

Appreciate the comparison... But i really hate that "focus effect" that you use for the entire video!

[@TheBrokenPast]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@MarkosCT]

@@TheBrokenPast Thanks for the video, it's really helpful.

[@Zuriki09]

I recently picked up a GBA with backlight, they had both IPS and AGS, but I went with the AGS because I wanted that more authentic classic GBA experience - screendoor effect and ghosting intact! Nice to know that the battery will last a bit longer too. I'll probably pick up an IPS one in the future, just to experience both.

[@Mattvweiss]

I would actually argue that the increased resolution is worse than the original screen. There's something charming about that grid-like pixel arrangement on the originals and without it, it's just not the same. I own an IPS game boy and all I want to do is replace that screen with an AGS 101

[@gunther4150]

Thank you so much! I'm really glad for this clarification video as I'm deciding wich one to buy.

[@watchingdanny]

I hadn't seen the direct sunlight comparison. Very nicely done and great video overall. Thank you for making it. An IPS screen will be in my next build for sure. I'll just be sure to add some rechargeable AA's.

[@zorbcck]

The production value here is very good :) I love the segment breakers etc. (although yes agree with others regarding the focusing of screens). Good job :)

[@verydaizey7790]

wtf do you mean its out of focus and the editing is shit

[@Anne-pj7vl]

Thank you so much for this. It’s very informative. I can’t wait to modify mine. Thorn between AGS 101 and IPS LCD but now I can make an informed decision and I’ll definitely go with IPS. Both are available on our local online shop. 😊

[@kr4t0sg.28]

Good work on your video. I actually love both screens. Both have potential. Both look great playing. Equal love here.

[@Djinsoul]

Such a well made video. Leaving aside the focusing issues, I love the content. Kudos. Just ordered the highspeedido ips v2 from DHgate. Should arrive soon..

[@jackbootshamangaming4541]

Really good video, first of yours I've seen. I've even subscribed. People do mention the focus, and music, but hey everyone gets better and these are already great quality man! Thanks for this! I have an AGS-101, I am thinking of getting a whole other GBA with the IPSV2. I'm a big gameboy fan, and I'm REALLY getting back into the GBA. I have a backlog for a lot of rarer/Japanese titles. Currently playing Mother 3 for the first time.

[@videojaviergaming6565]

I hated the pixellated look due to the resolution bump from the IPS screen so I went back to the AGS-101 screen. I can live with the ghosting.

[@Canthary]

Comments like this one is what i been looking for. I was afraid the higher res screens would produce that effect, as it usually happens with old titles running on modern displays. Every video comparison omits that important detail.

[@TurboGreen]

Love the comparison. Keep up the good work bud 😊

[@eatYoself]

Started getting into retro collecting and decided on GBA, I picked up an ags-001 SP and got the IPS mod with the NES classic shell, freaking love the IPS screen. Playing Aria of sorrow with the IPS screen made me realize how much I was missing out on the games artwork.

[@NOHEROTUFF]

You should lower the music a little bit, that ear raped my ears lmao

[@TheBrokenPast]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@NOHEROTUFF]

The Broken Past good video tho, I watched the whole thing 😀👍

[@bobyouseeme5666]

@@TheBrokenPast other than the loud music and focus, you made a fantastic video!

[@superblue96]

Did your ears get attacked by a rapear?

[@n40k1]

Thanks for the video comparison. Much appreciated ^^

[@Bert439]

Thanks this is the best explanation of the screens! I just ordered a V2 custom GBA -

[@TheBrokenPast]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@kcin4997]

Where u order from ? I am in need

[@andrewbreazna]

@@kcin4997 retromodding

[@eclipse8114]

Thx so much, this was exactly what I was looking for

[@bradcbee377]

Appreciate the added effort, subbed my man

[@TheBrokenPast]

Thanks, and welcome!

[@bradcbee377]

@@TheBrokenPast I've been doing some Gameboy color research as well - it seems there are 2 leading backlight options -TFT and IPS...is that the correct dileniation?

[@dino988]

Excellent video. I’m planning on doing a IPS v2 GBC mod. I do have a AGS-101 modded GBA and love it except for the dust that occasionally enters in between the lens and screen

[@TheBrokenPast]

Thanks! Good luck on your IPS v2 GBC mod. That's next on my list to tackle, to get one of those in my collection as well!

[@nusdogg]

IPS over the AGS101. Quality of displaying is significantly increased over the AGS101.

[@supermetroid009]

Ikr!!! Like everyone keeps sayin “authentic gba feel” like your playing the original hardware with the carts were splitting hairs at this point .

[@blink3r7]

Amazing informative video thank you for sharing this!

[@eicas_11]

Love the video, now I know to get the ips for sure, just wish the camera would stay focused on something

[@rihasanatrofolo2472]

6:48 would have loved to see the stock screen show it's shine in the outdoor test. Kinda sad you didn't show it.

[@KNPS-MAGIO]

can't believe the excellent timing of this video

[@CrossedCoder]

Why?

[@KNPS-MAGIO]

@@CrossedCoder i ordered one some weeks ago and was getting really anxious about the screen when I heard some purists on this site saying the 101 screen was better and I was having a hard time seeing a proper side to side comparison video the day of the post

[@Ztuu]

Cool video. I installed an IPS v2 in a GBA based on your tutorial video and man I love that screen so much. It slays batteries but it looks soooo good. It makes it hard to go back and play my AGS-001, I used to think that frontlit screen was amazing but the IPS is just on a whole new level.

[@TheBrokenPast]

It's funny. If I think back to my childhood when I used a GBA SP (001 model), I remember how bright and vivid the screen was. A friend of mine had the GBA (non-SP) form factor, and I remember how amazing his looked as well. Now looking back on these, it's incredible how bad these original screens actually were! Definitely very heavy rose-colored glasses, for sure!

[@abe1018]

Great vid 👍 very informative

[@gamergrill9629]

Wow, nice spinning shots!

[@TheBrokenPast]

Thanks! I may have overdone them a bit in the video, but they were just too darn cool, I had to include them!

[@Lordoflemons]

Great information thanks agree with other comments about the focus effect

[@Alon0009]

I wanted to put an AGS 101 screen on my original GBA for a long time and even bought GBA SP 101 to do it but never had the courage to rip apart another console for it. I ordered an IPS V2 console two days ago after some debating and got to the conclusion it's for the best to keep my original GBA from 2003 as it is. After seeing your video I know I made the right decision, thanks.

[@bryanbravo6217]

i bought a gameboy housing that is pre trimmed for the IPS screen, this video really makes the IPS seem worth the choice

[@HansVonMannschaft]

Many games took advantage of the slow response time of the screen for transparency or to display shades outside of the GBA's color by flashing quickly between two colors. This is most obvious with shadows under characters (Tekken Advance or Boktai), where you see the shadow flashing on an IPS display.

[@swingstylez]

V3/2.6 of the funnyplaying IPS screen addresses this. I didn't understand the marketing hype until I read your comment.

[@invaderlean]

just finished making an ags 101 gba, definitely gonna order a machine cut shell soon, i have flush cuts and everything but certain parts of the shell just make it impossible

[@michaelharris5281]

$41.60 gba a.aliexpress.com/_d81l1Ci It's the cheapest one I've found so far if you find one that's cheaper is love to know lol but I hope this helps and good luck

[@dallas7129]

Video was dope 👌

[@maurodh3701]

I've been waiting for the whole month for more videos from you but the wait was more than worth it! this is really a pro quality video. The image quality looks really crisp 👌🏻 what kind of setup are you using to film this? Also wanted to mention that I'm also rocking a Pixel 2 XL, there's not a lot of people using it and I was surprised to find it in your video. And for the question, I would definitely choose the IPS display for that kind of mod, the quality of the screen is far from the ags-101 display (at least in my opinion)

[@TheBrokenPast]

Thanks for the kind word! Yeah, I love my Pixel 2 XL, for sure! I even really loved my previous phone - the Nexus 6P. Unfortunately, it fell victim to the common motherboard crack / boot loop issue, and I had to replace it with something new. Tell you what though, not having my phone for almost 60 hours across two different time lapses, was a struggle! Next time I do something like that, I'll need a better stand-in for a stopwatch indicator. :)

[@maurodh3701]

@@TheBrokenPast Yeah! I was just thinking that, you had it use it as a timer for a looong time 😅 I couldn't get a Nexus 6P but I had a Nexus 5X and ended selling it to a friend, then an Essential phone, and finally came to my Pixel 2 XL, and I hope I can keep it some time more.

[@michaelharris5281]

Fantastic video, I really liked how you made it more cinematic

[@BashoStrikes]

Got 101 on my GBA Advance and V2 IPS on my SP. And I'm keeping them as they are. I love tradition and performance equally. Depends on the game as well - some look and feel better with the 101 and other games seem more appropriate with the IPS.

[@ChrisCDXX]

101 all the way. If you are going to use an IPS with the wrong resolution you may as well go buy an aftermarket emulator. Only way I would consider an IPS is if it had the correct native resolution.

[@georgewilborn8997]

Just wanted to also mention the music audio is too loud. May want to soften it a bit more or make sure your audio is cut with a pop filter and condenser to make it more clear

[@federicobranca5221]

Excelente video!

[@HTgt2]

What IPS did you GBA have? I have seen 2 (V2) screens one labeled and other “generic” do you know what are the difference on those?

[@RetroWolf13]

Awesome I want one now

[@ArthasProVEVO]

BGM is louder than your voice, maintain that in next video, good content ♥

[@AugustineDelgado]

I'm waiting on a gameboy to arrive. it's supposed to have an ips v2 screen and breath of the wild themed shell. I'm really excited for it's arrival.

[@davep6102]

Great vid

[@tayloramillon]

Very nice video 👍👍

[@radio-180cc]

Ey ur back

[@TheBrokenPast]

:)

[@christhompsonphotography6783]

Do you have an install video of the IPS screen? Looking to do mine and I've seen people struggle with the Left to right positioning of the screen.

[@Rufjetkin]

One question: When you ran the battery life test, which brightness level did you use on the IPS V2 screen? Just curious since the IPS V2 has 10 brightness levels.

[@TheBrokenPast]

I tried a couple different tests. One was at the default setting (5, I think), and one was a few clicks higher than that (probably 8 or 9 out of 10). For the most part, it didn't seem to make much difference. I'm sure it did to a small extent, but I didn't check the power draw to get an official number.

[@deyjiboo]

I had so many memories of that Japanese Pokemon Sapphire when I was a kid! The struggle of trying every item is a headache!

[@TheBrokenPast]

Oh, to be a child again and have the time to be able to spend doing that again!

[@imaactv]

Excellent video comparison, thank you a lot! What is the 1st song name please ?

[@leasdarexi]

thanks for the comparison! im tired of struggling to play with my gba bc of the shitty screen, so im looking forward to changing it to an ags-101 from my old gba-sp

[@billy-waynejeffcoat4828]

@@camthesaxman3387 micro is also overpriced and smaller screen. Ds only does gba and not Gameboy and gbc

[@Spazza42]

@@billy-waynejeffcoat4828 GBA micro can only play gba games too

[@davinhunt7558]

perfect, thanks

[@neirubo]

Thank you so much, very good video, cannot wait to buy my IPS v2!!! Btw where did you bought yours? Bye!

[@TheBrokenPast]

Thanks! Good luck with your repair! I bought the Funnyplaying IPS screen for mine; but I think it's the same screen that you can buy from a variety of other sellers as well, if you're able to get it sooner from somewhere else!

[@neirubo]

Well, im actually going to buy a FULL console with IPS V2 + Charger MOD + Battery. Have a good day!!!

[@brandonkick]

What's the cheapest place to buy the chinese AGS 101 kits for the original gameboy advance? Cheapest I found was on ebay for $55 Aliexpress has some... but it's confusing. The options are listed as 32 PIN ORIGINAL, 32 PIN HIGH COPY, 40 PIN ORIGINAL, 40 PIN HIGH COPY I'm not sure what they mean by original and high copy? I have an IPSv2 in one of my original GBA's and I do like it, although it kills batteries a bit fast. I suppose a good set of rechargables takes care of that. Still curious to mod one of my other GBA's with a repro AGS-101 screen to see for myself in person which display I like better.

[@KananNallainathan]

thanks Dude!

[@zitro3022]

Do you take commissions. I want to fix my DSi but I don’t want to short circuit it. Also, I want to put a backlight screen in my gba sp

[@vinkos03]

It's not related to the video but i wanted to ask which is the best Nintendo replacement shells brand, (DS Lite, 3DS, and those portable Nintendo consoles) i'm starting refurbishing those things and i don't know any quality shells and spare parts , so i would like to have some help, thanks.

[@TrinityDestroyer]

I just bought a GBA SP with an IPS v2. I did love the AGS101 on my original SP, but they both work fine, and I’m not picky enough to find a very clean, refurbished SP and pay the extra money for it. 🤷‍♂️

[@ser168teodosio9]

Gracias por este fenomenal vídeo. Yo tengo sp 101 pero conseguiré el 001 para ponerle la pantalla ips. Estoy seguro que los dos son magníficos. Me suscribo 👍

[@madesmad9935]

Hi, superuseful but... which level was set on the IPS screen during the battery test? Funnyplaying IPS has 10 levels of britghtness.. did you solder some wire to the board on the AGS-101 mod? or is just PnP? A loto of these ags-101 mods are made by soldering..

[@ApexLight7]

Does anyone know if the aspect ratio with the IPS screen is different then AGS-101 screen?

[@Zuriki09]

I know this is a year later, but for anyone else who is looking - effectively no difference in aspect ratio. The IPS screen is larger in both horizontal and vertical, but maintains the same ratio for the display.

[@samuelmeasa9283]

One thing I wish is that more shells are compatible with the newer ITA kit. I have just one of those to use as a guide as to what to remove to make an IPS shell fit the ITA kits.

[@tonyrose2692]

The screen blurring has always bothered me on my stock ags 101 screen on my SP. Glad to know the ips is a solid option, though I'll get my hands on a classic advance to do the swap

[@ellaquin]

Good video, but I would have preferred if there was no music, it takes away in my opinion

[@Wallie_Man]

I’m really Interested where you got the GameBoy Advance goku and Dragon Ball Z Vegeta stickers for your gameboy

[@xeienar]

meh you could buy it for 15 bucks at aliexpress there's nothing special really..

[@kcin4997]

I can't find funny playing ips v2 online anywhere. Will the ones on ebay or ali express that aren't funnyplaying be the same quality do you think ?

[@Nockspielt]

Next week ill buy one with ips display version 2 for 95 Euro (about 90$). Im very excited.

[@mmmtoast]

So just kinda had some luck picked up an ags 101 with a 15 games for 100 only thing is it’s the platinum pink and it’s not in the best shape any suggestions could use some help, it turns on and plays games just cosmeticly rough

[@TelespielTobi]

Minute 3:51 Isn't IPS 480*320? Otherwise the picture would be distorted or not fit the screen. Later on you say, each original pixel is displayed on 2*2 pixels on IPS - which indicates double horizontal and double vertical resolution of IPS. I'd go with the IPS mod, they seem pretty popular in recent times. Am thinking about one for my trashy GBA as well, incl. new shell and buttons. Tobi

[@redavatar]

I'm soooooo glad I waited to mod my GBA. I hate the SP's shape - very un-ergonomical - and I wanted a better screen for my purple GBA but the original AGS mod just didn't seem quite as good as I'd want it to be and now we got a relatively cheap alternative of much better quality!

[@birdfish86]

"Which would you choose?" The cheapest one on ebay XD lol

[@chileanguyfleegman1908]

lol!

[@ninjanims]

Same XD

[@CalaTec]

You mentioned there is pixel doubling but said that the resolution was 360x480. Shouldn't it be 320x480 for that purpose? Just curious because I myself am interested in getting one. Also wondering, you mentioned the resolution being 3.10 against 2.9 on the original, however, side by side they look the same to me.

[@itzghst2758]

.20 difference may be very hard to notice

[@Amfibios]

i still play with my gba sometimes but nothing can beat emulating on my phone with a BT controller attachment in terms of portability/availability

[@MajoradeMayhem]

Well I can give you a firm answer. The IPS is clearly the superior screen. Get that one.

[@jayflores3947]

I prefer the ags 101. The display has a retro finish to it

[@Mr_ToR]

I wish you've mentioned about using original case with IPS as in losing a couple of pixels on the side.

[@redwidow1358]

He could have filed off 2mm of shell around the edges and used the new lens to fix that, but he didn't

[@peppyrobo7049]

Go with the IPS. Cheaper, Brighter, Higher PPI, better viewing angles, better colours, no ghosting, easier to install. I’m not sure why you’d ever want to get an AGS 101 outside of having one on an SP for authenticness and rarity.

[@supermetroid009]

Yea I feel a lot of folks hype it up because they feel “special” they bought it at launch, when let’s face it a lot of us didn’t buy it back In 2006 , we were most likely gba gaming on a DS by then and missed the boat.

[@butre.]

I actually quite like the screen door effect on a gameboy. losing it is a little unsettling to me.

[@TheBrokenPast]

For sure! I know that's definitely personal preference, and you're not alone in preferring the screen door effect. Similar to scanlines of retro games that would run on a CRT. Many emulation programs support artificially adding scanlines into the display to provide it with that nostalgic look!

[@Zekushion6]

Another bad thing about IPS is the flicker effect in some sprites (mostly shadows sprite with transparencies), it's very annoying and happens with every version (v1, v2, v3).

[@carlosas7484]

What is the kit used for the IPS screen? Funnyplaying? Thanks!!!

[@vitzie629sgamingtechnology7]

V2 IPS LCD

[@TheBrokenPast]

Yep, I bought the IPS screen from Funnyplaying!

[@NecromancerAdr]

Does the image look better by using a glass lens?

[@vitzie629sgamingtechnology7]

Can I have a clip in your video which has a photo about the 101 being a better option especially for the battery life with the check mark ✅ and an x Mark ❎ Because I want to tell the people in my video about a mod I did with a 101 screen in 2020 why I chose the 101.

[@thecbc7658]

Mine has an OEM AGS-101. It cost me a lot to finish my project. The only reason why I did it this way was because I wanted the most "genuine" experience.

[@trashboat4731]

Great video but the music is too loud

[@TheBrokenPast]

Someone else mentioned that too. I tried to find a good balance, and tested the audio across a wide variety of different output arrangements. I thought I had it balanced Ok, but I think I failed in some spots. Thanks for the feedback!

[@starchazer272]

Yes, being a non native English speaker makes it harder too 😅

[@HowTwo007]

If you account for the fact that the ips has brightness changing capability, it would beat the ags 101 under every lighting conditon

[@duscha55]

The ags101 also have that, but you need to solder a set of extra wires from the ribbon-cable to the motherboard for it to work. Like you Said, the ips would win anyways :)

[@ButterFly-sf6dl]

Is the lens on your ips screen an ips lens I can't seem to find any special lenses for ips screen

[@zartiz]

I really like the comparison, I guess it's a trade off, better picture quality against battery life. I guess if you get rechargeable batteries It wouldn't be an issue. I already have an AGS 101 moded GBA, I don't know if it will be worth it to make another one with an IPS display. We'll see

[@TheBrokenPast]

Agreed! If you already have an AGS-101, there's really no reason to move to an IPS screen, unless you wanted the smoother pixelation. You do bring about a good point on the rechargeable batteries. That's my next step for the IPS GBA I have - a rechargeable battery pack with USB-C charging! I keep loosing my danged rechargeable AA batteries. I need a more permanent solution. :)

[@Spazza42]

I feel like battery life is more important than people would ever admit, the AGS-101 lasted twice as long as the IPS model. Retro Modding now offers a chip with brightness controls and a voltage regulator, so the AGS model would last a tad longer (granted the IPS model could lower it's brightness too). The AGS-101 gets plenty bright enough and probably isn't worth replacing if that's what you have. In any other scenario, the IPS panel seems to be the better option considering it's price compared to sourcing a 101.

[@vitzie629sgamingtechnology7]

What are the names of the music used in the video?

[@henrique4225]

4:00 the IPS one isn't 480x320? I'm almost sure that each original pixel have 3 more pixel, like 4 to 1, in my IPS V2.

[@daniellikahong]

I would choose the best price for value. So the ips screen v2 is da best for me, I installed it, and yessss. It is worth the price to upgrade and effort. WarioLand 4 never looked so good!

[@xXhikashiXx]

I prefer to keep everything original if it is possible I have multiple ags101 gameboy advance sps pearl blue and now its getting even harder and harder to find original screens with the original lense cover too

[@born-again-nerd5537]

Great Video! I actually just did my first IPS mod(s) for both SP and GBA original and I noticed on SP, the battery life is terrible (maybe now only 2-3 hours?) but holds up well (about 6-7 or so hours) on the orginal GBA - I'll probably have to upgrade battery on SP. Thanks for sharing your thoughts - I personally like the IPS a lot but the AGS 101 screens gives me less headaches. :)

[@TheBrokenPast]

Thanks for the feedback! Agreed, the IPS is much easier on the eyes and the head. :)

[@Syldar]

Ags 101 forever. Battery life is a deal breaker for me.

[@Syldar]

Also the smearing you’re talking about can be tweaked via a little screw on the motherboard, I get a very stable image after playing with it.

[@totallyfrozen]

5:17 Well, you answered that question. It’s official. I need to replace the battery in my GNA SP

[@Arkus]

Currently waiting on an IPS V2 with pre cut shell I ordered from eBay.

[@kcin4997]

Who did you order from the seller name please

[@Arkus]

@@kcin4997 www.ebay.co.uk/itm/312821175059

[@sweatpee8564]

@@Arkus How's the screen?

[@Arkus]

@@sweatpee8564 Looks great, haven't used it much lately sadly but it's there when I want to use it.