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

[@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

[@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?

[@elianDD]

Actually, it's not that hard to explain. The game's art was intentionally created to match the quality of the original screen, changing this will make the input look little bit different and inaccurate. I'm not an expert tho, still trying to find the "right" way to mod my own gameboy lmao

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@n40k1]

Thanks for the video comparison. Much appreciated ^^

[@gunther4150]

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

[@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 .

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@eicas_11]

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

[@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..

[@eclipse8114]

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

[@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

[@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. 😊

[@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.

[@kr4t0sg.28]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@Blinker777]

Amazing informative video thank you for sharing this!

[@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!

[@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?

[@bryanbravo6217]

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

[@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.

[@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 😅

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@birdfish86]

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

[@chileanguyfleegman]

lol!

[@ninjanims]

Same XD

[@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.

[@TurboGreen]

Love the comparison. Keep up the good work bud 😊

[@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.

[@jayflores3947]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@TransistorBased]

I'm going with the AGS based on battery life and ease of installation (everything I read seemed to indicate the IPS was actually the one more picky on board/connector type), plus if I'm using an HD screen I may as well just play on a phone emulator. Part of the charm of these older games is the shortcomings of old hardware, like more visible pixels and the slight ghosting.

[@ellaquin]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@ArthasProVEVO]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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..

[@MajoradeMayhem]

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

[@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!

[@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. 🤷‍♂️

[@abe1018]

Great vid 👍 very informative

[@Warpig9]

The issue with the ips is the contrast. And that's its not accurate in it's colors (ie: Castlevania: HOD.)

[@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?

[@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.

[@trananhieuchannel7721]

5:01 What is the Black Gba?

[@Lordoflemons]

Great information thanks agree with other comments about the focus effect

[@thecbc7658]

You do not have an original (OEM) AGS-101 screen You have a clone. The light shouldn't bleed from the sides of the screen like that...

[@vitzie629sgamingtechnology7]

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

[@Phantron]

wait youre saying the IPS screen is bigger, but isnt it the SAME size??

[@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

[@injunboy89]

ags001 + worm light = best nostalgia ever...don't need to upgrade

[@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!

[@harrison00xXx]

these battery runtimes... awesome The GBA SPs battery runtime is poor with IPS mod (1-2 hours high brightness, max. 3 hours on low brightness), just ok with a stock 001 screen (8-10 hours)

[@harrison00xXx]

and nope, i tried multiple different batteries, all of them are pretty much the same with 700-900mAh

[@imaactv]

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

[@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.

[@ButterFly-sf6dl]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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..

[@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).

[@masterslipping6199]

OG Screen just feels better even if it's not the best. If I want a back Light screen I'd just use a DS.

[@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!

[@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.

[@radio-180cc]

Ey ur back

[@TheBrokenPast]

:)

[@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

[@Mike_jmg9]

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. :)

[@dallas7129]

Video was dope 👌

[@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 ?

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@michaelharris5281]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@IaconDawnshire]

Visual Illusion. The GBA OG model screen looks bigger than the SP, even though they're the same dimensions.

[@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

[@scaryhobbit211]

I'll take the OG AGB with an external Nyko Worm Light please.

[@DavidslvPT]

I’ll choose to carry extra batteries and have the best screen the market offers. I’m really over the original GBA screen, it’s about time I sort it out.

[@TheBrokenPast]

I wholeheartedly agree! The old screen is amazing in battery life, but that's about it. After using modern screen technology for so long, there's no way I could ever go back to something like the original screen!

[@bigtnaples]

Is “ips 5 levels of brightness” that much worse than “ips v2 10 levels of brightness” on a prebuilt? Panic canceled my eBay ordered based on another video warning of issues with the IPS screen that is not V2..