Super Easy Backlit Screen Mod for the Gameboy Advance (No Cut, No Solder)

*DISCLAIMER: This kit seems to have been updated and is no longer solderless. For over a year this mod has worked beautifully, but I can't guarantee your mod will be as successful. Any mods need to be done at your own risk.
Today I mod an original Gameboy Advance to have a backlit IPS display. Complete drop in solution with no soldering or shell modification required. Do this mod at your own risk; doing so can damage or destroy your system. It worked fine for me, but results can vary. (Product links below)
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GBA IPS Backlight Mod Kit: retrogamerepairshop.com/produ...
Nintendo Tool Kit: amzn.to/3scTE1g (*AFF)
Kapton Thermal Tape: amzn.to/3t9GcNb (*AFF)
GBA Class Lens Replacement: amzn.to/3tfuEb6 (*AFF)
Anti-Blue Light Screen Protector: amzn.to/2Rn1wAx
🎥 My Streaming/Recording Equipment 🎥
www.jameschats.com/gear
Table of contents:
00:00 - Intro
01:53 - Unboxing
03:21 - Mod
08:55 - Final Thoughts
✄- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
*AFF is short for affiliate. This indicates that a link is attached to an affiliate account. Affiliate links in no way affect the price of the product, but offers a way for the account holder to earn a small commission from sales generated off that affiliate link.

[@TexasGreed]

such a trip to think about how when I was 9, 20 years ago I'd lay in bed staring at a tiny screen lit by a dim wormlight and that was mind blowing next level stuff to me. I couldn't even imagine 20 years later I'd lay in bed taking for granted this giant crystal clear back-lit tablet that's more powerful than any consumer computer from back then.

[@quickdrawmcslaw5011]

What I'd give to go back to those days..

[@TheRenaissanceGuys]

​@@quickdrawmcslaw5011Indeed

[@Tocinos]

Funny because 20 years ago as a toddler, all I could think about is how outdated it was 💀

[@CompWin7Helper]

@@Tocinosbecause u were a toddler and iPhone and iPads were already out….

[@user-nx3by5gy1n]

his face at 4:50 is gold. I broke the same thing in my psp, and I'm sure I had the same face, the utter regret of not being more gentle, lol

[@magnus00125]

I hope it still works

[@purpleduckman7423]

Just modded my Gameboy Advance using this mod and I gotta say, it was pretty smooth other than the actual alignment of the screen. The adhesive didn't seem to fit well, so I ended up having to readjust the screen multiple times. Once I got it all together it was well worth it though, Great Video!

[@snipingtacos12]

What did you use to set the screen correctly?

[@purpleduckman7423]

@@snipingtacos12 I suppose I didn't clarify there. I made this comment before realizing that I actually hadn't ended up aligning the screen correctly anyway. It's a couple of Pixels off. The screen is really nice but occasionally I have to tilt it to read some things.

[@NFS-shade]

What screen is it? Funnyplaying or hssienpio?

[@bananathrower]

Great video! Glad you were able to find a mod that kept the authentic experience you were looking for.

[@tubeviewerX20]

I recently installed this mod in my original GBA & bridged the Q2 pins with conductive epoxy. The touch sensor was giving me trouble so I just cut it off. My GBA is now always at *optimal* brightness- awesome!

[@thealqemist]

I'm just like you, I want to keep the original shell in tact, and also i have no idea how to solder so this mod sounds perfect. Thank you!

[@jimmy36896]

Thank you for this! I still have my original GBA and while I like the SP’s backlight the original has always felt better in my hands. I don’t want to mess up the original shell and am uncomfortable soldering myself so this is exactly what I’ve been looking for!

[@Tocinos]

Ye. The SP is designed for baby hands. Even as a kid I remember the R and L buttons being annoying

[@chrisparrotta10]

Thanks for this great video! Plus the rechargeable battery comment. And yes I set my phone to 40% brightness just to see how it would be. Awesome video. Thanks

[@stephenvianna8736]

Nice mod. Back before the SP came out I modded my GBA with a front lit light. Had to replace the front shell. I learnt how to solder just so I could mod it.

[@Gameboy-Unboxings]

Didn't realize they had front lit mods way back then. That's cool.

[@itsMisterHilton]

Omg i haven’t seen one of you’re Videos for years. I remember the first few videos, you skating around your old neighborhood. 😃 nice to c you again

[@abbaalincoln1720]

Your videos are very high quality, you deserve more views ;) see you on the streams! ;D

[@grahamcrackers5645]

Thank you for making such a helpful video. I've been thinking about doing this mod and I'm on the fence if I should pick up one of the One Chip screens or this.

[@MyCoolBrett]

Really helped having this video as I was putting mine in. I used a bbq skewer on the left side of the screen (from the back), it's just a bit thicker and my screen needed some scooting that way. Still used the q tip piece on top. I agree, don't need the extra brightness. I checked outside in full sun this afternoon and unless you're in direct sunlight you're absolutely fine.

[@JamesChats]

Glad it helped! And yeah, I often turn down the brightness so it's definitely bright enough for me lol

[@MyCoolBrett]

@@JamesChats After playing at night a few times I wish it went even dimmer. I think I will try out the blue light filter screen protector, it is pretty harsh at night. Especially if you're multitasking on another screen with blue light filtering software.

[@JamesChats]

@@MyCoolBrett it definitely helps. Still a little more blue than I like, but much better than without it. I literally never take my phone off night shift mode, so it's pretty important to me.

[@mrdrock]

I just did this mod today. The current model has the touch sensor small so no need to cut down. Looks so much better.

[@JamesChats]

Oh they released an updated version?!

[@mrdrock]

@@JamesChats Seems to be.

[@virgiliobautistajr7488]

this was awesome, i modded mine this way too and its fun, im ordering more for my other gba consoles.

[@shayguardians7634]

Great video! Very informative! Just as note to anyone wanting to do this upgrade in November 2021 though, the touch sensor has been moved to the left side of the ribbon cable since the release of this video. Don't make my mistake and put the cable in upside down! Lol Once I realized the mistake though, the screen worked great! Also, no Squirtle pin just a sticker... 😢 Lol

[@potatoheadpokemario1931]

Bulbasaur is the best Kanto starter because it have type advantage for the first 3 gyms, and by the forth gym you should have pokemon to cover the other gyms

[@dALEpESOLA]

Video was helpful and nicely detailed.

[@jackiefannin8616]

Found my old gameboy the other day i thought i lost it for ever tempting to do this cause i for got how much i hate the dam dark screen cant see shit 😢

[@jessisstories9375]

Cool facts thanks for the video James!

[@BackByDesign]

Is there an update to this? The kit linked in description links to an item that states it’s not solderless.

[@Countdownsmiles]

Great video! Out of curiosity, what rechargeable batteries do you recommend for your gameboy?

[@adrian_veidt]

This is the one of the best alternative over Analogue pocket

[@tyronejennings599]

The soldering option is for you to have the option to control the brightness with the buttons.

[@furio-mous]

So we don't need to solder if we don't care ?

[@tyronejennings599]

@@furio-mous If you don't care about the brightness control then you can ignore the option to solder.

[@theflipper404]

@@furio-mous You can still adjust the brightness without soldering. He does it in this video.

[@MGRracing]

I just bought a Gameboy advance and I thought the backlight was broken! I never realised they didn't even have one!

[@aetheralmeowstic2392]

The optional solder bridge only works on the 40 pin model.

[@benjaminjaschke1174]

Do you have to tape down the back circuit board during final install?

[@ChaleX_TiquiciaGamer]

What type of rechargeable batteries you recommend? I purchased a couple of new 2500mAh and used them with my modded gba but they do not last as I would like to, so definitively, I need something more powerful 🤨🤔

[@RjMoore-rh5du]

I wanted to say thank you for the I'm buying all these parts to fix my I was wondering what size cap on tape did you use for your Gameboy

[@JohnKozuch]

Beside using the kapton tape, can you use a different kind clear tape?

[@flammableear59]

can I snip the touch sensor all-together? I don’t see myself using it that much

[@CraigWhargoul]

Ordered from your link and the ribbons now have a ground wire you have to solder.

[@davidperezz7248]

Thanks for the info

[@emilioaguirre1634]

The kit can use two more clear longer acrylic pieces spacers for the screen placement.

[@Vale-gz3mu]

My dad found box from 2004 (someone lived before here), where GameBoy Advance was, not once played in box. Can I play on it or is it better for me to keep it like collection and buy another?

[@washedjp1651]

if i were to cut off the touch sensor do i cut the whole thing or just the touch part on the little line sticking out

[@dawnhero6439]

Can you use the original gasket for this screen??

[@twangyyy18888]

I found a working gameboy advance in a couch of a vacant house I was cleaning out for a job. I am definitely going to do this instead of buying an SP

[@JamesChats]

Score! Yeah the GBA I modded (and my silver SP) were in a box of "cables and electronics" I got on Craigslist for $25. It's like finding treasure!

[@Gerenocidiac]

This link (not sure if it's changed) now states it is NOT solderless. However it doesn't require much skill with soldering, just needs a fine point and one solder connection.

[@crem992]

is the solder required? I see comments saying it's only to control the brightness but want to be sure before purchasing the kit lol

[@MCmichaelD_]

I have occasional problem with the screen auto dimming. I usually "squeeze" the top of the shell near the sensor and it fixes. You wouldn't know If I can just cut the whole sensor off and it wouldn't go crazy. I like playing on max brightness so the dimming is of no use to me.

[@JamesChats]

It's an easy fix. Just gotta sperate the sensor from the screen's ribbon cable. I small piece of tape and you're golden.

[@keithjordan8728]

Mine does the same thing. I've tried repositioing, putting tape between the sensor, it keeps cycling the dimming. I'm very tempted to just cut it off.

[@izakknighton446]

Hi! I have been trying to purchase this ips kit and it keeps saying the zip code doesn’t match, so I looked on eBay, and I found a kit that looks visually identical. Is it worth the risk to use an eBay screen? I don’t think I’m gonna be able to get the official one

[@WHALEx3]

0:13 I wasn’t looking at the screen and I thought that someone else was in the video, that didn’t sound like you at all lol

[@cutemimi25]

Have you done a battery test to see how long the screen drains the batteries compared to the normal screen?

[@JamesChats]

I haven't done any in depth testing, but I use Eneloop rechargable batteries and get something to the effect of 6-10 hours? (very rough estimate). I'm quite happy with it!

[@tomasadam3]

I’ve attempted this mod several times but cannot get the alignment of the screen right, even with the provided spacers. For some reason there’s a visible black gap on the left side screen, and the right side of the screen is being slightly cut off by my glass gba lense. I honestly don’t know what to do at this point because when assembling, I push the screen all the way to the right, meaning that when turning it over, the left side of the screen shouldn’t have any dead zones/black gaps. Any thoughts?

[@Gameboy-Unboxings]

Did you ever get it? That's kind of shitty that neither the uploader or anyone else ever replied to you...

[@AGdesigns878]

Yes question I have a original Gameboy Advance will it with the isp model?

[@josephdelossantos424]

I bought a gba modded but i noticed with fully charged batteries the green light flickers to red after like 20 min or so, does this happen to anyone? And what does it mean?

[@jmodawg1226]

W video thanks man just came across a cheap gba and this was NEEDED. 😂

[@De_Mateo]

Great Video, but where did you get that Pokémon poster from?

[@JamesChats]

I bought the digital file for $5 on Etsy and had it printed at FedEx for $30! A bit expensive for a poster, but I had to have it lol.

[@JamesChats]

www.etsy.com/listing/620965847/pokemon-ashs-bedroom-poster-printable

[@coondogtheman]

I have a GBA that is in need of an upgrade like this but I'm not going to drop the $60 for an IPS kit because I don't use the system much. It's in a drawer now and I took it out yesterday to use the GB camera and everything still works. Don't want to fork out the $ for something that's going to sit in a drawer.

[@birbmm9769]

Question what size thermal tape is used

[@Gloeko]

I bought something from this same company dont remember what may have been my reshell for my sp, they sent me a pokemon sticker. The shell feels ok but it deff has that cheap plastic feel and the hinge is off a bit. The feel isnt bad its playable but only as enjoyable as an sp can be. I just recently picked up a celebi edition gba for a great price and was looking for something like this so i didnt have to make any cuts

[@drevision6823]

How much did the total mod cost for everything you purchased ?

[@Narwhal2100]

Can you do this with the new updated kit

[@xenogenion]

Is retro game repair shop reliable? Im looking to buy a replacement shell for my gba sp.

[@JamesChats]

As far as I can tell yes, but I could be biased. I can say that the product they sent me has worked ever since, but that isn't necessarily indictive of their business. Hopefully someone watching can chime in here.

[@AdamMaley]

Is there anyway to NOT use household items like q-tips for spacers? lol

[@badvibes4evr]

Great i thought i finally found something, then i read the description. 😢 why is it so impossible to find something like this.

[@benjaminlundqvist9408]

Should i do this and risk breaking my gameboy or just get and sp?

[@JamesChats]

Depends how much of a risk taker you are, and how you value your GBA. I had an extra that I got for $25, so the risk was rather low and it worked out for me. If it's a childhood system with sentimental value, or a rare variant I would steer clear and just get an SP.

[@supermetroid009]

@10:31 “ i dont plan on playing with this outside on a sunny day.” *Boktai 1&2* “Am i a joke to you ?”

[@crayonsandcircuses100]

Thanks for this, my game boy finally broke and I guess I no longer need a reson not to mod it.

[@kyledavis8054]

It was super easy to put together, the only problem was when I turned it on I found out the screen cracked in transit 😕

[@haloreach7469]

Did you get refunded?

[@JamesChats]

Oh no, did you reach out about it?

[@kyledavis8054]

@@JamesChats yea currently going back and forth with support. I really hope I can get a new one because this mod is so easy!

[@ianfrons8249]

Oddly enough, those little glass placeholders are the things that threw off my centering. Have to take off the sticky piece and try again. Not excited about it, but it must be done.

[@JamesChats]

I do wish it came with a 3d printed bracket for centering the screen. If you did adhere the screen just be super careful removing it. I chose not to adhere cause I was afraid it would get messed up

[@ianfrons8249]

I had my fiber cloth ready to rock. I ended up using that adhesive that was already in the GBA instead of the adhesive that came with the screen, it just looked better.

[@alexepena]

So you had to take it apart after you put it together because of the touch-based brightness? How dificult was that?

[@JamesChats]

That could be a 2 minute fix. Just taking the back shell off gives you immediate access to the sensor.

[@alexepena]

@@JamesChats so the ideal thing is to put the hanging sensor (the one that folds) on the top part of the GBA?

[@thatgmel]

you just made me want to do this so bad, you looked so happy! i am going to get a different gameboy though because i will never forgive myself if my childhood gameboy breaks.

[@JamesChats]

Oh definitely pick up a different one and keep your childhood one untouched. And it's TOTALLY WORTH IT!

[@kacywatson6314]

Facing surgery soon. I am not allowed to bring in anything that gives off Wi-Fi signal so I’m bringing my goddamn GameBoy advance and you bet I’m going to customise it a little bit get the screen and then I’m gonna play Zelda well I’m waiting for the medication to kick in and put me to sleep for a couple of hours. Thank you so much for the video

[@BigRed3000]

Hopefully that went well for you

[@kacywatson6314]

@@BigRed3000 i’m still waiting on surgery but regardless, thank you very much

[@kenUSmile]

How is this doing today? Any issues?

[@MidySeaCloud]

my d pad is super stiff after installation any ideas ?

[@selairium]

I subbed bc of this video

[@JamesChats]

Heck yeah, glad you liked it!

[@Archdjinn]

I think I was sent a faulty screen as nothing I do can get the screen to turn on. At least the old screen still works fine…

[@TheChodinskis]

I’m having the same issue did you ever get yours to work? thanks

[@Archdjinn]

@@TheChodinskis no lmao. I sent in my screen for a replacement and they never sent one back or refunded. Huge scam

[@TheChodinskis]

@@Archdjinn what!! That’s crazy

[@mariotheslut]

5.40 you cut and clearly says no cut in title...

[@millenniumedition]

Can you do it at home?

[@snooooop1]

Reaction after starting the Gameboy was priceless....

[@RathalosEmperor]

Does this still work?

[@CuriousGuy_]

the disclaimer says that the mod needs soldering but the website says it dosen't but if you scroll down it says it does So which one is it

[@Leshpngo]

I know and I’m the video it says it need’s soldering, I’m going to figure this out.

[@Leshpngo]

There is another kit that has soldering that is optional it’s called: FunnyPlaying Game Boy Advance Laminated 3.0 IPS Kit There are some pretty nice videos on this kit!

[@eelisa72]

great video!

[@valent1ne_d4c]

Before you finish this video remember that this set for backlight costs 50$

[@desoulate4765]

The rechargeable batteries are cool and all, but I’d actually like to see a mod where they actually just make the advance rechargeable itself. Would be really cool.

[@sheevpalpatine8230]

There is a mod for it, but it’s incredibly difficult. You can buy them premade like this if you want, for a massive markup

[@JamesChats]

If I'm not mistaken it also has a much lower capacity compared to two eneloops.

[@valdrinjajaga1237]

If I buy this mod and bring it to my local game shop will they fix it for me u think???

[@JamesChats]

That would be a question for your local game shop. Some shop owners might be comfortable with this work, but my assumption would be no. Depends on the shop.

[@michaelvillegas7830]

sold out on retrogame! any other stores w/ the no cut kit?

[@marcoslopez4533]

They are back in stock

[@dr.mohammed1502]

I just bought one and installed it.. its different from the one in this video.. its works ok tho 👌

[@alejandrocoria14]

I just checked retro repair shop and they sold out

[@falconpunch2592]

I need you to tell me where you got that Pokemon poster

[@JamesChats]

I bought the digital file on etsy for a few bucks, then had it printed at Fedex. Ended up costing like $35, but totally worth it. www.etsy.com/listing/620965847/pokemon-ashs-bedroom-poster-printable

[@falconpunch2592]

@@JamesChats thank you so much

[@bencameron9730]

I have absolutely no experience doing anything like this. Has anybody in my situation successfully done this mode easily?

[@kylefratini2833]

Now, if only anything could be done about the inferior d-pad.

[@Notpoop906]

no offense to anyone but it always confuses me when people choose to pimp out an SP. Like, why would you bother when you can do the regular advance and make it look just as good? The SP is super uncomfortable to hold.

[@Coffeemancer]

they even sell new glass screen? wtf i'm on this ASAP

[@CraigWhargoul]

How to watch cartoons on my GBA???

[@RachThaGreat]

I don't trust myself to do it can someone do mine?

[@smokysniper7514]

How long does this kit take to ship inside of the u.s

[@darrell5363]

i dont think you can buy it outside of the us

[@smokysniper7514]

@@darrell5363 that’s cool i guess?

[@JamesChats]

I think it took about a week to arrive? Pretty standard USPS shipping speeds.

[@darrell5363]

the stuff from sears wondermist was amazing, but now PB blaster is the best ive used in my garage

[@ElectricYoshiHD]

Sold out ;(

[@leftyfourguns]

Literally every third party GBA shell from every "dealer" is made from the same Chinese factory. There is no boutique custom shell, so it's exciting to see a screen like this that works out of the box in an original shell.

[@JamesChats]

The original shell is super important to me for this very reason

[@gamerwolffang2722]

Title "no cuts!" *literally cuts the touch sensor*

[@Wooshey_Wooj]

*WARNING* when a creator says they don’t want to do any soldering ironing and they like to keep it the way it is, they’re making you bye a kit. Just learn how to do it. I would recommend trying on other wires before actually doing the actual game boy. But this is not OK. Don’t spend crazy amounts of money just to get light behind your game boy when it’s already been done. If you really want something from the gate just get a DS light..

[@user-nx3by5gy1n]

After all these work, the hardware is perfectly done, then you found the savedata from old cartridge is gone, lmao

[@Tocinos]

I have an android, and 45% is very bright. I usually 0%-10%

[@rodneysmith7272]

I have to say I bought one of the kits to put into my Gameboy advance and it fried as soon as I turned it on. Not only the display but my mother board, so for me this is a no go, wouldn't recommend it to anyone, also no instruction and it said no soldering, but again not the case. Buy this kit at your own risk because their return policy isn't very good.

[@JamesChats]

Weird, I didn't solder anything as it was not required. Did you get a different kit or make a mistake during installation? Huge bummer about the loss. Mods (no matter how simple) are inherently a risk.

[@rodneysmith7272]

@@JamesChats The kit had a wire that went directly to the battery. I watched videos beforehand and found the instructions online. So I was very careful to follow them exactly. Yeah my grandson was crushed, he even went to our local gamer shop and bought games with his own money.

[@JomasterTheSecond]

I swear to god if I hear another person say Twi Wing instead of Y-Type I'm gonna fucking scream.

[@Gameboy-Unboxings]

Out of stock...

[@braidenhamilton4255]

Did u upload this in slow mo or something

[@JamesChats]

This comment doesn't make any sense lol

[@braidenhamilton4255]

@@JamesChats your voice just sounds like the video has been slowed down

[@rebelfriend3886]

6:54

[@gotloveforall01]

Comparing it to a frontlit and not backlit SP is just bad review practice. :(

[@JamesChats]

I don't have a backlit SP. Besides, comparing with a different product that people are still very much familiar with is actually perfectly acceptable review practice. Instead of spending $100 on an SP exclusively for the purpose of comparison in a KZbin video, I decided that viewers would be competent enough to take my provided examples and make reasonable conclusions. Apparently I thought wrong.

[@noasaias4849]

"So basically I'm picky" mood

[@JuhoSprite]

Hungrybox