Boxypixel GBA SP Unhinged Install Guide! Transform your GBA SP with this new mod!

[@draconic5129]

This is very cool, Although I think it would be really awesome if somebody made an unhinged DS/DS Lite.

[@sooperheep]

just get a 2ds, these guys also make a macro ds with one screen

[@draconic5129]

@@sooperheep True, although a 2DS doesn't do GBA games so it's not exactly the same.

[@sooperheep]

@@draconic5129 it does through virtual console, hack it and put gba games on it

[@HooperCross]

@@sooperheep Don't care, want Aluminum DS Lite

[@IceofDream.]

@@sooperheep yes and it would cost much more than this mod Plus it can run gba, ds & 3ds games perfectly

[@thomasthetoadsage]

“Ferb, I know what we’re gonna do today” -Sun Tzu

[@TexasBaker]

This is cool as hell, definitely going to be picking this kit up

[@dctaken]

I would like to do this and get a R4 cartridge so I can have the full GBA library in it.

[@LIRetroGaming]

An everdrive x5 will have you covered!

[@3232mikeymike]

Ez omega flash cart

[@stevemcknelly5036]

Nice! Makes me wish I still had my SP!

[@mrcoolxoxo7007]

I almost sold mine for weed in highschool. Im glad i kept it, im 30 now and it works like a charm. Also just ordered a new shell .

[@KappaCow]

Geez that's a lot of work, kudos to you. Sucks there's no way to relocate the cartridge slot to the back similar to a gameboy color.

[@laglance]

Is it possible to mod a hinge solution to this? /s

[@richardevans4359]

Hey, just in case you still monitor this video, any advice on fixing a mostly un-responsive down function on the d-pad? I have to apply a lot of pressure for it to register pressing it. I've taken it apart a number of times but can't seem to get it to work correctly. Thanks for any advice!

[@MrJonBertsch]

Still haven’t bothered putting mine together. I want to add a sound amp chip but it won’t fit in the case without trimming, and I’m not sure how to go about that 😅

[@rockmanfan5104]

What song did you use around the 7:00 minute mark? Great video! Thank you

[@gladion6483]

Anyone know of a tempered glass screen protector for this particular screen?

[@DumahBrazorf]

Pretty strange to use a TP4056 board only for the usbc connector. Isn't the boards always powered by the battery? Better remove the chip from it.

[@DennisMathisen]

I was just thinking about the same thing. Wouldn't it be better to buy a usb breakout board? 🤔

[@theboxypixel]

@@DennisMathisen Yes, you are correct. I buy the conversion board in large quantities for other projects and always stock it, so I used it. I'm sure you could source a breakout board if you'd prefer.

[@Tonlah]

Is it theoretically possible to extend the cartridge-slot leads with wire and remount the slot itself upwards?

[@LIRetroGaming]

Yeah technically it can be done but that’s a major undertaking and the shell would need to be modified. Not sure why it would need to be moved

[@Tonlah]

@@LIRetroGaming Appreciate the reply. I was curious because I would like to see a portable hingeless SP, with the cartridge upright behind the screen like the older models

[@averagejoegrows]

what gauge of wire are you using also

[@cljoe35]

I have that same color but with blue buttons

[@Bepisx]

Was that Kynar wire you used 30 gauge? i tried those headphone connections with some 28 and they were too thick to feed in between the speaker and the buttons below it.

[@LIRetroGaming]

Yes it was 30 gauge kynar

[@Bepisx]

@@LIRetroGaming thank you much!

[@thenarrator5746]

So I’ve completed this mod and it works almost perfectly. The only issue that I’m having is that if I screw in the bottom left rear screw all the way and then slightly squeeze the shell the unit shuts off. Does anyone know why it’s doing this?

[@amaiorano]

That usually means there's a short somewhere when you apply pressure. As in the video here, make sure to use kapton or wire tape to ensure no shorts.

[@thenarrator5746]

@@amaiorano So I figured out what the issue was. I don’t know about others but the solitary screw holding the shield plate in place presses against the motherboard. I solved this by taking the screw out and letting the plate sit freely in the console. It doesn’t move at all so problem solved.

[@ZuReviewsRH]

Awesome!

[@kibagami25]

this is amazing. I so want one.

[@ADayOOO]

I've reassembled mine about a dozen times. Pressing the "A" button too hard, or even tightening the screws too hard on that side of the unit causes it to cut off. I assume there is a wire pinched somewhere, or the case is contacting something on the board to short it out. I went over any potential contact points with kapton tape, re-routed the wires in different ways, and even removed the installed headphone jack to make adjustments easier to manage. It's usable, but I have to be somewhat gentle with it. Kind of bummed out that I can't get the installation quite right. I think I might just start from square 1 again and possibly try a thinner wire, or modify the case in some way.

[@LIRetroGaming]

Definitely use thinner wire and make sure that all the circuit boards are isolated. There’s a short somewhere that is causing that problem

[@souvenoir_music]

My original sp had the same issue and it was frustrating as hell.

[@mrej112]

Would like the video if it were easier to follow, as it is its more frustrating than anything else to try and gues where you made the connections

[@FragmentedDisc]

Hey It's a long shot but my unit's screen just freezes when using the modded battery. If I use the OEM battery it's fine. Can't figure out what's wrong with it.

[@LIRetroGaming]

I’m guessing that the battery is bumping into something or shorting something out

[@FragmentedDisc]

@@LIRetroGaming Hey I appreciate the reply. I thought the same thing so I applied kapton tape over any exposed solder bits. No luck sadly. I even tried out a different SP board just incase it was something going on with it. No dice. After further inspection both the battery and the other soldered wires aren't touching anything they shouldn't. I'm pretty stumped as to why it's happening. Makes even less sense that the regular battery works.

[@FragmentedDisc]

@@LIRetroGaming After testing it even further It was actually the screen and the cable that was defective. Although I tested it before actually installing the screen It's definitely the screen and cable that was sent defective. It would start just fine for a few moments then the picture would freeze. After reseating the screen cable it unfroze each time I unplugged it and reseated it. Too bad it's way to late for a refund.

[@williamhess3873]

Yo, I'm an old nintendo gamer and I got into soldering through keyboard hobby stuff. I was wondering where you buy all the special wiring, tape, and a wick for soldering everything together? I bought all the parts to make this kit, but have no clue where to search for the necessarily tools to complete the build. Any advice helps, thanks!

[@deniskenn]

I did this mod and everything works but the power LED is really faint like barely visible. Any idea why that would be? It also doesn't come on when charging despite the battery being charged

[@LIRetroGaming]

Maybe something is misaligned? I’m not sure why it would be like that

[@deniskenn]

@@LIRetroGaming so I actually replaced the LED last night and it's working fine. I don't know if was damaged or what

[@isaacmack1316]

what screen did you use

[@LIRetroGaming]

I think it was from funnyplaying

[@Scott-tv4jy]

Iridion 3D takes me back =]

[@MrElixer26]

so they are out of the screen you put in but they have a generic version. Is there any difference?

[@LIRetroGaming]

No I don’t think so. That generic screen should also do the job

[@MrElixer26]

@@LIRetroGaming i found the screen from one of your links and it even gave me a discount.

[@T16skyhopp]

can someone link me the kynar wire? new at this

[@farhanbaig404]

If you dont want to install the usb charging and headphone jack, is there a version of the shell without those respective holes or will they remain empty if i dont install em?

[@georgeedwards5451]

On the website they sell plastic plugs to fill the holes if you choose not to install those features

[@AlexT-md9df]

Wish someone made a plastic version of the shell. Can’t justify dropping that much money

[@LIRetroGaming]

Yeah it’s pricey, mainly due to the cost of the metal

[@BigJoker]

With all the gameboys I have already, I definitely don't need this. But I keep having a hard time convincing myself not to buy it.

[@LIRetroGaming]

Yeah it's certainly tempting to make another one for myself!

[@onewisedre]

Lol I know how you feel

[@nerb6833]

the screen being off centered is a very strange design decision

[@adamthomas3264]

It's off centered in a factory sp also

[@csprofile]

Which cartridge is that one you’re using? Thanks! Great video :)

[@LIRetroGaming]

I’m pretty sure I was using an everdrive gba x5 in the video. Glad that you enjoyed it!

[@adamthomas3264]

I've tried my factory power slider/button, and 3 aftermarket ones. All 3 make it super hard to turn my unhinged on and off. Anyone else have that problem??

[@silverden8706]

yeah, I was able to smooth the movement of the power switch by cutting off a little bit of the corners that slide into the shell, worked like a charm.

[@josephneikirk5172]

Any issues with screen feeling loose after putting it in?

[@LIRetroGaming]

No, it has worked well since I made this one

[@Jaymison]

love the video. I have question can you keep the orginal battery in the sp or should you replace it

[@LIRetroGaming]

You can keep it but personally I think it’s easier to replace it with the new battery

[@Jaymison]

@@LIRetroGaming i was thinking of buying the budget version which keeps the back of it and using a battery mod that you don't need to solder cause I am scared to solder a battery after one lit on fire 😂😂

[@burkey7364]

Can you connect a GameCube link cable to this modded gba sp?

[@LIRetroGaming]

Yes that is possible

[@JordanDeeb28]

If you dont sadder on brightness control will the screen default to its brightest or lowest setting?

[@LIRetroGaming]

I think it defaults to a medium setting

[@ProtoExplorer]

What flash cart are you using? Also, definitely buying this. Saw it on an instagram ad.

[@LIRetroGaming]

I’m using the GBA mini x5 by krikzz

[@drixmonti12]

just a quick question. How did you take out the block on the 1700 amh battery for the gba sp unhinged?

[@yellowlemon123]

Great video. I do have one question, however. How did you handle the light pipes? I've seen other videos that say the OEM ones can't just be carried over because they don't fit in the new case. But it seems like you did just that?

[@LIRetroGaming]

I trimmed them and they were able to fit into the shell. Sorry I should have filmed that too

[@yellowlemon123]

@@LIRetroGaming Great, thank you!

[@robertomorelos963]

If you connect the USB-C charger the way you did it, can I still use the regular charger to charge the lithium battery? And the other way around, can I use the type C charger to charge the regular battery? I just want to make sure to be cautious about it and not burn my console. Great work btw!

[@LIRetroGaming]

I think it’s much easier to use the modern battery instead of the original. I’m not entirely sure what would happen using the original battery

[@robertomorelos963]

@@LIRetroGaming Just so you (and others with same question) know, boxypixel said this to me: "Hello You can charge using any combination of connectors or batteries. Type C is for convenience only as it's a common cable type."

[@jajabinx35]

Thanks, i've managed to assemble mine with USB C and Headphone Jack. All is good and the buttons all register fine....But just wanted to ask, not sure if you like playing fighting games (e.g. street fighter, King Of Fighters etc), but did you have any issues in performing some moves? I can confirm the the membranes are all installed fine....I think it might just be the mod type, it might not be so great for fighting games (luckily I have a IPS modded GBA standard also, so I guess I can use that for fighting games when I want). But just wanted to see your views, if this is something you have noticed also?

[@LIRetroGaming]

Yeah I think that it can be tricky to execute moves in fighting games, but I think it is mainly due to the smaller D pad. I find it much easier to do that on a larger original sized GBA

[@jajabinx35]

@@LIRetroGaming I take it back, (embarrassingly I forgot how to do one move in SFII). Luckily the buttons are all good. I've heard it can be a nightmare if you buy replacement membranes. They say it's best to stick with the original ones

[@Yakobu90]

Do the shells come in plastic, aluminium is expensive?

[@adamthomas3264]

Mine was like $95. The proprietary buttons at $21 per set are a real bite if you want a multi-color setup like I used.

[@MKCamo520]

Hello I'm trying to find this same one in red can I buy yours or I can buy one off you please in red I'm serious buyer looking for one please!!!

[@LIRetroGaming]

You can contact me at 1uprestorations.com, I do have one available in silver, not red

[@MKCamo520]

@@LIRetroGaming hi thank you I did on yahoo mail and I got the photo you sent me can you let me know if you have any other colors available I'm looking for red,black,or purple,.👍👍 thank you so much for replying back to me too

[@jaquessiemasz8650]

I do not know how the hell people can solder small stuff like this. I'm working on mine right now, trying to solder the audio connections. I'm sweating and screaming NOTHING STICKS! and i think i've dropped some solder on my board... praying it's not bricked! So frustrating!@!*#U_*(U

[@LIRetroGaming]

It sounds like you might be using the wrong type of iron or the wrong type of solder

[@cesarochoa850]

@@LIRetroGaming what is the right iron and right solder??? :0

[@jamesdrool]

not sure if you're in the comments to give advice but i'm fresh into modifying my own systems and had a couple issues with my build. i used the guts of a previously modded gba sp that was already hooked onto an ips screen and it's a little jiggly in the setting for the v2 unhinged casing.. do you have any recommendations on how to remedy that? i also was hoping to use the after market battery from the same modified build but it appears to also be a bit loose even with the 3d printed insert. hope to hear from you but ty for the content regardless!

[@LIRetroGaming]

I can try to help, it’s just hard without seeing it firsthand. What part is jiggling? The screen or the motherboard?

[@jamesdrool]

@@LIRetroGaming I totally understand, haha. It's just the screen.. my best guess is that it's just too small for the casing? Is there a way that you would recommend to maybe secure it?

[@averagejoegrows]

any chance you could put whatever paper clip and wires your using when soldering? im new and im going to give this a shot i have an old SP with a broken screen that i want to use to make this

[@TIMELORD-r7p]

Beautiful ❤️👌👌👌👌

[@jessragan6714]

I'll be honest with you... the Game Boy Advance SP as it was originally designed just doesn't cut it for me anymore. The buttons and D-pad are too thin, and while I'm sure that was intended to make the clamshell easy to close, it doesn't make them easy to USE. I'd like to have one of these Unhinged systems, but I am concerned about the price and the installation process. By the way, what kind of wire do you use for smaller electronics like this?

[@LIRetroGaming]

I agree with that sentiment, I definitely prefer the original gba over the sp. the wires I used were 28 gauge copper stranded wire and 30 gauge kynar wire

[@Hetkanookanders]

AliExpress are selling those

[@AshWilliams-v3e]

Cool

[@Spazza42]

Overpriced for what it is. Makho''s slate design is far superior. The screen in his Boxy Pixel review cracked when placed down on a table.

[@LIRetroGaming]

I have never seen his design, but it sounds awesome interesting and worth looking at

[@KmanSweden]

There's an adapter for headphones..

[@mrcoolxoxo7007]

Now ur screen is exposed.

[@95szn]

The look of the games sticking out isn’t my vibe tbh

[@LIRetroGaming]

That’s only because I was using an Everdrive which is larger than a real gba cart. A real gba cart fits perfectly

[@adamthomas3264]

I picked up an everdrive mini, and it's 1mm or so short of sticking out on the bottom