Next-Level Game Boy Color Backlight Kit! | Midwest Embedded GBC Kit Review

There's been strong demand for a Game Boy Color backlit screen kit that's easy to install. Is this one from Midwest Embedded the option everyone's been looking for?
GBC backlight kit product page: www.mw-embedded.com/product/g...
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Music: "Wishful Thinking" by Dan Mason (danmason.bandcamp.com).
Additional music by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com).
Intro music by BoxCat Games (www.box-cat.com).

[@gamemaniac22]

BennVenn (FreckelShack), McWill and now Midwest? Oh boy, the GBC LCD mode scene is ramping up!

[@HiNu7]

So many options now. But it seems that midwest and mcwill are the best currently. Time to wait out and see who comes out on top.

[@retr0_amp]

​@@HiNu7 I'm not sure how you could say the Midwest or McWill are best, Freckle Shack offers superior run time and Batch 4 has literally solved all white screen issues (that weren't even caused by the FS to begin with). Statement just released this morning. And unlike the McWill, FS doesn't require you to add a crystal oscillator, it's literally a drop in, with only one wire needed for backlight control (on batch 4).

[@Dzumeister]

retro_amp so do the McWill and Midwest have these screen issues?

[@TheModShopCO]

@@HiNu7 Nah BennVenn's Freckle Shack is the way to go, whether it be for an experienced or inexperienced installer. All around its a much better option.

[@outrunner8295]

I'm waiting until someone can make a screen option with the original size and no ghosting

[@Avm371998]

If only the sides wouldn’t be visible. It would’ve been the perfect mod

[@RetroGamer7200]

JellyBellyCustoms sells screen lenses to fit this screen.

[@megakoni1]

just use some deeper black tape to hide them. The same color as the black on the glass

[@scottmorrison147]

I've got the GBC clear version only available in Japan and wanted to keep it all original including the screen except for the FS mod. I like the silver on the sides- it looks cool with the clear console.

[@stevesteve9246]

I just bought one of these with the Midwest Embedded LED from a seller on eBay named Game Boy Color Man. I absolutely love it! He also has a bunch of High Quality Replacement Labels for the Game Boy Color Console in this video from a seller on eBay named Game Boy Color Man. He has every single replacement label for every Game Boy, Pocket, Color, Light, Advance, Advance SP, Micro N64, and SNES! For this Game Boy Color, he has the Battery Door Label, Serial Number Label, PAL European Serial Number Label, Made in Japan Console Label, Made in China Console Label, Pokemon Center Gold Console Label, Special Pikachu Edition Console Label, Special Pikachu Edition PAL European Console Label, Game Boy Color Light Console Label, 10th Anniversary Serial Number, and Bar Code Label. He even has a bunch of custom Game Boy Color Man Console Labels and a really cool Pokemon Center Brooklyn one. And they are top quality American Made! Nothing like the toilet paper quality you'll find from other sellers that sell Chinese labels. The dude is awesome! The labels look fantastic and fit perfectly down to the millimeter. The packaging is amazing, and the dude also threw in a whole bunch of free kick ass Dishwasher Safe Die Cut Stickers! Check out his store if your Game Boy looks beat up and needs new labels! Or if you just need a smile put on your face. Honestly the coolest eBay purchase I ever made! He ships to all 50 states and Worldwide to the Entire Globe! Look at this on eBay ebay.com/usr/gameboycolorman

[@TheRetroFuture]

Another one! So many of these are coming out now! This is amazing.

[@MatejGames]

Will you create a video about it? yes ik im so curious

[@jordanvelazquez6321]

This is a great leap. I hope we will get a replacement screen for the DMG though.

[@jooniethebest3709]

My two favorite retro mechanic youtubers? HECK YES!

[@supernintendochalmers-wj8rz]

Working on my own. It's a work in progress though. Hopefully we will have 4 options soon! :)

[@thechineseguy5468]

@@jordanvelazquez6321 That is coming soon :)

[@datswissguy5387]

A comparison between the Midwest, BennVenn (FreckleShack) and McWill LCD Panels would be nice to see.

[@nathanmead140]

Or all 3 of them

[@TooFurious4]

McWill and FreckleShack both use the exact same LCD.

[@Liquid2ubstanc3]

Same LCD, although this one seems power hungry, I got 13 hours playtime with rechargable batteries with the Bennvenn Freckle Shack.

[@bunnyofepicness]

@@Liquid2ubstanc3 So is the Freckshack better? I just ordered a batch #4 screen.

[@MMaRsu]

I'm very happy to see more options becoming available, because I'm looking to get into modding Gameboy hardware because I love them so much :) thank you for this vid!

[@bobbyhinner3225]

Wow. So many new backlights for gameboy color. The freckle shack, mcwill, and now this. Great time to be a modder

[@maddawgzzzz]

Not long ago he made a video saying there would NEVER be a backlight for the gameboy color. lol

[@stevesteve9246]

I just bought one of these with the Midwest Embedded LED from a seller on eBay named Game Boy Color Man. I absolutely love it! He also has a bunch of High Quality Replacement Labels for the Game Boy Color Console in this video from a seller on eBay named Game Boy Color Man. He has every single replacement label for every Game Boy, Pocket, Color, Light, Advance, Advance SP, Micro N64, and SNES! For this Game Boy Color, he has the Battery Door Label, Serial Number Label, PAL European Serial Number Label, Made in Japan Console Label, Made in China Console Label, Pokemon Center Gold Console Label, Special Pikachu Edition Console Label, Special Pikachu Edition PAL European Console Label, Game Boy Color Light Console Label, 10th Anniversary Serial Number, and Bar Code Label. He even has a bunch of custom Game Boy Color Man Console Labels and a really cool Pokemon Center Brooklyn one. And they are top quality American Made! Nothing like the toilet paper quality you'll find from other sellers that sell Chinese labels. The dude is awesome! The labels look fantastic and fit perfectly down to the millimeter. The packaging is amazing, and the dude also threw in a whole bunch of free kick ass Dishwasher Safe Die Cut Stickers! Check out his store if your Game Boy looks beat up and needs new labels! Or if you just need a smile put on your face. Honestly the coolest eBay purchase I ever made! He ships to all 50 states and Worldwide to the Entire Globe! Look at this on eBay ebay.com/usr/gameboycolorman

[@matthewscott1172]

I was hoping you would do a review on this one! I'm glad to hear you liked it, i saw this on instagram the other day and was hyped to see how simple and nice it looked.

[@Alien_Bob]

Sure could use a good comparison of all these GBC screens. Love having so many options though

[@ronwalsh]

I just put one of these into my daughters old GBC, and it was not only easy to install, but is a well built product. I would highly recommend this to anyone.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Sweet! I'm totally getting one of these LCD replacements and mod my sisters GBC. She'll love it!!

[@zmullaney]

Another solid video! You're a man of the people, i doubt we'd know about half the items you post on here. Thank you!

[@Krankie_V]

This looks great, and this alone makes me want to start console modding. I love the Gameboy color! Might pick up another just to add this screen to.

[@chuckd3095]

I was lucky enough to get one before they sold out. Finally got time to install and it’s glorious!!👍🏻😎

[@jackkraken3888]

I really liked the additional feature of being able to switch the light off so you get the best of both worlds.

[@DisplacedGamers]

Really digging the options for GBC now. In addition to helping GBC fans play their games with a nicer screen, options such as these may also bring more people to the platform.

[@michaeljennisonjr.7410]

Checked the site when this came out 4 hours ago, just checked it again. They've added this video, since then. Haha

[@jooniethebest3709]

Finally! An easier installation of a backlit for GBC! Thankyou! Now I can do it without running the risk of screwing up my GBC!👌🏾👍🏾👌🏾👍🏾

[@bodhi1271]

The BennVenn freckleshack mod is even easier, no soldering required, you just need to cut out a piece of plastic for it to fit

[@kornnelius60]

The freckle shack also has lower power consumption and newer revisions have brightness control

[@schmidsgamebox5883]

20 years ago I needed a backlit GBC :D Today for me such things are such like "nice to have things" but I like it. Planning on modding a GBA and to build a RasPi "Boy".

[@BIindjanitor]

I have been anticipating your review of the FreckleShack (which I thought this video was), but this was a pleasant surprise.

[@hucz]

Hey Colin, loving the new intro video, well done! Keep up the good work with the content!

[@hyliangem8447]

I’ve been looking for a good backlit screen this is beautiful 😍

[@mikemtz8891]

Looks cool. I’ve never done any mods and the ones from before so look a little intimidating.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

To quote Shia: JUST.FUCKING.DO IT!! ;) But seriously, i started with a Game Boy Pocket LCD backlight mod which was the first time i ever tried that. Was using a spare (and heavily worn out) Game Boy pocket that i got super cheap and it was perfect to tamper with because there was not much left i could have ruined. I was going with a video tutorial here on youtube (even thou it was meant for the original Game Boy Model) and was quite happy with the result. Once you actually do it, the spell is broken and you have at least a better feeling for the crafting parts and you know your abilities better. Don't rush it. Take your time, be careful and stay calm. It can be done. Especially with so much good help & tutorials out there. Trust me, it will most certainly make you wanna do more such projects to get even better at it.

[@dlang6487]

I've tried the Benn venn new drop in kit and it is amazing! I did the old cutting benn venn ribbon cable for ags 101 and the drop in is the best option by far! No cutting or soldering

[@supernintendochalmers-wj8rz]

Out of all of the GBC backlight options, I think this one is my favorite. Also being located in the US is a big plus for all of us North American modders.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

@TheRaellz LOL :D

[@supernintendochalmers-wj8rz]

@TheRaellz Oh yeah. I mean it ships from the USA so you don't have to wait for days for it to arrive.

[@DasAntiNaziBroetchen]

@@supernintendochalmers-wj8rz You don't have to wait days?? Do you get it the same day?

[@Spintechfilms]

Im not gonna lie id be so into this if i wasnt in love with my Backlit Modded AGB-001, it does it all for me but im so happy that the GBC is getting its deserved Modding Scene

[@Suedeash]

Fantastic stuff, really so happy that people are manufacturing replacement LCDs - anyone with a toasted/broken front LCD no longer has to be stuck with just a motherboard. Coupled with the fact we now even get OEM-level replacement shells the Game Boy line is more alive than ever imo.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Let's hope Nintendo doesn't dare to go after this active scene as well… just like they do with anyone who pay tribue to them on the software side… like with the homebrew Super Mario Land 2 colour version… or the Super Mario Bros port for the C64....

[@Suedeash]

@@KRAFTWERK2K6 that's a little different though since Nintendo are trying to protect their software IPs in that case, not that I agree with their methods but I understand their reasoning. This is just 'dead' hardware that turns them no profit though, unless they see this as a means of competing with their virtual console releases. Either way it would be incredibly shady of them to shut down something like this when it barely affects them, but then again so do the SML2 DX project or C64 Super Mario Bros so we'll just have to wait and see...

[@froddobaggins]

Very cool that other companies are making kits, but the total comes to $71 bucks, just 4 less than Benn's (included shipping). Also, Midwest Embedded's website states that it only has a 3 hour battery life, which is dwarfed by FreckleShack's close to 20 hours. Oh, and Benn's is just a drop in kit. No soldering required.

[@kr4t0sg.28]

I purchased the freckle shack 2 weeks ago and hasnt been shipped. I just saw this and purchased this as well. Ima compare screen quality between the two once they arrive

[@froddobaggins]

@@kr4t0sg.28 Screen quality should be mostly the same, since they seem to use the same LCD panel. Any differences come down to the PCB and the programming.

[@zusurs]

Frodo B. Not even to mention the fact that total bill of materials (LCD + FPGA + board + flex) is less than 20$ if made in USA or below 10$ if made in China.

[@froddobaggins]

@@zusurs Yes that much is obvious, but you also have to remember that the guy had to reverse engineer the tech so be able to combine it. He also programs each kit. And he needs to turn a profit, so $65 + shipping seems reasonable to me.

[@shadeymcbones6707]

bennvenns newest version has optional soldering for if you also want brightness control.

[@ArlanFixStuff]

I like the brightness control feature. U should get all 3 the gbc backlight and do the comparison between them.

[@Outofthedust]

Well I've been waiting but now is the time. My GBC will soon join the backlight crew!

[@RetroAli]

Love these GBC mod videos!

[@marcelofrau8818]

Very nice mod.. I may try this one.. seems to be very easy to install.. Thanks for the video..

[@SaedMatos]

My day is going pretty good. Thanks.

[@ganggreen1983]

Very cool! Just nitpicking. But it would be cool if they offer an exclusive glass bezel to go with their smaller screen.

[@matthewnations501]

Jelly belly customs makes one. Their site says the same lense fits Ben Vin, Freckle shack, and Midwest.

[@SkySprice]

Thank you so much for your cool and informative videos!

[@ZeroHourProductions407]

I've been (forced) patiently waiting for a mod like this. I didn't want to scavenge for another gba sp screen, and i wanted something that actually would come out looking like a finished product. Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@CRodenbarger]

Thanks for mentioning the power consumption. I don’t play in long stretches, maybe only 45 minutes at a time 3-4 times a month... and I’m on 7 months with this set of batteries. I use Ikea’s rechargeables. I carry a spare set in my game case but I’ve not needed them in a long time. I don’t think 4 hours on a set would be acceptable for me, even with infrequent play. I really love how crisp the screen is and a backlight would be very helpful, but I’ll wait until the battery life is much better.

[@Angultra]

These kits are getting really good, if they included a custom screen lens it'd be perfect.

[@LaskyLabs]

God this is amazing. Can't wait to get one and mod my GBC. Gonna play pokémon even more with this.

[@SevenDeMagnus]

That's amazing. One more version and we're there- no trimming or soldering needed. God bless, Proverbs 31

[@sergewilliam]

I do not like the light black border that is shown. At least they could made it symmetrical. Otherwise, it accomplish its purpose. Thank you for informing people like me to these new technologies.

[@anonymousidea9119]

2019 year of the GBC backlights X)

[@gluttonousmaximus9048]

I'm starting to drool over this good thing now...

[@brianwalker7771]

It would be great to see a showdown video between these new screen kits. try to find the best over all kit. IF there is a clear winner that is.

[@1Raphael]

really nicely done thanks for sharing..awesome

[@zacil1234]

The old LCD on my GBC died today. It's a sign I should get one of these.

[@Deses]

Wow, so easy to install. Neat!

[@91KevinJohn]

Nice review. Unfortunately, the article is already no longer available Also pre-order isnt possible? Is it not planned to develop more? Also Bennvenn and Mcwill the kit isnt available.

[@plproductions1776]

That screen looks great.

[@frankgile1996]

I'd love to see these new backlit GBC's (BennVenn/FreckleShack, McWill and Midwest) being compared to the backlit GBC from Taobao... This is awesome, if only I had the money to get any of these, but shipping anything to Australia is pretty expensive for a uni student... Great video, regardless...

[@LaskyLabs]

This is awesome and I'm getting one.

[@mein_tipples]

Nice job! I'm currently waiting for BenVenns' drop in kit with the JellyBelly Customs glass lens.

[@kr4t0sg.28]

I purchased the freclle shack 2 weeks ago. Still has not been shipped. :/

[@froddobaggins]

@@kr4t0sg.28 Benn has stopped shipping them out temporarily because he's updating the code (for better compatibility with some games). Check his FB page.

[@FrankSantanaJr]

Keep making great videos.

[@choppermaster9304]

Nice upgrade video.. thanks

[@rokero171]

Have you seen the new Ben Venn kit? Doesn't need any solder or modification to the shell, I love how we are getting a lot of options of backlit GBC mods...

[@DokterRoetker]

Not totally true, you do need to trim a piece of the shell, just like McWill, although it's really easy.

[@hbarudi]

Finally this video appeared, been waiting since I saw this appear on esoteric sean youtube channel. Made in USA is great, finally someone is making good LCD dislays in this country, but what about LCD displays for the other portable console mods as we don't have much ps1 portable lcds left? From Iowa state, interesting to see where it might be possible to start building "Shenzhen USA".

[@dcashley303]

Very tempting if it ever comes to the UK. Would love for them to make a NGPC version too.

[@Suedeash]

Absolutely this. A drop-in solution for the NGPC would be incredible, and if someone started manufacturing replacement shells that would be even better as I'd not want to modify the shell on an original NGPC case.

[@dcashley303]

@@Suedeash Yep, all this!

[@Aldo.flores]

you need to try the new Shack by BennVenn soldering less drop-in backlit display kit, it have a really nice quality too!

[@rileyragnick9008]

Finally a mod that I'm more comfortable in doing

[@suprshin]

I ordered two just now :)

[@makho]

Interesting looking kit. I have concerns about the power consumption of this kit since Freckle Shack uses the same LCD as this mod (and the McWill GBC mod) but seems to get significantly better battery life. Thanks for sharing =)

[@zusurs]

makho He mentioned 4 hours on full brightness on 1800mAh batteries. Watch the god damn video!

[@makho]

@@zusurs yikes dude. I did watch the video. I said I was concerned because of how much worse the battery life was on the Midwest-Embedded mod than the FreckelShack when the two mods use the same LCD.

[@AntiKipKay]

Hopefully future kits will actually match the original size. I'm waiting until it happens

[@ViolentDetour]

Hey Colin. I'd love to see a video comparing this mod and the McWill and the Freckle Shack.

[@The90sAreRad]

I might have to buy this.

[@RetroMyBits]

Hello, great videos. what camera and slider are you using. so smooth and clean!

[@chopsmccartney6786]

Amazing! Do you plan on covering the other backlit screen options (like the McWill or the Freckle Shack)? Also, what's the motorbiking game that was shown?

[@agenttank]

Motocross Maniacs

[@coderkind]

Looking forward to a comparison of these replacement screens by someone; I’m guessing this one being a TFT means the viewing angles will be worse than the IPS mods (McWill, FreckleShack), but refresh rates better.

[@Reckoner89]

While I love how straightforward the mod and how crisp the picture is, I can't say the same for the size of the display and the letterboxed feel to it. The GBC features the smallest sized screen of all Game Boys that play original GB cartridges as it is with 2.3 inches in diagonal (the Pocket's is 2.56, in comparison) - so every tiny fraction of an inch counts. I like how the IPS kit for the GBA actually adds some real estate in diagonal and for that reason would stick with one of those for all GB/C/A games.

[@MylesMusic94]

These are my favorite videos

[@alexruiz4312]

I was hoping that you would cover benn venn new gbc backlit mod for it but this is a great alternative as well. Unfortunately pre orders for the mod are sold out for the time being. Can’t wait to see your thoughts on it

[@JayBoyModz]

This Vs Freckleshack?

[@JessicaFEREM]

I want to do this and also install a rechargable battery pack, making it more modern, giving it a USB charge just like most modern things

[@PerezRivera65]

Nice I love it but they should sell a costume shell too

[@CaptainSamsquanch]

Nice t-spin setup

[@DJAlexUnderBase]

My McWill lcd screen just showed up yesterday. I wished to know about this option before . But who knows in the future....

[@UltraThunderSurge]

Oh man, I hope something like this is made for the GBA, now that's something I'd throw some cash on. As much as I like the Game Boy Color I prefer the form factor of the original GBA model so I'm crossing my fingers for something like this for it one day.

[@louspowels7120]

*_Carves away at shell in order to make screen module fit_* 2:45 "because the replacement screen module is really thin and it _generally_ fits within the footprint of the original display" *"Generally":* in most cases; usually.

[@BattleSquadG1]

May give this a shot! Btw, do you think a wonderswan mod would be something you would do at some point? There's barely any other info on it online

[@Kresh42]

Woo! local product to me made in my home state of Iowa!

[@jordanvelazquez6321]

I hope the modding without modding the console continues.

[@matthewnations501]

Ordered mine after watching this video. Can you tell me what brand or where you got your shell from? I like the color and I'm assuming the quality if good if you used it.

[@TheGhettoLife]

Does it play pokemon pinball without the white screen refresh or even crashing?

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

I’ve seen someone report on Reddit that it doesn’t have those problems, but don’t have a copy to test it myself.

[@KSpade89]

Did I miss that Gameboy Light video? I know there is a new one that is pretty much drop in. Hoping to see a video on that soon!

[@dickkickem9427]

If anyone is wondering, the og bluish squirrel gbc light lens fits perfect with this screen

[@elvishernandez5620]

The only hard part to this modd is cutting around screen recommend a dremel for that. But the backlight is so clear and vibrant highly recommended.

[@Thegamerblonde]

The Freckle Shacks just came out which doesn't need any soldering at all. Have you looked into them yet? X

[@Kurufinwe_Fayanaro]

This is incredible. Thank you so much for sharing, I think this might finally be the one I invest in.

[@kornnelius60]

Have you looked into the freckle shack yet?

[@Kurufinwe_Fayanaro]

Oo that looks nice, that you for enlightening me. www.retromodding.com/products/bennvenns-freckle-shack-backlit-game-boy-color-drop-in-lcd-kit

[@SuperNicktendo]

Been looking for a mod like this bt debating on just dropping in an SP screen into my GBA since I have 2 broken sps already

[@TegridyGenetics]

Yeah the freckleshack is looking like the best option at this point

[@adam_loooong1735]

sold out on their site.. hope to see more on their site soon

[@xarpajou]

Have you tried new mcwill screen for gbc? It’s awesome and easy to install

[@Officer94]

And now almost 5 years later we have reached one new pinnacle of this modding journey: AMOLED Screens which are bigger than this one and are much easier to install (if used with a fitting shell). Crazy how far we have come. I remember doing a LOCA frontlit mod twice back in the days and the results were... Well... Not great but for the time it was the only option. I really wish something like this would happen to the og. DS since that bad boy really needs a screen upgrade IMO.

[@coondogtheman]

How much battery life do you get out of a regular pair of AAs? I'd get this because I did it for a PSP but that was drop in no soldering. I know how to solder and am quite good at it but the little SMD parts is what gets me. It looks like just two wires just to get it going and some case modding which I can do. Any idea if these will sell on Amazon?

[@superjetze]

All I want is a backlight that is the same size as the original screen and will actually fits the housing of the GBC.

[@shadeymcbones6707]

funny how there is a sudden boom of these things. Just installed my bennvenn version which has a bit of a nicer finish but this is still really awesome :)

[@zusurs]

Shadey Mcbones Everybody wants to cash in on nostalgia... 20$ kits sold for 70+ dollars. Sad.

[@froddobaggins]

@@zusurs $20 dollars to manufacture, plus having to reverse engineer the tech to make it work, plus programming each kit. And then there's the profit margin too, can't be selling them for the cost of manufacture. Use common sense.

[@petewest436]

So I got my case carved out and the screen fits in there. I attached the ribbon cable of the screen to the PCB. My gameboy powers up but I'm not getting anything on the screen. Is there something I forgot to do?

[@SpikerDragon95]

Now wich one choose, theres the BennVen screen, the McWill and now this one

[@RhizometricReality]

A suggestion would be to include or offer pre cut premade shell for this display

[@zusurs]

Demosthenes I somehow believe that Nintendo still has trademark on the shell.

[@kamon5798]

I wonder how the Jellybelly Customs' lens replacements that are meant for the Freckleshack do on this one. They're made for a smaller LCD screen too.

[@Liquid2ubstanc3]

Kamon same LCD, same size, but the position of the screen could be different.

[@corgikun2579]

Colin, do you zoom in your shots to avoid moire patterns of the displays? you are getting excellent quality

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

The really tight shots of the screen were done with a macro lens, but in general I think shooting in 4K helps with moire a bit.

[@johnboona4048]

Why didn't they give you that rubber thingy you put on the sides of the lcd so it blocks the sides that are visible