OLED vs FBGBC vs IPS Game Boy Color Showdown!

Any comparisons I didn't check that you'd like to see?
Let me know in the comments!
There are some great upgrades and kits for Game Boy Color at the moment and it's hard to tell which one is best for you. In particular, the Q5 laminated IPS displays, the FPGBC all-in one kit and the amazing new OLED display kit have us spoiled for choice!
In this video I'll offer my thoughts on the pros and cons of each and marvel at what we have available to us as a community.
All the kits featured in this video available from Zedlabz (discount applied automatically):
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Music: Joe Bleeps
www.joebleeps.b...​​​​​
/ joebleeps​​​​​
Camera: Sony ZV-1F
Mic: Rode NT USB+
Hardware: MacBook Pro M3 Pro
Software: iMovie/Keynote
www.joebleeps.com

[@jackipiegg]

12:18 Why didn't you update it to the newest 1.08 where they added muted colors to bring down the saturation?

[@JoeBleeps]

Thanks for bringing that to my attention, I will check out the latest update now. That said, the saturation on the FPGBC doesn't bother me it's the OLED that could do with toning down a little. Still, looking forward to seeing what the update offers!

[@JoeBleeps]

Just done it! Love the much more legible font in the menu and I'm glad they added the muted colours as additional options rather than replacing them altogether. I've pinned your comment as it should be helpful to anyone else watching this, thanks!

[@jackipiegg]

@@JoeBleeps Maybe a shorts video comparing with the oled or before/after would be great!

[@JoeBleeps]

@@jackipiegg I was thinking the same thing!

[@atpstudios8075]

@@JoeBleeps Joe! what do you think of the speaker on your FPGBC? Mine is very bass heavy and low on the treble, it sounds washed out, does your speaker sound like this? the sound on any regular gameboy or even anbernics sounds way better to me, theres more treble, this FPGBC one sounds like its muffled or something

[@ChadWSmith]

My Funny Playing FPGBC is on the way.

[@JoeBleeps]

you're going to love it.

[@AsianWithHat]

Cinematographer here. You need to adjust your shutter speed to prevent the banding on the screen. It is not a lighting issue, it's a refresh rate issue.

[@JoeBleeps]

Thank you! I'm trying to explore it further. I was just wondering if it was a conflict with the refresh rate on the lights too. I'll try different shutter speeds and see what works

[@AsianWithHat]

@@JoeBleeps if you're shooting in 30FPS, the normal shutter speed you'll be at is 1/60s. For this case you may have to go towards 1/50s and that banding should go away for that camera angle.

[@JoeBleeps]

@@AsianWithHat fantastic advice. I was indeed in 30fps

[@AsianWithHat]

@@JoeBleeps lemme know if it does work. Best of luck.

[@Speedkomodo]

Hey! A little tip for the flickering of the screens. Try and adjust the shutter speed of the camera to a different value. If you're filming on a phone that can in some cases be difficult but most if not 99% of cameras let you adjust that and get around the flickering. Another thing that might actually help is using an ND filter so that your change in shutter speed doesn't affect the brightness too much. (if you're going down in shutter speed.) Otherwise great video! (BTW I recently recreated your Green translucent xbox controller and it looks amazing. So thanks for the inspiration)

[@JoeBleeps]

Thank you! I'm using a camera so I'll definitely explore that further. And I'm glad to hear about the green controller! Doesn't it look awesome?

[@keyhoxalkala8949]

My AMOLED screen is on the way, I really want to make the mod. Nice video Joe.

[@JoeBleeps]

Thank you! It really is an amazing screen. And a very straightforward installation too!

[@Eetio]

Subscribed, great content - I'm currently stockpiling on Gameboys to mod myself.

[@JoeBleeps]

Thank you! Much appreciated

[@chayeej]

I like the screen real-state on fpgbc

[@JoeBleeps]

Same here, really nice to play on

[@iamdmc]

Interesting comparison video - thanks! I'm leaning toward the analogue pocket tbh for the residual/resale value and native compatibility with other handheld systems

[@JoeBleeps]

That makes sense. It looks like a fantastic system and if you don't mind about the form factor it's a wonderful means to play original GBC games and more. I think if I was in the US I'd have bought one by now but exchange rates, import duty and their high shipping rates have made it too expensive for me to justify really. And yes, I'm well aware what I've spent on the main three consoles in this video would comfortably cover that cost but I'll conveniently ignore that fact ;)

[@LumbyMcGumby]

Pixel effects 4 is legit. I have this 2.45 inch ips display because I wanted to use OEM parts, and I love that effect. That drop-in screen, though, burns my eyes for some reason. I use the red tint and lowest brightness in a room that's entirely dark, and it's much nicer on the eyes

[@JoeBleeps]

@@LumbyMcGumby I get that sometimes, usually with the power LEDs next to the display. What's great about all the new screens is that we have the option to tweak all the settings

[@fryke]

just got the FPGBC (fpga), and must say that I prefer it to all other options, because it a) gives us an actual option to have a completely new GBC, and more importantly b) lets us play original GB games in actual GB mode, where they just look so much nicer than what the GBC tried to do with its strange colorisation options.

[@JoeBleeps]

@@fryke that's a very good point and I agree

[@FM4ever]

You can simply put the GB color in black and white in the boot screen by pressing left + B.

[@fryke]

@@FM4ever In that mode, it looks _far worse_ than what GB mode on the fpgbc looks like and gives us 24 different monochrome colorisation options.

[@aleckermit]

Firmware 1.10 of the FPGBC has perfect Everdrive support.

[@JoeBleeps]

I'll be updating this week!

[@SaturnHST]

The current Funnyplaying Q5 laminated kits now have a OSD menu, so you don't need to use the touch sensor or deal with the weird GBC logo "menu".

[@JoeBleeps]

Oh that will be so much better! Makes it a superb option in that case

[@VanguardRaven]

I think it's worth mentioning, how much better battery life does the OLED and FPGBC have compared to the IPS?

[@JoeBleeps]

I have heard that this is the case and I know there are a lot of other videos out there making the comparisons, with time lapse cameras and timers etc. I haven't the patience or time to do that and it seemed unnecessary when other people have done it already. But I appreciate it's something missing from my comparison here. I am a fan of using rechargeable AA batteries and this is something else I didn't mention. I like the weight and the balance of the console, the light weight of the LiPo battery is taking some getting used to!

[@chitan1362]

They now need to make a FPGA Gameboy Advance so they can call it the "FPGBA".

[@JoeBleeps]

That would really be fantastic. I hope they do.

[@VanguardRaven]

You must have been in touch with Elliot, with all those copies of Tetris.

[@JoeBleeps]

I've just accumulated them over the years!

[@NatalietheNerd]

the new oled is pretty, but something with the logo looks a little off :(

[@JoeBleeps]

The light up logo or the nintendo logo on the shell? I've just got another kit so I'll investigate it more closely.

[@PopeLeo]

Wish you could set the color logo to the original 5 colours

[@JoeBleeps]

I agree, it should technically be possible too

[@DNAMobileGaming]

That OLED bugs me on cam I can see the scan lines like a CRT TV I bought one for some reason but my FPGA screen is amazing imo plus for only $150 CAD it's perfect considering a GBC these days is $120 average.

[@JoeBleeps]

I'm in full agreement. The FPGBC really is a fantastic option. Thankfully there's no strobing on the OLED in the flesh but if you're photographing or filming it, it can be tricky

[@timbaker5353]

I was hoping this video would cover what screen looks the best compared to the original when sunbathing. As I mostly use my original GBC when it's sunny outside in the garden or on beach or buy the pool on holiday?

[@JoeBleeps]

The original screen is hard to beat in those situations! Don't get much sunshine here so a backlit screen is best for me. Your batteries will last a lot longer!

[@timbaker5353]

@@JoeBleeps Thanks for getting back to me. I have the back lit modded IPS GBA that I also use for indoor GBC and GB games but hate how you only have the option of stretched or small windowed views of my GB and GBC games. So if I wanted to build a new GBC with a bigger screen and had to choose just one GBC with a modded screen to take on holiday. What screen type OLED or IPS would you say gives the best image in bright sunshine?

[@JoeBleeps]

@@timbaker5353 it's torrential rain here right now but when it's next sunny I'll give both a try, although I'd expect the stronger contrast of the OLED to give it the competitive edge

[@Magascorada]

Why can't you just put the OLED panel on the FPGBC?

[@JoeBleeps]

I did think to try it but didnt want to risk damaging expensive components. I would rather someone else tried it first!

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Cool, in person which shell color do you like more from Hispeedo, their transparent blue (sometimes called sapphire blue) or their clear purple (Atomic Purple if it's Nintendo or another transparent color shell from Hispeedo? God bless.

[@JoeBleeps]

I haven't seen either of those in person. The clear and clear geen from funnyplaying are great, and the solid yellow and white are decent from Hispeedido, so I expect the FP ones to be slightly better quality overall.

[@김상혁-u5t]

Thank you!

[@JoeBleeps]

You're welcome

[@adamstone4261]

What about the transflective display I have one they work in sun and in the dark great

[@JoeBleeps]

I'll have to do some research into those!

[@adamstone4261]

@@JoeBleeps I think this is the same one I had I have to check but it’s one that fits the oem case

[@johnc7753]

How would you compare to the analog pocket screen?

[@JoeBleeps]

Alas, I don't have an analog pocket but from what I've seen and heard, none of these are as good as that one.

[@anthonyp2312]

Do we know if the OLED plugs into the FPGBC

[@JoeBleeps]

I haven't tried it yet because I don't want to risk damaging my FPGBC or oled screen or both! I'll wait for someone else to try it. Although I did hear the FPGBC works with other Q5 screens so that's encouraging

[@jackipiegg]

34:47 Is that really oled's minimum brightness? Wow, what a dealbreaker.

[@JoeBleeps]

Yeah, it doesn't drop very low

[@jackipiegg]

@@JoeBleeps Wow, is it playable in a totally dark room? Or will you blind yourself. Let me put it this way, is it safe for an 8 year old to play it in a dark room without destroying his eyes.

[@JoeBleeps]

@@jackipiegg that's a good point. I've never played in a totally dark room but I'll try it later. Can't see it being a huge issue, it looks brighter on the camera I think

[@jackipiegg]

@@JoeBleeps Really? I'm on the fence on getting it, tbh the only thing that worries me is the minimum brightness. Example, I can only use my iphone 13 at 5% brightness in bed, anything more it will be uncomfortable. Do let us know if its comparable to 5% brightness to phones.

[@JoeBleeps]

@@jackipiegg will do

[@nameresu]

I'm still not finished watching the video, but I really want to use FPGBC display to mod an OG GBC. Is it compatible to original hardware?

[@JoeBleeps]

I don't think it is, at least you wouldn't get the larger display if you connected it

[@shadowblack1987]

Oled is best.

[@JoeBleeps]

It's really good isn't it

[@HauNgoDotCom]

Those screens/colors are gorgeous!

[@JoeBleeps]

All so good, really!

[@homerghost]

Some fab content lately Joe, bought an OLED screen off the back of your vids. Please keep it coming!

[@JoeBleeps]

Thank you so much!

[@steveothehulk]

Now after a few months what’s your honest opinion oled or q5? I hear rumours the Oleds are getting screen burn very easily on these now so I’m torn on q5 or oled

[@JoeBleeps]

@@steveothehulk not had any screen burn but I don't think I've used them enough for that. They are both great screens. If you want the wonderful deep blacks the OLED really delivers. If you want the colours less saturated the IPS is a good alternative. I've used my FPGBC more than the OLED largely because of the size of the display. Fortunately there's not a "wrong" option and I'd struggle to identify a best choice.

[@lucifermorningstar910]

Ahhh man, have they released GBA versions yet?? Looking to modernise my GBA. Your gameboy colours looking great man!

[@JoeBleeps]

Thank you! I recommend the laminated IPS screens you can get for GBA and GBA SP, those look lovely

[@overdriver99]

thanks for real detail LCD screen comparison. I have Analogue Pocket, GBC with LCD mod, GBC with front lit, GBC original. I was wondering if I need to get OLED screen kit. now I will buy one more :) I wish they make OLED upgrade for GBA.. that would be perfect. BTW, any significant change with battery drainage ?

[@JoeBleeps]

Not that I've noticed! Seems to be pretty good

[@BlackKraya]

I actually still have my loca glue front-lit gameboy color, alongside my new OLED mod. The frontlit GBC was the very first mod I did and is dear to me just for that reason

[@JoeBleeps]

@@BlackKraya loca glue! That's what it was called. Horrible messy stuff 😅 totally understand those reasons for keeping it

[@waffles6527]

I just built one with the amoled kit and the screen is amazing. I end up using the horizontal scan lines filter on it most of the time and I think it looks really cool, almost like a crt.

[@JoeBleeps]

Nice to have all those options to suit different tastes

[@RichardWebster85]

It's good to see a northerner making it on YT. Keep it up mate!

[@JoeBleeps]

Thank you! 😁 Not sure about making it just yet but it's going in the right direction!

[@ashgunshorn7497]

Brilliant video mate! What is your preferred screen for the DMG?

[@JoeBleeps]

The FunnyPlaying Q5 IPS with the retro pixel grid and the oversized display for DMG is pretty fantastic.

[@ashgunshorn7497]

@@JoeBleeps thanks I’ll check that out

[@drivenbyfate]

As a person that has been trying like all the DMG screens out there, the funnyplaying retropixel q5 is the best. I actually like the look of the hispeedido q5 screen the most, however the bracket design makes it so that there is a pressure spot where the screen connects to their PCB...always makes a bright spot on the screen when displaying black colors. Also the contrast wheel is large so you have to leave the shell a bit loose for it to work. The funnypmaying screen has a better bracket design that evenly spreads pressure across the screen, so not bright spots. Contrast wheel is also smaller and works well. Do not get cloudgamestore DMG screens. They have a lot of graphical glitches.

[@JoeBleeps]

@@drivenbyfate very helpful information, thanks!

[@ChewyChicken589]

I feel like you can't go wrong as long as it's backlit and laminated. And on the subject of buttons and membranes, you can definitely find new ones that are good. I've always had good luck with the Retro 6 Prestige and the funny playing. They can also be a little stiff at first but they break in nicely over time. Also, when it comes to DMG buttons, I recommend either the prestige Retro 6 or any brand that has a perfectly round d-pad. I had one with the mold point flat spot and while I've never had an issue with the same thing on a GameBoy Advance, it did cause problems on my DMG and I had to switch it out. It was wanting to go down or up when I pushed right

[@ChewyChicken589]

Add one more membrane story: I built one of those Funnyplaying LED Game Boy Advance motherboards that you solder the CPU and Ram to. The only membranes that wanted to work properly with it were the Funnyplaying ones.

[@JoeBleeps]

I definitely think the FunnyPlaying buttons and membranes are really good. I just got another OLED kit and I might test out the supplied butttons and membranes this time just to see how they feel.

[@ChewyChicken589]

@@JoeBleeps The Funnyplaying ones are very nice. I just usually prefer the Retro Six ones because they feel firmer

[@lp0pic]

Great video, just what the doctor ordered :)

[@JoeBleeps]

I am really glad you liked it!

[@vakral9997]

The issue I have with the newer screens will always be battery life. Even with extra mods for larger capacity cells, you just aren't getting the mileage out of them. Pretty much charging after every single session otherwise it will die next session.

[@centurioneyt9235]

The OLED screen is astonishing ❤. I'm in love with that screen mod😅 Why does the oled show that shadow?? In the assembly video I didn't notice them🤔

[@JoeBleeps]

I think it's something to do with the refresh rate of the screen and the frequency of the led lighting I was using. Possibly even my camera. I'm going to have to investigate further, was very frustrating to discover!

[@centurioneyt9235]

@@JoeBleeps let me know if you discover something

[@johnzar1794]

My take on this is that the OLED screen uses PWM which makes the screen flicker at a higher speed to dim the brightness. It cannot be noticed by the naked eye but can be caught on camera. This may cause eye strain during longer sessions, and it’s the only potential downside of this type of screen. Have you experienced that?

[@JoeBleeps]

@@johnzar1794 I haven't experienced that but to be fair, I haven't had any extended play sessions on it yet. I tend to swap between "quick fix" games on Game Boy and longer play sessions are on things like the GBA with its excellent Metroid games.