The 2022 ULTIMATE GameBoy Advance SP

For all of your DIY projects visit PCBWAY - www.pcbway.com/?from=TheRetro...
Honestly the coolest GameBoy mod i have ever done. Massive thank you to Retro Modding for hooking me up: bit.ly/2tZQ4iF
Use code RETROFUTURE for 5% off!
Screwdriver: ebay.to/352E5QY
Soldering Iron: ebay.to/2VVj6uV
Patreon: / theretrofuture
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Twitter: / elliot_coll
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GameBoy Parts: bit.ly/2tZQ4iF
Cheap GameBoys: bit.ly/38UrGzP
The Retro Future
PO Box 174
JERSEY, UK
JE4 9RF
#TheRetroFuture #GameBoy #Retro
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[@epoggg3672]

"this is the only soldering required" continues to solder for power cleaner and A/V out

[@tamatama127]

"...on this board..."

[@neilmoffat]

"solder" being veeery loosely used here. Way, way too much solder and a cold joint as well.

[@goodlookinouthomie1757]

The prospect of soldering the power cleaner scares the shit out of me.

[@raykupal]

@@neilmoffat yes yes yes!!! i was like 😬😬😬😬😬😬 watching the solder blobs all over...

[@exucia669]

@@neilmoffat cry nerd

[@shibbyshebang]

The Game Boy Advance SP in black is definitely a beauty.

[@SuperTrainStationH]

I was lucky enough to own one of these at Japanese launch. For a self conscious nerdy high school student like I was, going from the purple original GBA to a black SP at the height of flip phone mania was quite the glow up.

[@NehemYah810]

@@SuperTrainStationH Yeah,my gba back then was so beat up. The screen was so scratched up if I used the worm light all I could see was all the marks under the light 😂😂 I was so happy when I got my red SP.

[@rustymixer2886]

Metal too, imo

[@BrianFlores13]

I have mine in perfect condition still

[@DavyMcWavy]

I have the the two tone black silver still and love it.

[@TheDaxter11]

Honestly I like this more simply because its a flip screen. I'll always prefer flip screen portable consoles because it protects the screen when not in use. Not only from scratching but from finger prints on the screen when you're putting it away, taking it out of wherever you have it or just smudging from being in a drawer or in a bag.

[@CouchMan88]

Yeah. I bought two in the last few months. The outside case has some scratches but both screens are still mint.

[@yoselynmontes9008]

Ok

[@DeadCrasher]

@@CouchMan88 i have an modded gba i just have a little case an put screen protectors on it, they are extremely cheap. 2 euros for 18 protectors

[@Glarblenuck]

Not only does it protect the screen but it also makes it more compact so it can fit in the pocket more easily. Handhelds nowadays have become too large to the point where you need a carrying case for portability which sucks because I'd love to have a device that allows me to play all my Game Boy/Advance games and whatnot.

[@TheDaxter11]

@@Glarblenuck Not only that but it allows for better button and stick layouts without having to have anything in-between. Screen at the top, buttons and sticks underneath, flip when you aren't using and it compacts neatly. I'm not saying I don't like my Switch, or the PSP or PSVita, but I think having the screen _above_ the buttons and sticks is nicer than having it in the middle.

[@WeazelSenpai]

We're done with soldering... proceeds to solder more... and that's the last of the soldering.... proceeds to solder further....

[@miguelalbarracin9077]

I get why the Analogue Pocket is so sought after - it's so luxurious! But it doesn't check the boxes that the GBA seems to. I'll be going for this mod for sure!

[@repeekyraidcero]

Saaame. GBA V1 = best

[@InsanitiesBrother]

@@repeekyraidcero Nah, GBA SP Tribal all the way.

[@netzpraesenz01]

Hi Elliot, this video gave me the last little push to do my own mod. I wanted to do this for a long time, but after watching this i ordered all the parts i needed. I really wanted to have my own sp in a similar analogue pocket-style. And now it is finished: black shell, dark grey buttons, IPS V2 screen and a new battery. It was a ton of fun doing it and it is a ton of fun playing original cartridges on the original hardware. Thank you for all your work, it is always a pleasure to watch.

[@chuchupow]

I like the fact that you let the hinges linger on for an extra second or two, the crinkling of the plastic baggie in silence sold me on the premium aspect of the mod

[@MacMashPotato]

I still dont know what the mod is, bigger screen and output to a tv that is flawed? Hardly seems "ultimate" to me.

[@ber0nd]

@@MacMashPotato nobody cares about your opinion mate

[@leafiamoon]

@@MacMashPotato better and bigger screen, lot of options on brightness and colours, new premium quality shell, 50% more battery than the original one and the option to play on a TV? (Of course is perfect only on CRT because is AV output) You can't have more on a SP right now. I mean, maybe there are mod to have bluetooth or wifi or other extra stuff, but you don't really need it to play the GBA games.

[@jakeplaydirty3882]

I thought he was a recovering drug user myself 🤣

[@christianr.5868]

@@MacMashPotato what would be ultimate in your opinion?

[@gabebykowski5477]

Your original GBA sp video inspired me to get into retro modding, so happy to see an updated revamp 2 years later!

[@dangitnicky]

Your stylistic choices just satisfy me in a way no other mod-tuber has. The all white GBC and now the all black GBA SP-- so clean!

[@JailbreakNation]

Just ordered a kit to replace basically every part of my GBA from Retromodding. Next comes the SP. Wonderful video

[@LYB4]

you comment got stolen by a bot

[@luthelunatic1364]

I'll be doing a mod for the first time very soon. This makes me even more excited for my SP mod.

[@lewie895]

i've been looking around for beefy SP mods this past week, good timing on the upload man

[@dracticarchive]

i had a Gameboy Advance years ago but unfortunately lost it as the years went by and i was just thinking about seeing if the parts for them are still around when this video popped into my feed! super helpful AND teaches some good soldering basics ✨

[@somebody5468]

CRISP mod 😭💕 this is amazing and it just looks so sleek! Been wanting to get into modding so this will most definitely be my first one. Love the content on your channel and the way you present it is always so entertaining and I honestly love how conscious you are of keeping things budget friendly, too!

[@Chris-cj5rh]

Constructive Feedback: based on the footage, soldering technique could be improved. Use more flux and less solder at a higher temperature. Be sure to use copper wool to reduce solder on tip.

[@ashley587]

What temperature do you recommend?

[@CouchMan88]

@@ashley587 Around 360-370 degrees has been working for me. Solder melts pretty much instantly, which is what you want to avoid prolonged heat transfer to the board and components. Of course it depends on the soldering iron you are using, mine is pretty cheap but seems to work well so far although I've only had it about a month. At first I was using at 320 degrees and it was taking too long to melt the solder and the solder wouldn't absorb into my wick while trying to remove the old solder. When I went up to 360 it felt a lot better and wicking was much easier.

[@HOWLWOLF]

@@CouchMan88 link?

[@JWG.LLC_The_Artist]

@@HOWLWOLF links auto delete from KZbin comments

[@OHCAM5]

How do you know the temperature he is using it at? The soldering technique is fine for what he is doing.

[@areallydepressedfish5201]

Now I need to do that. Every time you post a mod video, I get an uncontrollable urge to do that mod. Great video!

[@thatonedudenamedvalentine7836]

Mines personally has a usb c charging capability along with the Helder’s power cleaner. Followed by an IPS screen installed and a bluetooth adapter. Looks very beautiful as it is a jungle green N64 themed SP!

[@Gills420]

video or it didnt happen lol

[@jasonwhite3345]

why use usb c one charge from the original charger lasts for years

[@tukhorhassan7737]

wow that's sick!!

[@thatonedudenamedvalentine7836]

I will post it on reddit today lol my first post living proof of such gadget lol

[@Samuel-qi7in]

@@thatonedudenamedvalentine7836 so uh where’s the post

[@gamermanzeake]

I absolutely love that you found an alternative option for the Analogue Pocket, and that you have shared it! This is the kind of stuff I hope gets the Analogue company to get in gear and make more pockets!

[@thesavage4552]

Just a lovely build! Well done!

[@timq16]

I really enjoy watching your videos, I’d like them to be just a bit longer though, like 15 to 20 minutes. Keep up the great work!

[@reynaampp]

I love his ULTIMATE videos its so satisfying. Very underrated channel

[@Stixbits]

Hello I found your channel when I googled powkiddy v90 review, as I am new to retro gaming even though I’m 52 and an original retro gamer, mate your channel is great and I’ve gone on to mod a gameboy pocket and advance sp, which I didn’t know was possible until I discovered retro future, keep up the good work you have made an old fella happy and inspired a new hobby. Ps love the sarcasm and humour in your posts.

[@NPCLiam]

SUPER rad video dude. I recently got a Anbernic RG 351V on hand and it’s cool, but the all software ROM experience leaves a lot for checking that nostalgia factor. Definitely looking at picking up an old GBC or SP and doing a mod with it. Thank you for a great video!

[@andymuzzo8568]

Perfection. I’ve been wanting to do my SP all last year. I think it’s time.

[@muddyanteater]

I started watching these videos in 2019 since then I have built a custom gameboy color and custom gba sp I love them so much so glad I found this channel thanks Elliot keep up the good work

[@Evercade_Effect]

What a beautiful looking Gameboy! I lovd my SP and thought about moding it.

[@someEmoguy19]

Good to see a video about my favorite console. Was blessed to have my own Analogue pocket but yea this device brings back so much nostalgia with its clamshell design.

[@greengym2336]

I love his production quality. When I watch this it reminds of when my dad would watch his car shows maybe if i have a son he'll ask me when I'm done watching my gameboy shows

[@ZacDaSnac]

I love your humor and the inspiration you’ve given me to pick up the hobby, thank you mate!!

[@rc653]

With your expertise in modding this unit, it's like cooking up your own delicious meal to enjoy. Nice video. People like you are much appreciated. They can also simply sell those units too and make a profit.

[@NmyLogan]

I tricked out my wide boy advance last year and love using it. trying to get up the courage to solder any further upgrades as I have all I could get minus soldering.

[@DNYLNY]

Your videos are top notch! I love the SP. I primarily use a modded GBC for retro games

[@Benzema117]

Great video I loved how the black shell looks

[@Carmine8822]

This is my goal finally just got my first sp well done I like it a lot.

[@jazenrangel5987]

Just got one today and it brought me back to being a kid. I had the original Gameboy Advance and to be able to play all the games from my childhood again idk makes me happy

[@stephendexter3246]

This is so cool! I have been wanting to learn how to solder for a while now and this might just make me bite the bullet... Just one more thing I'd add to make this truly "2022 ultimate" is to add a USB-C port, there are mods for those like the one sold by RetroGameRepairShop, not sure how well they work but they seem to work great, only drawback is you can't use headphones, but then again you could also add a headphone jack mod...

[@retrogambit7101]

Modded my GBA with IPS screen and gave it a rechargeable battery. Loving it right now. Definitely want to do the SP next

[@CYPH3RsD0M41N]

For those wondering, the game in the thumbnail is Driver 3.

[@inputfunny]

Make sure to always turn screws left until they click into place before screwing them in. That sets the screw to the original threading and prevents new threads from being made and damaging the plastic.

[@VanguardRaven]

Not so much the case with fresh shells I'm afraid. Those don't have threads and a fresh one is made upon first screwing.

[@iammachew9146]

such a neat project, i would love to refurbish my old gameboy sp from my childhood and boost it up to date with some dope mods

[@pedrocarvalho4386]

The gameboy is the videogame of my childhood! i love watching this, it makes me feel so nostalgic ❤️

[@WhatAboutZoidberg]

This setup is amazing and I just love how small and pocketable the SP is. I use my knuckles with the L + R so I love the form factor. Add in the new IPS screens and its fantastic. Man now imagine if someone could get a bluetooth dongle to work like the wireless link adapter and you could just use wireless earbuds. Would be perfect.

[@CellsPerfect]

I need to get one so I can carry it everywhere and play it at work on lunch and break. Great video as always!

[@LelandHasGames]

I'm so tempted to get one of those AV screens. I already have an IPS display in mine but, AV out is such a nice feature. Capturing GBC game video is surprisingly difficult.

[@electrofreak0]

Literally just ordered all these parts for my own SP build a couple weeks ago, plus an Everdrive x5 Mini. Good to know I'm at peak GBA.

[@neonsky595]

You look like the lead singer of Title Fight. Love the vibe.

[@KiskaeGG]

As someone who wants to build a whole new GBA SP, a parts list would be much appreciated!

[@manuelruhland9184]

I personally find that the replacement cases are thinner and cheaper. We have a car repair shop at home with a paint shop. I sat down with a painter and tinkered. Together we found a way to remove the paint from the original covers and apply new paint. Of course the highest quality. It just feels breathtaking. The quality of the original housing in connection with new paints, for example: pearl white with glitter effect and matt clear paint from AUDI. Very cool!

[@Glenview30]

This is awesome! Will try with my old SP!

[@lifelfe]

Just ordered from retro Modding appreciate your knowledge it helped

[@imepic1]

yo wtf i was subbed to you when you had like under 20-30k subs i think? nice that you finally went "viral" :D

[@rustymixer2886]

The nomad and gba sp are my fav systems ever, on the go or on TV (as this video shows)

[@Aer0N4tical]

I have a GBA SP, too! I got it once from my sister so she can complete my very own childhood... I'm so obsessed with it, it's addicting!😄

[@iVulgarThrust]

I've seen a Gameboy 'Slab' SP mod kit on some different retro gaming sites that basically removes the hinge and turns the cartridge slot upside down to come in from the top behind the screen. I ordered one and am super excited! Fingers crossed on the mod, as it seems like one of the more in-depth ones.

[@Trainer-Red]

That SP is siick I loved that I'll admit I also like the Analog as well but the SP is so nostalgic can't beat nostalgia.

[@FlipHybrid]

you nailed it... both the build and the video

[@Alex-zx6ic]

Thanks for the video. I want to try and make this a project for my two kids 😊

[@vaglap89]

Well done my friend 👏

[@ilive4retro]

My analogue pocket will be here Q1 of 2022 and I can not wait!

[@Bullwerker]

Gonna do that soon to with an old GBA SP I got cheap and am super excited! Though I myself prefer the original GBA. These videos are really helpful! Great work! I hope I can too do more projects like this.

[@crimecity]

great video lad keep up with the good work

[@andrewjazdzyk1215]

I would most definitely not chuck the pocket it my pocket. The SP form factor just makes it perfect for that.

[@elveskz]

Hello Elliot! I loved this model of Gba Sp, just fantastic. Would it be possible for you to get that wifi adapter for gameboy cartridges? Can you imagine how many cool things you could do with that?

[@Yamigetsu]

It's a powerful feeling, commenting before anyone's finished watching this video.

[@MrKirbz]

Hey elliot is it possible for you to put all your handheld repairs and mods in a playlist so i can watch it to sleep each night, thanks for the awesome vids!

[@danielwood6578]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing this with us!

[@futurism0]

It is possible to play non game boy games on the gba if you use a flashcart with an emulator

[@satan21695]

What's interesting is, we would probably get a mod like this equivalent to the technology at the time for the nintendo switch 15 years from now... While nintendo switch us currently the latest nintendo device as of 2022

[@pandurlolgg5780]

0:51 600 bucks is a fairly good price. Where I live, they go for around 1000-1200.

[@GuyManley]

Neat. There is an HDMI out PCB but it's only for the AGB001.

[@TheRCAdventurist]

Love all your videos man, you've single handedly inspired me to start retro rebuilds and just yesterday reshell'd and put the ips v2 kit in my gba sp (with the help of your videos) keep up the good work man. 👏

[@mattfisher1916]

You've been doing this long enough. It's about time you get a Hakko soldering station

[@ozbarron1803]

Great video. I modded my screen to a IPS and never look back. Bright, crisp views

[@Ayixlia]

Original Gameboy Advance looks really awesome with the mods done, I prefer it's design over the SP design it just looks right.

[@kaleido9631]

The GBASP is epic. I still have my old cobalt original and it still is in good condition 20 years later 😁

[@supergogeta941]

Man I used to love my SP when I was younger and I still use it occasionally, but as I got older my hands got bigger and the GBA's wider design really sucked me in can't wait for that one! Will you be using an amplifier mod for the speaker when you get to it? I thought about putting one in mine but since I don't have a donor console I was to scared to solder for my first mod so I'd like to see what you recommend.

[@corsegerspwnd]

that ending haha you cheeky f*ck

[@relicvault1515]

Iv’e done this mod (minus the AV and power cleaner) to a GBA SP I had for-FREAKING-ever, definantly worth the upgrade.

[@Tytheband]

What’s funny is I have had a black shell and IPS ready to do this mod for a month now. Let’s do this!

[@erinw8509]

One year after buying my GBA (and playing 007 relentlessly since it's the only game I had) I was gifted a new IPS screen, custom BotW shell and an aftermarket copy of pokemon ruby (since I loved TCG Groudon EX as a kid) gonna be installing the mods soon and I'm bringing your videos to prepare (and totally absolutely not because I find them relaxing and more interesting than my actual to dos)

[@nancho647]

nice bro! it's like a asmr video but much better

[@mickcoles]

Hi Elliot, Gutted I only found your channel in the last month, if only I did this 2 years ago 🤣🤣 But your retro modding bug has truly hit me and I have ordered my first project pack - to IPS V2 a OG GBA complete with Famicomm custom shell (To save on all the bloody cutting. Will see how that goes, got a new soldering iron - cheap and cheerful one, just to see if I can do it lol I will let you know how that goes when everything land early next month Thanks again for giving me the bug to mod 🤣🤣

[@hawkfeather6802]

It looks sleek. The video-out is really cool

[@captainuber3542]

I saw trip world at 7:50 I see you like quality games too.

[@chipcamels]

Watching him not use flux to solder and wondering why it's not working is keeping me up rn

[@Moontorc_]

This thing is just downright BEAUTIFUL! 😵

[@kiryu11111]

This is perfect, such a classic build. Just add a headphone jack like in your old video on that, helders new gba sp amp, and change out the old charger for a usb-c. And thats something to stand to the analogue, for a fraction of the price.

[@stewartlayzell]

Turn 40 in a couple of weeks and think an SP with the extra bits might just be on my birthday list now :) This SP looks amazing. Miss playing the old Pokémon games.

[@sketchy0078]

Hey, great video. I might have to get one myself to keep me occupied till my pocket turns up (Q4) unfortunately. Any chance you could get hold of a mister fpga and do a write up on the Gameboy cores. The vs implementation is amazing and it works on hdmi as well as vga.

[@johncahill1985]

I bought a silver one and a black shell and made the top silver and the bottom silver it looks really awesome

[@de.grandi]

This is clean af

[@MrNineties]

literally got me with that closer :D :D :D

[@TeeTooFye]

would love to know where you got that powered screwdriver! @ 4:59 (the link in your desc. does not work anymore) great video btw

[@JustSurfingAround]

Hey buddy, what battery do you recommend to purchase for the SP? My original battery is about to pop. Ideally it would be awesome if there is a recommended larger battery like you have shown in this video and that can also have a safe charge that stops charging when fully loaded. Thanks.

[@Millibanilli]

Question, how much difference is there in the screen you used here versus the one used in the “Ultimate Gameboy sp” video from about 2 years ago?

[@Heymrk]

It isn't going to help you in Jersey, but in the US at least, there is some bipartisan support for the anti-scalping bill.

[@mayravixx25]

I might get some of these mods for my two SP's, both AGS-001's. I have an NES-style one from eBay (Not actually limited edition, just had a shell replacement before I bought it) and what used to be a red SP that I've since replaced with a black shell. Thinking about getting a Super Famicom shell for the black one as well as an IPS display for it too, I just hope I can find one that's solder-less

[@Mythicalmage]

Looks gorgeous. Would love to see a Bluetooth audio mod in this or the original GBA or even one of the DS models. In theory it shouldn't be much more complicated than adding a headphone jack.

[@HomTom]

There are already quite a few GBA SP Bluetooth audio mod videos

[@ItsLVis]

I have a pearl blue one. Ive had it since i probably 2006-2007 and i forgot about it until i found it a few days ago. I charged it and it a surprisingly works great. All my games are still there.

[@paulfavila5482]

its better if you add also helder's audio amplifier. also helder's battery fits perfectly on the sp battery compartment.