The Best Game Boy Advance Backlit Screen Ever!

If you thought the 101 Mod for the original Game Boy Advance was good, wait until you see this.
Funnyplaying kit from Hand Held Legend: handheldlegend.com/collection...
There's also an "unbranded" IPS kit available: handheldlegend.com/collection...
While these two kits produce similar results and are installed the same way, they differ in their power consumption at various backlight levels. At low backlight levels, the unbranded kit draws a bit less power, but at max brightness the Funnyplaying kit is more efficient.
Premodded shells: handheldlegend.com/products/m...
Featured music: "Nothing Matters" and "Selfish" by Dan Mason (danmason.bandcamp.com).
---------------------------------------­------------------------------------
Please consider supporting my work on Patreon: / thisdoesnotcompute
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram! @thisdoesnotcomp
---------------------------------------­------------------------------------
Additional music: "Lemon Tea" and "Octadrone VI" by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com).
Intro music by BoxCat Games (www.box-cat.com).

[@kirbyofthestars2269]

You had me at "no ghosting." My GBA ghosts so bad I'm sure Gunpei Yokoi is haunting it.

[@Reckoner89]

Which is funny cuz he's dead.

[@voldy3565]

@@Reckoner89 Uhm, yeah... Thus the "haunting" part.

[@Kalvinjj]

You probably have an original GBA AGS-101 screen and not an aftermarket then I assume, I remember having an original screen AGS-101 (brown tab), and it sure is slow. Compared to the new aftermarket ones from Aliexpress for example, the original AGS-101 is a heck lot slower, but has way better contrast and more saturated colors, (the later is not necessarily a plus to be honest). It's also got better sunlight visibility, but nowhere near the reflective screens or the transflective GBC mod screens we got now.

[@jackbootshamangaming4541]

@@Kalvinjj There are Nintendo 101 screens that don't have the interpolation issue and ghosting isn't as bad, with the same benefits as the others.

[@faristhewanderer6571]

hi tier joke!

[@KeiTh0r]

I've always loved the design of the OG GBA but the backlit display of the SP, so this is perfect.

[@rodolfobeguiristain]

I think I'm going to just keep doing the "flashlight in mouth" trick. It's given me very powerful lips.

[@PPMN-su7pr]

pog style

[@Bryan-vb7dl]

“Powerful lips”

[@skull3387]

Mmm hmu

[@moxyangel]

Your girlfriend must be very happy.

[@abigaildawn2996]

Oh has it now 😉

[@SGTschultz1986]

Thank you very much for this video Colin. After watching the video I ordered my own replacement screen. Using your video as a guide the screen swap went smoothly and now I am enjoying my old GBA and GBC games. 👍

[@edgelord8337]

Tbh quarantine is the best worst thing that happened. I can't go outside or do anything like that but now I watch and appreciate more channels like this that make cool content like this. There's always a silver lining I guess.

[@Supermurm9000]

edge lord I see you everywhere for sonic content and now this too? you get around these comment sections

[@zoidzilla1976]

Another great video from one of my favourite KZbin content creators. Love the look of your videos Colin.

[@MaxxSkywalker]

You've got me sold on this. I've been wanting to do a mod like this for awhile, so it's good to know that there are affordable solutions.

[@sachanarangoda672]

Just today I was wondering why you hadn't covered the IPS mods yet and then you go and upload this!

[@Bravo_13]

thank you Colin for making our days livable.perfect video editing incl. music

[@PaulDeNardo]

Your voice is so calm and soothing that I'm confidant to try this mod. Looks great. Thank you!

[@windexislife]

So stupidly clear. I love the thoroughness. Really appreciate the effort to communicate your process as simply as possible.

[@MarkUpcraft]

Hey, excellent video. It's your videos that inspired me to start modding and repairing consoles. So thank you! The interference on the AGS-101 mod is because the voltage regulator is out of whack and needs to be adjusted. I believe it was actually one of your earlier videos that explained this, so I am a little surprised that you mention it as an issue. I tweaked my wife's AGS-101 modded screen voltage to perfection. Having said that, I still prefer the IPS mod that since replaced it.

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

I’ve never been able to dial in the voltage close enough to eliminate the interference completely :-/

[@MarkUpcraft]

@@ThisDoesNotCompute it took me around 2 hours and several tantrums lol

[@levittbutler5417]

Just got done with this mod I'm extremely satisfied with the results. Thank you for the walk through video I would've had a rough time on my own.

[@waffleurr]

Wow, man, your videos looks so damn good (in terms of video quality). It's super sharp, colors are vivid

[@sneakyvee]

The IPS screen looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing this.

[@beefoprime8254]

I can't stress how grateful I am for this video. You have the same quality in your videos as JerryRigEverything. This is the most I've been playing my gba since my 7th birthday!

[@25hztolife86]

It's an iconic statement these days: "Hi it's Colin, how's it going?" And my response each time: "Hi Colin, it's going fine."

[@stepanremes987]

Nice to know. These days it's good to talk to someone. It gets kinda lonely being stuck inside a house for a couple of months. Stay safe! wash your hands!

[@fluffycritter]

I always think he's saying his name is Colin Housitgoin.

[@Bro-cx2jc]

@@fluffycritter Like Mr. Whatzitooyah from Spongebob? XD

[@RustyRat]

Cullen*

[@impish-love9713]

I wonder if people ask Colin how he’s doing

[@MMaRsu]

Sweet dude to see you upload a new video on GBA modding! Some of your earlier vids got me into modding my own GBA! I've had this IPS display for awhile but right now I'm not playing it much. But yes it's a beautiful screen.

[@denbywindsor290]

Finally got around to modding my own and I wanted you to know that this video was instrumental. Thank you so much!!

[@usaaok]

Always appreciate watching your mods, thank you

[@solidust573]

I ordered this kit about a month ago. i haven't found time to install it yet but this video has me optimistic for the results.

[@Kevdo92]

👏 Great video, would love to buy one of these kits. Looks beautifully crisp and clean. Awesome job Colin.

[@keylitho]

Awesome... Just picked one up.. Thanks for all the great video's. Your production quality it something to look up to.

[@HAZRDLyrics]

Your channel intro reminds me of How It’s Made? Tv show, I watched it when I was a kid.

[@RickThorne1]

I missed your game boy videos, its nice to see you continue with them

[@pefclic]

I'm very grateful for your video : without you showing exactly how to proceed, I would not been able to connect the IPS screen from HandHeld Legend that I'd ordered. Especially for the screen brightness adjustment. Thank you very much for a well done instruction guide !

[@retrodonut1185]

Ahh this reminds me, I need to finish installing my ips! Relaxing and nice video, thanks!

[@WeirdSide]

Hey, I'm sorry to bother your notifications but you seem to know what you're doing - where can I get those thin blue wires he's using in the video?

[@gamergrill9629]

Great camerawork and thumbnail! (And also, the video's good lol)

[@michaelbeyrlejr.1884]

What a great mod video. Very informative and easy to understand. I’m definitely gonna upgrade my original GBA to one like this!!

[@GuyManley]

Been seeing a lot of these modding videos, I'm took the plunge, placed an order and doing this myself. Looks so fun and satisfying.

[@GuyManley]

I finished it, it was not easy. So much trimming and filing on the new after market shell, even around the buttons. First soldering job ever and I didn't fail. Very happy. Thanks for the video. Used screen shots to get the trim right very help.

[@PKD145]

Hi. I'm about to do my own mod and this video has been very helpful, I like how you presented everything, especially soldering into the ribbon cable. My lack of experience makes me nervous for that part but you make it look pretty easy to do. Thanks for the great video 2 years later

[@killysworkshop8080]

I followed your 101 mod years ago and still love it

[@hwahnbomb]

This video came just in time. I have just received the same screen but still waiting from my GBA from eBay. Now I know exactly what to do. Thanks!

[@TheAHMADJALLAD]

My friend I don’t know why but I find your videos very relaxing and enjoyable more than the other youtubers in the same field , keep-it up 👍👍👍👍

[@RetroAli]

Always love your Game Boy mod related vids!

[@androskris]

Agreed! His original DMG backlight mod video got me started on the Gameboy modding sickness *cough* hobby.

[@SummonerArthur]

Ohhh, the content i subscribed for. This and "thisdoesnotcommute" Both are what you almost dont ever upload, but when you do... S2

[@HandHeldLegend]

Thank you for yet another awesome video - we're glad you had fun doing this mod for your GBA! 🙏

[@MegaX145]

I just finished my first GBA IPS V2 mod thanks to your video. Your walkthrough helped me troubleshoot the issues that I was having.

[@info955555]

Hi my console sometime turn on the power but the screen blank so I need to return on again did you get the same problem as mind?

[@MegaX145]

@@info955555 I didn't get that problem. Did you make sure that you didn't bend the ribbon connector?

[@info955555]

@@MegaX145 yes not bend just I just try to connect to other console still this problem. I think maybe my screen have problem.

[@tonycoffee7335]

I just ordered the screen for my DMG. happy bday to me... lol How do you not have more subs love the videos.

[@harry1010]

Holy COW your soldering skills are amazing!

[@stepanremes987]

WOW!! This looks so awesome!!! and it's not as expensive as the sp 101 screen mod. Was looking for a proper backlit mod for a while now and I might just do this one!!

[@chopsmccartney6786]

That looks very good! I never bothered doing the IPS kit mod for the GBA (I did it with my GBC, though), and seeing exactly how much sharper it looks compared to the AGS-101 mod makes me want to try this kit out someday. Plus it'd give me a good excuse to try these new clear shell and button membrane combos.

[@izzieb]

Great looking screen and good mod. Top quality video as always!

[@bryanmontengro9296]

Great kit! I was gonna install it as well, but I decided to go with the ags 101 screen mod for the only reason that I wanted to use a limited edition pokemon shell with the right pokemon center screen lens. I plan to do this mod later on a different one and keep them both.

[@endurancecoachnet]

Really enjoying watching your videos. :)

[@mlmattin]

Wow! That screen looks fantastic.

[@misterdneh]

I just purchased this kit after watching this can't wait to get it & review it on my gaming channel 😁

[@GeoffGorman08]

First of all I want to say thanks for the review/tutorial that I was looking and hoping for in order to decide whether or not I want to mod my GBA with a backlight and which company/screens would be a good option to use for it... Secondly, (and more importantly) thank you for turning me on to this Dan Mason fellow... never heard of him before right now and I'm about to go download more of his deep chilling, wavy ass tunes. 🌊

[@ScruffyLookinRGB]

Hey Colin, great video as always. That Hand Held Legend screen looks amazing I have been wanting one since I added the TFT drop in kit on my Gameboy Color. You may have just got me to make a purchase. Thank you for this high quality tutorial you have inspired me. Keep it up.

[@HandHeldLegend]

We provide the hardware, but the talent is all Colin's! We love that we get to work with him on these things and have for a long time. :) 👍

[@ScruffyLookinRGB]

@@HandHeldLegend Is that you Dustin😁

[@torch2424]

Another great video dude! 😀 I might have to pick up another Gameboy advance for this 😂

[@1030eev]

That clear and blue looks nice.

[@ArjanYoyoman]

The best thing is that these screens are also available for the GBA SP AGS-001. so now all those 001 moddels can be upgraded to be better then the 101 moddels.

[@SuperLuigiGuy64]

I already did just that. :]

[@travhavlicek]

The IPS screen mod on the SP also leaves room right below the screen to install a headphone jack. I personally like the dpad on an SP better so once modded with the IPS screen and headphone jack it'll be the ultimate GBA.

[@xatoor]

@@SuperLuigiGuy64 ok?

[@bfapple]

Love to see a video of this. I’d consider the upgrade for myself, just a pity that my cheap SP is 100 miles away...

[@solidust573]

Correct: everything across the board gains increased value because of it. It's definitely a good time to step into the world of GBA modding. 😊👍

[@vanhalenfan613]

Amazing mod! I just did this to my GBA, now I just need a rechargeable battery

[@ArjanYoyoman]

I just have 4 rechargable double A's. 2 in my gameboy, 2 in the charger, swap when needed.

[@SilentDrifterGT]

@@ArjanYoyoman That's pretty much what I do with anything, like Xbox controllers, remotes, handhelds, etc. Just rotate them out when they are low or dead.

[@AshtonCoolman]

How much did this mod change the battery life?

[@MemberHomei]

Kaasbaas 01 But they won’t have enough volts. Not rechargeable ones can power the processor for longer.

[@vanhalenfan613]

Right, GBA has a hard time with rechargeable AA batteries, I was talking about a mod like this: www.retromodding.com/collections/gameboy-advance/products/gameboy-advance-rechargeable-battery-pack

[@SuperNicktendo]

I'll probably just get a premodded shell since I could get a clear one. Thanks for these videos, I didn't have confidence to do it myself until I came across your videos.

[@HandHeldLegend]

Hi Super Nicktendo - we're fans of your show, too! It was just a week or so ago you did a show about modding handhelds. It's interesting to hear how much you know how different things impact pricing in the gaming world too. I'm Dustin, also based in Chicagoland. Lets chat some time. Glad you liked the video, we do too!

[@ML-gx9rp]

I've just picked up another GBA for a huge €5 and already done the 101 mod on a previous one I own so I'll definitely give this version a try on the new one,really like how good and crisp the colours are.

[@Nax-rh5dp]

Thanks for the video! I just ordered this package as a whole at a company. They take this kit and install everything for you and they use original GBA parts. I also bought all the GBA Pokemon games with it + Zelda minish cap (reproduction games, not original). I cant wait for it to come in and relive my youth :D

[@TekkamanBlade4ever]

Where do I go/how do I have the company do it for me? I'm way to unskilled to try it myself.

[@mb2776]

Glad I waited a few years. Installing a backlight on a DMG can be tricky, getting an AGS 101 screen is also not always an easy task. Those kits provide a way better picture quality while being way easier to install at the same time!

[@schmidsgamebox5883]

I already considered to get this Set. The Display looks very nice. Planning my GBA mod for over a year now and only bought a New shell yet 😂

[@Tom2404]

I remember seeing your video and wanting to do this mod, but all the 101 screens were gone. A few years later I found a screen for a good price, so I got it and modded my GBA. Best mod ever.

[@RyandBurtson]

Me: I’m perfectly happy with the AGS-101 screen mod I did a few years ago, I don’t need to do this. **watches video** Me: (sigh) Ok, gimme the purchase link.

[@Dondeath]

I actually bought this because of your video. Now I carry my GBA to work to enjoy! I just need to get the willpower to add the brightness controls!

[@woodengamer]

Howdy Colin :) This looks like a fun project, I may have to pick one up.

[@BryanX64]

How convenient, I just ordered it couple of days ago and will hopefully be here for the weekend =) I'm excited as I've always disliked the ghosting on the 101.

[@AllYouCanEat540]

I highly recommend this build for anyone wanting to get into mods. 10/10

[@ahmedp800]

This looks incredible! Wow

[@lukewaala1672]

Bought practically the same kit off eBay and waiting for it to arrive from China along with a backlight screen mod for my pocket! The eBay listing also included a precut shell and glass lens.

[@BitByteTechs]

Tremendous video...I can personally appreciate this new route since somehow the AGS-101 screen was about 2mm too thick.

[@AFourEyedGeek]

I ordered one based on your review, I'm not even worried about it, its gonna be great.

[@Slay1337pl]

Glad to see integer scaling making it's way into these things. Next up: OLED!

[@ItaloDisco]

Thank you very much friend, everything went well!

[@sticks2462]

Great tutorial, it really helped me with my mod

[@MemberHomei]

Nice! I like this maker movement!

[@RealZeboTroob]

dude I love the Dan Mason music in the background. fantastic taste

[@Vermilicious]

That's a beautiful picture. Probably tempting for GBA fans.

[@JenkinsCrossing]

Looks amazing. Do you have a GB Micro to compare this to? That's my favorite due to the picture quality.

[@Richter.Belmont]

Such a juicy looking GBA. Sick job 👌

[@nitrax8629]

These screens are amazing - seriously considering ordering a V2 ribbon cable to fix the tearing and various glitchiness I have with my V1 cable.

[@LelandHasGames]

I did this mod on my 001 because some dirt got into the original display. It's the best modification I've ever done and it was surprisingly easy.

[@vitzie629sgamingtechnology7]

Can you do a battery life comparison between the AGB-101 and the AGB-IPS mods?

[@anasevi9456]

yeah, if it does the same or better than it must be an VA screen as they need about 20% less backlight for the given brightness, and not an IPS; which is fine as they as both have more than good enough viewing angles for a handheld.

[@HollowRick]

@@anasevi9456but he said there were no Ghosting VA panels are known for ghosting when dark colours are on screen

[@nitrax8629]

From my experience with the V1 version of the kit, I get roughly 8 to 10 hours on a set of 2000mAh Ni-MH AA batteries. Unmodded I got about 15 to 20.

[@voldy3565]

Original GBA: 20 hours. IPS mod: 8 hours. Because fuck battery life as long as you got a "nice" screen. Amazing mod 😒

[@TheZeroSbr]

@thecouchtripper It still is relevant, though. Not everyone wants to sacrifice 12 hours of battery life just to get a screen that has better viewing angles, which is irrelevant because you the player aren't going to be viewing the screen at an angle under 99.9% of circumstances. I've also got an AGB-101 and an AGS-101, and the screen quality is about as good as the IPS screen shown here. I think Colin just didn't get a voltage regulator put in his modded unit, because even at lowest brightness my systems' screens are comparable to that IPS display.

[@utterdisaster603]

Just did this with my GBA. Couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. My only gripe is that handheld legend forgot the acrylic aligners. Other than that, absolutely perfect.

[@Tsigarinho]

Time to upgrade my old game boy advance!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelrodriguez2829]

good news I just installed mine and I am having a blast!!

[@cloudandtifa2000]

This is the only video that I found that that shows how to do the bend for 32 pin gba's awesome video this helped a lot.

[@KJ7JHN]

i'm glad you made this review.

[@Foxmosis_]

Well this was a pleasant surprise. I've always wanted to add a backlight to my original model but never had a broken 101 laying around that I could use for parts nor did I want to cannibalize a perfectly fine one.

[@AndyGonzalezMusic]

You should have millions of subscribers!

[@smetankorzevic6647]

Awesome upgrade!

[@willcamick]

AAH I did't have you belled, I need to catch up. Also love your stuff, Hope you and your family are being safe.

[@RWL2012]

Hey Colin, it's going not too shabbily thanks. Wow, that's pretty cool ;)

[@LtdResources]

Great video, liked and subscribed

[@aaliguy9986]

Great video! Loved the comparison too. I just want to know if the aspect ratio is an even integer scale or not?

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

Yep, it’s simple pixel doubling.

[@aaliguy9986]

That's great! Thank you for the reply :)

[@RetroRenova]

A very good mod! The brightness of the new screen is incredible

[@molhoy]

Very nice upgrade and great video! Just wondering whether it might help to install at least one of the acrylic spacers before installing the screen, as presumably this would assist in positioning the screen correctly first time by providing a solid edge to align against? There may be a reason this wouldn't work, but would be nice if it did as I'm just imagining the anxiety I would have about trying to get the screen in the right place!

[@ungratefulmango]

A lot of progress lately in all the Gameboy systems and their respective mods

[@maesitos]

Benjamin Haigh everybody is bored at home

[@ungratefulmango]

ok

[@earlspencer7863]

Finally the Chinese we able to convince the manufactures there is a market for $60 screens that cost $5 to make lol.

[@maesitos]

Earl Spencer if it is so easy for you sell them for 30

[@bert7651]

@@maesitos The issue is the quality of materials used.

[@androspiders.a9527]

Thanks!!! I tink I finally learn how to do it.

[@lordtoast91]

Great video, but you could also mention that a version of this mod is also available for the GBA SP Model!

[@joypadretro2797]

This DOES compute! Great video, super detailed but not boring instructions and ofcourse this IPS is better compared to a AGS-101. Don't let those snobby gatekeepers that pay waayyyyy to much to obtain a original AGS-101 because of the screen talk you down. Everyone can do and mod what they like.

[@NickOchoa]

Man, that unit is all beauty!!!!!

[@TJC450]

Yeah that display looks great !

[@georgewendell]

I'm so doing this! I just broke out my GBA last night to play some old games and boy was it frustrating how dim the screen is and how many lights I needed to turn on to play