My 2 GameBoys - Looking for advice
Hii everyone!! ☺️ Here's my two GameBoys that I have had since I was a kid. I'm thinking for the GameBoy Color to do the screen upgrade with backlight. For the GameBoy Pocket, I will need to do a screen replacement which I want to go with an OEM replacement, or at least OEM spec. I also need to find a battery cover replacement for the Pocket.
Any advice on what to look out for opening these up? And also any advice on where I can start sourcing what I need?
Thanks in advance!
I added an OLED display to both my GBC and DMG, and I'm very happy with it. I wrote about in on my blog :)
Thanks! I'll check out your blog 😊 I didn't consider OLED displays, but that would definitely be cool!
One thing I read when looking into it is that the gameboy pockets 2 aaa batteries are kind weak to power an oled. But… if you get an lithium ion rechargeable battery back I think it’s better and that should solve the cover issue too
Thanks for the heads up! I wouldn't be looking for an OLED for the Pocket though, I would only consider for the Color. But I do like the idea about the battery regardless, thanks!
The link in your blog post that goes to the OLED screen on AliExpress is a 404 error.
Well I think it's just because they used official Nintendo logos, so the listings on AliExpress probably got taken down (maybe only in Europe?).
But the company still exists and you can get their stuff on other shops. But you'll have to do some research I guess. I found this German shop that still has some.
I modded my gameboy color with the display from FunnyPlaying. I’m very happy with the result
I used this one : https://funnyplaying.com/products/gbc-retro-pixel-ips-lcd-kit-1
This is what I originally had in mind! I might do case too if I can find a Kiwi Color especially! I already have one original Kiwi Color, but I would love to have a second but with this screen.
Did you consider the OLED option?
I did, but there were no sufficiently accessible options at that time. I am very happy with the IPS Screen and the fact that it’s pre-laminated to the lens means there is no need to be careful about dust ingress.
Ah good point!
Yeah I'm leaning towards the IPS instead of the OLED. Can't wait to get Pokemon Yellow cranking on this thing again 😄
Yeah, I had Blue as a kid :) still love starting it up once in a while.
I also got the pre-made case with it so I didn’t have to cut up my original childhood GBC. Still the same Colour though :)
Btw I kinda regretted modding my childhood gameboy, because suddenly it wasn't my gameboy anymore.
I thought about this too, but this is actually a secondary one. I also have a Kiwi coloured GameBoy Color put away which is staying exactly how it is
We had the kiwi, so many fond memories
Yeah, i got my original DMG refurbished and working and as terrible as the screen is, i don't want to change it. It's the first gameboy ever made, so there should be a bunch of original ones out there so kids can see just how terrible it was to play in the dark.
I will buy a gameboy color to mod instead.
Heres a video about making a CRT GameBoy https://youtu.be/irHI_2WdQXc
Hahaha just finished watching, that was great! Thanks for sharing 😊
2min 5second battery life.. totally worth it! Lol
James Channel is great. Lots of silly stuff like that in there. Like a handheld OG xbox, a SNES that plays PS1 games etc :D
Does that say 2 minutes of battery life?
Yup.
Really giving the Game Gear a run for worst battery life.
Haha. I got a Game Gear as a christmas present back in the ancient times. Good thing my dad was smart enough to buy the enormous external, rechargeable battery thing.
If they still work perfectly I wouldn't alter them.
This is a really good resource on Game Boy modding and repair..
For my own Color I went with the Hispeedido/OneChip OLED kit. I'm happy with it. I recommend using NiMH rechargeable batteries with it. I get around 5 to 6 hours on two Eneloop Pro AA batteries.
::: spoiler Obligatory picture of the Boy.
:::
As for the Pocket, you're probably going to have to cannibalize the part from another unit. I did a quick search on eBay and did see a few working LCDs for around $50 each. That isn't really a good price since it's possible to find a functional Pocket for around the same price. Though, it can be difficult to find one without screen cancer these days.
Oh wow I like how you tried to make Pikachus balls clickable. Its a bit off, I would've suggested using it as his nipples instead, but I like your vision. Great.
Yeah, and those polarizer layers are a total bitch on the Pocket. When mine goes, I'm just going to LCD it. Not dealing with that again.
I’ve gotten some good stuff from https://handheldlegend.com/ before.
get a wide hinge and some epoxy and you got a DS!
Them pixle worms on the pocket. Every single one I've ever seen has that as well as my own one. Poor things.