Nintendo’s first 32-bit system in handheld format. In addition to the change to a landscape format, the system also added L and R buttons. Like the Game Boy Color, the Game Boy Advance was fully backwards compatible and can play all official Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. Some later Game Boy Color games even added Game Boy Advance enhancements in the form of changed palettes and extra features. The Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Color however run on different voltages. To make the system backwards compatible the system actually has much of the hardware of a Game Boy Color, with a switch in the cartridge slot determining which hardware will run when the system is turned on.
Only current or relevant backlight kits are listed below, sorted by desirable features. For a comprehesive list refer to this more comprehensive guide from /u/Admiral_Butter_Crust (makho) on all the different backlight kits for the Game Boy Advance.
FunnyPlaying Laminated IPS 3.0" Kit. The successor to the 9380 kit using a new IPS panel with a 3.0" viewing window. Kit only requires soldering for optional brightness controls The functions are accessible via the touch sensor. [Video Guide]
FunnyPlaying Laminated ITA TFT Kit. A unique kit using a Nintendo DSi lower screen panel. Due to the age of the panel, the image is not scaled and matches the look and response of an AGS-101 screen. Soldering is optional for viewing window adjustment. Brightness control is through touch sensor. [Video Guide]
Hispeedido 720x480 Drop-in IPS Kit. IPS panel with touch sensors to activate menus, brightness, and color or pixel grid effects. Soldering is optional for this kit. Shell cuts are not required and can be drop-in. Display is integer scaled. [Video Guide]
Cloud Game Store 3.0" IPS Kit. A kit designed to be no-cut installed into an original shell. Due to some OEM shell variants, some cutting is recommended to set the panel level inside the screen area. This kit includes alignment spacers for installation. Soldering is required for power. Touch sensor toggles brightness, color palettes, and pixel effects Lens is included with the kit. [Video Guide]
Hispeedido IPS with AV Out. A unique kit that uses the 9380 panel and a custom driver that allows composite AV out. Requires soldering for brightness controls and fine board rework for the AV out function. Touch sensors toggle palettes and brightness. [Video Guide]
Note on "Power Cleaners". These mods from various vendors often result in more issues than they resolve, especially for beginner modders. Consider cleaning the power switch properly, cleaning the volume wheel with contact cleaner, and replacing the capacitors if deemed faulty. These mods should not be considered unless other repairs have been performed first.
Audio amplifier. Note: Amplifiers amplify everything. Some Game Boys are inherently noisey. They are decades old toys designed to be as cheap as possible.
Replacement Speaker. Note: Typically bad speakers are a sign of other issues with the console. Refer to the common problems for additional information.
USB Rechargeable Lithium Batteries Several options are available from multiple manufacturers. OEM and aftermarket shells with the battery divider support rib need to be removed and cut flat to prevent damage to the lithum cell.
DIY Solutions As all DIY mods, care should be taken with fully understanding the components used. The TP4056 does not support play and charge. Caution should be taken with lithium batteries. OEM and aftermarket shells with the battery divider and support rib need to be removed and cut flat to prevent damage to the lithum cell.
Aftermarket Shells These will vary in quality across the market. Only listing quality shells with noteworthy features.
Consolized Game Boy Advance Various methods to turn your GBA into a TV game console. Intermediate to advance modding skill may be required.
Video Out Various methods of getting video out from the GBA. Differs from consolizers as they are battery powered.
Overclock module will increase the clock speed of the console thus speeding up games. Useful for slower RPGs.
Tactile Buttons
Don't forget that the common problems section also has more info, such as failure to power on or speaker issues.
Board scan from NatalietheNerd
Component | Original Part Number/Specification | New Replacement |
---|---|---|
DA1 | DA204U | |
DA2 | DA204U | |
Q1 | DTA123JUA | |
Q2 | DTA114TUA | |
Q3 | DTC114YUA | |
Q4 | FDV303N | |
Q5 | FDV303N | |
Q6 | 2SK1582 | |
Q7 | SSM3J01F | |
Q8 | 2SC4081 | |
Q9 | 2SC4081 | |
Q10 | DTC114YUA | |
CP1 | 100uF/4V | |
CP2 | 100uF/6.3V(Low Z) | |
CP3 | 470uF/6.3V | |
DL1 | SML311UT | TLMS1000-GS08CT-ND |
DL2 | SML310MT | 511-1578-2-ND |
D1 | MA112 | |
D2 | RB411D | |
D3 | RB491D | |
F1 | Fuse 4341.25 | ERBRE1R25V |
R13 | Resistor 150Ω | |
R33 | Resistor 5.1Ω | |
C25 | B474K/6.3V(1608) | |
C23 | B104K/6.3V | |
C22 | B104K/6.3V | |
C26 | F104Z/16V | |
C24 | B105K/6.3V(1608) | |
C27 | F475Z/10V(2125) | |
C40 | F104Z/16V | |
C41 | F104Z/16V | |
C36 | F105Z/16V(2125) | |
C35 | F105Z/16V(2125) | |
C56 | B225K/6.3V(2125) | |
C57 | F105Z/10V(1608) | |
R34 | Resistor 15kΩ | |
R11 | Resistor 150Ω | |
R12 | Resistor 150Ω | |
L1 | SLF7045T/100uH | |
C43 | B475K/6.3V(2125) | |
C37 | F103Z/16V | |
R32 | Resistor 1MΩ | |
C44 | B225K/6.3V(2125) | |
R25 | Resistor 47Ω | |
R26 | Resistor 15kΩ | |
R10 | Resistor 470Ω | |
R18 | Resistor 33kΩ | |
U10 | UMG3N(4.7K/-) | |
C55 | F104Z/16V | |
U4 | Power Controller (Varies) | |
C17 | F104Z/16V | |
EM3 | HW601(1608) | |
EM1 | ACM4532-102-3P | |
EM2 | ACM4532-102-3P | |
C18 | CH101J/50V | |
C19 | CH101J/50V | |
C20 | CH101J/50V | |
P4 | AGB 6 Pin Connector | |
R29 | Resistor 18kΩ | |
R35 | Resistor 100kΩ | |
R21 | Resistor 330Ω | |
R22 | Resistor 330Ω | |
R23 | Resistor 330Ω | |
R24 | Resistor 330Ω | |
EM7 | HW601(1608) | |
C30 | F105Z/10V(1608) | |
C61 | F105Z/10V(1608) | |
Q11 | DTC114YUA(10k/47k) | |
U1 | AGB-CPU | |
R38 | Resistor 47Ω | |
R39 | Resistor 47Ω | |
C7 | F104Z/16V | |
R40 | Resistor 15Ω | |
R6 | Resistor 100kΩ | |
R2 | Resistor 10kΩ | |
R1 | Resistor 1.5MΩ | |
R5 | Resistor 100kΩ | |
C62 | F103Z/16V | |
R43 | Resistor 15Ω | |
C63 | F103Z/16V | |
C64 | F103Z/16V | |
R44 | Resistor 15Ω | |
C3 | CH270J/50V | |
R41 | Resistor 2.2kΩ | |
C4 | CH330J/50V | |
X1 | KSS Oscillator 4.194304MHz | |
C52 | F104Z/16V | |
C53 | F104Z/16V | |
C15 | F104Z/16V | |
C16 | F104Z/16V | |
C5 | F104Z/16V | |
C34 | F104Z/16V | |
C6 | F104Z/16V | |
U2 | AGB-SRAM | |
C8 | F104Z/16V | |
C1 | F103Z/16V | |
C2 | F105Z/10V(1608) | |
R36 | Resistor 270Ω | |
U3 | AGB-REG | |
C42 | F105Z/10V(1608) | |
C54 | B475K/6.3V(2125) | |
U5 | DMD2N | |
C33 | F105Z/15V(2125) | |
R15 | Resistor 33kΩ | |
VR1 | 50K(VR) | |
P2 | LCD Connector | |
C13 | F104Z/16V | |
C14 | F104Z/16V | |
U7 | AGB-LCD | |
D4 | Ma112/ISS355 | |
C28 | F105Z/10V(1608) | |
R27 | Resistor 200kΩ | |
R28 | Resistor 56kΩ | |
R17 | Resistor 100kΩ | |
R16 | Resistor 33kΩ | |
C58 | F104Z/16V | |
C32 | F104Z/16V | |
DZ1 | RD4.7S B1 | |
R31 | Resistor 47kΩ | |
R30 | Resistor 47kΩ | |
R37 | Resistor 470Ω | |
VR2 | 30K(VR) | |
R14 | Resistor 4.7kΩ | |
C59 | F104Z/16V | |
R7 | Resistor 47kΩ | |
R8 | Resistor 47kΩ | |
C48 | B471K/16V | |
C12 | B102K/16V | |
C49 | CH101J/50V | |
C11 | B470K/16V | |
C39 | B104K/6.3V | |
C51 | F104Z/16V | |
C50 | F104Z/16V | |
C47 | F104Z/16V | |
C46 | F104Z/16V | |
C45 | F104Z/16V | |
SP1 | Speaker | |
P3 | Headphone Jack | |
EM4 | BLM11B252SD(1608) | |
EM5 | BLM11B252SD(1608) | |
EM6 | BLM11B252SD(1608) | |
CP4 | 100uF/4V | |
C9 | B102K/16V | |
R20 | Resistor 15Ω | |
R19 | Resistor 15Ω | |
C10 | CH101J/50V | |
R4 | Resistor 47kΩ | |
R3 | Resistor 47kΩ | |
C38 | F105Z/10V(1608) | |
U6 | AGB-AMP | |
T1 | Unknown | Cloud Game Store |
Power LED is always red, even on new batteries or LED will flicker / will restart randomly or if jolted.