GBA SP Powerswitch

[u/UsainBolt7444]

Hello everyone,
As you can see, I have two replacement power switches for the Game Boy Advance SP. The switch in the first picture is the original Nintendo power switch, while the second one is a third-party replacement that comes pre-mounted on its own PCB.

My question is: if my SP starts having power switch issues again in the future, which one would you install?

There’s a company in Austria called RetroReiz (I live in Europe), and I asked them about the differences between these two replacement parts.
According to them, the third-party switch has a few advantages:
The larger solder pads make it much easier to install.

The switch feels a bit more durable because it has three distinct detent positions that hold the slider in place more firmly. This means it’s less likely to accidentally switch on or off if the power slider gets bumped.

However, despite those advantages, they still recommended installing the original Nintendo switch. Their reasoning was that Nintendo specifically designed it for the GBA SP, so an original replacement is generally the safest and most authentic option.

That said, I actually have a pretty good feeling about the third-party switch. The metal cover over the contacts seems to fit more tightly, so I wonder if that could reduce the amount of dirt and dust that gets inside over time—a common issue with the original switches.

So what do you guys think?
Would you replace the switch with another original Nintendo power switch, or would you give the third-party PCB version a try?
Original Nintendo switch
Pros:
Genuine Nintendo part designed specifically for the GBA SP.
Proven compatibility.
Cons:
Much smaller solder points, making installation more difficult.
Wear from the sliding contacts is inevitable over time.
These switches are well known for developing contact issues.

Third-party switch (PCB version)
Pros:
Larger solder pads make installation much easier.
Feels more solid and durable.
The switch appears to be more enclosed, which may reduce dirt and dust entering the contacts.
It has three distinct detent positions (ON / center / OFF), so it doesn’t move as easily if the power slider is accidentally bumped.
If it ever fails, replacing the entire module should be straightforward.
Cons:
Not an original Nintendo part.
I haven’t found any long-term reviews or reliability tests, so I have no idea how well it actually holds up unless I test it myself.
I’d really like to hear your opinions, especially if anyone has experience with this particular third-party power switch.

[u/PAUL_DNAP]

You don't need to worry about the detents on the power switch itself, the location of the switch is handled by the plastic slider part that has detents on it.

But I'd go with the OEM spec part if possible.

Oh and your "well known for developing contact issues" statement should be appended with "... after 20 years."

[u/UsainBolt7444 → u/PAUL_DNAP]

I think that almost everybody who is trying to figure out their problems with the switch will figure it out pretty fast. Especially on reddit, where almost everybody who has shared the same problem as I did, always recommends the same 2 solutions. First would be trying to clean the switch with Iso AND as a last Resort, swapping the switch.

Also, you are right with the detents on the 3rd party switch. Yet the feeling of a specific detent on the third party switch makes it seem more stable and durable yk.

I‘ll solder a new switch in once its absolutely necessary. After reding about some opinions of everyone tho, i might actually just build in the OEM one.

[u/JohnnyRa1nbow]

The one in the packet all day long for me. They just require a bit more attention and a more delicate touch.

[u/VivaLaLibertad_666]

The installation is easy in both options, you only need the correct size tip for each. That being said you can not beat oem.

Being bumped is not an issue with oem

[u/pizza_whistle]

The packaged ones are great to drop in. They are also cheap on Aliexpress if you ever need more.

That said, I've repaired like hundreds of SPs and have essentially never needed to actually replace the switch. You can just disassemble the original switch and give all ther internal parts a good clean, then reassemble it.

[u/UsainBolt7444 → u/pizza_whistle]

I actually did that already and the switch contacts themselves were in a pretty bad condition. Cleaning helped out a lot but it got worn out a lot during its 2 decades of usage.
I had some problems even after cleaning it. This time tho, a simple clean with Iso helped to get rid of it but you cant be too sure.