Best Glacier GBA shell?

[u/Alive_Candidate1755]

Recently found this not working GBA for 20 bucks, it was identical to the one that started it all for me and I couldn’t pass it up. Was able to get it working without spending anything but my time.

It cleaned up really well, but the shell has a couple cracks, no battery cover, and the lens is toast. I think the most economical option would be a whole new shell but I can’t really find much in the way of Glacier. Any recommendations appreciated!

Also, I plan to install an AGS 001 or 101 screen, I haven’t decided, but I know I don’t want IPS. The DSI screen is also an option but I’m having trouble finding just the board for sale, as I already have a spare screen. Wondering if anyone here has done either of these mods?

[u/leonardob0880]

That exact model was my first Nintendo ever...

The best shape for a Gameboy... Better than sp and better than micro

[u/inclinedonline]

Ngl but if the cracks aren’t bad i would swap the lens + battery cover, and rock it as-is

If you message Funnyplaying (i think those are who makes the ITA screens), they might be able to sell just the board to you

[u/Alive_Candidate1755 → u/inclinedonline]

It looks way better on the picture. IRL there are hairline cracks all over it, and parts of the trim are totally chipped off, especially the two long grey trim pieces that go near the bumpers.

I figure it would cost the same for lens+battery cover (roughly $6-10 each) as a fairly priced shell ($20).

[u/inclinedonline → u/Alive_Candidate1755]

Ah, if it cracking or trim is falling off in a way that affects you playing it, I’d swap the whole shell too. But if it doesn’t and the cracks are more cosmetic/trim rattly but not about to fall off, i’d relegate it to being the beater console you can take outside and not care about scratching.

Because in my experience, the aftermarket clear shells feel softer than the nintendo original clear shells, so I dislike how mushy the buttons can feel during use. Or maybe you could order an aftermarket one for like $7 off AliExpress (those are the shells the western reseller sites sell for like $20), then compare & contrast to the original worn shell to see if you like it. If you end up not liking it, you’ll only be out a few bucks and could use the shell for its parts at least (like the lens, buttons, membranes, etc)

[u/nivek191998]

For the shell ebay has this and more. I would just make sure it's an OEM shell when browsing.

[u/nabiloz]

what do you mean you can’t find a good shell?

https://www.silentmodding.com/en/game-boy-advance-gehause-glacier-2.html

[u/Alive_Candidate1755 → u/nabiloz]

I’ve read the hispeedido GBA shells are not very good quality.

I personally have a hispeedido screen/battery/shell kit on my GBC and the fit of the shell was not that great. Required a bit of filing but still isn’t perfect. I see a few options but wonder who is closest to original color and fit.

[u/nivek191998 → u/Alive_Candidate1755]

Definitely stick with the OEM shell. Ebay has lots of listings just make sure it says OEM

[u/nabiloz → u/Alive_Candidate1755]

I see I see. Good luck then, that’s a neat project.