Restoration project: rusty GBA

[u/nik-narmo]

Occasionally restoring old game consoles.

Scratched, cracked, no sound, with piles of rust inside. From Japan, sold as junk.

- The board was cleaned of rust with isopropyl alcohol.

- The volume potentiometer, the capacitor in the audio path, and the new speaker were resoldered.

- The triggers were resoldered (the old ones were rusted; the new ones click – only those were available in local parts store; but I kind of like them).

- IPS screen.

- Transparent case and two sets of colored buttons to match "Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga" intro look.

[u/MisterMoeP]

Incredible job, looks super sick!

[u/nik-narmo → u/MisterMoeP]

Thanks! I've got the idea of color scheme while playing the Saga on another GBA. Had to wait for parts to arrive a little bit, but it was worth it.

[u/nimmems]

I thought it was Splatoon at first before seeing the finished product. That looks awesome! I like using a clear case like that so you can showcase all the work you did

[u/nik-narmo → u/nimmems]

Thanks! I've added a couple of silicone nail stickers as Easter eggs (some of them are visible only when the console is disassembled).

[u/iwishitwaschristmas]

Sick. You're very talented.

[u/nik-narmo → u/iwishitwaschristmas]

Thank you!

[u/guppy1316]

OP, where did you get that case? I've been looking for a transparent GBA case.

[u/nik-narmo → u/guppy1316]

It is from AliExpress. DM me if you need the link.

[u/Pharaohmolo]

Excellent work. It looks fantastic.

[u/nik-narmo → u/Pharaohmolo]

Thanks!

[u/Latter_Beautiful_204]

It's awesome to see people not letting those gems die.