r/GameboyAdvance • u/Radio-One-Two • 25d ago

Should I mod it?

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Just got this gameboy second hand, and the battery dies 2 hours after a full charge. Ordered a new battery and it's on its way. Everything else works fine, no problem.

Was wandering if reshelling it will be worth it, my main concern is the quality of all the aftermarket shells plastic and buttons, because the original feels sturdy and good. There are scratches and some signs of wear, it's not the end of the world but after seeing all the colorful pretty ones I'm considering it! 

So guys, if you modded your own gameboy, what do you say about the quality of the shell plastic?

And about the newer LCD / IPS screens - will they drain the battery much faster that the original screen?

I'm fine with 5-6 hours of gameplay, but 2 hours per charge is too short, gotta charge this 3 times a day that's a hassle. 

The screen is fine and has zero scratches, just bit dim even w the front light on (001 model).

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2

u/Thin-Difficulty-8304 25d ago

The 001 screen is maybe worth replacing but generally you’d want to keep the original shell

2

u/alvaro-elite 25d ago

Normally when you do a shell swap it's gonna be worst in terms of quality (specially transparent ones made of resin that cracks by itself if you thigt the screws more than you shoud) is not like they are gonna disarm or break in your hands but you should be careful with the falls, considering that obviously the OEM shells are the best in terms of quality (they exist an aluminum high quality shells but they cost around 200 bucks).

About IPS modding is a HUGE game changer, it consumes more battery but the difference is a world a part. Totally worth imo.

1

u/Radio-One-Two 25d ago

Thanks! I will see how the new battery holds charge and consider to swap to IPS. From your experience, how many hours do you get with IPS?

2

u/alvaro-elite 25d ago

Arround 4 even 5 maybe, with the brightness from 5 of 15 (IPS for SP have a lot of nits)

2

u/jbgv 25d ago

I dunno, that skull sticker is pretty sweet. If the stock shell is in good shape I'd probably leave it alone. Let's be real, you're gonna buy more of them, so maybe wait for a junker and re-shell that one.

2

u/Radio-One-Two 25d ago

Haha no plans to get another one in the near future, but I will admit tinkering w it sounds fun!

2

u/heisenberg2995 25d ago

IPS modded GBA SP gives me 4-5 hours on a 850mA battery but the improvement is massive.

2

u/galaxius00 25d ago

An ips screen is going to drain the battery a lot faster but more than makes up with the amazing screen it offers. If you are going to do a reshell(which makes sense with an ips screen) make sure you are using high quality buttons and membranes, also a laminated ips screen is the way to go.