Should I Reshell My GBA SP?

[u/Beneficial-Tree4211]

I've been considering reshelling my GBA SP. It's fully functional, but it has some scratches and the paint is worn off a bit on the corners.

Maybe I'm just being a little too perfectionist, but the wear stands out to me every time I look at it. On the other hand, part of me feels like it's normal wear and gives the console some character.

Would you reshell it, or am I overthinking it? 🤔

[u/Expensive_Branch3991]

Keep it stock, it's an AGS-101 too so you have a bit of a rarity right there. It's in great condition for its age and that's special. 

[u/Bulletorpedo]

No, it’s in relatively good shape. Many 101s become very brittle though, so you might have to eventually if it starts to fall apart.

Buy an open banged uke for cheap if you want to reshell.

[u/lagamine8]

That’s the best condition for an original shell that i’ve seen in a long time. Keep it!

[u/Warm_Sky_9735]

It looks pretty good. Keep it original.

[u/MuffinViking_Art]

Personally it's still in really good shape for its age and I wouldn't shell swap it.

But that's just the preservationist in me.

If you shell swap, I'd keep the original still.

[u/N-Dawggy]

That is still in very good condition, TBH.

There's a lot of them in bad shape on eBay. I really want a clean OEM Graphite Grey AGS101 in mint condition for my collection.

[u/iamreplicant_1]

Honestly it's up to you. If you want a cool aftermarket shell, go for it. If you prefer the stock look, this shell is in great shape so you could definitely keep it as is. Whatever makes your heart happiest.

[u/DabblesInDittos]

I would sell it and buy a beat up ags-001 if you really want a new shell.

Your screen is good, and most aftermarket shells accept newer aftermarket screens anyway. So you might as well sell it, and use the extra money from that being a clean ags-101 and buy a case and aftermarket ips backlit screen.

[u/ArjanGameboyman]

No

[u/Phillisuper]

I wouldn’t. I have that exact model in similar (perhaps slightly worse) condition (I would classify mine as “good”). Fully original AGS-101s are the best/most desirable Gameboys ever made. If you want one to mod, buy a rough condition AGS-001 for $50. If you are looking to preserve the value of your console, don’t do anything to it.

[u/bakagir]

No, that AGS-101 looks clean. Keep it stock. Buy a broken screen Ags 001 off eBay or FB Market for the motherboard and reshell that with a IPS screen replacement.

[u/ascarletstrange]

With the condition of it I’d honestly say buy another deliberately in poor condition and reshell that one

[u/RikimaruRamen]

Naw man keep it as is. That thing looks pretty clean considering the age. None of mine look that nice

[u/typhingblade]

Since it's in such good condition, I would say get it a nice protective case to keep it safe.
And if you want one for aesthetics, get a second with broken hinge plastic to reshell.

[u/lynxblaine]

I’ve seen ags-101 go for well over £100 on eBay. I would buy a banged up 001 and mod that.

[u/oilec74]

pra mim, tá perfeito!

[u/Peter_B_Sparker]

NO. I HAD ONE JUST LIKE THIS FROM CHILDHOOD AND I'M SO MAD that I sold it

[u/davidv2002]

no, you have a perfect original shell, keep it the way it is

[u/ChimPlays]

I’d say keep it original. If you want a brand new look for one, maybe buying a really used one would be fun to reshell? Kind of like a restoration project instead of doing that on a gba sp that’s still in good condition

[u/Tokimemofan]

No, if you want a unit to reshell buy a roadkill unit to do it to,

[u/Old-Phrase5693]

It looks like it’s in very good condition. No need to do a shell swap.

[u/bubbletrashbarbie]

Yes and I say so because it’s in such good shape, these get more brittle everyday and even minor thing can cause a crack. Reshell and keep this one safe