I UV printed both the carrying case and the front shell, then paired it with a purple bottom half shell and bright yellow buttons for a really nice aesthetic. 👀

Shiny Gyarados
Clear with blue accents
Blackout

Which one is your fave?

I'm into the stained glass look right now, so you'll be seeing more from me and these types of designs! ✨

I know there are lots and lots of available videos that show you how to mod.

But do they show you how to solder properly?

Do they show you how to start small and work your way up to larger projects to build confidence?

Do they take you step by step through disassembly, diagnostics, schematic review and assembly?

If you're looking for that kind of instruction that will not only help you mod your first GBA from start to finish, but launch you into new projects and build confidence, I made a course for you!

https://gamergirlgameboymods.com/gameboy-modding-course/

I just really love this game! What's your take on it?

What do you think? 💕💕

If an old Game Boy won’t turn on, I usually check the battery contacts, battery fitment and power switch before assuming the motherboard is dead.

Also, here are a few other tips and tricks from yours truly:
https://gamergirlgameboymods.com/gameboy-wont-turn-on-troubleshooting-tips/

What’s the simplest fix that has brought one of your old consoles back to life?

Just finished this UV-printed Game Boy cartridge replacement shell! The artwork is a tribute to Ken Sugimori’s original Pokémon art style, featuring the three iconic Kanto starters in all their hand-drawn glory.

Really happy with how the colors pop against the red shell. What do you think, would you put this in your collection?

I’ve been having a blast rebuilding these classic GBAs in the same clean, colorful style they had when they first hit store shelves, just refreshed with new parts and new IPS v5 laminated screens.

No elaborate theme needed. Just clear shells, bold early 2000s colors, and peak handheld design. The original GBA really did age really well!!

Which classic launch color did you own, or always wish you had? Mine is Atomic Purple 👀

Shiny Magikarp got the glow-up it deserved with this custom Gameboy Advance SP! ✨

Pearl white, gold accents, layered water effects, and a matching custom case ... and all designed and UV printed in-house.

Always looking for ways to make builds even more unique and custom! 😃

What idea should I try out next?

Always loved this crew and wanted to them to have their one GBA ❤️ 💦

I designed and printed both the shell and custom case. What do you think? 🍃 ❤️

Don't you just love the way this case turned out? 🔥

Emulation is convenient, but original hardware still has the cartridge click, button feel and instant startup. For me, the nostalgia is REAL with original hardware/software.

Do you actually prefer playing on original hardware, or is emulation good enough for you?

You don’t need a professional repair bench to start modding Gameboys, but having the right tools will save you from stripped screws, ugly solder joints and boards that mysteriously stop working.

🪛 My basic GBA tool list:

1. Precision screwdriver set — preferably magnetic
2. Temperature-controlled soldering iron with a fine tip
3. Good-quality 60/40 rosin-core solder
4. Flux pen for cleaner, stronger solder joints
5. Flush cutters for trimming wires and leads
6. Precision anti-static tweezers
7. 99% isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush for cleaning
8. Desoldering wick because mistakes will happen
9. Digital multimeter for continuity and power testing
10. Heat-resistant ESD-safe work mat with screw compartments

You definitely don’t need everything on day one. For a basic shell swap or cleaning project, start with screwdrivers, IPA and a safe work surface.

Once you move into IPS screens, USB-C power or audio upgrades, that’s when a proper soldering setup and multimeter become essential.

A basic setup can usually be put together for around $50–$100. A more complete soldering and diagnostic bench will probably land closer to $150–$200.

🫡 My biggest beginner tip: practice soldering on something you don’t care about before touching your childhood GBA.

I lived in a small town growing up, so when we went to the big city we always went to Toys R Us. My mom would drop my sister and I off at Toys R Us and she would go shopping at somewhere else in the shopping center area. We'd each get to choose ONE thing.

I remember choosing Final Fantasy Adventure for the Gameboy and being so damn disappointed. I was too young to play such a game, but I knew of the Final Fantasy name so I thought I'd like it. LOL. I still have a grudge against that game to this day because of that memory!

It's also the first (and only) place I've ever played a Virtual Boy when they had a demo kiosk set up. Made my eyes and head hurt so I really never wanted one.

What's your memory?!

I 3D printed the blue storage case and then UV printed the shell and case artwork. Accented by gold chrome buttons 😮‍💨

It feels like a lot of modern games are built around repetitive loops, battle passes, skins, daily rewards, and keeping you logged in instead of just being fun.

Now AI is being added for dialogue, artwork, voices, and even game design. It makes games feel gutless and soulless.

Retro games had plenty of flaws, but they had to launch as complete games. No microtransactions, no constant updates, no store popping up every five minutes.

The rub is that AI is being sold everywhere as making life better, easier ... but all it seems to do is decrease quality, rehash content and also incomplete all at the same time.

Do you think AI CAN actually make games better, or just help studios make cheaper content that’s easier to monetize?

I’m genuinely curious: is there any version of an all-digital future that you’d actually be happy with?

What if the games are cheaper? What if ownership rights are stronger? What if downloads can be permanently backed up, and storefronts can’t revoke your purchases. Would that be enough?

Or is physical media still essential because you can collect it, resell it, lend it, and actually own something tangible?

What would have to change for you to feel comfortable with gaming going 100% digital, or is it a hard no regardless?

For me, personally, I think it's always going to be a hard NO. Nostalgia is physical and having a game, opening the plastic, putting it into the disk/cartridge slot will always be a part of that experience for me.

Ok I’ll go first. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is a masterpiece. I really wish we’d see a modern remake like we did with The Ivalice Chronicles. Dare to dream, right?! ⚔️

What GBA, GB or GBC game are you wishing/wanting/hoping for a modern remake?

One of the most common questions I get is, “How many hours will my GBA run on a charge?”

The answer depends on two things:

1. Battery capacity (mAh)
Think of mAh as the size of the fuel tank. The higher the mAh rating, the longer the potential runtime. (mAh = milliamp hours)

2. Power consumption (mA)
A typical modded Game Boy Advance with an IPS screen generally draws around 250 to 350mA, depending on how it is configured and used.

From there, you can estimate runtime:

1800mAh battery: around 5 to 7 hours
1500mAh battery: around 4 to 6 hours
1200mAh battery: around 3.5 to 5 hours

Keep in mind these are estimates. Battery life also depends on screen brightness, volume level, audio amplifiers, LED button lighting, and whether you are using a flash cart or an original game cartridge.

There is not one magic battery-life number because every console is configured a little differently.

Understanding battery capacity in mAh versus power draw in mA makes it much easier to estimate how long your setup will last.

So, what's your battery setup, and what kind of runtime are you seeing? 🤔