These are affiliate links. Code "makho" on checkout also gets you 10% off.
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Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.com
These are affiliate links. Code "makho" on checkout also gets you 10% off.
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Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comGame Boy Advance Laminated 720x480 IPS Backlight with OSD and FRMmakho2023-06-30 | Please note that these kits are NOT compatible with the funnyplaying laminated housings! The mounting mechanisms are completely different and not at all compatible.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comGame Boy (Color) RTC Flash Cart Power Usage and write timesmakho2023-06-07 | All carts shown readable and writeable with GBxCart RW: shop.insidegadgets.com/product/gbxcart-rw
This is the internal HDMI out mod for the GBA and should be electrically compatible with all existing LCDs and kits. Actual physical fitment might be pretty tight with some kits though so if you want an internal IPS kit too, you might need to plan around getting a certain kit. I did this video with the funnyplaying 3.0 laminated IPS kit and I was able to get things to fit after hours of trimming and shaving the shell and display bracket.
When properly wired, this kit will support nearly any battery mod for GBA and actually adds simultaneous charge and play if the kit did not already support this (so there's no need to have two USB ports on the GBA). One quirk I noticed is that while the dock itself does support a USB type C host connection for power/charging, the GBA USB Type C port does not and will require a Type A to Type C cable for charging (or to just charge it while docked), even when being used with a battery mod that DOES support Type C host charging.
Other options for TV Out (using actual hardware and carts) --
A Game Cube + Game Boy Player is a fantastic option. There are some issues with that around controller input (the GC controller kinda sucks for the Game Boy Player) and certain options are very pricey (like the OEM GBP startup disc, component output or even HDMI and ODE mods) but a consolizer for your Game Boy (DMG, Color, or Advance) is also an option and can be significantly cheaper. Woozle's GBA consolizer is a great choice if you can find one in stock or you can build a gbaHD.
If you're fine with composite, there are a few "TV Out" kits for GBA too, like the one I showed in this video too. See this video for more info there: youtu.be/JRKyl9EKcSw
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comRetro Pixel Pocketmakho2023-05-20 | I had no idea this thing was dropping today. Unfortunately, they went out of stock pretty quickly but you can sign up for restock notifications.
This kit also comes in a 2.45" version. Features and install are largely identical but bracket and lens will place the LCD in the center. 2.6" is larger but off center when installed with the bracket.
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Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comFunnyPlaying Custom Game Boy Advance Motherboard Replacementmakho2023-05-02 | Now with improved RGB and more reliable gold plated cart slot pins. And the boards come in more fun colors instead of just black.
This is an advanced soldering project. It requires a high level of competency in soldering to successfully transplant the CPU and RAM. Everything else on the board, however, is fully assembled for you.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comGBXCart RW v1.3 Clonemakho2023-04-25 | The original is more reliable and actually less expensive than the clone. Support the original: shop.insidegadgets.com/product/gbxcart-rw
This is a much earlier prototype that HDR sent me to try out. Apparently I have a rare hardware variant that was not actually compatible with his mod but I made it work anyway.
It's not available yet but I'm sure he'll share as soon as it is.
I've installed an ITA kit in a SP previously but that was using engineering sample housing and a modified GBA kit. This is a native SP kit and retail SP housing. youtube.com/watch?v=oWyz4A_g5pU ---
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comGame Boy Advance SP Straight Plate Conversionmakho2023-03-19 | I'm not going to share a link to the shell. If you catch the URL via the screenshots, so be it but please consider supporting original creators: boxypixel.com/collections/game-boy-advance-sp
This housing is made by "Retro Tetra Station" and is largely a clone of BoxyPixel's unhinged.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comWhy Game Boy IPS Kits Flicker #gameboy #gameboycolor #gameboyadvance #nintendo #zelda #retrogamingmakho2023-03-14 | http://makhowastaken.comGame Boy Advance Drop In 720x480 IPS Backlight with OSDmakho2023-03-09 | Pixel Grid Emulation examples: imgur.com/a/rZ3TD0u
Note that this kit has been updated to include the FRM feature. Nothing else has changed, including power usage and install though there is also a fully laminated version too. Some older stock may still be without this feature, depending on where and when you get it. See here for a demo on what FRM does: youtu.be/DOUCSc3DFEM
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Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comLaminated Drop-In 720x480 IPS Backlight with OSD for GBA SP Failure Analysismakho2023-03-07 | This kit: youtube.com/watch?v=IZf62w2Qb0M
Oh and I poked the manufacturer with the reported problem, my analysis, and some suggestions, and they are switching to two strips of double-sided tape hopefully to alleviate this issue. So going forward, this should no longer be an issue.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comEZFlash Omega CR2025 Battery Replacementmakho2023-02-22 | This is dumb. Be better.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comLaminated Game Boy Color IPS Kit (Funnyplaying Q5 v2.7)makho2023-02-11 | Some older kits might still in rotation depending on the lens color and specific vendor.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comGame Boy Advance SP Laminated Drop In 720x480 IPS Backlight with OSDmakho2023-02-03 | Pixel Grid Emulation examples: imgur.com/a/rZ3TD0u
Note that this kit has been updated to include the FRM feature. Nothing else has changed, including power usage and install. Some older stock may still be without this feature, depending on where and when you get it. See here for a demo on what FRM does: youtu.be/DOUCSc3DFEM
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Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comGame Boy Light (MGB-101) Board Up Assemblymakho2023-01-28 | That's the plan at least. Boards from n64freak, housing from Retro Game Repair Shop.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comFunnyplaying 3.0 Laminated IPS Kit for Game Boy Advance FRM Updatemakho2023-01-19 | I've made videos on this kit previously but both videos had older versions of the firmware and did not have all the features implemented. The firmware on this (current retail) iteration has been updated so that the FRM feature does actually work this time and there has been improvements to the touch sensor and OSD function so soldering is totally optional. Full functionality may be achieved via the touch sensor only.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comBuilding a Pocket-Color from Scratchmakho2023-01-17 | I know I said I wouldn't do it but here we are. You asked and I guess I did already have the footage. With much better ways to do this already here (videos soon) or about to release, I'm much more comfortable sharing how I did it.
I also ended up making some custom prints for the IR "window" and power switch bracket. I mentioned in the video, somewhere, that I'd share them. I'll upload to printables shortly and then post links in the description here (likely after premiere).
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Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comDiscussing the Differences Between Game Boy Generationsmakho2023-01-14 | From 1989 through 2005 ish. And maybe a little beyond.
All about Game Boys
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Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comGame Boy Advance Tactile Switch Modmakho2023-01-07 | This looks to be a clone of my AGB_TACT mod but with a few small changes. They scrubbed my name off but had custom membranes made up but otherwise it's unashamedly made from my work.
As is, these are all over aliexpress but I cannot recommend any specific sellers.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comFunnyPlaying Clear Substrate Game Boy Color Button LED Kitmakho2022-12-18 | I installed one of the clear LED button backlight boards from Funnyplaying. Originally, I installed a defective board (on purpose) but I did not realize that the defective board was also sending button inputs periodically. Originally, I wanted to see how feasible it was to solder these boards with regular, high temp solder instead of using the low temp solder that is recommended and the failed QC board was perfect for this.
I recommend the normal yellow or white kits over the clear one, especially if you are not experienced with soldering. This specific clear version is much more difficult to solder.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comGame Boy Color 2.45 Inch Laminated TN LCDmakho2022-12-10 | The Cloud Game Store 2.45" Kit now comes in a laminated version. Install is usually pretty simple but some housings may need to be trimmed.
Funnyplaying Laminated shells should be drop in for this kit or some sellers may include shells that are already modified. OEM shells (including OEM style but aftermarket) and Cloud Game Store shells need to be modified.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comFunnyplaying Game Boy Advance SP Housing - USB C and ITA Backlight (2/2)makho2022-11-24 | "Mirror Clear" Game Boy Advance SP housings from Funnyplaying. This is an engineering sample.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comFunnyplaying Game Boy Advance SP Housing - OEM Fitment (1/2)makho2022-11-24 | "Mirror Clear" Game Boy Advance SP housings from Funnyplaying. This is an engineering sample.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comGlossy Clear Game Boy (DMG) Housingsmakho2022-11-21 | Video on backlight kit: youtube.com/watch?v=ju7LHCQoP7g
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comSwitch Lite Replacement Housing and Laminated Display Assembliesmakho2022-11-14 | I recently did a video like this for the release model Switch and I installed a laminated display assembly there too: youtube.com/watch?v=Ez1_LUCgWBw
I highly recommend installing a laminated display assembly in any units that you have to replace the screen and digitizer in anyway. For anything else, the level of effort involved to replace this otherwise will likely not be worth the relatively minor improvement in LCD clarity.
Hopefully these display assemblies pop up on aliexpress or other international retailers but in the meantime, they are currently available on taobao: item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=654790347940
The specific shell I ordered was from aliexpress in march of 2021 and the listing has since been removed.
I don't recommend the generic Switch Lite buttons on aliexpress. They fit poorly and I ended up swapping them out of my build. I hear the eXtremeRate buttons are much better but I didn't have any at the time or I would have tried them too.
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Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comFunnyplaying 3.0 Laminated IPS Kit for Game Boy Advance [CFR REUPLOAD]makho2022-11-10 | Note, this video has been reuploaded due to a format issue on my end. Original video here: youtu.be/lYEkL80osCM
My previous stream on this kit: youtu.be/15szBgcJDXY Note that the kit shown in the previous stream was an engineering sample with pre-release firmware and not all the features implemented. The kit shown in this video is the final version, for better or worse.
There are some notable improvements over the pre-release version though there are still some quirks that I believe needs addressing. Not all of the features appear to be implemented properly but since the documentation is rather limited, it's hard to say what specifically those features are supposed to do precisely.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comCustom Game Boy Advance Motherboard (with RGB!)makho2022-10-27 | This is a pre-production sample board and some features may NOT be final!
Not to be confused with the n64freak GBA board I did previously: youtube.com/watch?v=55pGYc6LDEQ This is a brand new design intended to be a drop in replacement for the original GBA system board. You will need to salvage a working CPU and SRAM from any model GBA (note that SP CPUs will not work), 32 or 40 pin is irrelevant, and then you should be good to go with any screen that supports 32 pin GBAs (does not support 40 pin screens, even if the CPU came from a 40 pin donor).
The supporting circuitry has been redesigned to address a lot of the flaws with the design of the original circuit and to support modern power handling and audio amplifiers but time will tell how the design ages.
Unlike the n64freak boards, these do come pre-populated with most parts, however, including full aftermarket replacements for nearly every component (amp, cart connector, power management, link port, etc) and new old stock parts for everything else (power switch, L and R buttons).
Sleep may be triggered with the A+B+Select button combo and should work for every single game, including previously unsupported titles.
RGB may be triggered by holding A and B for 2+ seconds.
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Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comGame Boy PoComakho2022-10-23 | Reverse engineered Game Boy Pocket (and a couple other models) schematics: github.com/Gekkio/gb-schematics
Game Boy Color are out there too but not on that repository as they are not reverse engineered schematics.
Do not contact me for help with this project, I will not reply. I do not take commissions nor am I selling these builds.
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Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comGBA SP: How (NOT) to replace the LCD Connectormakho2022-10-09 | If you want to do this proper, you'll want a TOP CONNECT 34 pin FFC with 0.5 pitch. Tray bale or hinge bale is fine, both will work. Tray load is lower profile though and may fit better in most shells.
Need assistance troubleshooting? I don't offer one on one tech support but you can try self-help with the wiki: gameboy.github.io If you need more help than that, I'd recommend joining one of the many discord servers linked there and posting in the various troubleshooting channels. I do not respond to emails or DMs with troubleshooting requests.
I use a handy and free open source test suite for both GB and GBA -- 240p-test-mini. They are both very good for checking alignment, aspect ratio, color reproduction, and other aspects with aftermarket screen kits: github.com/pinobatch/240p-test-mini
I also use mattcurrie's ROM pack for testing colors and scrolling on aftermarket screen kits: mattcurrie.com/gb-lcd-tests.zip
My last test ROM is a leaked internal Nintendo test tool called "AGS Aging". This ROM can be used to verify the SoC is working properly and can be used to fine tune OEM LCDs. I cannot link it but if you search that string, you just might find a link on TCRF.
Confused/intimidated by the sheer number of backlight kits now? I don’t blame you. I had to create a wiki article just to keep everything straight myself. Here's a link to that page if you want to have a look at all the different kits: gameboy.github.io/wiki/backlightmods
The links provided are NOT affiliate links. I have a new affiliate code for RGRS, however. Use code "makho" at checkout for 10% off your order.
I have enabled monetization on my channel to help offset my costs for my videos. I highly recommend using adblock if you think the ads are too intrusive (ublock origin). If you'd like to support me directly, I've created a ko-fi: ko-fi.com/makho
Please do not feel obligated to contribute, what funds I make there will almost entirely be put towards junk food or cat treats or other non-youtube related bullshit I don't need since I run this channel as a hobby anyway.Game Boy Advance Battery Mod but not blatantly unsafemakho2022-10-08 | There is no project link because this is not a public project. Do not ask me or the creator for files. None will be provided.
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Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comDC Regulator Replacement - Game Boy Pocketmakho2022-10-02 | This video was shot almost a year ago. Don't worry, my holiday exchange gift was shipped long ago.
TL;DW, the performance is pretty much on par with the Two Wire Game Boy Advance version of this mod: youtube.com/watch?v=cuqqzCpvwaM
It's definitely serviceable but there's plenty of room for improvement. I still feel that consolizer type mods are the much better implementation when it comes to getting HDMI out of a Game Boy. See https://gamebox.systems/ if you want to look into console conversion kits or just pre-assembled HDMI modded Game Boys.
And because I know it's going to come up, if you want to know how well this works in a Slate (spoiler, it doesn't), I made a video on that too: youtu.be/Exzn93ZrwQs
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Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comDeep Clean Game Boy micro #shorts #nintendo #gameboy #gameboyadvance #pokemonmakho2022-09-11 | ...Game Boy Color USB-C Charging Kit Pro Installationmakho2022-09-01 | This was a retail sample from Gil Tesa and it should be the same as the final retail version provided that there are no real issues with it. You can read more about the project from the github page: github.com/giltesa/Game-Boy-Color-USB-C-Charging-Kit-Pro
This provides a replacement DC regulator which will hopefully increase the efficiency in DC regulation (since no screen rails are generated anymore) but this will only work with aftermarket LCD kits. This also provides an audio amp that is plenty loud and sounds pretty good for a GBC. Last, this provides and interface and charger for an internal LiPo battery.
Do note that simultaneous play and charge is NOT implemented as there is no load switching for the charge IC. Device can only be safely charged when powered off.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comGame Boy Advance ITA Mod Busted Screen Analysis and Repairmakho2022-08-27 | I had taken apart this console while working on the Laminated ITA video (youtu.be/1hd62DPAHKI) in case I needed to steal some parts from it. After the video, I reassembled the console and managed to shatter the LCD in the process. If you saw me tweet a broken GBA, it was probably this one: twitter.com/makhowastaken/status/1557927601850658816
TL;DW, I probably managed to break the LCD by putting too much pressure on the ribbon cable itself by the speaker which then bended the screen enough to crack the panel. Make sure your speaker is seated properly (with the ribbon on top) before finishing assembly and I suspect there will be no issues.
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Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comSwitch Joycon Rail Connector FFC Replacementmakho2022-08-24 | There is, without a doubt, an equivalent or even the OEM part itself on digikey, mouser, and the like but this took the guesswork out of something I didn't feel like putting that much effort into: aliexpress.com/item/2255800555100092.html
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comFunnyplaying LAMINATED ITA Game Boy Advance Backlight Kit (And Shell + Battery Mod)makho2022-08-11 | See my video on the non-laminated version: youtu.be/BJg7DBtOp6o
This update doesn't change too much with the kit itself and aside from the glass being bonded to the LCD, everything should be basically the same as the previous iteration. What is new is the shell itself and the method for installing.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comSlate Assembly Guide Amendmentsmakho2022-08-05 | Some minor corrections to my original assembly guide here: youtu.be/wLqeFlKbvU8
The TL;DR of this update is that the ribbon should be creased. I specifically mentioned in my original video to not crease it but this can be counterproductive in some situations. Additionally, screw tension can be very important so it's prudent to pay attention to the motherboard screws and cart slot screws for button placement.
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Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comDocking Adapter for Game Boy Advancemakho2022-08-03 | The idea is to use it with kits like this: youtu.be/5rQVRYmSSAo
Make sure you PHYSICALLY REMOVE any batteries installed in the console when using this dock, ESPECIALLY alkaline or NiMh batteries. This dock WILL back feed and that can result in exploding battery cells.
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comDSi TFT HDMI Kit for Game Boy Advancemakho2022-08-02 | Trying to capitalize on the success of Funnyplaying's ITA kit, "one chip" is back at it again with yet another imitation. They have created a backlight kit that uses the upper screen of a DSi (which mostly fits into the ITA ready funnyplaying shells but some trimming is still mandatory) and added in an HDMI encoder too for playing on the TV.
There is an optional dock accessory for this kit that allows playing with an external controller and powering the GBA externally and after measuring the power consumption of the HDMI encoder, I'm tempted to say this is a necessity for this kit. I was unsuccessful at getting HDMI out working on any batteries other than LiPo mods or constant voltage AAs like jugees.
The previous iteration of HDMI mod on GBA seems to be much easier on battery life (even working on NiMh no problem) and even a bit easier to do the trim for. Unfortunately, it can be pretty tight with most IPS kits. Also, the scaling on it almost non-existent and results in some quite blurry results on most TVs, not to mention the wrong aspect ratio. See my video here for more info: youtu.be/cuqqzCpvwaM
This kit was actually pretty disappointing. If you want something easier to install with better performance and accessories actually made for it (e.g. a shell that fits without having to trim), the funnyplaying ITA kit is a steal. At half the price, it's an easy sell IMO as long as you don't mind skipping the HDMI: youtu.be/BJg7DBtOp6o
And for comparison on HDMI outputs, I did the GBC version of this kit pretty recently: youtu.be/Q7yilPpq5ag
Please be sure to check my website for more information including some handy links for useful resources, tools I use, and my socials: http://makhowastaken.comNintendo Switch Blue Screen Failuremakho2022-08-01 | I have two Switch consoles that both only boot to a blue panic screen. After cross referencing the panic screen color, I can narrow down the issue to a problem with the nand flash or the SoC/memory modules. But without the specific panic code, it's hard to say for sure. Either way, the casing of the Switch itself tells a story and I can safely assume that the problem is a result of (repeated) fall damage.
So the problem in this particular is theorized to be a bad solder joint on the SoC or one of the memory packages. Since this particular unit seems to boot into RCM mode (but since it's a patched model, I cannot inject any payloads to verify function otherwise), I presume it's a problem with the SoC and not the memory.
Assuming this diagnosis is correct, the fix is simply to repair the busted solder joint. Hopefully it's the solder joint itself and not a ripped pad. However, since this is a BGA part, it's not as simple as just drowning the part in flux and running an iron along the pins.
A proper hot air rework station would make this a lot easier, especially with a board preheater and a nozzle that can apply even heat to the whole SoC (and NOT the rest of the board). I worked around both of these issues albeit at the cost of extra time spent masking the board, heating the board, and then cleaning the board.
Need assistance troubleshooting? I don't offer one on one tech support but you can try self-help with the wiki: gameboy.github.io If you need more help than that, I'd recommend joining one of the many discord servers linked there and posting in the various troubleshooting channels. I do not respond to emails or DMs with troubleshooting requests.
I have a new affiliate code for RGRS -- use code "makho" at checkout for 10% off your order.
I have enabled monetization on my channel to help offset my costs for my videos. I highly recommend using adblock if you think the ads are too intrusive (ublock origin). If you'd like to support me directly, I've created a ko-fi: ko-fi.com/makho
Please do not feel obligated to contribute, what funds I make there will almost entirely be put towards junk food or cat treats or other non-youtube related bullshit I don't need since I run this channel as a hobby anyway.