GBA SP repair?

ggallegos1 · Jul 4, 2015

Hey gents,

So I've been playing my GBA SP model 101 and its starting to get annoying. Everytime the console moves just a smidge in my hands, it freezes the game and makes it unplayable. I have absolutely no skill in fixing these things and wouldn't know what to look for, SL if anyone knows the issue and can fix it for me, that would be ideal.

Hell, I'll even buy a cheapo DSlite just to use as a GBA because of the screens. I just want to play me some castlevania!

aha2940 · Jul 4, 2015

ggallegos1 said:
Hey gents,

So I've been playing my GBA SP model 101 and its starting to get annoying. Everytime the console moves just a smidge in my hands, it freezes the game and makes it unplayable. I have absolutely no skill in fixing these things and wouldn't know what to look for, SL if anyone knows the issue and can fix it for me, that would be ideal.

Hell, I'll even buy a cheapo DSlite just to use as a GBA because of the screens. I just want to play me some castlevania!

IMHO, it's difficult to diagnose the issue with your GBA only with your description, however it sounds like something is loose inside. Maybe you can disassemble it (carefully) and take pics of its inside? that way maybe the damage can be seen by somebody with knowledge and can help you fixing it.

Regards.

Xian Xi · Jul 4, 2015

Could be something as simple as cleaning the pins in the cart connector.

cdamm · Jul 4, 2015

if you are not getting a snug fit on the 32pin connector consider something like this to fix: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repairing+Nintendo+Game+Boy+Advance+SP+32-pin+cartridge+connector/18124

its a pain in the ass, but it works.

greedostick · Jul 6, 2015

GBA's are surprisingly easy to work on. Don't be afraid to open it up and clean it really well and go from there. Although probably not related, if you get it working throw a new battery in it too.

Have you tried multiple games?

420p · Jul 7, 2015

And you can always mod a standard GBA with the screen of the 101 you have (or get it modded). I like the shape of the standard GBA more, than the SP btw.

Ninjainspandex · Jul 7, 2015

420p said:
And you can always mod a standard GBA with the screen of the 101 you have (or get it modded). I like the shape of the standard GBA more, than the SP btw.

I agree with this, by far the best thing to do with 101 SPs. You can also get glass screen lenses for the original GBA so it won't scratch in your pocket.

420p · Jul 7, 2015

Oh yeah, glass lens all the way!

DNSDies · Jul 7, 2015

That looks dead-on like my GBA Backlit.
Except, you know, no Mother 3.

ggallegos1 · Jul 7, 2015

Thanks for the info gents I never thought of modding the OG GBA with a 101 screen, I'd love that as I prefer the body of the OG GBA.

I think the problem is the pins, as the game doesn't snap in as snug as other systems. I'll crack it open and check it out

Electric Grave · Jul 7, 2015

420p said:
Oh yeah, glass lens all the way!

Did you do it yourself or did you get it done? How hard is the mod? I'm capable as long as I have some instructions.

aha2940 · Jul 7, 2015

ElectricGrave said:
Did you do it yourself or did you get it done? How hard is the mod? I'm capable as long as I have some instructions.

The glass lens can be found here: http://rosecoloredgaming.com/gameboy-advance.html I did that same mod to my GBA using the kit that was sol at the same place, it was very easy, except for having to solder two wires in very small spots.

Regards.

kuze · Jul 7, 2015

Is there anyone selling the backlit LCDs anymore? Or is a 101 screen the only way to go?

420p · Jul 7, 2015

Nope rosecoloredgaming literally raped the market empty.

Ninjainspandex · Jul 8, 2015

If someone made a kickstarter to make anothher production run of 101 screens I would be all over that.

420p · Jul 8, 2015

Maybe have a look at alibaba for bulk orders
http://m.alibaba.com/trade/search?SearchText=lcd+gba+sp

opt2not · Jul 8, 2015

Count me in on a group order.

DNSDies · Jul 8, 2015

the hardest part of doing the GBA Backlight mod is lining up the converter cable with the screen cable without yanking it out or leaving it too loose.

Hot glue is recommended, as there isn't much play in the flat flex cable and the connector is a little loose, it's also designed so that the point where the 101 screen plugs into the converter rests on a small empty spot of the PCB, but the cable is just barely too long to rest it there comfortably. A small dab of hot glue is recommended again, just to hold it there until the shell is re-assembled and screwed shut.

Soldering the wires is simple, provided you have flux. There are plenty of easy places to grab 3.3V and GND on the GBA original.

Also, if you're doing the glass screen replacement, get some thin double sided tape.

MuppeT · Jul 8, 2015

I got 1-2 sp-101 for parts. If anyone needs for donors let me know.

kuze · Jul 8, 2015

MuppeT said:
I got 1-2 sp-101 for parts. If anyone needs for donors let me know.

PM'd. Thanks in advance

ballzdeepx · Jul 8, 2015

I just decided to roll with a DS Lite when my SP started giving me trouble, other than the non ability to remap buttons, and the screen being a tiny bit underscanned it's totally fine imo.

GBA SP repair?

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