A Game Boy Advance SP battery replacement costs £29 with me, including the battery, fitting, testing and an insured, tracked return. The usual sign you need one is an SP that charges but runs flat quickly. If the battery is swollen, don't post it; get in touch first.
Swollen battery warning
Please check this before anything else. If the battery cover on the back of your SP is bulging, the case won't sit flat, or the cover is being pushed out, the battery may be swollen. Stop using and charging the console. A swollen or damaged lithium battery can't be posted with Royal Mail, so get in touch before sending anything, and we'll work out the safest way forward.
Signs your SP battery is worn
The SP has a built-in rechargeable battery, and like any rechargeable battery, it ages. Signs it's past its best:
- It charges as normal, but the SP runs flat far sooner than it used to.
- The power light turns from green to red soon after a full charge.
- The SP switches off without warning, especially when the screen light is on.
- It only works while plugged in.
- The battery or cover looks swollen (see the warning above).
If the SP won't charge at all, the cause may be the charger or the charge port rather than the battery. My guide to a GBA SP that won't charge helps you tell the difference.
What does it cost?
The SP battery replacement is £29. That includes the new battery, fitting it, testing the console on my bench, and an insured, tracked return. You pay the postage to send it to me.
If you'd also like a USB-C charge port and an IPS screen, the SP full upgrade covers all three for £119, about £50 less than booking them separately. Every GBA and SP price is in the Game Boy Advance repair cost guide, and every service is on the Game Boy Advance repair page.
Can I replace the SP battery myself?
Often, yes. The SP battery sits behind a small cover on the back of the console, and replacement packs are widely sold. If you're comfortable with a small screwdriver, it's a reasonable DIY job. A few things to keep in mind:
- Buy from a reputable seller, and check the pack is made for the SP model you have.
- Don't use a battery that looks swollen, dented or damaged, new or old.
- Dispose of the old battery at a battery recycling point, not in household waste.
- If the SP still won't hold charge with a new battery, the fault may be in the charging side instead.
When sending it in makes sense
- You'd rather not open the console yourself.
- You aren't sure whether it's the battery, the port or the charger.
- You want other work done at the same time, such as the USB-C charging mod, which swaps the old-style Nintendo charge port for a USB-C port.
- You'd like the job tested and covered by a warranty.
A word on battery capacity claims
Aftermarket SP batteries are often sold with a capacity printed on them, measured in mAh (milliamp hours). Higher numbers suggest longer play time, and some packs advertise figures well above what you might expect for a battery that size.
It's worth treating big claims with some caution. The printed number depends on the cells inside, and there's no easy way to check it when buying. A pack from a reputable supplier with a sensible rating is a safer bet than the one with the largest number on the label. In practice, any healthy new battery should give a noticeable improvement over a worn one, and that's the main thing.
Mods need a working console
If you're thinking about a USB-C mod or an SP IPS screen mod, the console needs to work first. A tired battery can be done at the same time. If there's another fault as well, get in touch and I'll tell you what makes sense.
Sending it in
Book and pay online, and the confirmation email gives the address and packing guidance. Take out any cartridge and pack the SP in a sturdy box. I fit the battery, test the console, and send it back insured and tracked.
Every repair has a 12-month warranty, and it's no fix, no fee. If I can't fix it, I refund what you paid, less return postage.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know it's the battery and not the charger?
If the charge light comes on and goes off as normal but the SP runs flat quickly, it's usually the battery. If the charge light doesn't come on at all, check the charger and the charge port first.
Can I post my SP if the battery is swollen?
No. Royal Mail won't carry a swollen or damaged lithium battery. Stop using it and get in touch before sending anything.
Will a new battery make my SP last longer than it did when new?
It should bring play time back to something close to a healthy battery. Be cautious of packs that claim much higher capacity, as the printed figure isn't always a reliable guide.
