Game Boy Advance & SP Repair

Which one have you got? Turn it over and check the label. The original Game Boy Advance is the landscape one, model AGB-001. The Game Boy Advance SP is the folding clamshell, and it comes in two versions. The AGS-001 is frontlit, meaning a light shines onto the screen from the edge and you switch it on with a button. The AGS-101 is backlit and noticeably brighter. I don't repair the Game Boy Micro (OXY-001). If you're not sure, which Game Boy do I have? walks through the labels.

Upgrades. The original GBA screen has no light of its own, so you need good room light to play it. An IPS mod replaces it with a modern backlit IPS panel, the same kind of screen technology used in most phones. The drop-in IPS screen mod fits the original shell without cutting and comes with a new glass lens. The laminated IPS mod has the glass bonded to the panel, which looks closer to a phone screen, and goes into a new laminated-ready shell. The GBA IPS screen mod explained covers the difference. The USB-C rechargeable battery mod means no more AAs. The sound repair fits a new speaker and an amp board, a small amplifier that gives louder, cleaner sound. On the SP, the SP full upgrade combines an IPS screen, USB-C charging and a new battery.

Repairs. When a GBA won't turn on, a common cause is old AA batteries that leaked and corroded the contacts. The battery corrosion repair deals with that, and GBA won't turn on has checks you can do first. Crackly or missing sound can come from a worn speaker, a dirty volume wheel or headphone socket, or ageing capacitors. A targeted recap, which means replacing those capacitors, can help with the last of these. The buttons, power switch and cartridge slot repair covers sticky buttons, a failing power switch and a console that won't read games. The SP's built-in battery ages, so an SP that won't hold charge needs a battery replacement. One that won't charge at all needs the charging repair. GBA SP won't charge has a few things to try first.

Nintendo doesn't repair these. Nintendo's UK repair booking covers the Switch family only. It doesn't repair any Game Boy Advance, and none of them are under warranty, so independent repair is the only route. I've been repairing electronics for over 25 years.

Before you book a mod. Every mod needs a working console. If yours has a fault as well, book the repair first or get in touch. Mods can't be undone easily. If your console is boxed or rare, a mod may reduce its value to collectors, so it's worth weighing that up first.

Game saves. Most GBA cartridges save to chips that don't need a battery. On Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, and Emerald too, a small battery runs only the real-time clock. When it dies, the game shows "The internal battery has run dry" and time-based events stop, but saving still works. Ruby and Sapphire's internal battery explains more. I replace cartridge batteries through the cartridge save battery replacement service.

Original Game Boy or Color? Those have their own page: Game Boy & Game Boy Color repair.

How every job is covered. Every job is no fix, no fee, with a 12-month warranty. You pay to post it in, and the insured, tracked return is included. If I can't fix it, I refund what you paid, less return postage.