Game Boy Advance USB-C Rechargeable Battery Mod

£55

No fix, no fee · 12-month warranty · Insured, tracked returns

Reasons to book

  • Tired of buying AA batteries
  • Want to charge it with the same USB-C cable as your phone
  • Adding an IPS screen and want easy charging to go with it
  • Worried about AAs leaking and corroding the contacts again
  • Want a GBA you can pick up and play without hunting for batteries

The Game Boy Advance runs on two AA batteries. That's fine until they run out mid-game, or until a pair left in a drawer leaks and corrodes the contacts. A USB-C rechargeable battery mod fits a rechargeable battery pack and a USB-C charging port in place of disposable batteries, so you charge it with the same kind of cable as most modern phones.

I open the console, fit the USB-C port and wire in the charging board and battery pack. Depending on the kit, the battery compartment may be used for the pack. I charge it, check that it charges and turns off properly, then test it on my bench running a game on the new battery before it goes back. You don't need anything special to charge it afterwards: a USB-C cable and a phone charger will do.

This mod is for the original Game Boy Advance, model AGB-001. The SP already has a built-in rechargeable battery, and its charge port can be swapped for USB-C with the SP USB-C charging mod.

There are some honest limits. The mod needs a working console. If yours won't turn on because old batteries have leaked, the battery corrosion repair needs doing first, so book both or get in touch. Mods can't be undone easily. If your GBA is boxed or rare, a mod may reduce its value to collectors. If you're having an IPS screen fitted as well, book them together so the console is only opened once.

For more on how it works and what to expect, read the GBA rechargeable battery mod.

Game Boy Advance USB-C Rechargeable Battery Mod

Frequently asked questions

Can I still use AA batteries after the mod?
Depending on the kit, the battery compartment may be used for the rechargeable pack, so plan on using the USB-C charging instead of AAs.
What cable do I need to charge it?
A USB-C cable, the same kind used by most modern phones.
Is it worth doing with an IPS screen?
It pairs well with one. Booking them together means the console only needs opening once.

Related repairs

About this service

How does your mail-in repair service work?
Three steps: book and pay for your repair online, post your item to me using the packing instructions I email you, and I repair it, test it, and send it back tracked. You'll get updates as it moves through each stage.
What is your no-fix-no-fee promise?
Payment is taken upfront at booking. If I can't fix your item, there's no repair fee — I refund what you paid, less £4.99 return postage to send it back to you. Assessment bookings work differently: the £4.99 covers return postage and comes off the repair if you go ahead, but isn't refunded if you decide not to or it can't be repaired.
Do your repairs come with a warranty?
Yes. Every repair carries a 12-month workmanship warranty against the same fault returning. If it does, I'll put it right.
How long will my repair take?
Most repairs are completed within 3-6 working days of arrival, then posted back by tracked post. If a part needs ordering, I'll tell you as soon as I've diagnosed it and give you a realistic date. Diagnostic-led jobs take a little longer if I'm waiting on your approval of a quote.
How do I package my item safely to post it?
I send clear packing guidance when you book. In short: wrap the item well, use plenty of padding, and a sturdy box — the return leg is insured and tracked, and good packing on the way in protects your item too.
Where do I send my item?
Your postage address is included in the confirmation email after you book — you don't post anything until you've booked, so your item is always matched to your order.
Do you cover the whole UK?
Yes — I run a mail-in repair service, so you can send your item from anywhere in the UK. There's nothing local you need to find.
What if my item turns out to be unrepairable?
I'll tell you honestly and, where the fault allows, offer an alternative. If I can't fix it, there's no repair fee — I refund what you paid, less £4.99 return postage to send it back to you.