Thanks so much for this video. I just finished this mod and it helped me so much, I think I would've struggled a bit here and there if I would've gone into it blind. I really underestimated how easy it is for little bits of dust getting onto the screen, and when trying to get rid of it with a bit of tape I didn't anticipate that it would leave my fingerprint on the screen (printed on from the tape). In the end a few gentle wipes with a smooth cloth and some blows from a rubber air cleaner thingy worked fine for me. I think my glass lens sits only ~99% flush but I can live with it - that part was really the scariest. I even ordered a spare lens in case I completely mess up. Oh and on that note, buying the bracket and an IPS ready shell was so much worth it, it made this mod really mostly hassle free. When I finished, I realized I completely forgot to put in the diffusor for the power LED, but I just unscrewed everything again and put it in. I did need to do that anyway, since I also wanted to remove the two top screws from the front PCB again (the ones you mentioned as optional) as they were way too tight in a way that I couldn't use the contrast wheel anymore. But everything works perfectly fine without them. In the end I have to say I love this mod so much already, it just looks really, really good. The dot matrix mode and the color changing feature are the cherry on top. Thanks again for this video, as I maybe would never have done this mod without!
Ive been on the fence about starting my modding journey because of overwhelming tutorial videos, but this one is the best ive seen. So concise and easy to follow. Thank you so much for this sir!!
Best and Most current guide thanks. My kit had little screen pcb (was black) already connected to back of screen, so that was one thing for anyone watching. I was too paranoid of getting the screen dirty so put the glass on the case then dropped the assembled screen and jig in, so I didn't have to worry about touching the screen during rest of assembly ( I am sure you have a reason for not doing it this way ) . Getting that inner layer off the inside of the glass is by far the worst part of this kit. Will buy some extra glass screens next time incase.
Yes, these types of screen upgrade kits are really easy to install nowadays. But unless you're very careful and you can ensure that you're working in a dust-free environment, it can be difficult to avoid annoying little blemishes like dust & fingerprints. So I agree with your suggestion to install the lens, make sure its inward facing surface is very clean, then quickly lay the screen in. That way there's less risk of getting any fingerprints on them, dust & dander getting trapped between the screen and the lens, etc.
I came back to this video after you're latest upload of the miyoo v4, this looks so well done i ordered the v5 kit with a precut clear shell i can,t wait for it to arrive :)
I've still to install a single IPS screen. Holding out for the day I can hire you to just live in a shed in my mansion and modify all of my bits and pieces.
I found a Gameboy deep in the woods. It was in a giant Gameboy style case with a bunch of games. It had a charger and no batteries inside. The screen was shot but it actually powered on and was in really amazing shape for having survived at least 20 years, if not more out in the woods. I just need the front motherboard and screen if you happen to have some extras I could purchase? I'll have to share the video of when I found it with you.
I got it done successfully thanks so much. My speaker wires were actually red and black and the terminals were marked + and - thanks again for the great help & content
Great and easy video to follow. Thank you for this. I just restored a non-working Gameboy and will be replacing the screen and case soon. This helps a ton.
Awesome vid! I followed the links above to get the kit and the install went perfectly except I didn't realize the glass lens isn't included in the case kit or the IPS screen kit - worth mentioning or linking to it above!
Hi Joe. I'm doing this right now, love this guide. Question... when soldering the speaker to the front board, both of my wires are the same colour... does it make a difference what side hole each wire goes to?
Great instructional video! 👍🏼Ive just inherited a dmg with battery corrosion damage to the rear board and would definitely like to see a troubleshooting video for it!
Did you have issues with the responsiveness of the buttons after installing this panel and PCB? I have a slightly different kit and the button presses need to be very firm compared to the original. I've check it is all secured down correctly.
Once the lens is on there's nothing you can do about the dust. Also the IPS is recessed but the glass lens is flush so that's more likely to get knocked. But the dust is the main thing.
@@RavenTheLabrador not yet! Getting around to things is always something I struggle with. I did record some footage but never edited anything worth posting yet
It varies but usually around 30awg. Thicker gives a more solid signal but makes it pinch more when you reassemble which can cause interference. Thinner wire makes it easier to close it all up with no pinching but may not be as reliable in terms of audio signal. That said when you look at some of the thin traces on the PCB, it's not really that crucial to have thinner wires, it's usually helped avoid more problems than it's caused
@@JoeBleeps wow that was a quick reply, thank you man! I ordered a bunch of parts to do this myself using your video, so I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge like this. The wire was the last piece I needed. Thanks again dude!
hi i have some questions, where did you buy the kit? the only ones i can find they do not have the screen cover for the casing,and dont you need another voltage regulator? like to hear from you. kind regards en greatings from belgium.
The parts I used are all linked in the description, maybe links are out of date but that's still a good website to use, took a delivery from them today in fact
Joe you're too good to us! Do you think you could do any videos addressing specifically the use of LSDJ/flash carts on modded consoles? My understanding is that things like the EZ Flash JR are very picky when placed in consoles with IPS displays
I suppose I'd have to have a decent range of flash carts. Maybe if I get an ez flash it's worth a try. In the meantime I'll try it with Everdrive, EMS and Drag n Derp to see how it behaves!
@@JoeBleeps That'd be awesome! My buddy is having a heck of a time trying to use a GB Pocket with this cart and it's making me hesitant to do any modding to my DMG
@@Two-Eyed_Boy ahhh yes that's specific to the pocket. I've had a nightmare with mine. The power drain was very finely calibrated on the original unit, so the extra strain from the screen and the cart causes a lot of problems. No such issues with the DMG or Color
Double check that the ribbon cable is seated correctly in its slot and also that the tiny connector for the screen to the ribbon is snapped together in the right spot
@@goemon74 it's just that sometimes if the ribbon isn't seated right you'll get some bit not all of the connections working. My first step in these cases is to disconnect and reconnect all the links one by one.
I think this is a more "official" type one, I've not tried the V5 yet but it's a more generic product from what I've gathered, as opposed to the FunnyPlaying kits
There's not a lot of soldering involved with these things and it's often just for the brightness control, so without it, the screen will default to maximum brightness
Does anyone make an original Gameboy shell (I’m talking with the slanted Gameboy speaker grill/chunky case) for a Gameboy colour mod? That’s what we all want!
Hi, thanks for the video, it helped a lot! What I noticed is that after I modded the gameboy with this kit, my power Adapter doesn't seem to work anymore. Only works on batteries, once I actually plug in the adapter the Gameboy shuts off. It was working fine before it was modded. Did you test this with an adapter by any chance? No clue what's going on here.
Not on these shells. It's a copyright issue. There are cheaper shells available with the logo, some look better than others, but with the shells moulded specifically to require no cutting there won't be a logo. There is one manufacturer that has "for Nintendo Game Boy" printed on them but that looks even worse imo. I personally like the clean look with no logo but I appreciate it takes away a little of the nostalgic authenticity. But then, the IPS screen does that too haha
Definitely! If you've got one that works, it's worth keeping that way. There are enough kits around that can be used with a broken or faulty Gameboy for mods
Thanks so much for this video. I just finished this mod and it helped me so much, I think I would've struggled a bit here and there if I would've gone into it blind. I really underestimated how easy it is for little bits of dust getting onto the screen, and when trying to get rid of it with a bit of tape I didn't anticipate that it would leave my fingerprint on the screen (printed on from the tape). In the end a few gentle wipes with a smooth cloth and some blows from a rubber air cleaner thingy worked fine for me. I think my glass lens sits only ~99% flush but I can live with it - that part was really the scariest. I even ordered a spare lens in case I completely mess up. Oh and on that note, buying the bracket and an IPS ready shell was so much worth it, it made this mod really mostly hassle free. When I finished, I realized I completely forgot to put in the diffusor for the power LED, but I just unscrewed everything again and put it in. I did need to do that anyway, since I also wanted to remove the two top screws from the front PCB again (the ones you mentioned as optional) as they were way too tight in a way that I couldn't use the contrast wheel anymore. But everything works perfectly fine without them. In the end I have to say I love this mod so much already, it just looks really, really good. The dot matrix mode and the color changing feature are the cherry on top. Thanks again for this video, as I maybe would never have done this mod without!
Thanks for your detailed feedback! I'm really glad the video helped
Ive been on the fence about starting my modding journey because of overwhelming tutorial videos, but this one is the best ive seen. So concise and easy to follow. Thank you so much for this sir!!
Thank you! I have a new video coming soon that should walk you through what I think is the easiest game boy build to get anyone started in the hobby
Thank you so much for this. So many guides out there don't explain anything and your detailed explanation helped me a ton in my DMG build!
Great to hear! Thanks
Mine is currently being shipped, cannot WAIT!!!
Ahhh awesome
Best and Most current guide thanks. My kit had little screen pcb (was black) already connected to back of screen, so that was one thing for anyone watching. I was too paranoid of getting the screen dirty so put the glass on the case then dropped the assembled screen and jig in, so I didn't have to worry about touching the screen during rest of assembly ( I am sure you have a reason for not doing it this way ) . Getting that inner layer off the inside of the glass is by far the worst part of this kit. Will buy some extra glass screens next time incase.
Yes, these types of screen upgrade kits are really easy to install nowadays. But unless you're very careful and you can ensure that you're working in a dust-free environment, it can be difficult to avoid annoying little blemishes like dust & fingerprints. So I agree with your suggestion to install the lens, make sure its inward facing surface is very clean, then quickly lay the screen in. That way there's less risk of getting any fingerprints on them, dust & dander getting trapped between the screen and the lens, etc.
I came back to this video after you're latest upload of the miyoo v4, this looks so well done i ordered the v5 kit with a precut clear shell i can,t wait for it to arrive :)
I'm gasping at the jam jars parts storage idea. Brilliant
Ahh thanks! It's proven very handy!
I've still to install a single IPS screen. Holding out for the day I can hire you to just live in a shed in my mansion and modify all of my bits and pieces.
Mate with these shells and brackets it feels like cheating
@@JoeBleeps Pricey but! In my day we used to glue in a single LED and be done with it.
@@StephenMcLeod very pricey. Worth it though, I'd say
Now they even have a LED color changing logo on it. Thanks for making this.
Realy like the looks of this one, bought an dmg last week fixed vertical likes on the screen :) it,s a great hobby !
You're doing great work
I found a Gameboy deep in the woods. It was in a giant Gameboy style case with a bunch of games. It had a charger and no batteries inside. The screen was shot but it actually powered on and was in really amazing shape for having survived at least 20 years, if not more out in the woods. I just need the front motherboard and screen if you happen to have some extras I could purchase? I'll have to share the video of when I found it with you.
What a find! If you buy one of these IPS kits you'll have everything you need to fix it up
nice story!
Wow, I lost my Gameboy in the woods!!
Beats razor blades and peeling off polarising film like the old days! What a stunning end-product!!
Doesn't it just! I did love the sense of achievement from dismantling and rebuilding the original LCDs though. Proper mad professor stuff
@@JoeBleeps yes but I never want to do that again 😂
@@brianellerker9038 true lol
I got it done successfully thanks so much. My speaker wires were actually red and black and the terminals were marked + and - thanks again for the great help & content
Oh that makes it easier or at the very least you can be confident you are doing it correctly 😁
Just did my first one! Thanks for the walkthrough brother🤘
Awesome! I hope it went well
Great and easy video to follow. Thank you for this. I just restored a non-working Gameboy and will be replacing the screen and case soon. This helps a ton.
Fantastic! Good luck and thanks for stopping by
thanks for clear descriptions, it's a little disconcerting seeing everything done left handed!
Woh, a lot of dexterity needed for that, I can see why fully modded handhelds sell for so much, worth it though 👌
Totally worth it 😁
hello, how is affected the battery life with this mod? a little bit or more? thanks
Sounds like a fun project: CPU board, clean power, plastic case, headphone board, ips osd, and caps...
Nice job 🤘😎
Thanks!
Awesome vid! I followed the links above to get the kit and the install went perfectly except I didn't realize the glass lens isn't included in the case kit or the IPS screen kit - worth mentioning or linking to it above!
Ahh I'm sorry about that, it's a while since I did the build, I'll have a look
Who knew that in 2023 that I would be watching, and planning on building my own Gameboy....
😁 go for it!
I just wish that they made a replacement screen that was exactly like the original, but maybe with a back light.
Hi Joe. I'm doing this right now, love this guide. Question... when soldering the speaker to the front board, both of my wires are the same colour... does it make a difference what side hole each wire goes to?
On a very technical level yes but in general it doesn't matter. You can wire it either way and it will work just fine.
@@JoeBleeps thanks Joe
Great instructional video! 👍🏼Ive just inherited a dmg with battery corrosion damage to the rear board and would definitely like to see a troubleshooting video for it!
I would like a troubleshooting guide if you haven’t already
Great work, Joe! Very thorough and insightful.
Of course you added in the prosound mod as well! Nice touch 😁
Thanks so much!
Did you have issues with the responsiveness of the buttons after installing this panel and PCB? I have a slightly different kit and the button presses need to be very firm compared to the original. I've check it is all secured down correctly.
@@adamsimsy it was okay but if you have issues like this try using the original silicone membranes, that's what I've often done
Cheers on another great video!
Thank you very much!
why not put the glass screen on first? that way the new ips screen is exposed less
Once the lens is on there's nothing you can do about the dust. Also the IPS is recessed but the glass lens is flush so that's more likely to get knocked. But the dust is the main thing.
@@JoeBleeps yeah that's why I asked.. put the screen then IPS on immediately and there's less dust.. your way and its exposed to dust, fingers, etc..
I wish it worked out that way but the dust always has a habit of getting in there! That's why I'm such a fan of the laminated screens now
Job Lad!!
Thank you!
I got three DMGs but sadly unable to test it properly. Please do create a video that would help me troubleshoot the rear board. thank you :)
Thank you for the video.... can you add a type c rechargeable battery?
It can be done but I prefer using the 4xAA batteries, for the nostalgia as well as the weight feeling right. I use IKEA rechargeables, they are great!
Learning how to troubleshoot individual parts would save a lot of headaches and time, and probably money, so I'm all for a guide on how to.
I'll put that on my to-do list! Thanks!
@@JoeBleeps did you ever get around to it ?
@@RavenTheLabrador not yet! Getting around to things is always something I struggle with. I did record some footage but never edited anything worth posting yet
@@JoeBleeps ok no problem was just curious if you had done it yet or not.🙂👍✌
Watching from Philippines
What size/type of wire did you use for the sound mod?
It varies but usually around 30awg. Thicker gives a more solid signal but makes it pinch more when you reassemble which can cause interference. Thinner wire makes it easier to close it all up with no pinching but may not be as reliable in terms of audio signal. That said when you look at some of the thin traces on the PCB, it's not really that crucial to have thinner wires, it's usually helped avoid more problems than it's caused
@@JoeBleeps wow that was a quick reply, thank you man! I ordered a bunch of parts to do this myself using your video, so I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge like this. The wire was the last piece I needed. Thanks again dude!
@@vangoghsseveredear no problem! Good luck!
Can you send links on where to get the parts
Sigh I was hoping the IPS shell has the Nintendo Game Boy logo printed on the front... why was it removed here
It will be for copyright reasons. I'm sure there will be some out there from other manufacturers with the logo on
Does this work for the old shell? I want the nintendo gameboy words there but the one you used doesnt have them.
There are kits that work with the original shell too
hi i have some questions, where did you buy the kit? the only ones i can find they do not have the screen cover for the casing,and dont you need another voltage regulator?
like to hear from you.
kind regards en greatings from belgium.
ZedLabz are always good for this stuff in the UK at least, and Retro Gaming Parts too. I didn't need a new voltage regulator
The parts I used are all linked in the description, maybe links are out of date but that's still a good website to use, took a delivery from them today in fact
Any soldering required for the dmg?!
is there more info on the sound mod? anyone have a link?
th-cam.com/video/j2xoeR_nPfo/w-d-xo.html
Hope that helps you 😊
@@JoeBleeps thanks!
@@sclr you're welcome
Joe you're too good to us!
Do you think you could do any videos addressing specifically the use of LSDJ/flash carts on modded consoles? My understanding is that things like the EZ Flash JR are very picky when placed in consoles with IPS displays
I suppose I'd have to have a decent range of flash carts. Maybe if I get an ez flash it's worth a try. In the meantime I'll try it with Everdrive, EMS and Drag n Derp to see how it behaves!
@@JoeBleeps That'd be awesome! My buddy is having a heck of a time trying to use a GB Pocket with this cart and it's making me hesitant to do any modding to my DMG
@@Two-Eyed_Boy ahhh yes that's specific to the pocket. I've had a nightmare with mine. The power drain was very finely calibrated on the original unit, so the extra strain from the screen and the cart causes a lot of problems. No such issues with the DMG or Color
Hi Just did this mod but my screen stays black. I do hear the sound. Any idea what I could've done wrong?
Double check that the ribbon cable is seated correctly in its slot and also that the tiny connector for the screen to the ribbon is snapped together in the right spot
Everything is connected right as there is power flowing through te screen as the back is illuminated but the front remains black
@@goemon74 it's just that sometimes if the ribbon isn't seated right you'll get some bit not all of the connections working. My first step in these cases is to disconnect and reconnect all the links one by one.
Joe I’m noticing yours has the same flicker issue and apparently it’s because it the screen itself has bad image retention
I've found it varies from one game boy to the next; it could be a capacitor issue maybe
@@JoeBleeps Maybe, I’ll buy a capacitor replacement kit to be sure
What size wire did you use
I think it's 28awg, I like to use thin flexible wire.
I just checked and the wire I use most often is a set of Tuofeng 30awg wire from Amazon. I'll add it to my storefront.
Is this a better Display than the IPS V5 Display? Sorry im new to modding :)
I think this is a more "official" type one, I've not tried the V5 yet but it's a more generic product from what I've gathered, as opposed to the FunnyPlaying kits
@@JoeBleeps thank you. where do you got the red and the blue wire from, to apply the sound mod?
Do you have to solder?
There's not a lot of soldering involved with these things and it's often just for the brightness control, so without it, the screen will default to maximum brightness
How’s the battery life?
It's surprisingly good! Obviously not as good as the original but plenty of battery life
Does anyone make an original Gameboy shell (I’m talking with the slanted Gameboy speaker grill/chunky case) for a Gameboy colour mod? That’s what we all want!
I don't think so but I agree that would be awesome
Hi, thanks for the video, it helped a lot! What I noticed is that after I modded the gameboy with this kit, my power Adapter doesn't seem to work anymore. Only works on batteries, once I actually plug in the adapter the Gameboy shuts off. It was working fine before it was modded. Did you test this with an adapter by any chance? No clue what's going on here.
Looks weird without the "Nintendo Game BOY" logo on the shell.
I agree with that; it does look clean though. I've seen some that say "for Nintendo Game Boy" on them and that looks wrong too
Hello, do you sell Gameboys? Thank you.
theres no logo though ?
Not on these shells. It's a copyright issue. There are cheaper shells available with the logo, some look better than others, but with the shells moulded specifically to require no cutting there won't be a logo. There is one manufacturer that has "for Nintendo Game Boy" printed on them but that looks even worse imo. I personally like the clean look with no logo but I appreciate it takes away a little of the nostalgic authenticity. But then, the IPS screen does that too haha
Is this unit for sale?
I have a black case one for sale on my eBay , same exact mods. DM me if interested
I prefer keep it original 😎
Definitely! If you've got one that works, it's worth keeping that way. There are enough kits around that can be used with a broken or faulty Gameboy for mods