Introducing the GBA IPS LCD Modification Procedure: Brighten the screen with backlight!

Because of the state of emergency, there were no events to go out to, so I was bored at home.GBA ModsI tried it.
This is a modification to replace the screen with an IPS LCD.
Custom kits are sold on AliExpress and in Akihabara, so please do some research.
Customizing your GBA screen to a backlit LCD has been popular for a few years now, but recently the trend seems to be to install an IPS LCD with a wide viewing angle.

Please note that modifications are not covered by the manufacturer's warranty, so any damage is at your own risk.
I'm sure the manufacturer's warranty has long since expired, but please be careful.

By the way, when we talk about GBA, there are SP, Micro, etc., but the one I modified this time was the original GBA.
This one fits the hand the best, and I think the impact when the screen brightens is greater than with the SP. Surprisingly, it wasn't available in second-hand shops, so I struggled a bit. If you see it cheap, it might be worth buying.

Now let's get started by introducing the steps.

Modified IPS LCD for GBA

break down

Prepare a GBA that is turned on.

First, turn it over and remove the screws.

Please note that a Y-shaped screwdriver is required.

Be careful as there is also one on the inside of the battery cover.

Once you remove the screws the back comes off easily.
Next, remove the LCD screen from the board.

If you push this part up it will come off easily.

By the way, there are 32-pin and 40-pin connection terminals, so be sure to check.

The circuit board is also screwed in place, so if you remove these...

It comes off.

While you're at it, it's a good idea to take this opportunity to clean the speakers and power switch, which tend to collect dirt.

This time we have prepared a shell for modification, so we will not use it, but if you use the original shell, the LCD will come off if you twist it slowly.
However, since the processing required to attach an IPS LCD to the original shell is quite a hassle, we recommend using a modified shell unless you have specific requirements.

LCD installation

Now, let's install the LCD.

Attach the included double-sided sticker to the shell,

Just attach the LCD.
Easy!!
When performing this procedure, make sure to install the LCD so that it is aligned with the right edge.

Add screen brightness adjustment function

Next, let's connect the GBA board and the LCD control board.
If you don't want to bother with soldering, you can skip this step.
After following this procedure, you will be able to adjust the screen brightness by pressing SELECT+L or R.

There should be something like this printed on the LCD screen control board.
Connect each to the GBA board as follows:

L – TP9
R – TP8
SEL-TP2

GND is not used.

Reference images of the GBA-side base plates TP2, 8, and 9

TP2

TP8

TP9

If you can connect like this, you're good to go!

Connecting the screen, control board, and GBA board

Connect the LCD screen and the control board.
Then, connect pin 32 or 40 of the control board to the GBA board.

All that's left is to set the buttons etc. securely and assemble...

Power on!
It started up properly.
Wow, it's bright.
If it doesn't work, check the various connections and solder again.

If there are no particular problems, just put the LCD cover in place and you're done!
Be careful not to let any dust get between the screen and the cover!

So that was the IPS LCD screen modification for the GBA.
There are no particularly difficult modifications required, and even if you're a beginner you should be able to complete it in about an hour, but once you get used to it you should be able to complete it in about 30 minutes, so why not give it a go and enjoy a bright GBA life?