zh4ckAug 30, 2023
I never had any Game Boy (or even Nintendo product) before. But when I bought my first GBA ~4 months ago, I got addicted to it. And not just the games, but the whole “pimping” possibilities. #gameboy #zelda
Show threadzh4ckAug 30, 2023

So you can buy a new, nice looking shell, what is the big deal? A lot, under the hood.
At first, I was very disappointed that the Game Boy Advance does not have a backlit. I literally missed collectibles because I could not see those without a backlit.

So I bought an IPS panel. And wow, it is a totally different experience.
I also had to buy a new shell to fit the panel, but the old one was ugly anyway.

Show threadzh4ckAug 30, 2023

And next, I started to play on a headphone and boy o boy, the noise is bad. I am no audiophile but even my low expectations were not met. Turns out, the console board generates the noise. Long story short, dehum dehiss kit ftw!

https://www.retrosix.wiki/dehum-dehiss-removing-noise-from-gba-audio

The black thingy in the middle is this kit. You can find the connecting points by searching for crappy soldering 😇 and it really does wonders.

Dehum Dehiss: Removing noise from GBA audio - RetroSix Wiki

- RetroSix Wiki

Show threadzh4ckAug 30, 2023
But while shopping for the dehum dehiss kit, why not add a proper amplifier as well? And I also like the “Puresilence” feature, no volume means no volume.
Show threadzh4ck

Now, with all that extra stuff put inside, the battery life is degraded. But as you might guessed, there is a solution to everything. More power (1500 MAH), less hassle with the USB-C charger.

Not all but most parts are from @retrosixuk , and I can highly recommend them if you are looking forward to pimp your retro console!

Aug 30, 2023 at 5:12pmWeb
Show threadzh4ckAug 31, 2023
Do you know what I love in retro handheld consoles?
Minimal load times.
No OS patches.
No game patches.
Time from first turn on -> game works is ~1 minute.
Try that on a Playstation or similar ...