The only way to check exactly which model you have is to look at the screen.
The original Game Boy Advance SP has a front-lit screen and is the dimmer model called the AGS-001. This frontlight tends to have a dim blue light that can be turned on or off completely.
The later AGS-101 model is the brighter backlit version of the SP. This screen will be very brightly lit and similar to screens of newer models like the DS lite. They also have a dimming button but the light will not turn off completely.
]]>The ribbon is required to get a AGS 101 LCD to work with your GBA motherboard.
We offer a few different types, 32 pin and 40 pin.
To figure out which type of ribbon you'll need you will have to open up the battery cover and look at the number above the battery compartment.
If the number starts with a 1 you will require a 32 pin.
If the number starts with a 0 you will require a 40 pin.
]]>
We offer three different types of save batteries for your games. It can be a bit confusing which one to choose.
CR1616, CR2025, & CR2032
All Game Boy games that use battery back-ups use either CR2025 or CR1616 coin cell batteries. To determine which one your game uses open them up and measure the diameter of the battery. A CR2025 coin cell battery is 20mm wide while a CR1616 coin cell battery is 16mm wide.
All Nintendo NES, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis and Sega 32X games that use battery back-ups use CR2032 batteries and have outward prongs.
CR1616
These are the batteries used only for Game Boy Advance games. They are used in Pokémon Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, Puzzle Challenge, Yellow, and Trading Card Edition plus many other Game Boy games.
You will need a soldering iron to install these. In order to open your game cartridges, you will need a security bit. Game Boy Advance games use a tri-wing security bit.
CR2025
These batteries are used only for Game Boy Color/Original Games.
You will need a soldering iron to install these as well. In order to open your game cartridges, you will need a security bit. GameBoy Original and GameBoy Color games use a 3.8mm nutsetter security bit.
CR2032
This battery is used only for SNES/NES/N64 games. To open your game cartridges you will need a security bit. You will need a soldering iron to install these as well.
All Nintendo NES and Super Nintendo games use a 3.8mm security screw bit to open the game cartridges. Most Sega Genesis games use a 4.5mm security screw bit; however, some use a 3.8mm bit or a variety of other bits. Nintendo 64 games use 3.8mm security bits. Sega 32X games use a 4.5mm security screw bit.
]]>**Please note that we are talking about the outer lens of the screen. This protects the screen from scratches, dust, fingerprints, or anything else that can cause permanent damage to the screen. This is not the LCD screen itself.**
Plastic Lens:
If you have purchased any of our DIY shell replacement kits you can see we automatically include a plastic lens with each kit.
A plastic lens is very versatile and is better for younger console players. It is tougher and withstands everyday use especially if you plan to have your console be more on the go and you just want to put it in your bag and go. We also offer more choices for the plastic lens such as ones with Pokemon, Mario, or other decals.
Some downsides with the plastic lens are that they tend to get scratched very easily and if there are a lot of scratches it can interfere with gameplay. It also is not the best looking when compared to glass.
Glass Lens:
We automatically install a glass lens when making a customized console.
A glass lens is the best option for at home players and older players. A glass lens can take some wear and tear and it is much harder to scratch a glass lens then a plastic one. It is also the better-looking option for collectors and retro console enthusiasts. Glass lens are also the one you will mostly see in our social media posts and what we would personally recommend to most adult users.
Though there are some downsides. A harsh drop can cause the lens to crack. It is not recommended if the main user of the console is a younger child.
]]>