Game Boy Advance SP V2 IPS LCD Installation Guide

Products Used:
Game Boy Advance SP V2 IPS LCD Full Mod Kit

NOTE: Soldering is not necessary for the LCD to work. It will be permanently on brightness level 5 if you do not solder.

STEP 1: Remove the battery cover and lift up the battery to expose the screw behind.

STEP 2: Remove the 2 medium screws at the top and bottom of the back plate and the 4 corner long screws.

NOTE: DO NOT THROW AWAY SCREWS AND KEEP TRACK OF THE PLACEMENT OF SCREWS.

Replacement screws provided are better used for lost or stripped screws. Putting a longer screw in a shorter post can damage the shell.

STEP 3: Remove the back plate and the three short screws that hold the motherboard in place.

STEP 4: Lift the motherboard, and you will notice the LCD ribbon attached to the motherboard.

STEP 5: Carefully lift up the tabs on each side, locking the LCD ribbon in place, and release the ribbon from the motherboard.

STEP 6: Remove the screw holding the hinge cover.

STEP 7: Gently remove the LCD ribbon tab from the slot in the shell.

STEP 8: Remove rubber gaskets around the LCD and remove the screws around the screen

STEP 9: Remove the top plate and lift and remove the LCD. Be careful with the ribbon cable.

NOTE: Follow Steps 10-13 if you are using a new shell. If you are using your original shell, then skip to Step 14

STEP 10: Remove the hinges from your old shell and keep your speaker, battery, and A&B Button pad. Check out our guide on how to remove the hinges.

STEP 11: Remove the old hinge caps and replace them with the new hinge caps.

STEP 12: Install the hinges. Check our other guide on how
to install the hinges.

NOTE: If you are using OEM hinges, then there will be 1 left and 1 right hinge. If you are using replacement hinges, they will work on either side. If you are using 1 OEM hinge and 1 replacement (It is recommended to always use OEM hinges whenever possible, even if you only use one. It will work better than 2 replacement hinges.), then install the OEM hinge first and then the replacement one.

STEP 13: Ensure buttons, speakers, and pads are properly positioned. The A&B replacement pad may cause issues with the ‘B’ button turning. If you experience this, then we recommend that you use your original A&B pad. That should fix the issue. This is not a common issue, but it may happen. Place the cardboard cover back when you flip it to avoid everything falling out. Or do this step after you install the LCD.

STEP 14: Place the LCD on the bezel panel and place the adhesive protective film (yellow clear sticker) on the back of the LCD, covering the metal backing.

STEP 15: Clip the ribbon clasp on the LCD onto the port on the ribbon cable. You may hear a small click. Try not to squeeze too hard, as it may bend the pins, causing damage. If you can not get it to click together, then unclasp it, reset the positioning, and try again.

STEP 16: Use the small adhesive double-sided tape to tape the ribbon cable to the LCD. This keeps it from moving too much.

STEP 17: Attach the foam padding to the top of the LCD. Place the top panel over to protect the LCD. Make sure the top panel is properly cut for this LCD, like in the diagram below.

STEP 18: Turn over the console carefully and loop the ribbon cable into the slot in the panel.

STEP 19: Place the hinge cover over the bottom of the ribbon cable and screw it in. This should hold your ribbon in place.

STEP 20: Place your motherboard and insert the ribbon into the ribbon port on the motherboard.

STEP 21: Make sure the side notches are fully down to lock the ribbon into place.

NOTE: If you have distorted colors or you only have a white screen, most likely the ribbon has moved from its place and is not fully inserted, causing display issues.

STEP 22 [OPTIONAL]: For multiple brightness options, solder the point on the ribbon to point Q12B as displayed below.

STEP 23: Screw the motherboard in using 3 small screws. (Make sure to use the proper screws here)

STEP 24: Place the screw nut (metal square) into the small hole in the back. Then put the back panel on and, using your battery, test the LCD and make sure it turns on properly.

STEP 25: Then place 2 medium screws on the top (behind the battery) and bottom of the back panel, and then 4 long screws on the corners. Insert the battery again and place the battery cover, and screw it in.

STEP 26: Turn over the console and screw in the 5 medium screws on the top panel, and place the gaskets on the screws.

NOTE: If you see white spots on the screen, it is most likely something causing too much pressure on the screen; loosen the screw or check if something is causing pressure under the top panel.