ByteRot :: How to Reshell Your Game Boy Advance SP

BYTEROT - retro PCs, consoles and lost software

Get an account

Accounts are free. Join #retro on irc.fxnet.org, identify with NickServ and type !req.

[ how ]

IRC

#retro on irc.fxnet.org
6697 ssl · 6667 plain
modern + vintage clients welcome

[ vintage how-to ]

Sections

OS 1,075

DRIVERS 61

SOFTWARE 22

GAMES 10

UTILS 37

DOCS 561

INCOMING 0

REQUESTS 0

LIBRARY 25,406 files

Some stats

releases	1,766
last 24h	+750
online	404.1 GB
library	1.2 TB
members	0
updated	2026-10-04 23:30

How to Reshell Your Game Boy Advance SP

Device	Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP
Difficulty	Moderate
Time	1 - 3 hours
Steps	70

This guide is by Spencer Day on iFixit and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0. ByteRot mirrors it for non-commercial preservation: formatting changed and photos resized for old browsers; full-size photos and the text are on the FTP in /DOCS/REPAIR. Original guide >>

Follow this guide to completely reshell your Game Boy Advance SP.

Reshelling your Game Boy Advance SP involves swapping out its outer plastic housing and transferring the internals, typically for customization.

This process replaces the both shells, and may also include new buttons, membranes, and the screen lens. You can also opt to replace or upgrade the screen and motherboard during this process. However, this guide doesn't cover any soldering (https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+To+Solder+and+Desolder+Connections/750), which is typically required for screen and motherboard upgrades.

The Game Boy Advance SP uses JIS screws. If you use a non-iFixit Phillips driver in JIS screws, you'll risk stripping them. iFixit's Phillips bits are designed to be compatible with JIS screws.

Tools: iFixit Precision Bit Driver; JIS 00 Screwdriver Bit; Tri-point Y0 Screwdriver Bit; Spudger; Angled Tweezers; Flush Cutter; FixHub

Step 1 :: Prepare your Game Boy for disassembly

• Slide the power switch to the OFF position and unplug any cables.
• If you have a game cartridge in, remove it.

Step 2 :: Remove the battery cover

• Use a JIS 00 screwdriver to loosen the captive screw securing the battery cover.
• NOTE: You can try to use a non-iFixit Phillips driver in a pinch, but you risk damaging or stripping the screw. Push down firmly on the driver and twist slowly.

Step 3

• Lift the edge of the cover near the screw and remove the cover.

Step 4 :: Remove the battery

• Use your finger to lift the battery by the tab on its left edge, then remove it.

Step 5 :: Remove the bottom shell

• Use a tri?point Y0 screwdriver to remove the six screws securing the bottom shell:
• Four 6.3 mm?long recessed screws
• Two 4.6 mm?long screws

Step 6

• Lift the bottom shell straight up and remove it.

Step 7 :: Remove the motherboard screws

• Use a JIS 00 screwdriver to remove the three 4.1 mm?long screws securing the motherboard.

Step 8 :: Remove the power switch cover

• Use your fingers to lift and remove the power switch cover.

Step 9 :: Prop up the motherboard

• Place a sturdy object such as a stack of books or tool case along the edge of your Game Boy with the hinges.
• Use your fingers to gently flip the motherboard over the hinges and prop it up.

Step 10 :: Remove the silicone pads

• Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the four silicone pads covering the buttons (A and B, D?pad, brightness, and Start/Select).
• NOTE: If any of the pads are missing, they may be stuck to their corresponding spot on the motherboard.

Step 11 :: Remove the buttons

• Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the buttons (A and B, D?pad, brightness, and Start/Select).

Step 12 :: Remove the speaker

• Use the point of a spudger or a clean fingernail to lift the speaker until you can grip it with your fingers.
• Remove the speaker.

Step 13

• Remove the circular mesh from the speaker recess and set it aside--the piece can easily fall out and get lost when working.

Step 14 :: Prop up the main body

• CAUTION: Be careful not to strain the screen cable during the next few steps--it has very little slack.
• NOTE: You need to prop up the main body of your Game Boy in order to disconnect the screen cable without straining it. Here are two ways to do so:
• Option 1: Open the main body of your Game Boy to a 90?degree angle and gently lay the motherboard down. Make sure the main body is resting on top of the motherboard to give the cable slack.
• Option 2: Keep the main body closed and prop it up on the edge of the logic board, using a sturdy object to hold it up.

Step 15 :: Disconnect the screen cable

• Use the point of a spudger to push the two tabs on either side of the screen cable connector into the unlocked position.
• NOTE: Only push the tabs until they stop. If you push them too far, you may slide the locking tab off the connector.

Step 16

• Use a pair of tweezers to gently slide the screen cable out of its socket.

Step 17 :: Remove the motherboard

• Remove the main body from the motherboard.

Step 18 :: Open your Game Boy

• Open your Game Boy to a 90?degree angle and set it down so the screen is facing up.

Step 19 :: Remove the rubber screw covers

• Use a pair of angled tweezers to pry up and remove all five rubber screw covers.
• NOTE: Removing old, brittle covers without damaging them can be tricky. Make sure to pry gently between the cover's edge and the frame--don't dig into the cover itself.

Step 20 :: Remove the screen screws

• Use a tri?point Y0 screwdriver to remove the five 4.7 mm?long screws securing screen shells together.

Step 21 :: Close the main body

• Fully close your Game Boy (the button cutouts should be on top).

Step 22 :: Remove the hinge cover screw

• Use a JIS 00 screwdriver to remove the 6.3 mm?long screw securing the hinge cover.
• NOTE: You may need to use your free hand to hold the screen cable out of the way.

Step 23 :: Flip your Game Boy over

• Flip your Game Boy over.

Step 24 :: Remove the hinge cover

• Use your fingers to lift and remove the hinge cover.

Step 25 :: Remove the top shell

• NOTE: Depending on the age of your device, the screen may stay attached to its outer shell. If it does, make sure to thread the cable through its cutout while removing the shell.
• Use your fingers to lift and remove the outer screen shell.

Step 26 :: Remove the screen

• Use your fingers to lift and remove the screen, threading the cable through its cutout.
• NOTE: If your screen stayed attached to the shell, you may need to gently pry it up with a spudger before removing it.

Step 27 :: Partially separate the hinges

• CAUTION: Don't try to force the hinges out of their sockets--you may damage the hinges, crack the shell, or injure yourself.
• Use the flat end of a spudger to push both hinges partially out of their sockets.
• NOTE: You only need to push the hinges out until you feel them click into place.

Step 28 :: Open the shell

• Full open the shell of your Game Boy.

Step 29 :: Remove the right hinge

• Use the point of a spudger to push the right hinge fully out of its socket and remove it.

Step 30 :: Remove the screen bezel

• Use your fingers to gently lift the right side of the screen bezel.
• Pull the screen bezel to the right--so it slides out of the left hinge--and remove it.

Step 31 :: Remove the left hinge

• Use your finger to push the left hinge out of its socket and remove it.

Step 32 :: Disassembly complete

• NOTE: Congratulations on disassembling your Game Boy! The remaining steps will show you how to transfer everything into your new shells.

Step 33 :: Install new hinge caps

• NOTE: If your kit comes with replacement hinges, you can skip this step. Otherwise, follow this step to install new hinge caps.
• Use your fingers to firmly slide the plastic caps off of the hinges, at a perpendicular angle to the hinge.
• NOTE: This may take some force, as the caps fit very tightly on the hinges.
• Slide your new caps onto the hinges until they click into place.
• NOTE: The caps are grooved so you can only slide them on when they're in the proper orientation.

Step 34 :: Modification information

• NOTE: For some IPS screen upgrades, you may need to make modifications to your replacement outer screen shell, or the screen itself. If you're using the original screen, you don't need to make modifications. Check your kit or the website you purchased it from for specific instructions before making any modifications.
• Some IPS screens are bigger than the original. You may need to use flush cutters to trim one of the plastic side rails to make room for your replacement screen.
• Your replacement screen may come with a small extra board and ribbon cable(s). The board will likely need to be adhered to the back of the screen, and the ribbon cable will connect to the board. Check the board and any cables for adhesive backings, and follow any manufacturer instructions.

Step 35 :: Remove any protective screen liners

• Make sure your screen has the large foam pad (https://handheldlegend.com/products/foam-piece-for-game-boy-advance-sp-lcd?_pos=1&_sid=a6e64d3fc&_ss=r) installed on the backside.
• If you're installing a new screen, remove any protective liners.

Step 36 :: Lay the screen in place

• NOTE: Remember, there are two screen shells--make sure you're laying the screen into the inner shell, with a cutout for the screen.
• Lay the screen display?side-down into its inner shell, so the cable is near the hinge sockets.

Step 37 :: Loop the screen cable

• Carefully twist the screen cable to make one loop and hold it in place.

Step 38 :: Install the exterior shell

• While keeping the screen cable looped, use your free hand to place the exterior screen shell into place over the screen.

Step 39 :: Flip the shells over

• CAUTION: Nothing is securing the shells together. Be careful not to let them separate, or the screen may fall out.
• Hold the screen shells firmly together and flip them over so the screen is facing up.
• Continue holding the two halves of the screen shell together for the next step.

Step 40 :: Install the screen screws

• Use a tri?point Y0 screwdriver to install the five 4.7 mm?long screws securing the screen shells together.

Step 41 :: Install the rubber screw covers

• Use your finger to install the five rubber screw covers, pushing them firmly into place.
• NOTE: These don't usually need any adhesive--they stay secured on their own.

Step 42 :: Remove the buttons

• If your replacement button shell has silicone pads and buttons installed, use tweezers or your fingers to remove them and set them aside for now.
• NOTE: This prevents the buttons from falling out and getting lost while you work on the shell in the next steps.

Step 43 :: Fit the shells together

• Hold the screen in one hand and the button shell in the other.
• Thread the screen cable through its cutouts, slide the hinge sockets into place, and fully close the shells together.
• CAUTION: Check that the screen cable isn't pinched.

Step 44

• Use your fingers to partially insert both hinges in their sockets, only pushing them until they stop.

Step 45 :: Fully open your Game Boy

• Fully open your Game Boy and hold the screen in place.

Step 46 :: Install the hinges

• Use your finger to push the hinges fully into their sockets--they should click into place.
• NOTE: Gently open and close your Game Boy to make sure the hinges are correctly installed.

Step 47 :: Close your Game Boy

• Close your Game Boy.

Step 48 :: Put the hinge cover into place

• Use your fingers to put the hinge cover into place, with the screw hole closest to the screen.

Step 49 :: Flip your Game Boy over

• Hold the hinge cover and main body together and flip your Game Boy over, so the button cutouts face up.

Step 50 :: Install the hinge cover screw

• Use a JIS 00 screwdriver to install the 6.3 mm?long screw securing the hinge cover.
• NOTE: You may need to use your free hand to hold the screen cable out of the way.

Step 51 :: Transfer the LED diffuser

• If your replacement button shell doesn't have an LED diffuser (https://guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com/igi/IwUekq2IKTW1swkv.full) installed, transfer it from your original shell to the new one.

Step 52 :: Prop up the main body

• NOTE: You'll need to prop up the main body of your Game Boy in order to reconnect the screen cable to the motherboard. Here are two ways to do so:
• Option 1: Open the main body of your Game Boy to a 90?degree angle. With the screen facing up, rest the hinges on the edge of the motherboard closest to the screen cable connector.
• Option 2: Place the motherboard next to a sturdy object, such as a stack of books or tool case, so the side with the screen cable connector is up against it. With the Game Boy closed, prop it up so the hinges are on the motherboard and the screen cable is near its connector.

Step 53 :: Connect the screen cable

• NOTE: Before inserting the screen cable, make sure both sides of the connector's tab are pushed into the unlocked position.
• Use a pair of tweezers to slide the screen cable fully into its connector.

Step 54

• With one hand, hold the screen cable in place with a pair of tweezers--make sure it's fully inserted in the connector.
• NOTE: The screen cable will tend to slide out of its socket since there's very little slack. If it slides out slightly, your screen may not work.
• With your free hand, use the point of a spudger to push both sides of the connector's tab into the locked position.

Step 55 :: Flip the main body over

• CAUTION: Be careful when repositioning your Game Boy. The motherboard is only attached by the screen cable--don't strain the cable.
• With the Game Boy closed, place it screen-down on your work surface.
• Place a sturdy object along the edge of your Game Boy with the hinges.
• Use your fingers to gently flip the motherboard over the hinges and prop it up.

Step 56 :: Install the speaker

• Place the speaker mesh into the speaker recess.
• With the gold spring contacts facing up, place the speaker into its recess.

Step 57 :: Install the buttons and silicone pads

• Use tweezers or your fingers to place all the buttons into their recesses.
• NOTE: The action and brightness buttons are keyed specifically for their recesses and proper orientation.
• Lay the four silicone pads into place over the buttons.

Step 58 :: Lay the motherboard down

• Use your fingers to gently lower the motherboard into place, making sure all the screw posts (https://guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com/igi/yX2RjttQDWJHdRj4.full) go through their cutouts.

Step 59 :: Install the motherboard screws

• NOTE: If your kit includes replacement screws, install them during reassembly. The screw lengths or bit sizes may vary slightly--use the quantity of each type to determine placement, keeping in mind that each set may include an extra screw.
• Use a JIS 00 screwdriver to install the three 4.1 mm?long screws securing the motherboard.

Step 60 :: Remove the power switch cover

• If the power switch cover is preinstalled in the new bottom shell, remove it--you'll install it in the next step.
• NOTE: The cover needs to be aligned properly over its switch, which is much easier to do with your fingers rather than trying to align it while putting the bottom shell on.

Step 61 :: Install the power switch cover

• Use your fingers to put the power switch cover (notched side up) into place so the cutout goes around the actual switch.
• Gently slide the cover back and forth to make sure it's positioned properly and moving the switch.
• NOTE: If the switch isn't properly in its cutout, you won't be able to power on your Game Boy.

Step 62 :: Bottom shell components

• NOTE: The bottom shell needs the small, metal captive nut/screw boss installed in the center for the battery cover screw to go into. Your kit may come with a new one, or you may need to transfer the one from your original shell.
• Use tweezers to place the captive nut into its recess in the center of the bottom shell.
• Use the flat end of a spudger to firmly push the nut fully into its recess.
• NOTE: This may require some force. Don't push too hard, or you may damage the shell.

Step 63 :: Install the shoulder buttons

• If shoulder buttons aren't already installed in your bottom shell, follow this guide (https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Install+Shoulder+Buttons+in+Your+Game+Boy+Advance+SP/193210) to install them.

Step 64 :: Put the bottom shell on

• Place the bottom shell onto your Game Boy, making sure the shoulder buttons and power switch cover correctly slot into place.
• While holding the shells together, test the shoulder buttons. If something doesn't feel right, remove the bottom shell and re?seat it.

Step 65 :: Install the bottom shell screws

• Use a tri?point Y0 screwdriver to install the six screws securing the bottom shell:
• Four 6.3 mm?long recessed screws
• Two 4.6 mm?long screws

Step 66 :: Install the battery

• NOTE: Some Game Boy Advance SP batteries are hard shell, and some are soft shell. Soft shell batteries will come with a plastic perimeter--don't try to remove it.
• Insert the edge of the battery with contacts (https://guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com/igi/cJ4ZcVQRCO6Kk1Jg.full) at a slight downward angle--aligning the contacts with their prongs (https://guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com/igi/N2qYpL2LmeRFSh1F.full) in the recess--and press the battery into place.

Step 67 :: Install the battery cover

• Slide the small tabs on the long edge of the battery into their cutouts and lay the cover into place.

Step 68 :: Tighten the battery cover screw

• Use a JIS 00 screwdriver to tighten the captive screw securing the battery cover.

Step 69 :: Apply new stickers

• If your kit comes with replacement stickers, peel them off their liners, align them, and press them into place.

Step 70 :: You're done!

• Flip the power switch into the On position and get to gaming!
• NOTE: That Game Boy startup really brings back some nostalgia...ours also somehow summoned Suction?Cups?For?Feet Clampy (https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Attach+Googly+Eyes+to+the+Anti-Clamp/155105#s324195)...weird.

Conclusion

Congratulations on reshelling your Game Boy Advance SP!

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler (https://www.ifixit.com/Wiki/E-Waste).

Repair didn't go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting (https://www.ifixit.com/Wiki/Troubleshooting_Problems_After_a_Repair), or ask our Answers Community (https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/Device/Game_Boy_Advance_SP) for troubleshooting help.

Credit