Introduction

Follow this guide to replace, upgrade, or customize the back shell (aka rear shell or back cover) on your Nintendo Game Boy Advance model AGB-001.

If you're completely re‑shelling your Game Boy, follow this guide.

The Game Boy Advance 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.

What you need

Step 1 Prepare your Game Boy for disassembly

Game Boy Advance Back Shell Replacement, Prepare your Game Boy for disassembly: step 1, image 1 of 2

Game Boy Advance Back Shell Replacement, Prepare your Game Boy for disassembly: step 1, image 2 of 2

Before working on your Game Boy, turn the power switch to the OFF position and unplug any cables.
If you have a game cartridge installed, remove it.
Since your Game Boy will be laying screen‑side down for most of your repair, consider placing it on a clean cloth for protection.

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Step 2 Remove the battery cover

Game Boy Advance Back Shell Replacement, Remove the battery cover: step 2, image 1 of 3

Game Boy Advance Back Shell Replacement, Remove the battery cover: step 2, image 2 of 3

Game Boy Advance Back Shell Replacement, Remove the battery cover: step 2, image 3 of 3

Release the battery cover tab with your finger and swing the cover away from your Game Boy to remove it.
During reassembly, insert the tabs on the bottom edge of the cover into their cutouts and press the cover into place.

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Step 3 Remove the batteries

Game Boy Advance Back Shell Replacement, Remove the batteries: step 3, image 1 of 3

Game Boy Advance Back Shell Replacement, Remove the batteries: step 3, image 2 of 3

Game Boy Advance Back Shell Replacement, Remove the batteries: step 3, image 3 of 3

Remove the two AA batteries.
If the metal terminals are corroded, follow this guide to clean them.
When installing batteries, use the diagram in the battery well to properly orient them.

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Step 4 Remove the back shell screws

Game Boy Advance Back Shell Replacement, Remove the back shell screws: step 4, image 1 of 2

Game Boy Advance Back Shell Replacement, Remove the back shell screws: step 4, image 2 of 2

Remove the seven screws securing the back shell:
Six 9.4 mm‑long tri‑point Y0 screws
One 8.5 mm‑long JIS 1 screw
You can try to use a non-iFixit Phillips driver in a pinch, but you risk damaging or stripping screws. Push down firmly on the driver and twist slowly.

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Step 5 Remove the back shell

Game Boy Advance Back Shell Replacement, Remove the back shell: step 5, image 1 of 2

Game Boy Advance Back Shell Replacement, Remove the back shell: step 5, image 2 of 2

Lift the back shell straight up and remove it.
During reassembly, squeeze the shell firmly around the edges and ensure the shoulder buttons and bumpers are properly seated with no large gaps. Gently test the buttons to make sure everything feels correct.

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