Introduction
Follow this guide to replace the hinges (aka hinge barrels or hinge axles) in your Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP.
If your Game Boy Advance SP doesn't open and close smoothly or the screen won't stay open on its own, you may need to replace the hinges.
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.
What you need
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Slide the power switch to the OFF position and unplug any cables.
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If you have a game cartridge in, remove it.
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Use a JIS 00 screwdriver to loosen the captive screw securing the battery cover.
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Use a tri‑point Y0 screwdriver to remove the six screws securing the bottom shell:
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Four 6.3 mm‑long recessed screws
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Two 4.6 mm‑long screws
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Use your fingers to lift and remove the power switch cover.
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Use your fingers to put the power switch cover (notched side up) into place so the cutout goes around the actual switch.
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Gently slide the cover back and forth to make sure it's positioned properly and moving the switch.
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Use a JIS 00 screwdriver to remove the three 4.1 mm‑long screws securing the motherboard.
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Place a sturdy object such as a stack of books or tool case along the edge of your Game Boy with the hinges.
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Use your fingers to gently flip the motherboard over the hinges and prop it up.
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Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the four silicone pads covering the buttons (A and B, D‑pad, brightness, and Start/Select).
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Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the buttons (A and B, D‑pad, brightness, and Start/Select).
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Use the point of a spudger or a clean fingernail to lift the speaker until you can grip it with your fingers.
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Remove the speaker.
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Remove the circular mesh from the speaker recess and set it aside—the piece can easily fall out and get lost when working.
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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.
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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.
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Use the point of a spudger to push the two tabs on either side of the screen cable connector into the unlocked position.
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Open your Game Boy to a 90‑degree angle and set it down so the screen is facing up.
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Use a pair of angled tweezers to pry up and remove all five rubber screw covers.
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Use a tri‑point Y0 screwdriver to remove the five 4.7 mm‑long screws securing screen shells together.
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Use a JIS 00 screwdriver to remove the 6.3 mm‑long screw securing the hinge cover.
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Use your fingers to lift and remove the screen, threading the cable through its cutout.
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Place the screen foam-side up into its recess, so the cable is near the hinges.
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Make one loop in the screen cable and then slide it through the cutout.
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Use the flat end of a spudger to push both hinges partially out of their sockets.
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Use the point of a spudger to push the right hinge fully out of its socket and remove it.
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Use your fingers to gently lift the right side of the screen bezel.
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Pull the screen bezel to the right—so it slides out of the left hinge—and remove it.
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Use your finger to push the left hinge out of its socket and remove it.
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Use your fingers to firmly slide the plastic caps off of the hinges, at a perpendicular angle to the hinge.
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Slide your new caps onto the hinges until they click into place.
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Put the inner screen shell into place, so it's in the closed position.
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Use your fingers to partially insert both hinges—only push them until they stop.
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Flip the inner screen shell into the open position.
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Use your fingers to push both hinges fully into place.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order, starting with the screen step.
Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.
Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers Community for troubleshooting help.
