Introduction
Follow this guide to remove or replace the motherboard (aka main board or logic board) in your Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP.
Removing the board will give you access to modify it with kits that add RGB LEDs, convert your front buttons to tactile ones, etc.
Note that most motherboard mods require soldering. If you're new to soldering, check out our guide on soldering and desoldering connections.
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.
Ask FixBot
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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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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
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.
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4 Guide Comments
I just bought one at a garage sale. Everything works fine, but the screen does not display properly. when you turn the unit on, all you get is vertical lines on the screen. They are random each time you turn it on. Is the ribbon ripped? If so, can you get a new one??? If so - where?
picked up Gameboy advanced sp 101 model when you go to charge it the light comes on but then shuts off so I thought maybe its either the battery or a fuse on the motherboard how can I change that or fix it
I think this would be a good idea, one day i will have a new GBA SP LCD screen and then, disassemble it and replace the screen
I dropped it once , now half of the games do not run, what should I do?
