DS / GBA screen swapping

[wclem]

I have an original DS with which I would like to swap the top screen into an original GBA. Does anyone know if this is even possible? Anyone try it, or want to LOL.

[nightrnr]

Possible, maybe...
but it can't be an easy adaptation. Plus the screen itself is a little bigger and I doubt it would fit in the case.

[flojocabron]

what i've seen online is people fixing broken DS's just to make the specifically play gameboy advance games.

They are called Gameboy Macro.

The top screen is totally removed and just the bottom is used.

I've seen a few with some nice custom made paint jobs.

There's some stuff on bacterias forums and some pictures online.

[wclem]

I was hoping the Advance screen could be replaced with out a major remodeling of the GBA case. Mostly just hopeful wishing.

[jay_red]

Your best bet is to swap in the backlit GBA SP screen into the original. All you need is a conversion cable (can be bought on ebay for 12 bucks) and some minor modification to the GBA.

http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 60#p653460

[Cronozilla]

In general, you really want to stay away from re-purposing embedded LCD screens. They're made to be cheap and function in that specific device. It involves soldering onto flex ribbon cable or interfacing with a zero force terminal. Neither of which is particularly easy to do.

I would stick to screens made for the device in question. Or looking into multipurpose screens that can be easily adapted.

[jay_red]

what i've seen online is people fixing broken DS's just to make the specifically play gameboy advance games.

They are called Gameboy Macro.

The top screen is totally removed and just the bottom is used.

I've seen a few with some nice custom made paint jobs.

There's some stuff on bacterias forums and some pictures online.

I have never heard of this until now! I am officially on the hunt for a broken DS to do this with!

[wclem]

Thanks for the input all, sounds like I was just pipe dreaming LOL.

[jay_red]

Thanks for the input all, sounds like I was just pipe dreaming LOL.

If you want to trade or sell that DS let me know!

[Tanooki]

I've seen a GB Macro in images before and they're a stunningly good idea when the remaining DS shell is handled with a bit of class and all, because if someone just takes the top off and removes the hinge there's a hole or leaves it there and it's butt ugly with the pegs standing out. The comfort level is pretty solid as it's wide like an original GBA.

The thing is the original DS sucks for it, you'd want to mutilate a DSLite. The DSLite, GBA SP (101 'brighter') and also the little GB Micro use the same high quality very crisp LCD with the solid response time on it. The old DS screen is dark compared to the Lite, but nothing near as annoying as the original SP screen.


If you just wanted to do a swap out, you can't take without a lot of pointless work and costs a DS screen and jam it into a GBA shell. The best bet is taking the 101 screen and transplanting it into an original GBA or if need be the older SP model depending on which is more comfy to you or if you like the clamshell design for protection. Personally I want an original Black(or if need be indigo) GBA with the 101 screen specifically because of the comfort but also the use of non-custom OEM batteries as off the rack AAs or super long lift rechargeable batteries can be used and AAs will vanish long after SP batteries do.

Edit: I should note specifically if you go with a normal GBA, be sure to get a new front screen, a GLASS one. They don't scratch unless you really jack around abusively with it unlike the normal GBA screen which is a scratch magnet if you even look at it funny.