Disassembly Guide (GBA Original)

Video Guide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a20iz4WjBVA

Getting Started

In this guide we'll show you how to disassemble your AGB model Game Boy Advance.

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Required Tools

  1. J1 (Japanese Industrial Standard) screwdriver

  2. Y1 Tri-point screwdriver

Recommended Tools

  1. Plastic spudger tool

  2. Tweezers

  3. J0 screwdriver

The classic wide boy B)

The classic wide boy B)

Written Guide

Rear shell removal

Turn the Game Boy over so the battery cover is facing up. Remove the battery cover and any batteries.

Use your Y1 screwdriver to remove the 6 screws marked in red. Remove the black screw in the battery compartment **marked in blue **using the J1 screwdriver.

Separate the rear shell from the front half of the console.

Optional: Remove cartridge shield

Remove the 4 J0 screws holding the cartridge shield in place. The shield lifts away easily.

Optional: Remove battery tab

Using your tweezers, poke into the gap shown in the diagram to release the battery tab. It may fall out or require pulling from the inside of the battery compartment.

Battery tab removed

Battery tab removed

Unlatch LCD

Use a plastic spudger tool or your fingernail to release the plastic bale holding the LCD ribbon cable in place. At this point we are only unlatching the cable, leave it plugged in for now.

Main board removal

Remove the 3 J1 screws marked below holding the main board in place.

Take this opportunity to remove the shoulder buttons as well as the side grips. They will lift out without any resistance.

Lift the main board from the front of the console. Removing the main board from bottom to top will allow easier removal of the LCD ribbon cable.

The LCD ribbon cable pulls away easily

The LCD ribbon cable pulls away easily

Buttons and D-Pad

You now have access to remove the silicone membranes, buttons, and power LED diffuser.

LCD and lens removal

Gently twist the front plastic housing. This will help free up the LCD from the front housing. At this point, the LCD should easily lift up and away.

To remove the plastic screen lens, press firmly from the inside of the console. If you would like to re-use the plastic lens, utilize a microfiber cloth to apply pressure.

Complete!

To reassemble your console, simply follow these instructions in reverse.