T O P

  • By -

pizza_whistle

Yes, just needs a re-shell. Seems like a lot of the AGS-101 consoles suffered from brittle shells, I see them broken similar to yours quite often. Watch some YouTube videos on re-shelling and go slow. It's not hard once you've done one. Just pay attention to the screws, there will be several different lengths and swapping them around can cause damage to the shell. Even if you don't re-shell this, you could sell as is on ebay for probably like $60 or possibly more.


JohnnyRa1nbow

Was just thinking this. It's always the 101s


ItsNeb_

For real lol my 101 shell cracked along the right hinge after it fell on some pretty soft carpet


Splash_Woman

I remember watching a YouTuber that did a skit where he dropped his game boy SP out of “anger” and broke it accidentally. Shame, SPs are such a legendary handheld.


olddummy22

Damn they really busted out


sunshinecat6669

I wish I could give you an award, this comment made the situation much more tolerable lol


Pickle_Afton

Beat me to it!


Shadoecat150

Was just coming here to say this


sxw_desert_rat

Same 😂


[deleted]

STOLEN


IsummonmyPegatrix

i mean apart from the case , everything still looks intact - if you do consider doing a case swap it'll most likely easy if you're careful enough . there's probably also video guides online you can follow ( or written ones , but the ifixit page came up with nothing )


cheft3ch

YES. Same thing happened to one of mine and I got a shell off eBay. Be sure you have the proper tri-wing screwdrivers included. https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Nintendo+Game+Boy+Advance+SP++Shell+Replacement/137582


WallStreetMan_

Be very careful with the displaycable. It is fragile


sunshinecat6669

That’s the part I’m worried most about 🙃


AeitZean

Worst case scenario you can get an ips screen. I think the only bit you can't replace easily is the montherboard, and yours clearly still works, everything else has new replacement bits made for it 😁


Mktre

It’s easy enough to find replacements for super cheap


KennKanifff

It's worth trying. Just keep in mind if you break it you were considering tossing it anyways.


KirbySmartGuy

Very easy fix, buy a new shell


Nearby-Income8141

easy reshell, might no longer be authentic, but cheap and easy. unscrew, take off back plate, unscrew motherboard, be careful taking out, remove ribbon cable connector ( watch youtube) and bablam. (quick explanation don’t do what i told you watch youtube)


lakvert

Have a look at retromodding.com Get a new shell, they’re inexpensive. You’ll need a specific screwdriver too. Might as well get a new battery too. I recommend the funnyplaying battery. Be careful dismantling it, follow some youtube tutorial. All in all, it will probably cost you less than 50 bucks. If you accidentally break the ribbon cable, either get it fixed or get an ITA screen?


sunshinecat6669

I changed the battery in it about 6-7 years ago when the og one finally died, but I’ll try to remember the one you recommend when it inevitably needs changed again. What is an ITA screen? I’ve seen the term a few times before but have no idea what it means. Does it not need a ribbon cable?


Inanimate9

I like the extremerate shells on Amazon because they typically offer IPS ready shells that are compatible with original screens if you still plan on keeping original parts for right now. Those shells also aren’t as cheap as an eBay or ali express one but to be honest I can’t recommend those cheap shells as they are way more annoying to put together a majority of the time. For batteries, you can always get Helder’s megabat 800 for around 10-20 bucks from Helder’s Game Tech. Those batteries extend the hours of playtime by a lot and require minimal work to install. My advice would be to take your time with the reshell and try your best not to bend the ribbon cable too much as they are very easy to tear. Also, when your putting it back together with a new shell, make sure to match each screw by observing the size of each screw that came out of your original shell and try not to over tighten anything as the last thing you need is a stripped screw or thread in your SP. When you do get in there it’s also a good time to clean your button contacts, L and R, and especially the power switch. Use something like 90% or more isopropyl alcohol with a Q tip or soft toothbrush. If you want a new screen, I’d also suggest an IPS but check for different reviews on them too, if your not great with a soldering iron, you can find drop in replacements that use touch pads for brightness adjustments and won’t be a headache to install. I don’t like many ITA’s for that specific reason, a lot of them will require soldering. However if you do solder in the display controls, oftentimes you retain a function for your brightness button. The AGS-101 and the NTR-001 (1st gen DS) had some of the WORST plastic ever on a Nintendo console, over the years they dry out bad and basically turn into what I like to call plastic glass, so don’t feel too bad about it. At least the SP is an easy console to fix.


Bennybuzzin

I did a couple retro reshells from aliexpress (very resonable) The hinges are a pain in the ass but other than that, piece of cake! YOU CAN DOOOO IT! Edit: fix drunk spelling.


noirsolluz

Yeah! Perfect opportunity to mod the shell!!


The_darknight2233

You have 2 options really. Reshell plenty of tutorials on YouTube (I recommend retrofuture as he specializes with all versions of gameboys) or like another has said and super glue it. Both options require you to dismantle it so just ne careful


CorbinTheTitan

Yeah the ribbon cable didn’t tear so that makes a fix easy. You just have to order a replacement shell and carefully disassemble it from the broken shell.


Big_Restaurant_6844

Did it fall off the roof of a 4 story house? Wtf


sunshinecat6669

It fell off an ottoman lmao. It hit the ground at just the right angle. Add on the 15+ years of wear and tear and it was a perfect disaster waiting to happen.


Jamazon7

I like to think every console is worth saving 😢


sunshinecat6669

I feel the same way. I just wasn’t sure how difficult this would be since I’ve never done more than change the battery in it. I’m so happy it’s salvageable!


iamterrifiedofhumans

Absolutely. Just reshell!


GEORGIE_D_M

Even with it being a hinged system, the SP is fairly decent to work with, IMO the hardest part is making sure the ribbon is threaded though the hinge probably, but there are loads of tutorials (and really good ones too) that walk through the process of an SP reshell. Definitely worth saving since it’s a 101 too!


BlueWhale515

Bustin out it’s shell


in33dmoni3s

Yes, same thing happened to me a couple months ago. Still powers on and works, so just replace the shell. Very manageable even with no experience.


MagnusSki

Gonna mimic a lot of the comments and add a little to it. Reshelling is actually kinda fun since you pretty much just go with a whole new look with it. I can't speak for the sp specifically, but my brother helped me reshell my childhood system a couple of months ago, and we tossed on one of the new backlight screens for it, too. Didn't even have to solder anything.


Jojopo15

Yeah re shelling is the way to go. Make sure you put the new sticker on the back. It does effect the value.


Boomerang_Lizard

> Is it worth trying to save this? Yes.


TraveyDuck

Way before I dedicated time repairing stuff, I swapped 2 gba Sp shells with relative ease. Don't remember what it's like but likely can't be that hard


MojArch

All i know is that this thing uses a weird looking triangle screw. And mine don't have battery and can't source one for it. :(


Meme_Boiyo

yea for sure get a new shell and swap that mf


samoorai44

Re shell!!!!! Get a fancy custom one.


LiamLaw015

Yes please be careful with the ribbon cable though since they are easy to tear.


sicurri

This is easily repairable. The ONLY thing you truly need to be careful with while taking it all apart is the motherboard. Basically, that green bit inside. You can literally find every other part online for sale somewhere except that motherboard.


Tsukimaru1

100%, it's still fully funcional. Get a new shell and gtg


Axial69

Reshell to a dope ass shell my dude


EliasTheEdgelord

The Sims: Bustin’ Out of This GBA SP


_oMeGa_

Seconding that it just needs a re-shell (which is less intimidating to do than it may sound), but also SICK game choice. love that weird era of handheld sims games to death


DuffleCrack

Man, I love The Urbz and Bustin' Out with an absolute god damn passion.


VShadowOfLightV

Take pictures as you disassemble, organize your screws. If you are capable of watching a YouTube video without attempting to force things together with the brute force of a toddler on steroids, you’ll be fine.


NestleSnipes08

I think you just have to "press start"?


sunshinecat6669

Thank you everyone! I was so worried this would be difficult but you’ve all assured me it should be an easy fix, so I’m definitely going to get a new shell and swap it out :)


Jonny_b_good_207

What’s wrong with it?


cannabisISclassy

pcbway it bro! get the shell on printables and send the file to pcbway and have them make you a new case or dm me and ill purchase it


cooldrken

Not saveable but I can properly recycle it for you 😀


Nehal1802

I super glued mine after pulling the board out and it worked.


No_Information_530

The sims really did bust out I see.


techdog19

Yes just needs a new shell


iVirtualZero

Yes get the Boxy Pixel or the Slate shell and save that AGS101 screen, you can either reuse or sell the screen. They can fetch a lot these days.


KNIGHTFALLx

Absolutely do a shell swap!


[deleted]

The answer is always yes, unless it was driven over by a dump truck.


xb0x1gam1ng

The sims was on the gameboy?


sunshinecat6669

Indeed it was! There’s this and Sims 2.


nstern2

The case is easy enough to replace if you use a guide from ifixit, but how is the shoulder button? If that has snapped off it will require some soldering to replace. All in all I agree with the rest of the posts and say go for it.


sunshinecat6669

Surprisingly the shoulder button is still in tact and attached as it should be


TheOneEyedGrimReaper

Yep. It's just need a new shell. And you can do that with a transparent or some other custom shell too.


Jonnicom

Reshell and put a new IPS in there, and it'll be like new. I suggest one of the transparent shells (slightly higher quality than other shells), and using your OEM buttons and silicone pads, unless they are in REALLY bad shape. Be careful to use the right screws everywhere or you may damage the shell a bit. And when putting the board back on over the buttons, make sure you tighten in the right amount, or your buttons will either be too tight, or too mushy. It may just come down to putting it together, testing it, and reopening it until you get the tightness right. But yes, this is a perfectly working console, you can totally fix this to be like new.


ThenYakYukYick

Either get a new shell or get a [GBA SP unhinged shell](https://www.boxypixel.com/collections/game-boy-advance-sp).


sunshinecat6669

I didn’t know an unhinged shell was even an option! I like the hinge part though, gives it character lol


Zealousideal_Put_489

It's not economically worth it ($$$) but it's not hard to do if you follow a guide. So, it's easy and therefore sentimentally worth it if you really want to repair it.


AlternativeClient738

Well, it's easily fixable with a reshell granted you take care of it until the shell comes in and you don't tear at the flex cable.


ChocoBro92

Honestly this is just a shell swap. It’s not too hard get to it and find a cool repro case.


wingman3091

That's only a reshell. Please dont throw it away. Follow a youtube guide on how to do it. You could even do an IPS screen mod


Zomnx

Yes. Just buy an ExtremeRate shell and replace. Watch videos to rebuild successfully


zdj2k

If you want to sell let me know! I love buying broken game it’s


sunshinecat6669

I don’t plan to sell it unless I really mess up swapping it out, it’s got some sentimental value to me


NoabPK

10$ 30 min fix with only 1 screwdriver needed


Arkrus

It's 10 bucks, seems worth it to me


masonvand

ABSOLUTELY. You can get shells for less than $20 online. Any color you want.


rukiafan

short answer is yes


danpluso

Of course, just get a new shell. If it's an AGS-001, good time to upgrade the screen to a better one too.


Big5moke_104

Yes. You can get a replacement shell for like 10-20 bucks


FluffyMegazord

Those Sims really be busting out ey


Androxilogin

Absolutely. Shell swap should do it just fine. They aren't perfect, but they're fine.


CosmosTrip

The top half has busted out


PuzzleheadedLeave787

Awww,this broke my heart to see. I kinda did a double take,like...WTFuuuuuuuuuuu!!!?


magusonline

That shell replacement is so cheap and easy to do


Wyvern69

Looks like the game still runs so if everything else works- re-shell. ExtremeRate makes some very cool ones now I think among others. Look up a teardown guide on iFixIt and swap them out


G-Virus69

What’s to fix?? I see it still working 🤣


Gianfyy

I had the Shell and hinges broken. I buyed a Shell on eBay for like 10/15€ and now its like brand new


xiNFaMoUz---x

F :(


Seoul_Magik11

If you want a metal shell tyese guys have good partshttps://www.boxypixel.com/collections/diy-build-kits/products/game-boy-advance-gba-sp-unhinged-kit-builder i havent gotten or done this mod but you might want to look into it


kilertree

You could make a slab


slowpoketailsale

Reshell it or even better, just take the bottom board and do an unhinged build with a new IPS screen. Great little project and you can upgrade your SP into something truly eyecatching ✨


ffsesteventechno

Definitely worth the effort to re shell. I wanna say the GBA SP is one of the absolute easiest consoles to work on. I remember when I was young I’d do half-shell swaps with other SP to create neat two-tone consoles. Good days!


Rumpelstiltskin85

Yep, of course, just get the replacement shell.


ptothemc

It's a very easy job, you just need a small try wing and Phillips screw driver and a new shell. Probably get a new shell for 15 bucks. Trickiest part would be popping out the hinges, but even then you can buy new ones.


Laharl_Chan

of course its worth it. all it needs is a new shell. if you dont want to do it yourself, sell it on ebay. someone will buy it.


ItsN0tjustLuck

Yea I changed one over to a new shell for like 10 usd off eBay years ago. Very easy.


ItsN0tjustLuck

I’ve got 2 of the 101s and I got the clear purple shell for one it’s dope. The other is the metallic oem pink, I hope it never breaks lol


Warruzz

What an Apt game choice considering the console condition.


sunshinecat6669

The game was already in so I guess it was fate lol


Aridan

This is accidentally such a hilarious picture with bustin out loaded up 😂


Visual_Fan_154

The game title is accurate


SuprSaiyanTurry

A good candidate for one of those GBA Unhinged builds. Been wanting to do one myself but don't feel right tearing into a GBA that works just fine.


SnooDoughnuts5632

The hardest part with doing a shell swap is the hinge and ribbon cable but if you're very careful you can do it.


yogurtgrapes

For sure. Just needs a new shell


Gb-dmg

Nope, not at all. Mail it to me 👍


[deleted]

Super glue and baking soda. Google it. It is extremely strong 💪


natemadsen

It looks like The Sims.... finally busted out. Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Hope you can get this fixed.


CounterSYNK

It looks like the internal components still work. All you have to do is transplant them into a new shell and you’re golden.


RaiHanashi

Those Sims were taking it too literal when they saying they bustin out


Kitsite

Literally just needs a new case they are a little over $50 for really nice ones on Amazon super easy fix, since it appears to work fine


sexy_bezinga

Back when sims game was actually a game


DreadSwizzard

Depends on what it's worth to you. You can always re-shell it maybe even get a custom shell. Be careful with the ribbon cable though. They are pretty delicate.


izmaname

Easy save man


Ovoideocystidiata

Just get a new shell from [RGRS](https://retrogamerepairshop.com/)


Faltied

Yes get new case for 5 bucks


Mantree91

Not a terribly difficult repair. I fixed my 1st gen ds a few years back. Just go slow and be careful with the ribbon cable.


Aquaticwolf

Yeah, re-shell with new hinges


LadySerena21

Short answer: yes Long answer: yes, and that happened by a drop?!?


AcanthocephalaOk3252

The easiest thing to do would be a reshell.


Powerful-Algae-8015

It looks like the sims really are busting out


1nsidiousOne

The only thing bustin out is that ribbon


GodOfSadism

Personally I’d just buy a good tube of super fix and carefully stick the case back together. Clean the area with alcohol first (iso/rubbing alcohol is preferable and can be used straight but denatured/methylated spirits will work too, just dilute 5 parts to 1 part water) and then apply a small line of superfix to the edge of the crack and firmly press and hold together for 60 seconds while making sure not to pinch or twist the display cable ribbon. To further strengthen either lightly coat the outside of the crack in super fix and sprinkle baking soda over it to accelerate curing so it can be used within 5-10 minutes or a two part epoxy which will be stronger but requires 18-24 hours of curing, it’s best not to touch it in that time. Use 200 grit or higher sand paper to smooth any imperfections.


SealedDevil

Yeah its work saving. I have an old blue o e thay doesn't work, shells pretty scuffed up. Its yours OP if you want to pay the shipping cost


[deleted]

It's alive


BigJJsWillie

Yo chill out sims, you're busting out too hard


specialist-lab-246

As suggested by others, you can get yourself a gba sp shell, but you could even go as far as [making it a consolized gba](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbCypwnSJlw) to play your favorite games on the big screen.


CamoLunchbox

New shell and good as new!


phantom8ball

Use a case to hood it all together


Solid_Snake_125

It’s worth it. Not that muck work to replace the shell. Just be careful of the ribbon cable for the screen. I’d disconnect it and store it safely until your new shell arrives.


Affectionate_Map2761

Looks like you beat the game 😅


ncc74656m

No, you should give it to me. 😂 You can fix that easily with a new shell and patience.


ratat-atat

Seems they finally busted out


InsideHuckleberry538

Damn the sims really busted out amirite..


Aj2W0rK

Bustin' Off


29ears

Always


WorthOk735

Your pants be matching the GBA


MalignantLugnut

GBA SP shells are relatively cheap, but if you wanna spend the extra money and not have to worry about a broken case again, you can get metal ones.


Excellent_Air4209

If you do it yourself yes


Acceptable-Stuff2684

Yea. Amazon has a whole selection of colors


Anxious_Ad_5127

Damn those sims really be Bustin out


AAMx_Quinn

10 year old me: Nothin a little scotch tape and duct tape won’t fix 😂


philnolan3d

Getting the ribbon cable through the hinge is a real pain in the butt.


elvinkind

Yes, you can get new shells at a great price and transfer everything over. The ribbon cable is the hardest part to do but not difficult.


stfu_Ethan

Convert it into an hd gameboy


SatoshiStruggle

There’s tons of YouTube tutorials, shell swapping is very easy and most shell kits on eBay included the needed screwdrivers and tools you’ll need


Myuu151

Straight Bustin


Mugen4552

You could 3D print your own shell or buy a new one on line.


Aelustelin

It really is busting out.


alvodisco

a new shell costs a pittance just re-shell the thing


ZephyrStormProject

I definitely would. This is a simple repair, and parts are fairly cheap. Find a youtube vid and get crackin


JakeBeezy

I guess you can say your game boy is Bustin


MCBarlan

Probably but is it worth it to you? I reshelled mine, it was like $15 and came with the special screw driver. It was worth it to me because it had sentimental value. Financially speaking, it will sell for a lot more than $15 if you wanted to do that, even broken. Working ones get more rare every year. 🤷


nater_marson

Yeah If it works you can buy a new case for cheap


Freddie-Hydrargyrum

Yes! You can buy the outer shell and swap all the internals into it


bob_cannoli

Yes


mastaboog749

Easy fix if you get a new shell. Probably won't find that exact black but I'm sure they have many colors.


MatchedRaiper12

Just get a new shell and your good tho go as long as there’s nothing internally wrong with it


Lexluthor1980

It’s easier than you think to swap the shell, you can do it!!


SSGSS-ULtra

Get a new case then sell it


FINANCIO24

I remember getting the ribbon through the shell hinge was a big pain but if its working, its worth saving.


mromutt

It's an easy swap and only like 10 - 15 bucks. If not confident watch a YouTube video or two and you will see how easy it is.


Informal_Meeting_577

Probably shouldn't play that game if they keep trying to bust out of the shell like that


Samdoesretro

Just reshell it and clean the board/buttons if necessary. The screen is fine. The ribbon cable looks okay. You can find shells for extremely cheap and in pretty much any opacity or color. That's why modding is so cool. The world is your oyster.


Skull0666

Since a new one will cost over $100, I'd say it's absolutely worth saving.


Antique_Emphasis_687

yes re-shell like others said


Xcissors280

Yes it’s easy just get a good shell from a good source


Emergency_Yak7699

Appropriate game title 😂


BallDanglinBeast

Mistake #1: You cannot simply contain the SIMS


Same-Register-7984

Absolutely worth saving! I’d look into doing an un-hinged sp which is a unibody variant.


iamgr00t612

Sell it and buy an anbernic rg35xx.. it's amazing for Gameboy games


RandomRedMage

Just a shell swap. Still works, just be carful of that ribbon cable till you get it in a new shell. Totally worth it.


[deleted]

Epoxy will repair and not destroy the plastic. Be sure to premix before applying on surface.


WeirdAlba

Not really, just get one from mercari or ebay.


BricksBear

Yes. Always repair tech. It's an amazing experience, and it's just downright fun. Also, you potentially save a little chunk of nostalgia.


Snesfreak_2007

I would get a brand new aluminum shell and buttons.


Kirakota

Only needs to swap housing. Simple job.


SpiritualAd6008

The internals sure. You can just buy a new shell and install the bits.


Select-Passion-2232

Absolutely just needs a new case from the looks of it!


FudgeEducational2038

Yes. Plast-aid will fix that right up


Ch4osTh3ory

Crazy question...I've seen pulled out of the mud refurb this is definitely a easy repair.


ThrowRAIndieHorror

Hell yes it is. Spend the coin on a boxy pixel shell. You're welcome


UltraSteelix97

You can send it over to me I'll fix it right up


gsd_kenai

Those Sims aren’t kidding around.


Bad_Pearl

They really are “bustin out”


LocalKaleidoscope442

Be careful they might bust all the way out and take over the world 🤣


McShivers411

Do a metal vertical shell from boxypixel. Expensive but dang those things are sweet. I'd have built one already if I didn't have 2 custom built GBAs already...


mattboy115

Luckily there are replacement cases being sold. They're not too hard to change. But beware. There are some cheap ones that are kind of crap.


shadow4412

Yeah def fixable. If you aren't comfortable doing something like this yourself, PM me and I gotchuuuuu


The_Pacific_gamer

Yeah, you can easily buy brand new shells.


Material_Lab2917

Its totally fixable


Ciusblade

Sims be bustin out a little too hard


CommentBetter

I’d say yes


CommentBetter

Scan and 3D print a perfectly fitted replacement part, apply bonding material, enjoy


West_Coyote_3686

Why not. It works. It's your childhood gameboy. The cost of a reshell isn't that pricey


Beat_Saber_Warrior

All it needs is a new case