Best GBA AliExpress IPS LCDs?

[Raikusu]

Does anyone have any recommendations for buying an IPS LCD screen on Aliexpress for the original GBA? There are a lot of different models and revisions of LCDs for this system and they are all priced the same with similar features. I was wondering which LCD would be a safe bet to buy from. Thanks everyone for your help

 

[greenteagrasshopper]

This type seems to be closest to what all the Youtubers and mod shops use:
GBA SP IPS LCD

There are claimed 'no cut' screens as well from this source, but I'm not sure about the quality or fit. They also claim their screen is significantly clearer that other manufacturers:
GBA SP IPS LCD #2

I was personally going to go for #2 to see what it's like, but recently discovered the AGS-101 board I was working on had an internal short and a dead CPU.

Sorry, I forgot to ask whether you needed it for the classic or SP. Hopefully it's the latter.

If not, I'd have a look at Macho Nacho on Youtube and also Elliot on Retro Future. Just compare the boards as best as you can. Otherwise if you're totally unsure, go with a reputable vendor recommended by either. It's probably going to cost way more, but you're almost assured quality and support if something is wrong with the item.

Getting your money back from Aliexpress is like squeezing blood from a stone.

 

[JFizDaWiz]

[redacted]

 

[mrgone]

first link doesn't work

for me, first link leads to a GBA SP IPS v3
second link leads to a camera light

 

[The Real Jdbye]

Does anyone have any recommendations for buying an IPS LCD screen on Aliexpress for the original GBA? There are a lot of different models and revisions of LCDs for this system and they are all priced the same with similar features. I was wondering which LCD would be a safe bet to buy from. Thanks everyone for your help

I believe the ones from Funnyplaying are the best.

 

[greenteagrasshopper]

for me, first link leads to a GBA SP IPS v3
second link leads to a camera light

That's odd. I just clicked on the link and this came up, which is what I linked:

 

[mrgone]

That's odd. I just clicked on the link and this came up, which is what I linked:
View attachment 354612

even weirder: now it leads somewhere else for me

 

[greenteagrasshopper]

Could the link be specific for region? So weird. Please ignore it. I'll try and find a more 'stable' link to the item.

Try this one.

 

[slaphappygamer]

I’d go with this one.

US $44.90 20％ Off | V2 IPS Screen LCD Kits for GBA Backlight LCD Screen 10 Levels Brightness LCD V2 Screen For GBA Console And pre-cut Shell
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNELz6E

It’s sold lots and has good, recent, reviews.

 

[Raikusu]

Thank you for the links. I was actually looking for a replacement screen for both GBA models. I like how the GBA SP link is a no cut replacement screen.

Are there any no cut IPS screen replacements for the original GBA model? Or should I just get a replacement shell at that point?

 

[slaphappygamer]

I would just go for the pre-cut shell. It’s about $5 USD more and way less messy. Not that cutting the shell is hard, but it’s very messy and can be time consuming to get the fit right. You can also choose a nice, yummy color too.

 

[Raikusu]

Here's the best screens I found. What's confusing is how they have different "version numbers" but all seem to be the same feature wise. Not sure what the version number is supposed to mean. You would assume that a higher version number is both newer and better but that's not usually the case with AliExpress. I picked up a gdemu (Dreamcast ode) and the version numbers were all over the place. Turns out the newer gdemu's had a lower version number. So could be the same here. If I could get some help deciding on which of these five screens to get, I'll leave a review here to let you all know how it is and if there are any cons compared to a more official IPS screen like funnyplaying.

Post automatically merged: Feb 23, 2023

URLs didn't attach, I'll try again

Post automatically merged: Feb 23, 2023

US $47.00 | 2022 new GBA IPS LCD no cut shell required easy to install 3.0 "IPS high brightness LCD and shell kit for Gameboy advance GBA

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPV3u7u


US $44.90 20%OFF | V2 IPS Screen LCD Kits for GBA Backlight LCD Screen 10 Levels Brightness LCD V2 Screen For GBA Console And pre-cut Shell

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNnjz1o


US $44.90 | V4 Drop in Easy to install 3.0" original size IPS high brightness LCD screen for Gameboy ADVANCE GBA Cut-free shell No welding

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLXVLfU


US $44.90 | DIY IPS GBA LCD Screen 10 Levels High Brightness Backlight for Nintend Gameboy Advance Console V2 version with pre-cut housing

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqfOBtg


US $38.35 50%OFF | Full New GBA IPS V3 Pre Laminated 15 Levels High Brightness LCD Screen Kits for Gameboy Advance IPS Game Screen with GBA Shell

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPppvUq

 

[swutch]

I would buy one of these LAMINATED FUNNYPLAYING 3.0 kits with a shell:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004983103922.html

Because FP shells had the best build quality from all i have tried.
And LAMINATED displays look much better.

 

[Raikusu]

I thought all IPS displays were laminated? Does a laminated display help reduce glare?

 

[slaphappygamer]

I thought all IPS displays were laminated? Does a laminated display help reduce glare?

Awesome question. I never knew either. I found this explanation.

https://essentialpicks.com/laminated-vs-non-laminated-display-tablet/

Just learned a new thing today! Never stop learning.

 

[Jayro]

That's odd. I just clicked on the link and this came up, which is what I linked:
View attachment 354612

This is the best one right now. It's fully laminated and assembled. just drop it in, solder the single wire for brightness controls, and you're done.

 

[Raikusu]

Sweet, thanks guys. I bought the funnyplaying IPS kit and a USB C battery. I'll let you know how the install goes and the quality of the screen

 

[slaphappygamer]

Awesome. I have an extra motherboard. Just needs a screen and housing. I may get this kit and sell my other GBA.

Also, what color did you get?

 

[slaphappygamer]

Wow. I just found this listing.

US $39.95 23％ Off | New 1800mAh Built-in Lithium Battery with Type C Charging Port Battery Cover for GBA with IPS V3 Pre Laminated Screen LCD Kits
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLoPymK

Since I have an extra motherboard, I may get this kit and sell my current GBA.

 

[Raikusu]

The new display is amazing! Has 15 levels of adjustable brightness which you can use the shoulder buttons for. There is a minor flaw in which 4 or 5 pixels in a line are black or stuck but it's hardly noticeable because the display resolution is using some sort of overscan so the bad pixels are really small. Also have a rechargeable USB c battery. Almost feels like an old Nintendo switch model now with the USB c port and IPS screen.


The only thing I need now is some kind of glass screen protector I can put over the outer screen. Anyone know where I can find a glass screen that isn't the usual glass screen replacement lens (for OEM LCD screens) you find online?