I always thought that DS Lite system must have an edge in playing GBA SP games compared to the previous Nintendo handheld systems. Particularly, in the area of the screen, since it's much brighter and has better DPI than any other screen from previous models. Most would agree that Gameboy SP AGS-101 has a nice screen too, but the system's smaller size is more suited for children's hands rather than that of an adult, whereas on DS Lite the hands are positioned more like on a game controller (be that of Xbox or PlayStation, which are probably close to a perfect size).
However, there are several problems with a DS Lite too. The most obvious, and probably, everyone who has owned one would know, is its hinges, or more precisely - the plastic surrounding the actual swing mechanism axle on the right, it does crack and eventually breaks quite easily, the problem that Nintendo hasn't been able to solve even with consequent DSi, DSi XL, 3DS or 3DS XL models (though they made efforts with the redesign of that area, it's still the most common part of the casing that would break with time). Of course, they had to do it somehow, since it's a dual-screen system and needs second screen to play most DS games.
The other less notable problem, and mostly visual, - GBA SP games are sticking out of the slot, since DS Lite is not very wide (unlike original DS system), the GBA slot is almost pushed against the DS slot (only with the stylus holder in between), so there is not much room to position it further from the end on the motherboard (unless removing the DS slot completely).
So, I decided to solve at least the first problem of second screen being useless on DS Lite for playing my Gameboy SP games. I've started with a motherboard I had left with (from my repair service) that was missing top screen connector and most importantly, missing some of the top screen contact traces on the board, so that installing the new screen connector would've been a pain. For the shell I used original Nintendo casing from Mario Red edition system (since I've already got so many with broken hinges in the top part).
I also wanted to make sure, that it still can play DS games, the ones that really don't require the use of the top screen. Below, is the example of Zelda Phantom Hourglass DS game being played (since it doesn't use top screen that much, only for displaying the map, which you can quickly access on the bottom screen as well, if needed).
Of course, playing this particular game (and many other DS games) you also need to use the microphone function to progress, and by mic being located in the top part of the system, I had to incorporate it in the bottom half. There is not a lot of free room inside, with the motherboard, stylus holder, bottom screen and all the buttons, so the only bit of space I found - was above the headphone jack, and the microphone now sitting just below the "Select" engraving in the case (almost as in 3DS).
I also wanted to keep my Wi-Fi features (antenna also originally located in the top portion of the system), I've relocated it to the area right below the left hinge (right where the top screen connector would be). The wire get a bit shortened in the process, but it still gets perfect signal from my router. I also plugged the left side hole, so that nothing would get inside (i used half of the micro screwdriver which is included when you buy replacement batteries for DSi XL, it fits pretty tight and looks great).
The most difficult part of the customization has been finding a place for a speaker. I knew I couldn't fit a pair of them, so I had to settle for at least one. I used a speaker from 3DS system, the only one small enough to fit in the case. The sound is mono (you can still use headphones to get stereo), but surprisingly it came out pretty loud, even though it faces outwards (sound hole pattern is exactly as on 3DS system).
For the bottom LCD screen I used the latest generation of DS Lite screens (I think, Nintendo used them only in the last 6 months of the DS Lite production), and it has beautiful backlight (looks like on 3DS, though pixel density is much lower of course).
I also customized the shell with buttons from Ice Blue system, and replaced the green power LED and orange charging LED with Blue and White respectively.
Finally, I can play my favorite Gameboy SP games with great screen, sound, weight, and without losing any functionality of a DS Lite system.
If this project generates enough interest I will be open to creating your own customized system, or selling this one. I spent most of my free time offering repair services for all Nintendo handheld systems (and Wii U Gamepads), but also selling some of the used systems as well.
If you need my help for DS Lite and DSi repair (any problem): find me on eBay under user name fixxmaster
For Gameboy SP, 3DS, DSi XL, 3DS XL, Wii U Gamepad: under user name testerfan
However, there are several problems with a DS Lite too. The most obvious, and probably, everyone who has owned one would know, is its hinges, or more precisely - the plastic surrounding the actual swing mechanism axle on the right, it does crack and eventually breaks quite easily, the problem that Nintendo hasn't been able to solve even with consequent DSi, DSi XL, 3DS or 3DS XL models (though they made efforts with the redesign of that area, it's still the most common part of the casing that would break with time). Of course, they had to do it somehow, since it's a dual-screen system and needs second screen to play most DS games.
The other less notable problem, and mostly visual, - GBA SP games are sticking out of the slot, since DS Lite is not very wide (unlike original DS system), the GBA slot is almost pushed against the DS slot (only with the stylus holder in between), so there is not much room to position it further from the end on the motherboard (unless removing the DS slot completely).
So, I decided to solve at least the first problem of second screen being useless on DS Lite for playing my Gameboy SP games. I've started with a motherboard I had left with (from my repair service) that was missing top screen connector and most importantly, missing some of the top screen contact traces on the board, so that installing the new screen connector would've been a pain. For the shell I used original Nintendo casing from Mario Red edition system (since I've already got so many with broken hinges in the top part).
I also wanted to make sure, that it still can play DS games, the ones that really don't require the use of the top screen. Below, is the example of Zelda Phantom Hourglass DS game being played (since it doesn't use top screen that much, only for displaying the map, which you can quickly access on the bottom screen as well, if needed).
Of course, playing this particular game (and many other DS games) you also need to use the microphone function to progress, and by mic being located in the top part of the system, I had to incorporate it in the bottom half. There is not a lot of free room inside, with the motherboard, stylus holder, bottom screen and all the buttons, so the only bit of space I found - was above the headphone jack, and the microphone now sitting just below the "Select" engraving in the case (almost as in 3DS).
I also wanted to keep my Wi-Fi features (antenna also originally located in the top portion of the system), I've relocated it to the area right below the left hinge (right where the top screen connector would be). The wire get a bit shortened in the process, but it still gets perfect signal from my router. I also plugged the left side hole, so that nothing would get inside (i used half of the micro screwdriver which is included when you buy replacement batteries for DSi XL, it fits pretty tight and looks great).
The most difficult part of the customization has been finding a place for a speaker. I knew I couldn't fit a pair of them, so I had to settle for at least one. I used a speaker from 3DS system, the only one small enough to fit in the case. The sound is mono (you can still use headphones to get stereo), but surprisingly it came out pretty loud, even though it faces outwards (sound hole pattern is exactly as on 3DS system).
For the bottom LCD screen I used the latest generation of DS Lite screens (I think, Nintendo used them only in the last 6 months of the DS Lite production), and it has beautiful backlight (looks like on 3DS, though pixel density is much lower of course).
I also customized the shell with buttons from Ice Blue system, and replaced the green power LED and orange charging LED with Blue and White respectively.
Finally, I can play my favorite Gameboy SP games with great screen, sound, weight, and without losing any functionality of a DS Lite system.
If this project generates enough interest I will be open to creating your own customized system, or selling this one. I spent most of my free time offering repair services for all Nintendo handheld systems (and Wii U Gamepads), but also selling some of the used systems as well.
If you need my help for DS Lite and DSi repair (any problem): find me on eBay under user name fixxmaster
For Gameboy SP, 3DS, DSi XL, 3DS XL, Wii U Gamepad: under user name testerfan
