u/Bucket_M0use

I've officially completed the next version of my Game Boy Enhance mod, the AGBM-11!

You might have seen my previous post about the AGBM-01, the circuit-level recreation of the Game Boy Advance. The aim of the project is to modernize the electronics (but retain the original CPU) to better handle the increased power draw by modern screen kits. The AGBM-01 and -11 are both generally more efficient and produce crystal clear audio.

I won't spend time rehashing all of the upgrades I've made, you can check that out in the main repository here, but this version (AGBM-11) utilizes a lithium-ion battery! The shell cuts and especially the shell polishing (this shell used to be frosted clear, not "mirror" clear) came out really great, and I'm just really happy with how it all turned out!

Reminder: the project is open-source, so you can try making one for yourself too :)

You may have seen my previous post about the Game Boy Enhance. Well, I finally have something to show for it! The Game Boy Enhance (AGBM) is a circuit-level recreation of the Game Boy Advance. It uses almost all-new components, but still uses the original CPU - it's not emulation! The build pictured here is the AGBM-01, which uses AA batteries. The AGBM-11, which uses a lithium-ion battery, is close to completion as well.

As y'all probably know, there's not a whole lot that needs to be "fixed" with modded GBAs - you can get away with a pretty great modern system by simply throwing in a screen kit on an original console. Though, the audio does leave something to be desired. But also, there are a ton of really damaged and crusty systems out there that are doomed for landfills (or for the closets of sickos like me). So at least for that reason, this fully open source GBA recreation only requires the original CPU and RAM - every single other part is brand new or has easily-sourced replacements available. Yes, that includes the audio jack and the power switch - and it's not even those finicky ones on the small PCBs that drop in on the original board.

Other than that, you might be asking yourself - what separates this from a regular modded system, or one of those fancy Funnyplaying GBA boards? Well, here's a quick run-down:

• The audio issues on GBAs have been solved - on the AGBM, it is crystal clear, not dependent on whatever screen kit is being used, and has stereo output on the headphone jack (unlike the FP GBA) - listen to the audio samples in the GitHub Wiki
• The AGBM draws ~150mW less than the FP GBA (even with the fancy LEDs off) - this equates to anywhere between 1 to 4 hours more playtime depending on the power draw based on your settings (like brightness level) - check out the battery curves page in the Wiki
• The AGBM is also more efficient than using an original GBA board with a screen kit installed, getting you more playtime than a regular modded build (again, see the Wiki for more info)
• The AGBM will soon have offerings for powering through AA batteries (AGBM-0X models), or native LiPo support (AGBM-1X models)
• The AGBM includes some user-configurable hotkey features, like a soft reset button combination, or for replacing touch controls on screen kits
• The AGBM has built-in tactile switch support if you like the SP-style clicky buttons
• I've added flashing to the low power LED when the battery only has minutes left to live, which honestly is one of my favorite additions

You can find all the information on my GitHub page: https://github.com/MouseBiteLabs/Game-Boy-Enhance

I *do* sell these boards (UNPOPULATED), but they are nearly out of stock. I will be restocking with AGBM-02 (and -12) in the near future - this board will be slightly more efficient and utilize a few different components to avoid stock issues. I'll be sure to post my builds and board information when that time comes. And remember, the project is completely open source, meaning you don't even have to get the boards from me ;)

The build pics in the slideshow are actually my entry to the r/Gameboy Summer build contest from... 2021 I believe. It was the very first GBA mod I ever did, and now it houses what is probably my final GBA mod :)

The FP shell I bought has this injection molding mark on the front, is this common for these shells? Any suggestions on how to fix it?