The latest articles on DEV Community by Caesar R. Watts-Hall (@caesarwattshall). https://dev.to/caesarwattshall https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F3053703%2F451d6233-2ebe-4e83-9437-a5bc9c914d3a.png https://dev.to/caesarwattshall en Caesar R. Watts-Hall Tue, 15 Apr 2025 23:48:51 +0000 https://dev.to/caesarwattshall/how-i-built-and-documented-my-first-game-boy-advance-ips-mod-18i1 https://dev.to/caesarwattshall/how-i-built-and-documented-my-first-game-boy-advance-ips-mod-18i1 <h2> How I Built and Documented My First Game Boy Advance IPS Mod </h2> <p><a href="https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=800%2Cheight=%2Cfit=scale-down%2Cgravity=auto%2Cformat=auto/https%3A%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fopxpxwpkeneqbnqo4mtt.jpg" class="article-body-image-wrapper"><img src="https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=800%2Cheight=%2Cfit=scale-down%2Cgravity=auto%2Cformat=auto/https%3A%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fopxpxwpkeneqbnqo4mtt.jpg" alt="Image description" width="800" height="496"></a></p> <p>Modding a console was something I always thought was out of reach—until I did it.</p> <p>I recently completed my <strong>first-ever Game Boy Advance mod</strong>, giving a 20+ year-old handheld a second life with a sleek all-black shell and a modern 2.9” IPS V2 screen. What started as a casual interest turned into a full weekend project—and my first published technical guide.</p> <h2> Why I Took On This Project </h2> <p>I’m a creative/technical hybrid by nature. I love structure, storytelling, and hands-on building. This GBA mod combined all of that: </p> <ul> <li>Hardware troubleshooting </li> <li>Researching tools and parts </li> <li>Writing clear, beginner-friendly instructions </li> <li>Testing, revising, and problem-solving</li> </ul> <h2> What I Did </h2> <ul> <li>Sourced all parts myself (shell, screen, cables, etc.)</li> <li>Used a 32-pin GBA motherboard + IPS V2 screen</li> <li>Cleaned, assembled, and tested everything without soldering</li> <li>Spent about <strong>3 hours</strong> total on the build</li> <li>Wrote a full <strong>technical document</strong> to help others follow along</li> </ul> <h2> The Full Guide (GitHub) </h2> <p>Want the complete step-by-step breakdown?</p> <p><strong>Read it here →</strong><br><br> <a href="https://github.com/CaesarWattsHall/gba-ips-mod-guide" rel="noopener noreferrer">github.com/CaesarWattsHall/gba-ips-mod-guide</a></p> <h2> Key Lessons Learned </h2> <ul> <li> <strong>Cheap screws bend easily.</strong> One of mine stripped inside the shell—it took three tries and a replacement screw to fix.</li> <li> <strong>Clean your board first.</strong> Use isopropyl alcohol (on the right parts only!) before installing.</li> <li> <strong>Planning is everything.</strong> I chose a solderless setup for simplicity, and the 2.9" IPS screen made alignment easy.</li> </ul> <h2> Future Upgrades I’m Exploring </h2> <ul> <li>Li-ion battery mod with USB-C charging </li> <li>Flash carts (like the EZ Flash Omega Definitive Edition) </li> <li>Internal speaker upgrades </li> <li>Possibly a custom start-up sound or boot animation</li> </ul> <h2> Why I Shared This </h2> <p>This project wasn’t just about fixing up a handheld—it was about <strong>documenting something real</strong>. Writing the guide helped me think clearly, explain my process, and build something others could actually use.</p> <p>If you're a tech writer, builder, retro fan, or just curious—I'd love to hear your thoughts.</p> <p>Thanks for reading!<br><br> Feel free to fork the guide, remix it, or message me if you're planning your first mod.</p> technicalwriting retrogaming gba diy