Original Play-It-Loud GB Mod!!!!

[retro junkie]

Some years ago, I am not sure how long it has been, there was a Peddler's Mall locally. For those who don't know, it was sort-of an indoor flea market, or garage sale, sort-of place. It had multiple tables set up with booths for vendors to sell their stuff (junk). Most of it looked like someone cleaned out their attic, basement, garage, etc. On one of those tables I saw this old 1989 Nintendo Gameboy (Play-it-loud series) marked $1.50. I had to get it.
This old gameboy was plagued by that original sweet pea green screen. It was hideous to play unless you had perfect light. It was best played outside in the bright sunlight. But it was the most popular game system of its day. It dominated the market selling an estimated 118.69 million units. From 1989 to 2003 it was the affordable, heavily supported game system to own.
A week ago I saw a kit online to upgrade this console with a backlit screen for a reasonable price. BOOM!! I got it and had a few minutes today and did this upgrade. These things are good for puzzle games to keep the old brain thinking. And solitaire,I like playing solitaire on these things. After this upgrade it is now worth about $100 on eBay.

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[BLUEVOODU]

@retro junkie --> Dude... It has been forever since I've been to a peddler's mall.  There was one in town here I went to as a kid.  There were also Baseball card shows ... some at local fire stations... these are things kids and others just don't experience anymore.  A world that has gone by.

I remember the old "Play it loud" tagline... but I don't remember this Game Boy.  I had the original Game Boy, and I was able to see the screen pretty ok in most scenarios.  Although, I've heard of others not having the exact same experience I had.

This is a cool looking Game Boy... I just don't remember the case you show.  Awesome mod!  The screen looks great!  I wish I had the time to do this stuff.  Work and work activities consume... and it's awesome to see you doing projects like this.   Another great post, Retro!

[Grindspine]

Nice! I think that the move from GBA to the brighter screen on the last of the GBA SP models was the best thing N could have done. Those non-backlit screens were so hard to enjoy. How difficult was the install?

[retro junkie]

Nice! I think that the move from GBA to the brighter screen on the last of the GBA SP models was the best thing N could have done. Those non-backlit screens were so hard to enjoy. How difficult was the install?

The install kit was a "no solder" kit. It was a simple take out the screws, pull the board, pull the speaker, ribbon cable, old screen. And then put in the new parts, and reassemble. Everything fit perfect. I have another old gray original Gameboy that I am pumped to mod also.

@retro junkie -->

I remember the old "Play it loud" tagline... but I don't remember this Game Boy.  I had the original Game Boy, and I was able to see the screen pretty ok in most scenarios.  Although, I've heard of others not having the exact same experience I had.

Here is the Gameboy play it loud colors that was a part of that time period. It was the last of the original Gameboys before the GB Pocket. It was simply the old gray Gameboy given to us in other colors.

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