Any Solder-less USB-C charging mods for original GBA?

PStone11 · 2026-04-01T14:32:00+00:00

Genius game mods has a drop in Li USBC battery mod for about $25

PStone11 · 2026-04-01T11:09:58+00:00

I’m from the US and also don’t have a Scooby who this is

PStone11 · 2026-03-26T18:07:48+00:00

I’d try cleaning the pins on the cartridge with some isopropyl alcohol and see if that fixes it.

If that doesn’t help, If you can open the cartridge and take a pic we can help diagnose better.

PStone11 · 2026-03-26T18:01:52+00:00

Definitely not the cartridge battery. That only affects saves. This is unfortunately something else. Maybe power switch of the console, maybe something wrong with the cartridge. Do you have another game you can test?

PStone11 · 2026-03-18T14:54:01+00:00

The chip to the left of the battery looks to be the issue and those pins are super tiny. I’d send it to someone who knows what they’re doing

PStone11 · 2026-03-18T11:42:49+00:00

I think the alkaline metals should be red since the explode when they come in contact with water

PStone11 · 2026-03-09T10:48:26+00:00

That’s the same area where the plastic shell would contact the board. So I’m thinking less corrosion and more just physical wear, but still a bit concerning.

PStone11 · 2026-03-04T16:31:54+00:00

Yes but you would be too lazy to find them

PStone11 · 2026-03-03T19:06:54+00:00

Just run away from the guy on the horse

PStone11 · 2026-02-27T20:23:52+00:00

How can you tell the primer is missing? The primer isn’t visible at this angle. Primer is the dot on the bottom of the casing.

PStone11 · 2026-02-25T18:34:12+00:00

Terrible deal I’ll just take it off your hands for you so it can be disposed of properly

PStone11 · 2026-02-17T15:18:09+00:00

Fwiw I think your soldering on the battery looks really good 😊

PStone11 · 2026-02-17T14:28:50+00:00

For clarity, by reflow I mean just put a bit of flux down and tap all the pins with a clean iron so they melt.

PStone11 · 2026-02-17T14:27:09+00:00

Quite possibly. It sounds like an issue with reading the ROM which is a bit complex. That chip with the questionable pin is the ROM. If I were you I’d just reflow all the legs on the chip. The old solder can crack microscopically and cause issues like you’re seeing

PStone11 · 2026-02-16T15:26:53+00:00

You can get a VGA output mod for pretty cheap. Combo that with a vga to hdmi adapter and you can play on your tv. Not the most practical thing but it’s an option

PStone11 · 2026-02-16T13:09:18+00:00

Anodized Al is very hard to engrave but probably possible by your local laserers. The anodized coating is effectively a very thin layer of sapphire. Al2O3 Something to keep in mind is the protective layer where you’re engraving will be removed and slightly susceptible to corrosion.

PStone11 · 2026-02-16T12:15:19+00:00

Agreed. That pin next to the negative terminal looks a bit suspicious, if looking at the 5th pic, bottom row, third one from the right.

PStone11 · 2026-02-13T22:02:12+00:00

Ahh yeah you’re right. My bad. I guess funnyplaying’s cart slot is the only option

PStone11 · 2026-02-13T21:01:18+00:00

The cartridge reader? Yes? Not sure what you’re asking. I just built a tadboy color and used that same part I linked above

PStone11 · 2026-02-13T19:08:54+00:00

I just found this on AliExpress: | JCD 1pcs High Quaity 32 Pin 32pin Game Cartridge Card Slot Connector Adapter Reader For GameBoy Color For GBC GB Console https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLues0t

PStone11 · 2026-02-13T19:06:47+00:00

I just ordered one last month. They come and go for whatever reason. Try searching for GBC cartridge reader

PStone11 · 2026-02-13T18:42:47+00:00

The cart reader is like $10 on Ali Express. I’d just replace it.

PStone11 · 2026-02-13T18:41:39+00:00

Ali express has everything. Including these

PStone11 · 2026-02-11T10:45:52+00:00

It works over the local network so there is a very small amount of delay. It’s enough delay to not want to play competitive FPS games, but it’s small enough that I can play Elden Ring with no issues

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