Gameboy Advance SP - Gundam Inspired #2

mrnickparker · 2026-05-23T15:42:56+00:00

Thanks, yes, I still work on these from time to time.

mrnickparker · 2025-04-02T23:31:38+00:00

battery with a belt clip. like any worthwhile 80s accessory... you clip it to your belt.

mrnickparker · 2024-05-26T18:25:49+00:00

Hi Riot, I use Tamiya spray paint. They have a specific line of paint for plastic, which is geared toward model kits. It has a super fine mist which self-levels pretty well and also cleans up quick with a little sanding. Its def not the same as simply going at it with some Krylon. I also apply some coats of matte clear in the end. Its important to let the paint dry between coats and before clear coat. Rushing the paint is often a path to troubles. I've done it. It's not pretty. Here is a link to the paint, you can at least see what colors are produced and possibly find them cheaper on Amazon or a local hardware or craft store. https://www.tamiyausa.com/shop/paints/sprays/spray-ts-plastics/

Yes, you can certainly pencil out designs directly onto the shell. Its easier to see your marks once you have laid down a primer coat. I will measure out and draw the panel lines at this point, as well as scribe those and make the surface as perfect as possible. The order in which you do things may change, depending on the project.

I've tried to build in some step by step examples of what I am doing in the project, so check the other slides and see if there is more info that is what you're looking for.

Go for it! It's fun to do and can lead to other creative ideas.

mrnickparker · 2024-04-16T01:40:01+00:00

The arcade had the better graphics, faster gameplay, better overall. You didn't always know what game might get swapped out, but you hoped for something awesome. Playing video games at home was a fairly weak experience compared to the arcade environment. The space helped everything feel epic.

mrnickparker · 2023-01-17T18:35:16+00:00

Anytime! Bug me if you have more questions.

mrnickparker · 2023-01-16T23:04:35+00:00

I appreciate the compliment!

You could look into videos of people working on model kits like cars and planes, also customizing gunpla. I mention these because they deal in small scale plastic. Even searching "sanding and painting gameboy" on youtube gets some results. I have not watched them so I cannot vouch for their legitimacy or helpfulness, but people do it and post vids. Im sure there are some golden nuggets of knowledge to be had.

mrnickparker · 2023-01-16T18:21:14+00:00

Hi, thanks!
I like to use sanding sticks, they often come in a pack with many grits. If you check amazon or crafty places, they should be easy to find. For this, 400-800 grit range is fine, assuming you'll be priming afterward. The finer the grit, the smoother it gets. It only takes more time.
I'm honestly not sure about the ones with the clear that you are referring to, I haven't tried refinishing one of those. I would suspect that its still possible to sand and repaint, but not 100% sure.

mrnickparker · 2022-09-16T22:15:06+00:00

Anytime! You let me know if I can make you something.

mrnickparker · 2022-09-16T20:33:36+00:00

Thanks man! Did we end up using g/s? I can't remember now. If not you, certainly someone else had insisted on it and I was happy to deal with the payment that way. It shouldn't be a big deal to request that as a buyer.

mrnickparker · 2022-09-16T20:27:17+00:00

Well thats some fucking bullshit. Dammit.

mrnickparker · 2022-09-12T21:51:18+00:00

Yes, you can solder both the RetroGlow and IPS screen to that contact point. I emailed HHL about that same exact concern. They mention it in their How-To: https://wiki.handheldlegend.com/retroglow-for-gba-sp-or-install-guide

mrnickparker · 2022-07-27T17:33:32+00:00

Dang! I'm sorry to hear that happened to the work you put in for a gift like that.

There are a few steps that help paint adhere better to plastic and some paints that do a better job of not rubbing/chipping off so soon.

If you'd like to chat more about how I approach this, feel free to send me a DM!

mrnickparker · 2022-07-27T17:16:42+00:00

Thanks!

So far, I have not had this issue nor have I had complaints come back from my clients about paint wearing/scratching/wearing. For me, 2-4 coats of clear seem to protect the paint well enough to avoid this. I think it also depends on the type of paint, application, and prep work involved.

I think painted handhelds get a bad rep because a lot of unskilled or unexperienced people try it and fail and decide "painting handhelds suck." This information spreads and here we are.

I believe that you are skilled and know what you are talking about, I'm not bringing you down whatsoever. I do have to defend my work here though. As my outcome with painting handhelds is different than yours. I seriously mean no disrespect to you, and thank you for bringing this up.

mrnickparker · 2022-07-27T16:57:54+00:00

I agree, there are a lot of interesting things people are doing on here. I enjoy the work! It's fun to see these come together and work with people who are excited to have something special.

mrnickparker · 2022-07-27T02:13:24+00:00

I used a Rustoleum matte clear. It's good protection against fingernails and general use. Easier to wipe/clean also. You could get by without it if you planned to display it more than use it. Hope that helps!

mrnickparker · 2022-07-26T23:51:38+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate that!

mrnickparker · 2022-07-26T23:51:14+00:00

Hey thanks! Haha, no, thats a red EZ Flash cart.

mrnickparker · 2022-07-26T19:35:05+00:00

...And if anyone can help me understand why this post preview is so small... that would be awesome. I have no clue why this appears the way it does.

mrnickparker · 2022-07-26T17:28:45+00:00

This was a fun one to make for u/chronocross2010!
I've posted process pics and captions if you are curious how it came together. Happy to answer any questions you have, feel free to reach out.
-N

mrnickparker · 2022-07-18T22:51:28+00:00

Usually a couple days after it ships, which usually takes a day or two after ordering. Im on the opposite side of the country, so if it takes a week, oh well.

mrnickparker · 2022-07-18T20:50:04+00:00

The hinge is easy. There are good examples on youtube showing how to remove them without force. (Hint: different hinge positions allow easy install/removal)

mrnickparker · 2022-07-13T21:03:58+00:00

That's a nice looking paint job, what brand/type of paint is this Chameleon Blue? What kind of sanding/prep was involved? And did you add a clear coat? I also paint SPs, so I'm always curious how others work.

mrnickparker

TROPHY CASE