It has been one month since the launch of UKIYO MODS, let’s recap. In 2022 I refurbished some GBC’s. No fancy shells or backlight kits, just some good old cleaning and a fresh glass lens to bring them back to life. I listed them on an online marketplace with short descriptions and no-nonsense photos. My listings disappeared very quickly and only one person seriously reached out and actually bought one. In January 2023 I realized that I needed to level up and get into modding.
First I tried to figure out who all the key players are in this scene. I noticed the Modders that put out great content and make the nicest builds. There are some Manufacturers with completely compatible modding kits (some less controversial than others). The Wholesalers will give you the shortest lead times and play a big role in connecting the community with their online presence. Finally there’s also a few Innovators that are always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and drop the craziest new stuff.
The backlight kit is essential for anyone who wants to get into modding. I ordered my first shady IPS backlight kit from AliExpress. Just one. Not for the GBC, but actually for the dead GBP that I received in December and had never owned before. Turns out that I really love the clunky pocket. The mod was a bit tricky because there was no manual and I never did one before, but it turned out great. The fluffs behind the screen were annoying to remove, but now I know why those laminated screen are such a success. The Black One was a born, first IPS build done. ✅
To test the build I started my first run of Link’s Awakening. After two hearts I received the GBC Funnyplaying kits and started modding around a bit. This resulted in the Baby Blue and Clear Red ones. After four hearts I continued my run on the Clear Red GBC and learned how to install a battery kit and how to improve the pickup of diagonal lines. Two great improvements and enough room and ideas to improve even more.
And guess what – a brand new box with abandoned handhelds arrived from Japan today. In march I will be modding some more advanced Game Boys if you know what I mean. 🤪 The tested builds will be listed on the website soon and I’ll keep posting my endeavors on Instagram. Happy modding!
