The DMG Game Boy is the first iteration of the classic Nintendo Game Boy. Released in 1989, the console is famously able to withstand great damage and still function. Perhaps, because it was the first of it’s line, Nintendo decided to make it almost indestructable to avoid claims of it being flimsy or cheap. Incidentally, this is the first time that I’ve modded a DMG Game Boy. The console uses a whopping four AA batteries. I do intend to install and review a battery mod at some point on this device. However, for now I’m installing and reviewing the HISPEEDIDO Game Boy DMG V5 Ultra LCD kit. HISPEEDIDO are known for making excellent screen kits for various systems. This one is no exception. Read on for a short review of the screen kit.
Installation
The screen kit arrived packaged in a solid plastic case to avoid damage. Inside were the various ribbon cables, the screen panel, the bracket, front board and more items that you’d need to install the kit. I began by disassembling the donor DMG. I would be using a clear white shell for the mod. It was important to remove the front board on the donor Game Boy. This involved removing many screws. The kit comes with a specially designed board. The DMG, unlike other Game Boys, has two boards rather than one inside the case. With this mod, one of these boards are replaced. You have to undo a thick ribbon cable to disassemble the console.
Then, I placed the buttons and rubber contacts in the new shell. I attached the screen into the bracket, placed it, and connected the ribbon cable to the new board. I then placed the board in the mod and screwed it in place. Then, I soldered the speaker to the correct points on the new board. This is the only soldering required. I then used the thick new ribbon cable and attached the donor board and screwed together the system. Upon testing the screen worked. Screen installation complete.
Performance
The kit is very bright and the difference between it and an original screen is stark. The new board has a wheel (a new feature, as it is attached to the PCB that comes in the kit): Hold it for the screen menu to appear. Unlike the Game Boy Pocket, where the contrast wheel adjusts screen brightness, with this kit, the new wheel scrolls through color filters. This is a fun feature. Some of the filters are quite dark, and obviously the color is limited since the original Game Boy (and all Game Boy’s up to the Game Boy Color) uses only around four shades of color. However, the screen is still around 85% more easy to see than with the original green LCD. Of course, you can now play in the dark with this mod.
Using an original DMG for the first time, I didn’t know how quickly the batteries would be drained. The screen kit obviously uses much more power than the original green LCD. I’m pleasantly surprised to report that the battery life is extensive. There’s even an option on the wheel menu to display battery life (which I always implement). I’m also using an Everdrive, which further drains batter,y and the battery life is staying almost full through my playtime.
Because I’m using a clear shell, light leaks from near the top and bottom of the screen area, which is particularly apparent when playing in the dark. While not a major issue, it has made me think that I should of used a solid shell rather than a clear one. Apart from that, the experience is crisp and clean, and the screen is a huge improvement. Perhaps because I am used to the poor battery life on Game Boy Pockets, I didn’t expect the great battery life of this setup.
Conclusion
Overall, this screen kit is a massive upgrade over the regular DMG with a stock screen. The panel is super bright, crisp, and clean. The installation was simple, although I’d advise anyone to take their time with it. The new PCB wheel is great to access the screen options, and it also allows filter scrolling, which is a good feature. There’s some light leakage because I’m using a clear screen, but it is not a major problem. I’ve been playing Pokémon ROM hacks, Zelda: Link’s Awakening, and Super Mario Land 2, and it has been a pleasant experience. I’m surprised that the battery life is so good. With a battery mod, it will be even better. Nintendo really made these Game Boys to be durable, and their design is iconic. It’s been a fun build for my first DMG setup.
BongoBongo123 is an avid Zelda fan who also likes the odd game of Smash. His interests in gaming are broad but he loves a good Metroidvania or action RPGs.