HardwareHandheldsThe Game Boy Color is once again my favorite handheld thanks to this gorgeous AMOLED touchscreen modWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
HardwareHandheldsThe Game Boy Color is once again my favorite handheld thanks to this gorgeous AMOLED touchscreen modWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
The Game Boy Color is one of my favorite handhelds of all time, and I’ve found a mod that’ll help give it a second wind in 2024. While traditional display upgrades require messing around with the original panel, there’s a new drop-in solution that adds an AMOLED touchscreen to Nintendo’s portable. That’s right, you can now arm your 26-year-old console with the same screen tech as your smartphone, arming it with better visuals than modern replicas.
I was originally skeptical when I first stumbled across this Game Boy Color AMOLED screen mod. Even some of thebest gaming handheldsaround aren’t armed with OLED visuals, not to mention you can grab a kitfor under $50 at Aliexpress. For context, that’s incredibly cheap compared to some LCD options I’ve come across for the Game Boy Advance, so I had to immediately order one and put my skepticism to rest.
Now that I’m on the other side of the project, I can honestly say that it’s one of the best Game Boy mods I’ve ever had the pleasure of completing. I’d go as far as to say that the resulting AMOLED Game Boy Color is probably now my favorite retro handheld. Those are big words for someone who owns numerous portable consoles and plenty of new emulation devices to boot, but I promise you it’s not an exaggeration. If you need proof, just ask my grandma, as I ended up calling her up in excitement, most likely with the same tone as someone announcing the birth of their child (who needs kids when you have beautiful handhelds, right?)
Game Boy Color AMOLED screen kit |From $49.80 at AliexpressThis kit comes with a replacement AMOLED screen for the GBC and a custom shell that’s made to fit. Naturally, you’ll need to supply your own Game Boy, but for under $50, the mod and second-hand console will cost you less than the price of modern devices like the Analogue Pocket.Buy it if:✅You’ve got an old Game Boy Color✅You want to use original cartridges✅You’d love a custom retro handheldDon’t buy it if:❌You don’t want anything to do with modding❌You’re looking to play Game Boy Advance gamesView Deal
Game Boy Color AMOLED screen kit |From $49.80 at AliexpressThis kit comes with a replacement AMOLED screen for the GBC and a custom shell that’s made to fit. Naturally, you’ll need to supply your own Game Boy, but for under $50, the mod and second-hand console will cost you less than the price of modern devices like the Analogue Pocket.Buy it if:✅You’ve got an old Game Boy Color✅You want to use original cartridges✅You’d love a custom retro handheldDon’t buy it if:❌You don’t want anything to do with modding❌You’re looking to play Game Boy Advance gamesView Deal
Game Boy Color AMOLED screen kit |From $49.80 at AliexpressThis kit comes with a replacement AMOLED screen for the GBC and a custom shell that’s made to fit. Naturally, you’ll need to supply your own Game Boy, but for under $50, the mod and second-hand console will cost you less than the price of modern devices like the Analogue Pocket.Buy it if:✅You’ve got an old Game Boy Color✅You want to use original cartridges✅You’d love a custom retro handheldDon’t buy it if:❌You don’t want anything to do with modding❌You’re looking to play Game Boy Advance gamesView Deal
Game Boy Color AMOLED screen kit |From $49.80 at AliexpressThis kit comes with a replacement AMOLED screen for the GBC and a custom shell that’s made to fit. Naturally, you’ll need to supply your own Game Boy, but for under $50, the mod and second-hand console will cost you less than the price of modern devices like the Analogue Pocket.Buy it if:✅You’ve got an old Game Boy Color✅You want to use original cartridges✅You’d love a custom retro handheldDon’t buy it if:❌You don’t want anything to do with modding❌You’re looking to play Game Boy Advance games
Game Boy Color AMOLED screen kit |From $49.80 at AliexpressThis kit comes with a replacement AMOLED screen for the GBC and a custom shell that’s made to fit. Naturally, you’ll need to supply your own Game Boy, but for under $50, the mod and second-hand console will cost you less than the price of modern devices like the Analogue Pocket.Buy it if:✅You’ve got an old Game Boy Color✅You want to use original cartridges✅You’d love a custom retro handheldDon’t buy it if:❌You don’t want anything to do with modding❌You’re looking to play Game Boy Advance games
Game Boy Color AMOLED screen kit |From $49.80 at AliexpressThis kit comes with a replacement AMOLED screen for the GBC and a custom shell that’s made to fit. Naturally, you’ll need to supply your own Game Boy, but for under $50, the mod and second-hand console will cost you less than the price of modern devices like the Analogue Pocket.
Buy it if:✅You’ve got an old Game Boy Color✅You want to use original cartridges✅You’d love a custom retro handheldDon’t buy it if:❌You don’t want anything to do with modding❌You’re looking to play Game Boy Advance games
View Deal
View Deal
View Deal
A delightful drop-in AMOLED mod
Image1of4(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
Image1of4(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
Image1of4
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
The fact this AMOLED kit comes with a shell is a huge win, as it’s made with the screen mod in mind. If you were to install the display without the custom housing, you’d have to trim away the plastic to make space for the new guts, and trust me, you don’t want to go down that road. Those of you who are rightfully worried about the quality of the shell’s plastic can also put your minds at ease, as it’s actually one of the most accurate third-party replacements I’ve ever used.
Thanks to an included PCB adapter, installing the new GBC screen almost feels like a hot swap. Other than connecting the display’s ribbon cable to the handheld’s top slot, the only other significant step is attaching one wire to a point on the Game Boy’s switch. If you’re not used to soldering, this step might feel daunting, but as the included wire already has solder applied, the job’s as easy as it could possibly be. It feels like only yesterday that backlight mods involved either cramming the wrong size of screens into shells or squeezing in a bunch of wires, so it’s safe to say things are far simpler now.
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Teach an old handheld new touchscreen tricks
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
I’ve already rambled about how much I love this GBC AMOLED screen mod, but the part about it being a touchscreen might have you puzzled. Rather than turning the handheld into a weird-shaped DS, the mod’s touch functionality provides quick and easy access to screen settings that help the display stand out compared to older options. You’ll no longer have to press weird button combos to access an OSD, as you’ll be able to hold your finger on the panel to access the menu and scroll through options like brightness, color palettes, and even scanlines.
Within that same menu, you’ll also find an option called ‘logo color’, and believe it or not, activating adds RGB lighting to the bezel. That’s right, your Game Boy can now put on a light show that rivals your PC setup, serving as a delightful cherry on top of this incredible screen mod. There are 31 different colors to choose from, with each providing some subtle flair that would have blown my mind back in the ‘90s. Remarkably, all the extra pizazz doesn’t seem to hinder battery life that much, as I’ve been using the same AA batteries for at least seven hours so far this week without any signs of death.
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
I was already a sucker for old consoles, but this new Game Boy Color AMOLED display has me hyped for the future of retro handheld modding. While I think enthusiasts will still end up buying premium replicas like theAnalogue Pocket(or at least they would if they were in stock), I genuinely feel like I’ve got less need for the pricey portable now that I have an OLED GBC. Yes, you’d need to find another way to play Game Boy Advance games as the Color isn’t compatible with that library. However, I reckon it won’t be long until a similar GBA screen replacement emerges to take Nintendo’s classic device to new heights.
Today’s best retro handheld dealsLow StockHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all pricesAnbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best retro handheld dealsLow StockHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all pricesAnbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best retro handheld dealsLow StockHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all pricesAnbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best retro handheld deals
Low StockHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all pricesAnbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all prices
Low StockHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all prices
Low Stock
Low Stock
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Low Stock
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HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all prices
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$31.99
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Anbernic RG35XX Plus$79.99$58.99ViewSee all prices
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More about handhelds
This handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
This handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classics
This handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classics
Will the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
Will the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
Latest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►
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26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
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Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
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Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1
Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”