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8min

GBC IPS Screen Install

Start by taking apart your Game Boy Color. You will need a tri-wing and Phillips screwdriver. 

Once the screws from the outer shell are removed, the back cover pulls off. Remove the further screws from the circuit board. Pull the tabs on either side of the LCD ribbon at the top of the console upwards towards the top of the console shell to release the ribbon, then gently pull out the ribbon.

Now the main motherboard can be removed.

Remove the old LCD from the front shell and set aside all buttons, rubbers and screws.

Trimming Console

This step is VERY important. Trim down the cartridge pins on the motherboard and BT+ pin just above the A and B button pads using flush side cutters.

If the cartridge pins are not trimmed your LCD can break. If the BT+ pins are no trimmed the ribbon connector of the LCD will be damaged and you will get no screen or white noise or other issues with the screen.

GBC Cartridge Pins Trimming Close-up
GBC Cartridge Pins Trimming Close-up

Trimming the Shell

Trimming the shell is another important step. Use the side cutters to trim the parts of the shell flush to the surface where shown in red. 

Be very careful of the critical position. Do not cut too much away here, as doing so will cause the screen to fall down and not be level. The left side of the screen (when looking from this view, behind) is held level by the bracket. The right side is held level by the bottom bracket AND the critical position. 

Fit the bottom bracket into place, then start by cutting up to a little past the edge of the screen window then place the LCDC into the console, and try and fit the top bracket on top so the thick side fits down the left edge. If it doesn't fit because its too tight, trim a little more off the critical position. 

Repeat the process until the screen and bracket just fit in perfect without any play.

Game Boy Color Trimming Shell Locations
Game Boy Color Trimming Shell Locations

Once everything fits into position your screen should fit level and tight into the shell with the top bracket fitting snug in place too. 

Remove all the brackets and screen from the shell once you are happy with the fit, and peel off the protective film from the screen by pulling across the screen not up away from it (doing so can create light bleed on the screen, so pull the protective film off slowly and by pulling parallel to the screen).

Game Boy Colour IPS screen Film Peeling Off
Game Boy Colour IPS screen Film Peeling Off

Re-assemble the screen and brackets into position.

Connect the LCD circuit board to the screen passing the ribbon cable and 2 wires underneath the bracket. 

Game Boy Colour Screen Location with Brackets
Game Boy Colour Screen Location with Brackets

Finally peel off the backing tape of each copper pad and stick them to the shell or IR sensor insert or anywhere you want to "touch" the shell to change brightness and color palette. Place them at least 1 inch apart.

Game Boy Color Screen Brightness Copper Pad
Game Boy Color Screen Brightness Copper Pad

Now before reinstalling the Game Boy Color motherboard double check you have trimmed the cartridge and BT+ solder pads flush with the console, otherwise this next step will break the LCD.

Re-assembly

Now place the motherboard back into position and carefully screw the board back down. If it feels too tight stop and check if something is catching or pressing before blinding screwing down the board and breaking something. The board will be tight when installed correct but not to the point of damage, so just take your time and be careful assembling it back.

Once done you should have a perfectly level and centred screen.

Game Boy Color Fully Assembled
Game Boy Color Fully Assembled
Updated 15 May 2022
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GBC Board Scans
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Trimming Console
Trimming the Shell
Re-assembly