Game Boy Advance SP Models [AGS-001 vs AGS-101]

Nintendo made two very different Game Boy Advance SP models, the frontlit AGS-001 and the backlit AGS-101 and the latter console is generally considered much more desirable while the former is significantly more common. The purpose of this video is to show several methods for telling the two apart to better combat scammers.

Some background: When there were no other options for backlights, the backlit AGS-101 console was widely regarded for the LCD. In 2021(+), the story is quite a bit different, however. We now have options that do not rely on 20+ year old LCD technology and can enjoy the benefits of more modern LCDs so AGS-101 consoles are not quite as desirable as they once were. Still, there is quite a variance in pricing for the two models so it helps to be able to tell them apart despite the negligible MSRP differences.

The differences can be subtle but once you know what to look for, it should be very easy to tell the frontlit and backlit models apart, especially when considering multiple factors. At the end of the day, the best results, in my opinion, are still achieved with an IPS kit though.

Need assistance troubleshooting? I don't offer one on one tech support but you can try self-help with the wiki: https://gameboy.github.io/
If you need more help than that, I'd recommend joining one of the many discord servers linked there and posting in the various troubleshooting channels. I do not respond to emails or DMs with troubleshooting requests.

Confused/intimidated by the sheer number of backlight kits now? I don’t blame you. I had to create a wiki article just to keep everything straight myself. Here's a link to that page if you want to have a look at all the different kits: https://gameboy.github.io/wiki/backli...

Tools I regularly use (and recommend)
Fine point tweezers - Engineer PTN-03: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/produ...
Mini power supply - Miniware MDP-XP: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/produ...
Solder sucker - Engineer SS-02: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/colle...
Cheapo 6" digital caliper: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/colle...

Soldering Supplies
MiniWare TS80P Soldering Iron: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/colle...
Tips for TS80P (J02 and K4): https://retrogamerepairshop.com/colle...
Other soldering supplies: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/colle...
Through Hole solder practice kit: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/colle...
Surface mount solder practice kit: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/colle...

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Please do not feel obligated to contribute, what funds I make there will almost entirely be put towards junk food or cat treats or other non-youtube related bullshit I don't need since I run this channel as a hobby anyway.