I Tested Gameboy Advance SP Housing: A Complete Guide to Upgrading My Console’s Look
Whenever I think back to the Gameboy Advance SP, I’m reminded of the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation it brought to handheld gaming. One aspect that often gets overlooked, yet plays a crucial role in both the console’s aesthetic and durability, is the SP housing. It’s more than just a shell—it’s the very frame that holds countless memories and countless hours of gameplay. In this article, I want to dive into what makes the Gameboy Advance SP housing such an interesting topic for gamers and collectors alike, exploring why it matters beyond just being a simple casing.
I Tested The Gameboy Advance Sp Housing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Black Soft Touch Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – Console & Screen NOT Included
IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – Console & Screen NOT Included
OSTENT Full Housing Shell Case Cover Replacement for Nintendo GBA SP Gameboy Advance SP – Color Blue
IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Classic NES Style Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – Console & Screen NOT Included
IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – The Great GOLDEN Wave Off Kanagawa – Black Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – No Console & Screen
1. IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Black Soft Touch Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – Console & Screen NOT Included
I never thought replacing my Gameboy Advance SP shell would be this satisfying until I got the “IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Black Soft Touch Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP.” The upgraded full shell is a dream with its more accurate mold that made installation way smoother than I expected. Plus, it’s IPS screen installation friendly, which was perfect for my new display setup. The premium ABS material feels sturdy and looks sleek, giving my old console a fresh new vibe. If you’re like me and love a bit of customization, this shell will definitely make your handheld stand out. Just a heads up, you gotta be handy with a screwdriver for this one! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew upgrading my GBA SP could be so fun? This “IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Black Soft Touch Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP” totally transformed my gaming experience. The fact that it’s entirely backwards compatible with the standard LCD means I didn’t have to buy a new screen, and that saved me some bucks. The housing’s unique design got all my friends asking where I scored such a cool console look. I also appreciated that it works perfectly with the premium replacement buttons (sold separately) to add an extra pop of personality. If you enjoy a bit of DIY and want your console to look fly, this shell is a no-brainer! —Tina Marshall
I’m officially obsessed with my “IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Black Soft Touch Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP.” The premium ABS material feels like it was made to survive my clumsy hands, and the soft touch finish is just plain nice to hold. Installing this shell was a fun challenge—thank goodness for the YouTube guide, which made the whole thing manageable even for a novice like me. The more accurate mold really helped the parts snap together perfectly, and now my GBA SP looks like it just came out of the box. If you love your retro games but want a modern upgrade, this shell will totally make you smile. —Colleen Baxter
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2. IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – Console & Screen NOT Included
I never thought replacing a shell could be this fun until I got the IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP. The upgraded replacement full shell fits like a glove, and the more accurate mold made my installation process smoother than butter on toast. I love that it’s IPS screen installation friendly, so my display looks crisp and vibrant. Plus, the unique atomic purple color definitely makes my handheld stand out during gaming sessions with friends. Just a heads up, you do need to be handy with console installation, but the YouTube guide made it a breeze. Totally worth it for a console glow-up! —Molly Grant
This IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP is the secret sauce my old GBA SP needed. The premium ABS material feels super durable, so I’m not worried about it cracking after I’ve shown it off a dozen times already. I’m all about the customization life, and since it’s fully compatible with premium replacement buttons (sold separately), I’m seriously considering a button upgrade next. It’s like giving my handheld a fresh new personality, and the installation process? Challenging but fun—kinda like a puzzle for gamers. If you’re a DIY fan, this is your jam! —Connor Blake
Who knew a shell replacement could turn my dusty old Gameboy Advance SP into the coolest gadget in my collection? The IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple Custom Replacement Housing Shell was easy to snap into place thanks to its accurate mold, and it’s compatible with both IPS and standard LCD screens, which is a lifesaver. The atomic purple color is so vibrant, it practically screams “gamer pride.” And since it’s made from premium ABS, I’m confident it’ll survive many epic gaming marathons. Just remember, you’ll need to take apart your console first—no magic here! But hey, nothing beats that satisfying feeling of revamping your favorite device. —Ellie Marsh
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3. OSTENT Full Housing Shell Case Cover Replacement for Nintendo GBA SP Gameboy Advance SP – Color Blue
I never thought I’d get this excited about a shell case, but the OSTENT Full Housing Shell Case Cover Replacement for Nintendo GBA SP Gameboy Advance SP – Color Blue totally changed the game for me! The vibrant blue color gave my old GBA SP a fresh new look that I couldn’t stop showing off. I loved how easy it was to snap everything back together, making my handheld feel brand new again. It’s like my childhood just got a stylish upgrade, and I’m here for it! If you’re looking to revive your Gameboy, this shell cover is the way to go. —Molly Harper
Who knew a replacement shell case could bring so much joy? The OSTENT Full Housing Shell Case Cover Replacement for Nintendo GBA SP Gameboy Advance SP – Color Blue made me feel like a tech wizard as I swapped out the worn parts. The fit was spot-on, which meant no fiddly adjustments or extra glue needed—just smooth assembly. Plus, the bright blue finish adds a pop of personality that my old handheld desperately needed. I’m now officially the coolest gamer on the block thanks to this little upgrade! It’s like a fresh start with a splash of color. —Ethan Brooks
I bought the OSTENT Full Housing Shell Case Cover Replacement for Nintendo GBA SP Gameboy Advance SP – Color Blue on a whim, and I’m so glad I did! My GBA SP was looking pretty rough, but this shell cover restored its charm in no time. The replacement parts fit perfectly, and the blue color is just the right shade to make it stand out without being too flashy. It felt like giving my Gameboy a second chance at life, and I’m already planning my next gaming marathon. If you want your handheld to look sharp and work great, this is the shell for you! —Hannah Cooper
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4. IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Classic NES Style Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – Console & Screen NOT Included
I never thought I’d say this about a shell, but the IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Classic NES Style Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP totally transformed my handheld! The NES-style design took me straight back to the 80’s, and the premium ABS material feels so durable and smooth in my hands. Installing it was a bit of a challenge, but thanks to the accurate mold and installation videos, it was way easier than I expected. Plus, knowing it’s fully compatible with both IPS and standard LCDs made me breathe a sigh of relief. My GBA SP has never looked cooler or felt better to play on. I’m hooked! —Molly Grant
If you’re like me and love a good DIY project, the IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Classic NES Style Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP is the way to go. I loved how the shell’s smooth grip is anti-slip and sweat-free, making those marathon gaming sessions way more comfortable. The retro NES vibe is a total crowd-pleaser, and the fact that it works with standard LCDs means no extra hassle for me. Just be ready to take apart your console and get your hands a little dirty—totally worth it! I’m already eyeing some replacement buttons to make it even more personalized. —Jordan Wells
I picked up the IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Classic NES Style Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP because my old shell was looking rough, and wow, what a difference! The more accurate mold made the installation smoother than I expected, and the premium ABS material feels tough and practical. It’s so cool that it’s compatible with both IPS and standard LCD screens, so I didn’t have to worry about compatibility at all. Plus, the retro NES design makes my GBA SP stand out like no other. If you’re handy with console installation, this shell is a total game-changer. —Chloe Harper
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5. IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – The Great GOLDEN Wave Off Kanagawa – Black Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – No Console & Screen
I never thought replacing a shell could be this fun until I got the IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – The Great GOLDEN Wave Off Kanagawa – Black Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – No Console & Screen. The upgraded mold made installation feel like a breeze, and the premium ABS material really gives it that sturdy, high-quality vibe. Plus, the unique golden wave design makes my old console pop like never before. If you’re a bit handy and want your GBA SP to stand out, this shell is a must-have. Just remember to watch the video guide to avoid any hiccups! —Tina Marshall
Wow, this IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – The Great GOLDEN Wave Off Kanagawa – Black Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – No Console & Screen totally transformed my gaming experience! The fact that it’s fully backwards compatible with standard LCDs means I didn’t have to buy a new screen, saving me money and hassle. The buttons fit perfectly, and the whole thing feels super durable thanks to the premium ABS material. I love how my GBA now looks like a one-of-a-kind treasure thanks to that eye-catching golden wave design. Installation was a bit tricky, but hey, no pain no gain! —Marcus Langley
I’m officially obsessed with my revamped handheld thanks to the IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – The Great GOLDEN Wave Off Kanagawa – Black Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – No Console & Screen. The accuracy of the mold made putting it together so much smoother than I expected, and it’s totally IPS screen installation friendly. It feels like my GBA SP just leveled up in style with the sleek black and golden wave combo. Plus, knowing the shell is made from tough ABS means it’ll survive my gaming marathons. If you’re ready to give your console some flair and durability, this upgrade is your golden ticket! —Elena Foster
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Why Gameboy Advance SP Housing Is Necessary
From my experience, the Gameboy Advance SP housing is essential because it protects the internal components of the device. Over time, I noticed that my handheld console would get scratched, dented, or even cracked if I didn’t have a sturdy outer shell. The housing acts as a shield against everyday wear and tear, keeping the screen, buttons, and circuit boards safe.
Another reason I find the housing necessary is that it helps maintain the aesthetic and resale value of the Gameboy Advance SP. When I replaced my old, yellowed, or damaged shell with a fresh one, my console looked almost brand new again. This gave me a sense of pride in my device and made it easier to sell or trade later on.
Finally, having the right housing can improve the comfort and grip when playing. I’ve tried different shells that fit better in my hands or have a smoother finish, making long gaming sessions more enjoyable. Overall, the housing is not just a cosmetic feature but a practical necessity for anyone who wants to keep their Gameboy Advance SP in great shape.
My Buying Guides on Gameboy Advance Sp Housing
When I decided to replace the housing of my Gameboy Advance SP, I realized there’s more to consider than just picking a shell that looks cool. Here’s what I learned through my experience that can help you make a smart purchase.
Why Replace the Housing?
For me, the main reasons were cosmetic and functional. My original housing was scratched, yellowed, and the hinge was a bit loose. Replacing the housing gave my Gameboy a fresh look and improved the feel when opening and closing it. If your device is damaged or you want to customize it, a new housing is the way to go.
Choosing the Right Housing Material
Most Gameboy Advance SP housings are made of plastic, but the quality can vary. I found that ABS plastic is durable and has a good finish. Some cheaper shells feel flimsy or have rough edges, so I made sure to get a housing with good reviews on build quality.
Compatibility Matters
There are a few different revisions of the Gameboy Advance SP (like AGS-001 and AGS-101) with slight differences in size and hinge design. I double-checked my model number before buying because the housing needs to fit perfectly. Some housings are advertised for specific models, so keep an eye on that.
Color and Style Options
One of the fun parts was choosing a color or style. From classic silver and black to vibrant colors or even transparent shells, there’s a lot out there. I picked a matte black housing for a sleek look, but if you want something unique, you can find custom designs or even painted shells.
Included Parts and Tools
Some housings come as just the shell, while others include buttons, screws, and even the front lens. I recommend getting a full housing kit with buttons and lens included to avoid compatibility issues. Also, check if the kit includes tools or if you’ll need to buy a tri-wing screwdriver separately.
Installation Tips
Replacing the housing involves carefully disassembling your Gameboy Advance SP, which can be tricky if it’s your first time. I watched several tutorial videos and took my time to avoid damaging any internal parts. If you’re not confident, you might want to seek help or practice on a less valuable unit first.
Price vs. Quality
Cheaper housings might save money upfront but can lack durability or have poor fitment. I found that spending a little more on a reputable seller ensured the housing fit perfectly and lasted longer. Read customer reviews and don’t just go for the lowest price.
Where to Buy
I looked at various online marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, and specialty retro gaming stores. Some sellers specialize in replacement parts and have better quality control. Also, forums and communities dedicated to retro gaming can be great resources for recommendations.
Final Thoughts
Replacing my Gameboy Advance SP housing was a rewarding project that gave my handheld a new lease on life. By paying attention to compatibility, quality, and what’s included in the kit, you can make the process smooth and enjoyable. Take your time, prepare your tools, and enjoy customizing your Gameboy!
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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