The Game Boy Advance SP was the first Nintendo handheld to use the iconic clamshell design, and once closed, it was small enough to actually fit in your pocket. On top of that, it has a backlit screen, another first for the company. However, the design is prone to easily damage in one specific place: the hinge.
The hinge that gives the SP, DS, and 3DS their iconic looks is very prone to breaking. Nintendo tried to rectify this with the 2DS without the clamshell, but that just didn’t look good.
Enter Boxy Pixel, a group of retro console fans. They created a mod that applies the Game Boy Pocket design to the hardware of the GBA SP.
Cheekily named the “Game Boy Advance SP Unhinged,” this design removes the breakable clamshell while still keeping a sleek, Nintendo-style look. Currently, you can preorder the system on the Boxy Pixel website, and the price is right at $94. Keep in mind that you will need to use aftermarket parts in order to complete the build, but for an extra $21, you can have them add the buttons to your order.
