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Handheld upgrade mods (Nomad, NGPC, GameGear, etc)

dark10x

Digital Foundry pixel pusher
OK, so I've been on a handheld collection spree as of late and finally found a boxed Nomad in great condition. Already have a GameGear as well, of course, among many others.

As I'm sure everyone is aware, the screen quality on the Nomad and GameGear is exceedingly poor. The ghosting could not possibly be worse and the viewing angles are just pathetic. I've seen some pretty sharp looking mods out there for upgrading the screens in these systems. In particular, a good 320x240 modern LCD would do wonders for the Nomad in particular. I'm wondering if any Gaffers have experience with this.

Recent haul (not my couch)
c5bc75e1a7573caf03b5b68cb85725a145611aab.JPG

In addition, I'm wondering how feasible it would be to add a front light to the NGPC or Wonderswan systems. Seems like taking something from an original GBA SP would work well here.

Anyone have any experience with modding these consoles? If so, any experience you could share would be appreciated!
 
The GameGear needs new capacitors to fix the display and audio: (maybe the Nomad as well?)
http://members.optusnet.com.au/eviltim/ggrgb/ggrepair.html

Also, where is the Atari Lynx?
Oh, I definitely have a Lynx II as well (in addition to all of the Nintendo and Sony handhelds). The photo above is just the recent haul. :) I'm totally loving the DSi XL (just fantastic design and usability).

The only major handheld I'm missing at the moment is a Turbo Express, but the prices are just too steep.
 
Sounds like a very nice collection. I came across a Turbo Express once, they told me it was broken and weren't sure the store owner wanted to sell it, turned out he didn't, oh well.

I wish there was a way to improve the display of the Lynx, it is also pretty washed out, though a lot sharper than the GameGear ever was.
 
I have heard of mods being done for the Lynx to replace the original backlight with an LED. Here's a YouTube video I just found:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLfK8ygRNM4

If you're looking for a better replacement for the actual LCD screen itself (not the backlight), then that might be highly difficult. The Lynx screen had a resolution of 160x102, which is not only very low but virtually unique. Nothing that I know of before or since has used a color LCD with that exact resolution.
 
I've read about the LED mods they should help battery life a lot. Also someone once added another polarization sheet to the display which improved the contrast, I think it was taken from an LCD monitor.

EDIT: Ah yes, ZoneLynx he has an awesome collection and has done lots of interesting mods.
 
Im not going to post links to everything because a google search can give you most of what you will need but

the NGPC and Wonderswan can both be front light modded. In fact, most older handhelds can be front light modded. You will need a GBA SP screen for the NGPC...not sure about the Wonderswan but I assume it as well.

there is a screen replacement available for the Game Gear by a gent that goes by the name Mcwill. I recently did it to mine and could not be happier.

Mcwill also offers a similar replacement for the Atari Lynx screen.

Even though you didnt ask, there are light mods or the Gameboy and Gameboy Color and back light mods or the GBA.

Hope this helps.
 
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