Replace the battery in the Game Boy Advance SP
The GBA SP has a built-in lithium battery. Handy — but after twenty years the capacity has dropped significantly. You’ll notice it as play sessions get shorter and shorter. Replacement is the simplest fix: you unscrew the back and swap the battery.
What you need {#what-you-need}
- Replacement GBA SP battery — search for “GBA SP battery 850mAh” or higher. Larger batteries (1000mAh+) are also available for longer play time
- Tri-wing screwdriver (2.0mm) — for the Nintendo screws
- Plectrum or spudger — to prise off the cover
A swollen lithium battery is dangerous — never throw it in the bin but take it to a recycling point. Never bend or puncture a lithium battery.
Step by step
1. Remove the battery cover
On the back of the GBA SP there’s a separate battery cover, secured with one tri-wing screw. Unscrew it and remove the cover.
2. Remove the battery
The battery sits clipped into a recess. Carefully lift it free — it’s attached to the circuit board by two wires (red = positive, black = negative).
Disconnect the connector. Note how it’s attached (small click connector).
3. Connect the new battery
Plug the new battery into the connector. Check polarity — red to red, black to black.
4. Place the battery in the recess
Press the battery into the recess.
5. Close the cover
Replace the battery cover and screw it back on.
6. Charge and test
Connect the charger. The light should turn orange while charging, green when full. Check the play time after it’s fully charged.
Consider a larger replacement battery (1000mAh or 1200mAh). It fits in the same recess and gives significantly more play time than the original 850mAh cell.