Retro Game Repair Shop has recently opened pre-orders for the Slate. The Slate is a machined metal shell for the Game Boy Advance SP that changes the consoles original flip-open form factor to a more candy bar style reminiscent of the older Game Boy consoles such as the DMG, Color, and Pocket.
I built up one of the retail samples. It just makes me even more stoked for the laminated version that https://t.co/qR2dBw2izS will be selling soon. pic.twitter.com/14vxGDtDH7
— makho (@makhowastaken) February 9, 2022
What’s unique about this kit is that it re-uses the original rear shell of the GBA SP instead of replacing it with a metal one resulting in a half plastic, half metal design which actually feels great in the hands.
The Slate was created by Makho, a veteran Game Boy modder and enthusiast. He worked closely with the folks over at RetroCNC to perfect the shell’s design and prep it for production. And then there’s Retro Game Repair Shop who brought the whole project together by coordinating production of the shells and also developing the laminated IPS screen for the kit which has become one of it’s defining features.
- Where to Purchase the Slate (Affiliate Links): Use coupon code TITO to save 10% on your total purchase!
- Slate Metal Shell: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/products/slate-by-makho?ref=6njgx4sufvs
- Slate Laminated IPS Screen Kit: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/products/slate-laminated-backlight-kit?ref=6njgx4sufvs
- Slate Metal Buttons: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/products/gba-sp-game-boy-advance-sp-aluminum-buttons-by-retrocnc?ref=6njgx4sufvs
Bob actually interviewed Makho not long ago for the RetroRGB podcast. If you’d like to learn more about the man behind the mod, you can check it out here:
One of the great things about the Slate is that it’s compatible with the original plastic GBA SP buttons. The same cannot be said about Boxy Pixel’s Unhinged SP shell which is a similar product. Boxy Pixel’s Unhinged SP shell requires users to purchase proprietary metal buttons for the shell. However, Boxy Pixel does offer a full metal shell for the SP while the Slate does not. Both kits are great, each having their own unique set of pros and cons.
For a more detailed break down of the difference between he Slate and Unhinged SP metal shell mods, be sure to check out the Macho Nacho video linked at the top of this article.
In conclusion, the Slate is a very cool way to freshen things up if you’re looking to update you old beat up SP!
If you’re interested in saving 10% on your Slate purchase from Retro Game Repair Shop, you can do so by using the coupon code TITO at checkout. Delivery of the Slate is “slated” to be around June (did you see what I did there?)
