Adding USB-C charging to a Game Boy Color requires installing an internal charging board and a separate 3.7V Li-ion battery—not simply replacing the cable. The standard giltesa kit is designed to retain the original voltage regulator, but installation involves soldering and cutting the shell for the USB-C port. It does not support playing while charging.
Choose the right charging setup
For a charging-only modification that keeps the stock regulator, the standard giltesa kit is the direct option. It is documented for Game Boy Color motherboard revisions CGB-CPU-01 through CGB-CPU-06. The kit’s compatibility notes say a replacement regulator must accept the battery kit’s 2.75–4.2V output range.
If your build uses an IPS screen and also needs power conversion and audio amplification, giltesa’s PRO board combines USB-C charging, a 5V converter, and an audio amplifier. Its seller specifies IPS screens only. Check the exact board revision before relying on charge-and-play: PRO documentation says this feature is supported from v3.1 onward, identifies v3.3 as the latest version, and warns that v2.3 does not properly support it.
| Option | Screen and power features | Play while charging | Port and installation distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| giltesa standard kit | Designed for CGB-CPU-01 through CGB-CPU-06 and the original regulator; no 5V converter or amplifier. | No. The seller says not to play while charging. | Adds a USB-C port through a shell opening; soldering is required. |
| giltesa PRO | For IPS-screen builds; includes a 5V converter and audio amplifier. | Documented from v3.1 onward. The seller warns v2.3 does not properly support the feature. | Adds USB-C; check the installed revision and its instructions. |
| FunnyPlaying charging mod | See the ConsoleMods guide for its documented setup and constraints. | The guide directs users to charge with the console powered off. | Uses the original power port with a USB-to-barrel cable rather than adding a USB-C port; battery space and board location are constraints. |
Sources: giltesa standard kit, giltesa PRO, and the ConsoleMods FunnyPlaying guide.
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#1 Best Overall
- 【The Modern Charging Solution for GBA SP】 Never worry about finding your old, proprietary AC adapter again. Simply plug this converter cable into any USB-C cable (sold separately), and you can charge your GBA SP from any modern USB-C wall charger, laptop, or portable power bank.
- 【24AWG Pure Copper Core for Faster Charging】 Features a high-purity, thick-grade (24AWG) copper core that reduces resistance for maximum charging efficiency and a sturdy jacket to prevent fraying. Built-in over-current protection safeguards your precious GBA SP from electrical damage.
- 【Durable PVC Jacket & Reinforced ABS Connectors】 Engineered for longevity with a flexible, kink-resistant PVC cable and stress-resistant ABS resin connectors at both ends. This robust construction significantly reduces the risk of breakage for reliable, long-term use.
- 【Ultra-Compact 10cm Cable Length】 With a mere 10cm (4 inches) of cable, this ultra-short design lets your GBA SP and power source feel like a single, integrated unit. It's the perfect companion for a portable power bank, making it incredibly easy to game on the go.
- 【Charge Anywhere with USB-C】 Works with any USB-C power source you have! Power up your GBA SP from a laptop, car charger, portable power bank, or any standard USB wall adapter. Total charging freedom, at home or on the road.
Get a compatible battery and tools
The standard kit requires a separate Li-ion battery; one is not included. The seller gives 102050 and 123048 batteries as examples, not as guaranteed fits for every shell or revision. Before buying, verify the battery’s physical dimensions, connector, voltage, and clearance in your particular console. The standard kit uses a battery cable with a JST SH1.0 connector and is specified for a 2.75–4.2V battery output range.
The standard kit package includes the charging and light boards, battery cable, light-board cable, and diffuser. The installation guide lists these tools:
Rank #2
- Compatible with Game Boy Micro GBM (original 2005, OXY-001) Console Series, NOT FIT for GBP (1996), GBC (1998), GBA (2001), GBA SP (2003) consoles Series.
- If your original connector is too old or damaged, or if you would like to charge your GBM with a standard USB-C charger, like the charger of your Switch, phone, laptop, you can with this kit.
- The USB-C board that to custom PCB to easily replace your GBM's proprietary charging port with a universal USB-C port.
- Requires technical skills such as soldering to install, please consult an expert if unsure.
- Each pack come with: 1x USB-C Charging port for GBM, 1x Plastic Bracket (Black), 1x Installation Guide.
- Phillips #00 and tri-wing screwdrivers
- Cutting pliers, a cutter, and tweezers
- Soldering iron, solder, and flux
- Isopropyl alcohol
Check the kit’s current product information and the installation guide for the exact board version you have.
Install the standard kit
This is a soldering and case-modification job. Follow the illustrated guide for your kit revision; do not treat these overview steps as a substitute for its board-specific wiring and placement instructions.
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Rank #3
- Compatible with Game Boy Micro GBM (original 2005, OXY-001) Console Series, NOT FIT for GBP (1996), GBC (1998), GBA (2001), GBA SP (2003) consoles Series.
- If your original connector is too old or damaged, or if you would like to charge your GBM with a standard USB-C charger, like the charger of your Switch, phone, laptop, you can with this kit.
- The USB-C board that to custom PCB to easily replace your GBM's proprietary charging port with a universal USB-C port.
- Requires technical skills such as soldering to install, please consult an expert if unsure.
- Each pack come with: 1x USB-C Charging port for GBM, 1x Plastic Bracket (Silver), 1x Installation Guide.
- Confirm compatibility and prepare. Check the motherboard revision against the kit’s CGB-CPU-01 through CGB-CPU-06 list. Confirm the battery connector and fit, and gather the listed tools.
- Open and disassemble the console. Follow the guide’s disassembly sequence and handle the display cable as shown; avoid pulling or bending it beyond what the instructions require.
- Position and solder the boards. Mount the charging board and connect it as directed. The light board is an optional installation step in the guide; fit the included diffuser if installing that board.
- Cut the shell opening for USB-C. The port needs a visible opening in the console shell. Make the opening to match the board’s position and guide; test alignment before final assembly.
- Check internal and battery clearance. Depending on shell type and battery dimensions, additional trimming around the battery compartment may be needed. Kit version matters: the manufacturer says v1.7 changed the board shape and moved the battery connector so that cutting plastic for that connector was no longer required. That change does not remove the shell opening needed for the USB-C port.
- Connect the battery and reassemble. Verify board placement, wiring, and clearance against the guide before closing the console.
For the version-specific sequence and images, use the giltesa kit installation guide.
Charging, playing, and battery runtime
Can you play while charging?
Not with the standard kit: its seller says the board does not support simultaneous play and charging and advises against doing so. Do not assume PRO behavior applies to the standard board. For PRO, verify that the installed revision is v3.1 or newer and check the current product instructions before charging while the console is running.
Rank #4
- USB-C Charging Port Upgrade for PS Vita:This custom PCB replacement kit allows you to convert the original PS Vita charging port to a modern USB-C port. By replacing the proprietary charging connector with a universal Type-C port, your PS Vita can be powered using common USB-C chargers such as phone chargers, laptop adapters, and USB-C cables.
- USB-C Charging Port Upgrade for PS Vita:This custom PCB replacement kit allows you to convert the original PS Vita charging port to a modern USB-C port. By replacing the proprietary charging connector with a universal Type-C port, your PS Vita can be powered using common USB-C chargers such as phone chargers, laptop adapters, and USB-C cables.
- Convenient USB-C Charging Solution:Featuring a specially designed custom PCB board, this mod kit replaces the original charging socket with a USB-C port. It improves charging convenience and cable compatibility, allowing you to use widely available USB-C cables instead of the original proprietary charger.
- Convenient USB-C Charging Solution:Featuring a specially designed custom PCB board, this mod kit replaces the original charging socket with a USB-C port. It improves charging convenience and cable compatibility, allowing you to use widely available USB-C cables instead of the original proprietary charger.
- Convenient USB-C Charging Solution:Featuring a specially designed custom PCB board, this mod kit replaces the original charging socket with a USB-C port. It improves charging convenience and cable compatibility, allowing you to use widely available USB-C cables instead of the original proprietary charger.
How long does a charge last?
Published runtime figures are examples, not guarantees. The giltesa project README reports 8 hours 40 minutes from a 1500 mAh battery but does not state test conditions. The PRO product page reports 6 hours 30 minutes with a 1800 mAh battery, an IPS V3 laminated screen at 100% brightness, system sound at 100%, amplifier at 50%, and games played from a flash card.
The PRO page also describes about 2 hours of play while charging in a test example using an IPS V3 laminated screen at 100% brightness, system sound at 20%, amplifier at 50%, a flash cart, and a 1500 mAh battery. That example is not a promise for every board revision or build. Sources: the project README and PRO product documentation.
Best Value
- 【Compatible】Compatible for GBC GameBoy Color,Not for GBA/ GBA SP/Gameboy/ Gameboy classic console.Not applicable for GBP GBL
- 【Long-Term Use】USB Power Charge cable is designed for performance
- 【Easy to use】Just plug and play, Play and charge simultaneously
- 【Product Parameters】 Cable length：2M/6.56ft
- 【Third-Party Products】This is brand CHILDMORY Products, not original
What the protection claims do—and do not—establish
The project README identifies a TP4056 charger and DW01A over-discharge protection, while product descriptions also claim overvoltage and undervoltage protection. Those component and feature descriptions do not establish independent safety certification. Use the board and battery within the maker’s stated compatibility and installation instructions.
When USB-C is not the priority
If you want a rechargeable-battery modification but do not need a USB-C port on the console, the documented FunnyPlaying alternative uses the original power port with a USB-to-barrel cable. Its guide says to charge with the console powered off and notes constraints around battery space and board placement. See the ConsoleMods installation reference.
Quick Recap
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