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public:en:magic_screen_v1.2

Magic Screen v1.2

The Magic Screen v1.2 replaces the first Magic Screen version that's now obsolete.

It's an LCD replacement kit that aims to replace the original screen of the Sega Game Gear handheld console. Note that it can be installed on a Sega Game Gear VA0 and VA1 model only.

Unlike the Adaptative Backlight which is a modern LED backlight system that replace the old CCFL backlight tube, this kit is a complete LCD screen replacement that will produce a much crisper and more contrasted image while improving the battery life by a lot.

Where to buy it ? Here on RetroKAI.store

Differences with the v1.0

  • Aligning brackets has been reinforced because they sometimes tended to break too easily.
  • Aligning brackets has been recalibrated to be even more centered.
  • Addition of a quartz that removes the need to solder the 32 MHz wire.
  • Easy Soldering Guide has been redesigned to ease the soldering using notches instead of trying to solder something you can't see. I know you waited for this people. Hope you'll like it.
  • Complete instructions are now printed on the board to avoid potential mistakes during the installation.
  • The board have now true holes and not just half holes like before, should ease the screwing.
  • The test pads on MS and ESG are now in the same order as on the Game Gear display connector. Should ease alternative wiring and testing.
  • The CN2 connector has been moved to have more loose on the ribbon cable.

Why is it v1.2 and not v1.1 ?

The v1.1 was a significant improvement over the v1.0 but was not reliable enough to be released. So we preferred to continue working on it to correct the remaining flaws and release v1.2 directly, even if it took more time.

Installation

Troubleshooting

If your Game Gear display connector pads are damaged somehow, and you don't know where to plug your Magic Screen: you can use those on the pictures as alternative connections.

Also works for McWill kits and its Chinese clones.

If you can, try to connect to those on the picture above first. Then if you have no other choices because you have no pads left to connect you can still use those alternative connections on the two pictures below.

Power consumption

Installed modPower consumptionBattery life
Unmodified Game Gear3W2H30 to 3H
McWill3.5W2H to 2H30
Chinese clone (v2 included)3.5W to 4W2H
Magic Screen1.6W to 2W5H to 6H
Adaptative Backlight1.2W7H to 8H
public/en/magic_screen_v1.2.txt · Last modified: 2022/03/03 18:13 (external edit)