Best DMG IPS Kit UK 2026: Funnyplaying v5 vs One Chip Compared

Ben Rawlinson — Founder & Editor, RetroInHand

Last updated: June 2026

The original Game Boy DMG launched in April 1989 with a 2.6-inch reflective dot-matrix display that was already a compromise at launch — designed to consume as little power as possible rather than to look good. Thirty-seven years later, that screen is the primary reason most DMGs sit unplayed in drawers. An IPS backlit replacement changes the situation entirely: Super Mario Land becomes genuinely readable, Tetris looks crisp at any angle, and the hardware suddenly feels like something you’d actually carry. The question is which kit to put inside it.

Two options dominate the UK modding community in 2026: the Funnyplaying DMG IPS v5, retailing at approximately £35–£40 via AliExpress storefronts and some Amazon sellers, and the One Chip DMG IPS kit, which sits closer to £55–£65 depending on where you source it. That £20–£25 gap looks significant until you understand what you’re actually getting for it — and what the Funnyplaying kit’s community-documented problems actually cost you in practice.

Let me be blunt about this: most roundups pick the Funnyplaying kit as their default recommendation because it’s cheaper and easier to source. That’s a reasonable starting point, but it ignores a shell compatibility issue that the Game Boy Discord community has been flagging for over a year, and it glosses over a touch sensor sensitivity problem that owners report causes unintended brightness changes mid-session. Neither issue is insurmountable. Both are worth knowing before you spend £40 on a kit and three hours on a build.

Why the DMG Screen Upgrade Matters More Than Any Other Game Boy Mod

Original DMG display technology was reflective LCD — readable in bright sunlight by design, but essentially useless indoors without a light source directly behind your head. Nintendo’s engineers knew this; the Game Boy Light (released only in Japan in 1998) added a frontlight, and the Game Boy Color partially addressed contrast, but the fundamental display architecture stayed the same until the Game Boy Advance SP’s AGS-101 backlit panel in 2005. That’s sixteen years of murky screens.

An IPS panel replacement addresses all of that in one go. Brightness figures for quality IPS kits typically land between 400–600 nits — comfortably readable in any ambient lighting condition. Contrast ratios improve dramatically compared to the original reflective panel. Response times drop far enough that fast-scrolling games like Castlevania: The Adventure or Balloon Kid stop showing motion ghosting.

That said, not all IPS kits are equal. Screen size relative to the original DMG viewport, colour calibration, pixel grid alignment, and — critically — how the brightness control is implemented all vary between manufacturers. The two kits that have earned serious attention from the UK modding community are the Funnyplaying v5 and the One Chip DMG, and they approach these engineering problems differently enough that the choice genuinely matters.

If you’re still deciding which Game Boy model to build on, our Game Boy models ranked guide covers the whole lineup and explains why the DMG remains the most satisfying platform for an IPS build despite being the oldest hardware.

Funnyplaying DMG IPS v5: What You Actually Get

The Funnyplaying v5 is the fifth generation of their DMG IPS line, and each iteration has addressed specific complaints from the previous version. The v4 had a noticeably warm colour temperature; the v5 corrects this, landing closer to neutral white. Brightness is strong — the panel is rated at roughly 550 nits at maximum output, which is ample for outdoor use. The viewing angle is solid for an IPS panel at this price, with minimal colour shift up to about 45 degrees from centre.

At around £35–£40, it’s understandably popular. That price point makes it accessible to first-time modders who don’t want to commit £60 to an internal component they might damage on their first attempt. The installation process is well-documented — Retro Game Corps has a teardown walkthrough that covers the v5 specifically, and there are multiple community-verified guides on the Game Boy Discord and r/GameBoyMods.

Here’s where the Funnyplaying v5’s reputation becomes more complicated, though.

The Shell Compatibility Problem

The v5 kit uses a slightly larger panel area than the v4, and this creates a direct conflict with many original DMG shells. The plastic support ribs inside the original front housing need trimming on a significant proportion of builds. Owners on the Game Boy Discord document this consistently — it’s not an occasional edge case. Some batches require more trimming than others, and the variation appears to be tied to manufacturing tolerances in the original Nintendo housing rather than anything Funnyplaying has changed.

Mainstream review roundups rarely mention this. The modding community absolutely does. If you’re working with an unmodified original DMG shell and haven’t confirmed shell compatibility for your specific unit, budget time for trimming — or buy an aftermarket replacement shell pre-cut for IPS kits (available for around £12–£20 and worth every complication it saves).

Trimming itself isn’t technically difficult. A sharp craft knife or flush-cut sprue nippers handle the plastic ribs cleanly. The issue is that first-time modders often don’t know trimming is required until they’re mid-build with the screen already partially installed. That’s a frustrating place to discover it.

The Touch Sensor Sensitivity Issue

The v5 uses capacitive touch sensors — typically positioned along the edge of the ribbon cable or on the PCB — to control brightness and colour palette adjustments. Elegant in theory: no drilling required, no external buttons. In practice, the Game Boy Discord community widely documents a persistent sensitivity problem where the sensors trigger during normal gameplay.

Specifically, owners report that gripping the DMG firmly — particularly with thumbs wrapped around the front housing — can activate the brightness sensor accidentally. The result is mid-game brightness jumps, which are both distracting and difficult to replicate consistently enough to diagnose. Funnyplaying has acknowledged the issue across revisions without fully resolving it. Some builders mitigate it by applying a small piece of electrical tape over the sensor area to reduce sensitivity; others accept it as a minor annoyance. Neither solution is ideal.

One Chip DMG IPS Kit: The Case for Spending More

The One Chip DMG kit consistently outperforms the Funnyplaying equivalent on colour accuracy and pixel integrity — and this isn’t a marginal gap. Community comparisons shared on r/GameBoyMods show the One Chip rendering greens and reds closer to accurate Game Boy Color palette values, while the Funnyplaying v5 tends to push slightly cool/blue in highlights under certain brightness settings.

Pixel grid alignment is the other area where the One Chip earns its price. The panel is sized and positioned to align precisely with the original DMG viewport without requiring any trimming on most unmodified original shells. That drop-in compatibility is a significant practical advantage — it means the build stays cleaner, the installation time is shorter, and there’s less risk of cosmetic damage to the housing.

Brightness control on the One Chip typically uses a dedicated button rather than capacitive touch. Less elegant aesthetically, but functionally more reliable. No accidental brightness changes during Tetris. The button requires a small hole to be drilled through the housing — usually positioned on the side or underneath — which adds one step to the build but eliminates the sensor sensitivity problem entirely.

Price History and UK Availability

The One Chip kit launched at approximately £60–£70 and has held that price range reasonably well, with periodic dips to around £55 on AliExpress during sale events. UK Amazon availability is more variable than the Funnyplaying kit — stock appears and disappears, and third-party sellers sometimes price it significantly above typical AliExpress rates. Sourcing directly from established AliExpress storefronts with strong feedback ratings is the most reliable route as of mid-2026.

Price history via CamelCamelCamel isn’t directly applicable since most stock moves through AliExpress rather than Amazon, but the community consensus is that the One Chip has not dropped meaningfully in price since its introduction — £55–£65 is where it lives, and that’s unlikely to change soon.

Which Kit Should You Actually Buy in 2026?

For collectors prioritising colour accuracy and pixel integrity — and who want to preserve an original shell without modification — the One Chip DMG is the correct recommendation. The community was right about this one. Paying an extra £20–£25 over the Funnyplaying v5 buys you a noticeably better display, reliable brightness control, and a build process that doesn’t require discovering hidden trimming requirements mid-installation.

The Funnyplaying v5 is the right kit if budget is the primary constraint, if you’re using an aftermarket shell (which typically comes pre-cut for IPS kits and eliminates the compatibility issue), or if this is a learning build rather than a display piece. At £35–£40, it’s not a bad screen — it’s a good screen with known management requirements. Going in with eyes open, the v5 is manageable. Going in expecting a smooth drop-in install on an unmodified original shell, it will likely frustrate you.

Buy the One Chip for any build you care about. Buy the Funnyplaying v5 for practice builds, budget builds, or builds where you’re pairing it with an aftermarket shell anyway.

Check the One Chip DMG IPS kit price on Amazon UK →

Before You Buy: Essential Compatibility and Preparation Notes

Both kits require opening the DMG shell, which uses tri-wing screws. A standard Phillips driver will strip them. A tri-wing screwdriver is non-negotiable — a decent set costs £6–£12 and covers Game Boy, GBA, and DS hardware.

Both kits also require soldering. Specifically, you’ll be soldering to the ribbon cable connection points on the original DMG motherboard. Fine-pitch work — not the most challenging soldering job in the hobby, but not beginner territory either. Use flux. That point bears repeating because it’s the step that most failed Game Boy IPS installs have in common: skipping flux on ribbon cable solder joints produces cold joints that fail intermittently, which means a screen that occasionally cuts out or shows corrupted output. A flux pen costs under £10 and prevents the most common cause of a failed build.

Lens options matter too. The original DMG lens has likely yellowed and scratched over 30+ years. Both kits look significantly better behind a new OEM-spec replacement lens or — for the best possible result — an optically clear aftermarket lens bonded to the IPS panel using LOCA UV adhesive. The LOCA bonding process eliminates the air gap between panel and lens, which reduces internal reflections and makes the image appear to sit directly on the glass surface rather than behind it. Optional, but the difference is noticeable.

A note on battery life: IPS panels draw more current than the original reflective LCD. Expect a modest reduction compared to an unmodified DMG — community estimates put this at roughly 10–15% under typical play conditions. The DMG originally ran for approximately 15–20 hours on four AA batteries; with an IPS panel, expect closer to 13–17 hours at mid-brightness settings. Worth knowing if you’re planning extended sessions, though for most users it won’t be a deal-breaker.

Who Should Build a DMG IPS Kit (and Who Should Skip It)

A DMG IPS build is worth undertaking if you own an original Game Boy that you’d actually like to use rather than display, have basic soldering ability or are willing to develop it, and understand that this is a hardware modification — something that can go wrong and is not reversible without further work.

Skip this mod entirely if you want a plug-and-play solution. The Funnyplaying kit is well-documented, but it is still a modification requiring tools, time, and some skill. If “I want a great portable Game Boy experience without the modding” is the brief, our best Game Boy to buy in the UK guide covers pre-modded options, the GBA SP AGS-101 (which came with a backlit screen from the factory), and alternatives that might better suit the actual need.

Also skip this if you’re hoping the IPS upgrade will fix other underlying hardware problems. Capacitor degradation, corroded battery contacts, and worn cartridge connector pins are common issues in 35-year-old hardware. An IPS kit installed in a DMG with corroded contacts will still give you unreliable cartridge reads. Sort the hardware health before investing in a screen upgrade.

Collectors who want to preserve the original screen aesthetic entirely — there is a genuine case for it, particularly on very early production units — should absolutely leave the original panel alone. The dot-matrix look has become part of the Game Boy’s identity, and some collectors specifically value that experience. Neither kit is appropriate if you want to maintain originality.

Funnyplaying v5 vs One Chip: Side-by-Side Summary

Community comparison posts on r/GameBoyMods and the Game Boy Discord provide a consistent picture when the two kits are put side by side. These are the meaningful differences, without softening the verdicts:

• Colour accuracy: One Chip is notably more accurate. Funnyplaying v5 skews cool/blue at higher brightness levels. This matters most for games with careful palette work — Pokémon Red and Blue, Link’s Awakening, and anything that relies on specific colour distinctions.
• Shell compatibility: One Chip drops into most original DMG shells without trimming. Funnyplaying v5 frequently requires trimming plastic ribs in original shells — this is well-documented and consistent enough that it should be treated as an expected step, not an exception.
• Brightness control: One Chip uses a physical button (drill required). Funnyplaying v5 uses capacitive touch sensors that owners widely report triggering accidentally during play.
• Price: Funnyplaying v5 at around £35–£40. One Chip at around £55–£65. A real difference, but not enormous relative to the total cost of a quality DMG build.
• Installation complexity: Both require soldering. One Chip’s button drilling adds one step; Funnyplaying v5’s potential shell trimming adds a different step. Neither is significantly easier overall.
• UK availability: Both are primarily available via AliExpress. Amazon UK listings for both exist but stock and pricing vary considerably.

What a Complete DMG IPS Build Actually Costs in 2026

Budget for a complete build before buying anything. The IPS kit is not the only expense.

A donor DMG from eBay UK currently averages £30–£55 depending on cosmetic condition and board revision. Boards with four screws in the battery compartment are older CPU revisions; the CPU-05 and CPU-06 board revisions are generally preferred for stability. If you’re sourcing specifically for a mod build, board revision is worth confirming with the seller — though most won’t know off the top of their head.

Add the IPS kit (£35–£65 depending on choice), a replacement shell if needed (£12–£20 for an aftermarket unit), a tri-wing screwdriver (£6–£12 if you don’t have one), flux (£5–£10), and optionally a new lens. Total cost for a complete One Chip build using a mid-condition donor and an aftermarket shell: approximately £120–£160. That’s a meaningful investment for what is, ultimately, a 1989 handheld — but the finished result is genuinely impressive, and the modding community values these builds highly.

Funnyplaying v5 on a tight budget using a used donor and the original shell (assuming it trims acceptably): closer to £80–£100 total. Achievable, but the result will be less polished than a One Chip build.

For a broader look at the full range of mods available for original Game Boy hardware — not just screen upgrades — our mods and upgrades hub covers IPS kits, USB-C charging mods, recapping guides, and shell customisation options across the entire Game Boy lineup.

Should You Mod a DMG or Buy an Already-Modded Unit?

Pre-modded DMGs appear regularly on eBay UK and occasionally on Etsy and Facebook Marketplace. A well-executed IPS build from an experienced modder typically lists for £100–£180 depending on shell quality, kit used, and whether additional mods (USB-C charging, new speaker, etc.) are included.

Paying a premium for someone else’s labour is entirely reasonable if the soldering aspect feels like an obstacle rather than an interest. The risk with pre-modded units is that quality varies enormously — ask specifically which kit was installed, whether the seller can confirm it, and whether photos of the internal build are available. A build using a Funnyplaying v5 with inadequately secured touch sensors is not worth the same as a One Chip build with a properly drilled button.

If you want the full picture on sourcing original hardware — new, used, and modded — before committing to any build, our guide to buying a Game Boy in the UK in 2026 covers all three routes with current pricing and where to look.

GBA and GBA SP IPS Kits: Beyond the DMG

Both Funnyplaying and One Chip produce IPS kits for other Game Boy hardware — GBA, GBA SP, and Game Boy Color variants are all available. The competitive dynamics are broadly similar: Funnyplaying leads on price and availability, with One Chip and a handful of competitors (including BennVenn for GBC work) providing alternatives for buyers who prioritise image quality.

The GBA IPS upgrade market is arguably more mature than the DMG market at this point, partly because the GBA SP AGS-101 set a high bar that earlier revisions didn’t meet — creating strong demand for backlit upgrades to the original GBA form factor. If your interest runs towards GBA modding specifically, our GBA vs GBA SP modding comparison covers the specific trade-offs between platforms for an IPS build in 2026.

Who Should Skip the DMG IPS Mod Entirely

Let me be direct: this mod is not for everyone, and there’s no shame in that.

Buyers who want to play Game Boy games on a great screen without soldering an original console should look at modern alternatives. The Trimui Brick emulates Game Boy hardware at a fraction of the total cost of a modded DMG build, runs original ROMs, and requires no soldering whatsoever. The Miyoo Mini Plus does the same job in an even smaller footprint. Neither produces the same tactile satisfaction as playing on original hardware, but both are practical alternatives for buyers who want the games rather than the hardware experience.

Buyers who own a Game Boy they’re emotionally attached to and are nervous about damaging it should also pause. Original DMG shell plastic has aged 35 years — it can crack under pressure, screw posts can strip, and brittle tab connectors can break. If the unit in question has sentimental value, practice on a beater first. eBay UK regularly has cosmetically damaged DMGs in the £15–£25 range that are structurally sound — ideal for developing confidence before working on anything you’d miss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Funnyplaying DMG IPS v5 fit in an original Game Boy shell?

Often, but not always without modification. Larger than the original DMG viewport, the v5 kit frequently requires trimming of plastic support ribs inside the original front housing. Well-documented by the Game Boy Discord community, this should be treated as an expected step rather than an occasional edge case. Using an aftermarket replacement shell pre-cut for IPS kits eliminates this issue entirely. Check IPS-ready replacement shells on Amazon UK →

Is the One Chip DMG IPS kit better than Funnyplaying?

On colour accuracy and pixel integrity, yes — consistently, according to community comparisons on r/GameBoyMods. The One Chip renders palette colours more accurately and drops into most original shells without trimming. It costs approximately £20–£25 more than the Funnyplaying v5, which is a meaningful premium but justifiable for any build where image quality and finish matter. For budget builds or practice builds, the Funnyplaying v5 is adequate.

Do I need to solder to install a Game Boy IPS kit?

Yes. Both the Funnyplaying v5 and One Chip DMG kits require soldering connections to the original DMG motherboard — fine-pitch work that demands a decent iron, appropriate solder, and — critically — flux. Skipping flux is the most common cause of failed Game Boy IPS installs. For those put off by soldering, pre-modded DMGs are available on eBay UK, typically priced between £100–£180 depending on build quality and included modifications.

What tools do I need to open a Game Boy DMG?

A tri-wing screwdriver is essential — original DMG case screws are tri-wing, not Phillips or Torx. A standard set covering both tri-wing and Phillips heads costs around £6–£12 on Amazon UK and covers the entire Game Boy lineup. Beyond that: a plastic spudger for separating the housing, and a small Phillips driver for the internal board screws once the case is open.

How long does a Game Boy DMG IPS install take?

Community build reports suggest 1.5–3 hours for a first-time install, including the soldering steps. Experienced modders complete the same build in 45–60 minutes. The One Chip installation tends to run slightly faster than the Funnyplaying v5 on an original shell, because trimming (if required on the Funnyplaying build) adds 30–60 minutes depending on how much material needs removing and the tools available.

Can I install an IPS kit in a Game Boy Color instead?

Yes — separate IPS kits exist specifically for the Game Boy Color. Funnyplaying produces a GBC IPS kit, and BennVenn’s GBC kits are highly regarded in the community for colour accuracy. The installation process differs from the DMG build; GBC-specific guides are required rather than DMG guides. Check the r/GameBoyMods wiki for GBC-specific installation notes.

Will an IPS kit reduce battery life on my Game Boy DMG?

Modestly. Community consensus puts the additional current draw from an IPS panel at roughly 10–15% versus the original reflective LCD. Original DMG battery life on four AA cells was approximately 15–20 hours; with an IPS kit at mid-brightness, expect 13–17 hours. Maximum brightness will push figures lower still. For most users the difference is negligible, but it’s worth factoring in if you regularly play for extended periods on a single set of batteries.

What to Read Next

If you found this useful, here are a few articles worth reading next:

• Best Game Boy to Buy UK (2026): All Models Reviewed — if you’re still deciding which DMG, GBC, or GBA to source for your build, this covers every model with honest UK pricing and condition notes.
• GBA vs GBA SP: Which Is Worth It for UK Modding in 2026? — the IPS kit debate continues beyond the DMG; this covers the GBA modding comparison in the same level of detail.
• Best Retro Handheld Starter Kit Under £100 UK (2026) — if the modding path feels like too much and you want the Game Boy library on a great screen without the soldering iron, this guide covers the best sub-£100 alternatives.

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This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed by the editor. See our Editorial Standards.