Boxy Pixel’s Skeleton Kit Gives the Game Boy Advance a Classy Glass and Metal Facelift

For years, the Game Boy Advance has been a playground for modders. From new panels to rechargeable batteries, fans have found countless ways to breathe new life into Nintendo’s classic. Boxy Pixel’s latest innovation, the Skeleton CNC Metal Base Kit, takes it to the next level. With a glass front, machined metal shell and a bunch of clever features this kit turns the humble handheld into a collector’s item.

The Skeleton kit’s enclosure is a solid block of metal or brass, so it’s accurate. Every edge and curve on the GBA is CNC machined so it feels solid and quality. The shell is $109 in silver or black anodized aluminum or $170 in brass. The brass one weighs 1 pound 2 ounces with a game and battery attached, that’s more than twice as heavy as a standard GBA’s 7.2 ounces. Brass is heavy, aluminum is light, so if you plan on playing for long periods of time aluminum is the way to go; brass has a nice indulgent feel to it. The $8 glass front inlay shows the metal frame behind it, it’s modern and nostalgic. Metal buttons are $23-$27 but you can save money by using the original plastic ones.

Building the Skeleton GBA is surprisingly easy, even if you’re new to modding. The kit comes with everything you need: front and rear CNC machined housings, a rear battery cover with a USB-C charging port, a laminated IPS screen ($75 from Boxy Pixel), 3D printed screen and battery mounts, M2 screws with a ball detent to attach the battery cover with a nice snap. The glass inlay is then attached, the screen is secured with a 3D printed bracket, and the buttons and membranes are individually positioned. The solderless option for regulating screen brightness and effects with touch sensors is an excellent feature. So anyone with little patience may construct it; but, aptitude is required to align components such as the L and R triggers.


The IPS screen boasts excellent graphics and 15 brightness settings, which can be adjusted with a touch sensor on the bottom bezel. Purists can activate antique effects such as pixel grids and scan lines by holding down the sensor. A second sensor to modify color palettes for Game Boy games proved troublesome during testing, so soldering for more dependable controls may be worthwhile. The system accepts both AA batteries and an optional $38 USB-C rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the charging port is built into the battery cover. Small touches like volume wheel direction marks and tiny A/B labels on the metal add to the overall luxury feel. The spring loaded ball detent on the battery cover is a great feature, each open and close feels luxurious.