If you're shopping for retro console mods, the hardest decision is often which system to upgrade first. In the gaming replacement parts modding world, two kits stand out: one turns a PlayStation 1 into an HDMI-output console, and the other swaps a Game Boy Color's screen for a modern IPS panel. They're different projects, but if you're only buying one kit right now, the choice comes down to where you want to play and how much effort you're willing to put into installation.
Quick Verdict
Choose the For PS1 Digital to Digital HDMI Mod Kit if you want to connect original PS1 hardware directly to a modern TV with a clean digital signal. It's the lower-priced kit, and the built-in video modes and aspect ratio options give you real control over the picture.
Choose the GBC Q5 IPS OSD Backlight Backlit LCD Mod Kit if you'd rather upgrade a handheld. It costs a little more, but you get a 15% larger display area and a touchpad that controls brightness, color modes, and retro pixel.
At a Glance Comparison
The two kits sit at opposite ends of the console-versus-handheld spectrum, so the table below focuses on the differences that matter.
| Mod Kit | Listed Price | Target System | Output / Display | Install Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For PS1 Digital to Digital HDMI Mod Kit | USD 48.50 | PS1 console | Digital HDMI at 480P and 1080P | PCB and flex must be soldered into the console |
| GBC Q5 IPS OSD Backlight Backlit LCD Mod Kit | USD 53.50 | Game Boy Color | Q5 IPS backlit LCD with 178° viewing angle | Touchpad controls; 3 wires optional for OSD menu |
Where Each Product Wins
The PS1 HDMI mod kit wins if your project is about making a home console feel modern again. A true digital-to-digital HDMI path keeps the signal in the digital domain all the way to your monitor, and the adjustable deinterlacing helps with motion on older titles.
The GBC IPS kit wins if you want a handheld screen that doesn't fight you during installation. The larger display and wide viewing angle make a real difference when you're playing away from a desk, and the control method is friendlier for someone who wants a simpler install.
Think about which system actually gets more playtime in your home or your bag before you commit to a project.
Product Deep Dive
For PS1 Digital to Digital HDMI Mod Kit
The main draw here is the output quality. This kit takes the PS1's digital video signal and sends it straight to HDMI, avoiding the extra conversion step that external adapters rely on. You get three video modes (Mild, Standard, Dynamic), six aspect ratios split between 480P and 1080P, and adjustable deinterlacing, so you can shape the image to suit the game and your display. The catch is installation: the included PCB and flex cable have to be soldered into the PS1 console, and the kit calls for good welding skills. The kit also doesn't ship with a paper manual; you'll need to request the installation guide after it arrives. If you've done console mods before, this is a direct way to bring the PS1 into the HDMI era.
GBC Q5 IPS OSD Backlight Backlit LCD Mod Kit
This kit is all about the screen upgrade. The Q5 IPS panel gives you a 15% larger display area and a 178-degree viewing angle, and the image position is adjustable, so a little frame misalignment won't ruin the install. The retro pixel effect can be toggled on for a more authentic look, and the battery level display is handy if you don't want to guess how much charge is left. A useful convenience is the touchpad: brightness, color modes, and retro pixel switching all work without any extra wiring. The only wiring involved is for the OSD menu, and that's just three connections. For someone who wants a brighter Game Boy Color without committing to a complex setup, this kit is the more forgiving option.
Final Choice by Use Case
If your goal is playing original PS1 games on a modern TV with a clean, adjustable picture, go with the For PS1 Digital to Digital HDMI Mod Kit at USD 48.50. The install is more involved, so plan your tools accordingly.
If you'd rather give a handheld a brighter, larger screen and keep the setup as straightforward as possible, the GBC Q5 IPS OSD Backlight Backlit LCD Mod Kit is the one to choose. It's listed at USD 53.50, and the simpler controls make it a friendlier project for less experienced modders.
