In the gaming replacement parts and modding space, two kits keep popping up for retro console owners: a digital HDMI upgrade for the original PS2 Fat and a bright IPS backlit screen for the Game Boy Color. They fix completely different problems, so choosing between them really comes down to which console you want to bring back to life and how much soldering you're ready to tackle.
Quick Verdict
If you want your PS2 Fat to output crisp HDMI without a bulky external converter, go with the PS2 Fat Digital HDMI Kit for $50.93. If you're more interested in giving a Game Boy Color a larger, brighter screen with minimal soldering, the GBC Q5 IPS OSD Backlit LCD Kit at $53.50 is the one to order.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | PS2 Fat Digital HDMI Kit | GBC Q5 IPS OSD Backlit LCD Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $50.93 | $53.50 |
| Console | Sony PlayStation 2 Fat | Nintendo Game Boy Color |
| Upgrade type | Digital-to-digital HDMI output | Replacement IPS backlit LCD |
| Output / Display | Supports 480P and 1080P HDMI | 15% larger display area; 178-degree viewing angle |
| OSD menu | Built-in | Built-in |
| Installation | Requires soldering PCB and flex cable; no bracket or manual included | Soldering needed only for OSD menu; touchpad controls work without it |
| Extras | 3 video modes, 6 aspect ratios | Retro pixel effect, battery level display, adjustable image position |
Where Each Product Wins
The PS2 Fat Digital HDMI Kit is your pick when you own a PS2 Fat and care about output quality. The digital-to-digital signal path is designed to produce a cleaner picture than external HDMI converters, and the kit includes a PCB and flex cable that tap directly into the console's video output. It's a focused upgrade for getting a classic console onto a modern TV.
The GBC Q5 IPS OSD Backlit LCD Kit wins for Game Boy Color owners who want a screen that's easier to see. The display area is 15% larger than the original, and the wide 178-degree viewing angle helps when you're playing at odd angles. The ability to skip soldering entirely by using the touchpad controls makes it the friendlier option for less experienced modders.
PS2 Fat Digital HDMI Kit
This kit transforms a PlayStation 2 Fat into an HDMI-ready console by sending the digital signal straight to your TV. The bundle includes a PCB and flex cable that you'll solder into the PS2 Fat, and the board supports 480P and 1080P HDMI output so you can enjoy your games at a resolution your TV actually handles well. You get three video modes and six aspect ratios to dial in the look, plus an on-screen menu for adjustments. The catch is the installation: it demands good welding skills, and the kit does not include a plastic bracket or a paper manual (you can request the installation manual after the items arrive). If you're committed and experienced, this is a solid HDMI upgrade for your PS2 Fat.
GBC Q5 IPS OSD Backlit LCD Kit
Game Boy Color owners will appreciate this IPS backlit LCD replacement kit. It swaps the original screen for a much brighter panel with a 15% larger display area and up to 178 degrees of viewing angle. A built-in OSD menu gives you control over brightness and color modes, and you can turn on a retro pixel effect for a more authentic look. What really sets it apart is the installation: you only need to solder three wires if you want to use the OSD menu, and if you skip soldering completely, you can still adjust brightness, color modes, and retro effects via the touchpad. The package includes the backlight LCD, a PCB, cables, and a glass screen. The limitation is that it's made exclusively for the Game Boy Color, so it won't do anything for your other consoles.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the PS2 Fat Digital HDMI Kit when your goal is to get your original PlayStation 2 Fat running on a modern TV via HDMI, and you have the soldering skills to handle a PCB install. Choose the GBC Q5 IPS OSD Backlit LCD Kit when you're working on a Game Boy Color and want as painless a screen upgrade as possible - soldering optional, brighter display included.
