Atari Lynx accessories, spare parts and mods, the modder community's go-to range for Lynx I and Lynx II at ZedLabz.
Browse Atari Lynx parts
- Modding tools, screwdrivers and soldering for Lynx repair
- Electronic components, caps and parts for board work
- Soldering, irons and supplies for cap kits
- Popular mods, community mod favourites
- Consumables, flux, solder wick, isopropyl
The Atari Lynx was Atari's 1989 color handheld, full-color LCD years before the Game Boy Color, two form factors (Lynx I in 1989, Lynx II in 1991), and a small but loyal modding community that's kept the platform alive through capacitor refresh and modern flash carts. ZedLabz stocks the RetroHQ GameDrive flash cart for Atari Lynx and Lynx II (game development and testing) and ZedLabz capacitor kits for both revisions covering power, sound and dim-screen failures.
Quick picks for Atari Lynx builds
- If it's your first Lynx mod: a ZedLabz capacitor kit for Lynx 1 or 2, the standard refurb starting point. Most aged Lynx units benefit from new caps for power stability and screen brightness.
- The everyday build: capacitor refresh plus a RetroHQ GameDrive, modern SD-based game loading on top of a freshly capped board.
- The dream rig: capped board, RetroHQ GameDrive, screen polishing or replacement and a recap of the audio amp section for cleaner output through headphones.
The Atari Lynx mod ladder
- Capacitor kit refresh: the foundational Lynx restoration. Most aged Lynx units show power, sound or dim-screen issues from leaking surface-mount caps. ZedLabz cap kits cover Lynx 1 and Lynx 2.
- RetroHQ GameDrive: SD card flash cart that loads Lynx ROMs. The standard modern way to play the full Lynx library on real hardware.
- Screen polishing: original Lynx screens scratch easily; light polishing can typically restore a hazy screen.
- Audio amp recap: clean up the headphone output with replacement caps in the audio section.
- Battery alternatives: original AA sled is power-hungry; rechargeable conversions exist in the wider community for Lynx I and II.
Worldwide delivery with tracking on every order. Lynx work typically requires soldering, set aside an evening if it's your first surface-mount cap replacement, and see soldering supplies for a starter iron and flux.
Related collections
- Popular mods, modder favourites across consoles
- Electronic components, caps, resistors, wire
- Soldering, irons and supplies
- Repair tools, drivers and pry tools
- Consumables, flux, solder wick, isopropyl
Atari Lynx. FAQs
What's the difference between Lynx I and Lynx II?
Lynx I (1989) is the larger original with a curved grip and rubber buttons; Lynx II (1991) is smaller, lighter, with a power-saving screen and stereo headphone jack. Both share the same game library and a similar internal architecture, but cap kits and replacement parts are typically revision-specific. Confirm which model you have before ordering parts.
Why do most Lynx units need a capacitor kit?
The surface-mount electrolytic caps used in 1989-1991 era hardware tend to leak after 30+ years, which causes the Lynx's most common failures: power instability, sound dropout and dim or distorted screen. A full cap refresh is typically the first restoration step on any Lynx that hasn't been recapped already. ZedLabz cap kits include the correct values for Lynx 1 and Lynx 2 boards.
Does the RetroHQ GameDrive work on both Lynx I and II?
Yes, the RetroHQ Lynx GameDrive is designed for both Atari Lynx and Lynx II. Micro SD card based (up to 32GB FAT32, card sold separately), supports homebrew game testing and play, and is positioned by RetroHQ as a development tool for running software on real Lynx hardware. Cart fits the standard Lynx slot.
Is there an IPS or LCD upgrade for the Lynx?
Aftermarket LCD upgrade kits for the Lynx exist in the wider modding community but are not currently part of the ZedLabz catalog. A capacitor refresh and screen polish typically restore most of the original screen quality for a Lynx that's gone dim with age. Watch this collection for additions.
What tools do I need to recap a Lynx?
A temperature-controlled soldering iron with a fine tip, solder, quality flux, ESD tweezers and solder wick for cleanup. The Miniware TS101 is a popular starting iron, see our soldering collection for the full range. Hot air rework is helpful but not essential for surface-mount electrolytics. Browse repair tools for bundled sets.
Why bother capping a Lynx, is the difference noticeable?
For most original-condition Lynx units that haven't been touched in decades, yes, power stability and screen brightness typically improve, and audio dropouts tend to clear. For a Lynx that's already been recapped recently, there's no benefit. Worth checking by lifting a cap or two before ordering a full kit. Set aside an evening for the install if you're new to surface-mount work.
