The world of retro gaming is not limited to home consoles; handheld gaming systems from the 1980s and 1990s hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts. Iconic handhelds like the Nintendo Game Boy, Atari Lynx, Sega Game Gear, and others have become cherished collectibles. However, time hasn’t been kind to these devices, and many of them suffer from wear and tear, dead screens, unresponsive buttons, and battery corrosion. Restoring these vintage handhelds can bring them back to life, giving you the chance to relive your favorite gaming memories or preserve them as part of a collection.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps and techniques for restoring retro gaming handhelds, covering common problems and solutions for the Game Boy, Atari Lynx, Sega Game Gear, and other classic handheld consoles.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need for Restoration
Before starting any restoration project, it’s important to have the right tools and supplies on hand. Here’s a list of essentials you’ll need for most retro handheld restorations:
Basic Tools:
- Precision screwdriver set (including tri-wing and Phillips head screwdrivers).
- Plastic spudger or pry tool (to open consoles without damaging the casing).
- Soldering iron (for fixing internal connections or replacing capacitors).
- Multimeter (to check electrical components and connections).
- Soft bristle brush (for cleaning circuit boards).
- Cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) (for cleaning buttons and contacts).
- Compressed air (for blowing dust and debris out of small crevices).
- Replacement parts: new screens, capacitors, batteries, or shell parts (available from online retailers or specialty stores).
With these tools in hand, you’ll be ready to tackle common restoration tasks like screen replacement, button cleaning, and battery repair.
Restoring a Game Boy (1989)
The original Nintendo Game Boy is one of the most iconic handheld consoles ever made. While it was built to last, common issues like dead pixels, scratched screens, unresponsive buttons, and battery corrosion can detract from the experience. Here’s how to restore your Game Boy to its former glory.
Common Problems:
- Dead or faded screen.
- Unresponsive or sticky buttons.
- Battery corrosion.
- Scratched screen lens.
Steps for Restoring a Game Boy:
1. Disassemble the Game Boy:
- Use a tri-wing screwdriver to remove the screws from the back of the Game Boy.
- Carefully separate the front and back halves of the casing using a plastic pry tool.
- Disconnect the ribbon cable that connects the screen to the main board.
2. Fixing Dead Pixels or Replacing the Screen:
- If the original screen has dead pixels or severe fading, consider replacing it with a modern IPS backlit screen. IPS screens provide brighter, sharper visuals and are a popular mod for retro handhelds.
- Follow the instructions provided with the replacement kit to install the new screen. Usually, this involves soldering a few connection points and reconnecting the ribbon cable.
3. Clean or Replace the Buttons:
- Remove the rubber membranes and buttons from the front half of the shell.
- Clean the contact pads and buttons with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
- If the buttons are heavily worn, you can buy replacement membranes and buttons online to restore the tactile feel.
4. Repairing Battery Corrosion:
- Corroded battery terminals are a common issue. Clean the corrosion with a mixture of baking soda and water, then scrub the contacts with a toothbrush.
- For severe corrosion, you may need to replace the battery contacts entirely.
5. Polishing or Replacing the Screen Lens:
- If the screen lens is scratched, you can polish it using plastic polish or replace it entirely with a new lens. Replacement lenses are inexpensive and easy to install.
Once you’ve completed these steps, reassemble the Game Boy, and you should have a much-improved handheld ready for another decade of play!
Restoring an Atari Lynx (1989)
The Atari Lynx was one of the first handhelds with a color screen and was ahead of its time in many ways. However, its large size, poor battery life, and early screen technology mean that many Lynx consoles suffer from display and power issues today.
Common Problems:
- Dim or dead backlight.
- Non-responsive buttons.
- Capacitor failure (causing audio and power issues).
- Battery corrosion.
Steps for Restoring an Atari Lynx:
1. Disassemble the Lynx:
- Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws holding the case together.
- Carefully open the case and disconnect any cables, such as the one connecting the display to the motherboard.
2. Replacing the Screen:
- The original Lynx screen can be dim and hard to view by modern standards. Upgrading to a modern LCD screen not only enhances the visuals but also reduces power consumption.
- Follow the instructions in the replacement kit to install the new screen. This often involves soldering a new connection to the Lynx’s power supply.
3. Fixing Capacitor Issues:
- Over time, the capacitors in the Atari Lynx degrade, leading to audio distortion or power problems. You can purchase a capacitor replacement kit to solve these issues.
- Use a soldering iron to remove the old capacitors and solder the new ones in place. This will restore the power stability and audio performance.
4. Button Restoration:
- Clean the button contacts and rubber membranes with isopropyl alcohol to restore responsiveness.
- If the buttons are worn out, replacement membranes are available online.
5. Dealing with Battery Corrosion:
- Clean the battery terminals as described earlier, or replace them entirely if the corrosion is too severe.
Restoring a Sega Game Gear (1990)
The Sega Game Gear was another color handheld console that rivaled the Atari Lynx. Like the Lynx, it’s known for its outdated capacitors, which lead to sound and display issues over time. Restoring a Game Gear can bring its vibrant color display back to life.
Common Problems:
- Dim or non-functional screen.
- No sound or distorted sound.
- Capacitor failure.
- Battery leakage.
Steps for Restoring a Sega Game Gear:
1. Disassemble the Game Gear:
- Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws on the back of the console.
- Gently open the casing, being mindful of the fragile connections inside.
2. Screen Replacement:
- Like the Lynx, the Game Gear’s original screen has likely faded with age. A modern LCD screen replacement will provide brighter colors and better battery life.
- Carefully follow the instructions provided with the screen replacement kit, as it usually requires some soldering.
3. Capacitor Replacement:
- The capacitors in the Game Gear are notorious for failing after decades of use. Replacing these capacitors is essential for restoring sound and power functionality.
- A capacitor replacement kit can be found online, and replacing them with a soldering iron can restore the console to full working order.
4. Sound Restoration:
- Sound issues are often related to capacitor failure. Once the capacitors are replaced, the sound should return to normal. If the problem persists, consider replacing the speaker.
5. Battery Compartment Cleaning:
- If your Game Gear was left with batteries inside for too long, the compartment might have corroded. Clean it with baking soda and water or replace the battery contacts.
Restoring Other Handheld Consoles
Neo Geo Pocket Color (1999)
The Neo Geo Pocket Color has a reputation for durability, but over time, it may develop issues with its screen or buttons.
- Screen replacement: You can replace the screen with a modern LCD for a brighter, more vibrant display.
- Button responsiveness: Clean the button contacts with isopropyl alcohol, and replace the rubber membranes if needed.
Game Boy Advance (2001)
The Game Boy Advance (GBA) is still relatively modern, but original models have a non-backlit screen, making them difficult to play in low light.
- Backlit screen mod: Upgrade the GBA screen to an IPS backlit display for a huge improvement in brightness and color.
- Shell replacement: If your GBA is scratched or damaged, aftermarket replacement shells are readily available and easy to swap.
Nintendo DS (2004)
While the Nintendo DS is a bit newer, some early models may require repairs to the hinge or touch screen.
- Hinge repair: The DS’s hinge is a known weak point, and replacement hinges are available.
- Touch screen replacement: You can replace the touch screen if it no longer responds well.
Final Tips for Handheld Restoration Success
- Take your time: Restoration requires patience. Work slowly and methodically to avoid damaging delicate parts.
- Source quality replacement parts: Always look for high-quality replacement parts, especially for screens and capacitors, as cheap components can result in poor performance.
- Test as you go: After making a repair, test your work before fully reassembling the console. This will save time in case something needs adjustment.
Restoring retro handheld consoles is a rewarding experience for collectors and gamers alike. By bringing these vintage devices back to life, you can enjoy classic games the way they were meant to be played while preserving a piece of gaming history for future generations.