The Nintendo Game Boy has been a firm favorite among video game enthusiasts since its release in 1989. Despite being discontinued in 2003, many still have their vintage hand-helds and continue to experience nostalgia by playing the classic games. One of the common problems faced by Game Boy owners is a faulty or faded screen. Fortunately, a do-it-yourself approach allows you to fix these issues easily and affordably. In this article, we’ll delve into fixing your Game Boy screen using a hands-on, step-by-step guide.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go over some important tools you will need. Ensure you have a tri-wing and Phillips screwdriver, isopropyl alcohol, a soft cloth, soldering iron, solder, Game Boy DMG screen lens, and a 40-pin ribbon connector. You might also need a heat gun and some mild abrasive, like toothpaste. Now that we’re equipped, let’s get started!
STEP 1: OPENING THE DEVICE
First, turn the Game Boy upside down and take out the six tri-wing screws. Lift the back, but be careful because the speaker is still connected to the circuit board. To remove this cable, gently pull it out. Once you’ve done this, remove the three remaining Phillips screws holding the circuit board in place, and then lift out the board.
STEP 2: PREPARING THE LCD
You will see two ribbon cables connecting the front part of the Game Boy to the circuit board. Carefully detach these cables by pulling them out in a straight motion. Flip the screen and desolder the wire connected to it. If the screen has lines or dead pixels, use a heat gun at low temperatures to gently heat the area while applying some pressure. After removing these defects, let the screen cool down before proceeding.
STEP 3: REPLACING THE SCREEN
If the scratches aren’t too severe, you could try to buff them out using toothpaste. Apply the toothpaste on a soft cloth and gently rub in a circular motion. Once satisfied, clean the screen using another cloth damp with isopropyl alcohol then dry it completely. However, if the scratches are deep or the screen is severely damaged, replace it with a new lens.
STEP 4: INSTALLING THE NEW LENS
Before installing the new lens, make sure your workspace is free of dust. Use the adhesive tape that comes with your replacement lens to secure it to the console. Apply steady pressure to ensure it sticks properly.
STEP 5: REASSEMBLING THE GAME BOY
Before reassembling your Game Boy, use isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth to clean the circuit board and remove any remaining dust or dirt. Then, reattach the front part of the device to the circuit board by aligning the ribbon cables and pushing them back into their dedicated slots. After that, reattach the white cable by soldering it back onto the screen.
Finally, reattach the circuit board to the front part of the Game Boy. After securing the board with the three Phillips screws, connect the speaker cable back into its slot on the circuit board, and fasten the back of the Game Boy.
Once you’ve completed all these steps, turn on your Game Boy to check if the screen is working properly. All the pixels should be visible, and the picture should be clear. Keep in mind that, while this process might seem complex at first, practice makes perfect. So don’t let the fear of damaging your vintage hand-held discourage you from giving it a new lease of life.
Remember – your Game Boy has survived decades of gaming, and with a bit of care and patience, it can continue to provide hours of entertainment and nostalgia. Don’t let a faulty or scratched screen stop you from enjoying this classic device – with our DIY steps, repairing your Game Boy screen is easier than you might think.
In conclusion, you need not be a tech genius to follow these steps. As long as you take ample precautions, have patience and keep at it, even the most worn-out Game Boy can be restored to its former glory. So here’s to more gaming, and may your Game Boy live long!
