Let's Refurb! - GameBoy Color Won't Play Games!

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[@majora748]

I love that you don't cover up mistakes and admit when your wrong, making it a learning expirence for the rest of us, Love your work and your channel; Keep it up!!

[@TheRetroFuture]

Thank you very much! Glad you are enjoying the content!

[@majora748]

@@TheRetroFuture :D

[@jooniethebest3709]

@@majora748 That's what I love about this channel

[@mahaffer71]

@@TheRetroFuture Im having the same problem, but i can play other games but 3 of them. I did have a pin out of place like you did and did managed to put it back. Still nothing, could it be related to that or is it the cartridges ?

[@ChrisMX9]

The faulty motherboard can still be saved :) you can desolder the cartridge slot and solder a new one in

[@TheRetroFuture]

I dont have the tools for that! The cart slot would melt before I got anywhere near desoldering that.

[@Hacker-cw9lc]

@@TheRetroFuture I did just same it worked just fine after fixing 3 pins

[@ChrisMX9]

@@TheRetroFuture you just need a desoldering pump and a regular soldering iron

[@johnnytindall2011]

That's what I was wondering if you could do

[@zer0b0t]

You can get those connectors for 3 bucks in AliExpress, a desoldering pump is super cheap, and maybe some solder wick with a bit of flux, it's a skill worthwhile learning.

[@MarkM04]

*He did surgery on a gameboy*

[@coconutlol8963]

Instead of a grape....

[@maybeghost1216]

Pog

[@AntonTHPS]

no idea what a gbc motherboard pcb looks like but couldn't you desolder the entire contact assembly to get better access to the contacts?

[@GBR6000]

Generally speaking the contacts are moulded into the plastic which means you have to desolder each pin. So desoldering the entire connector fixing it and resoldering it is possible but it isn’t worth the effort when you have a spare board to hand.

[@1Raphael]

Whoa stop the pin that you were trying to move does not need to be moved that's ground it's where it's supposed to be try cleaning all the pins with a card cleaning kit it looks really dirty in there ps thank you for sharing always good videos.

[@TheRetroFuture]

Ah very interesting! I did clean the pins. The solder joints where not dry either. I believe it was a chip issue. Probably a ram error.

[@TheRetroFuture]

A learning experience anyway - people wanted me to show my failures as much as my successes! Thanks for the information & thanks for watching!

[@Gameboygenius]

@@TheRetroFuture Was about to say the same thing. I was yelling no at the screen when you tried to push that contact. Remind me, do you have a flashcart? I might he interested in trying to run some form of diagnostics on that unit to see if I could figure out what the problem is.

[@sandpitBrosAdventures8191]

@@Gameboygenius I have a gameboy that is having the exact same issue. Has there been any resolutions yet?

[@Indigofrost]

DONT THROW THE OTHER BOARD OUT! buy a replacement cart reader part and replace it for another video!

[@starchildluke]

Great video. As many other people have said, it's good to see the "mistakes" or "failures" (for want of a better word). Most of us have or would go through the same thing when refurbing so it's relatable (which makes for better content). For the people throwing non-constructive criticism or saying "just saying", go watch something else?

[@TheRetroFuture]

Thanks Luke!

[@DreamDaddie]

this was great! my son loves watching these refurb videos with me

[@PinkCharmander]

Satisfying as always. I love your refurbish vids!

[@jobearesto9746]

Love the videos. Don't worry about not being too exciting as people who watch your videos like retro stuff and fixing things. Every thought about maybe a car boot pick up and fix/clean up video series?

[@jorannd]

it's nice to show the fails. This happens often when i try to fix things, but that's how we learn. Maybe you can check the cartridge pinout to see what this pin is for and maybe do a continuity test with a multimeter to check the connection is broken. I would love to see a part two for this motherboard and see if it's fixable !

[@van4195]

so humble, not editing out the mistakes!! very relatable and wonderful content!!

[@MrJ0mmy]

My original GB does this but after Nintendo logo just shows blank screen

[@urielc918]

Probably because the game doesn't work

[@MrJ0mmy]

@@urielc918 nope games all work fine in my GBP and gba

[@martypines2321]

If you have an old credit card or something, get a paper towel, soak it in cleaning alcohol, and wrap it around the card. Insert it in and out of the game slot several times, then try again.

[@elisa5246]

Have the same problem after the Nintendo logo just black one time it worked but took like 30 times

[@mcteixz000]

@@elisa5246 same happening to me, how did you do it?

[@key2theuniverse713]

Eliot you need to see some of the home consoles that I have bought and sold in the past, they make the grime on your Gameboys look clean even before they have been cleaned.

[@dregenius]

As you probably know, cleaning corrosion is a delicate process because any abrasives will remove the gold plating and leave the copper bare which will corrode again very very quickly. One trick I’ve used in cases where isopropyl wasn’t cutting it, is a pencil eraser. They contain a tiny amount of super light polishing abrasive - so little that it’s nearly impossible to remove plating, but enough to take corrosion off that isopropyl won’t. Just a trick for repairs that need it. 👍 Keep up the awesome vids!!

[@alexishoyos4588]

I wouldve just tried to reflow all the pins in the cartridge slot, since it might be an issue of solder detaching from one of the pins off the motherboard due to mechanical stress.

[@hungrydinosaw6435]

i have a new nintendo 3ds with a broken top screen, i tried taking it apart but one of the screws rounded off

[@bigtasty1082]

I love how unique you are and how you come across, you are not afraid to be the person you are. And to do the stuff you love and enjoy, with your own little Elliot twist on it with the little dance or spin of the screw driver it is all these little things make your videos for an A to a A++

[@3dprintinglife]

Hey there. I have a similar problem on one of my colours. I’ll give it a try. Loving the intro thanks for helping

[@craigbramhall931]

Hey did you fix your colour? I have the same issue after I replaced the capacitors, all worked perfectly until it started to behave like this about 48hrs later.

[@alexcharles8541]

Hey man, I have been watching your videos for a while now and I just hit subscribe right now. Your videos are awesome, and very informative. Keep up the good work 🍻🍻

[@NathanDiepeveen]

Can't you reset the bios? Maybe flashing that somehow would fix it.

[@eggycat]

Would be good if you can try and figure out how to fix the other board as I’m sure other people will have had this problem in the past. I like he fact you don’t cover up the mistakes in your videos too, it feels way more natural and honest. Also, I’ve asked on a couple videos in the past please could you provide a link to where you bought the triwing bit for your xiaomi set? I have the same one and would like to replace the large triwing with a smaller one. Thanks.

[@falloutbunker]

I have been searching everywhere to find a triwing bit that will actually fit my GBP/GBC screws because the one in my screwdriver kit (exactly the same as yours) was too big. Would you please consider popping a link in the description to the replacement bit you got? You mentioned in the video reviewing the screwdriver set that you did buy a replacement but never linked it.

[@Max-nk1zq]

Yeah i've got the same problem

[@kevinkloze77]

hello, i really like all of your videos its all really helpfull, i got the same issue here except mine the gameboy power will turn off right after the games are loaded. I really curious what the issue is with mine?

[@grundypeebo]

thanks for this video, my gbc might have a similar problem. it only reads 2 of my games, but the others either give me a corrupted startup logo, or white screens after the logo. but the games work just fine when i tested them on my GBA

[@angahchelsea7146]

Lovely,i think i wanna get one gbc myself,about the screen lens,i think you can try using Polywatch to remove the scratch..

[@brandonh1613]

Do you know how to get the scratches out of the screen without having to replace it?

[@ErminTr]

Dont you use flux when soldering? I think you could desolder cartridge slot with heat gun and soldier new one. It would be really nice project for you. Also you could use multimeter to check conductivity in that cartridge reader to see which pin is broken-

[@markandgemmabennett8161]

Wouldn't mind seeing you do front light mod and an AGS101 mod on the GBC. Also it would be cool if you could change the LED colour to one that matched the gameboy shell

[@ica_293]

I don’t know what it is, maybe your calm voice, but seriously, your videos relax me sooo much😍 And it’s really interesting too! Love from Italy☺️

[@TheRetroFuture]

Thanks very much! Glad you enjoy them.

[@AlexanderStJohn-vk4lk]

the color is the first gameboy i ever had. got some good memories with it ☺️

[@TheRetroFuture]

Its a classic!

[@Weavilepichu]

Always flip your screwdriver before use. That way the driver fluid is nice and even.

[@silverXI22]

Hey I have a Gameboy from the 90s and it dosent work but shows the red light

[@alexisgarbage]

Hey! I was thinking earlier this morning about reaching out to you for this. I have a 30 year old NES that just blinks weird colored lights on the screen and doesn't respond to games. My Abuela got it for my uncle in the 80's and they all loved it. My aunt and grandmother and uncle loved it the whole time. It was then passed on to me at age 8-9 I don't remember. So please respond if you would be willing to fix this for a video. Thanks, -Alex

[@MrJ0mmy]

Replace the 72 pin in it easy to do

[@alexisgarbage]

@@MrJ0mmy I would probably break it

[@ChrisMX9]

@@alexisgarbage it is realllllly easy to disassemble an NES there are tons of tutorials on KZbin that explain how to do so, once you get the 72 pin connector off I would recommend to clean it and not replace it because replacement are pretty poor quality and cartridges are difficult to insert. Clean it by ether using a toothbrush and some rubbing alcohol or by boiling it in water ( yes that does work lol )

[@alexisgarbage]

@@ChrisMX9 ok I'll look into it! Thanks for the help you guys.

[@ChrisMX9]

@@alexisgarbage you're welcome :)

[@neema4000]

hey i have a broken ps 2 its cd plate or thing doesnt work will you be able and willing to fix it?

[@WSandig]

But why didn't you have a look at the contacts of the replacement board? that one sticking out pin might not be a fault, it's probably just the ground pin that needs to be connected first.

[@CutlassCraft]

I love your videos :) I find them super relaxing for some reason

[@TheRetroFuture]

Glad you like it!

[@jdroo]

without further adieu, lets get into that "que long intro"

[@imnotatoaster819]

How do u keep track of witch screw goes where?

[@samusranzer]

This video is very helpful. I've been trying to fix my gbc, and so far I could open it and replace the screws from the back, but I cannot find a way to remove the 3 screws on the circuit board. If I push it a little bit to remove the screws, could I mess up the motherboard? I got this gbc when it came out and I have never ever opened it before...and yes, I removed a LOT of corrosion and dirt, but if there is any corrosion on the other side where the buttons are, I cannot access there since I cannot remove those damn screws :/

[@samusranzer]

I forgot to mention that all my gb/gbc cartridges, including Pokemon, they all work in my gba, so I am pretty sure it's not an issue of any of my cartridges*

[@anthonywiley1744]

I need a opinion so I want to do that and mod it but don't know anything about modding and should I just buy modded one already or is it easy strom by steps

[@mahaffer71]

Im having the same problem, But i can play other games but 3 of them. I did have a pin out of place like you did could it be related to that or is it the cartridges ?

[@arnav4526]

Can you use spare parts to make a gameboy from scratch?(again)

[@jooniethebest3709]

Askes to fix game problem, *DOES THAT AND CLEAN WHOLE GAMEBOY*

[@rachelmilligan95]

Service done right 😂

[@StaticShock234]

Where did you find the alchohol for cleaning?

[@Martin-ry3vy]

Waited a long time for a gbc video good man 👌👌

[@carll.freemanjr.9867]

I miss my first Gameboy.. it was the lime green one. I received it for Christmas when I was like 12 and my very first game for it was pokemon gold version. I miss those days so much..

[@skylerwilliams9379]

IM LITERALLY sitting here with the SAME problem and the exact same game lol what

[@mor4674j]

I have an original game boy black and white that no longer works and I dont know what 2 do as it wont turn on no matter what I do

[@ayeitshanah2151]

My gameboy color only plays game boy games but not any gameboy color cartridges. Are all my games bad or is it the gameboy it’s self?

[@basilandrigsby]

The last pin in the cartridge holder is set lower than the rest. All my GBC’s have this. I had the exact same issue with a recent mod. Turned out that the screen ribbon cable was not seated properly. For anybody having this issue, try taking it out then pushing it in again.

[@Falcon-um7vo]

Then how was it showing the startup logo?

[@skyland8733]

wish you could fix mine, and my pokemon red stopped working :P

[@dxsmodus]

what's with the whiteish stuff on the a+b buttons after the clean? it didn't seem to rub off when you pressed the buttons either

[@TheRetroFuture]

Scratches!

[@MauriSahara]

This vid helped me fix my craigslist gba it had the same problem, it now works

[@freezycold5181]

My game boy color had the same problems, but only with a few games (specifically Kirby tilt n’ tumble, from what I’ve tested)

[@brandonvipperman2850]

What do you do with dead boards?

[@AlexK-wy2dg]

Today I learned how to fix a gameboy colour that didn’t work by swapping the entire board with a working one. What a skill! I enjoyed the minimal effort to actually replace/repair the cartridge slot. I’m sure everyone clicking this video was actually just looking how to swap the entire board

[@MassMurderrer]

My Gameboy color does this but it's different for every game. I also have Zelda Oracle of Ages and this is the first game I tested with. It makes it to the start screen but upon pressing start, the words go away, the music stops and it sits. Metroid 2 makes it into gameplay but Samus immediately shoots to the right phasing through everything. Jumping and shooting triggers different effects. Bionic Commando glitches out like a half way tuned in tv channel and then looks like "missing no." in Pokemon red. These carts play fine in another Gameboy.

[@GraemeBreiner]

Another fine video. Thanks. Can you not purchase the card reader only? And solder new one

[@TheRetroFuture]

Thanks! Not sure that was the only problem in the end! Possibly a ram chip error.

[@GraemeBreiner]

@@TheRetroFuture o wow really. What a pain

[@SmilingDio]

Does anyone have an Amazon link to that screwdriver Elliot is using ?

[@jacksonnortier1]

YoungDonnyAnime check the desc

[@andysmith5806]

OH MY GOD THAT’S THE ONE I HAD AS A KID. It is so hard to find one.

[@Falcon-um7vo]

What do you mean? They’re all over eBay and retro gaming seller websites.

[@DasAntiNaziBroetchen]

Your video gave me physical pain. That pin in the cartridge slot is supposed to be like that. Did you not check with another game boy? holy shit man

[@josephneale10215]

Amazing video as always

[@WH250398]

Would be cool if you tried replacing the cartridge port.

[@zerocks88]

anyone ever find a fix for the initial boards issue???? I can't figure it out

[@zerocks88]

still looking

[@DokuFREENET]

Shivers if someone blows in to a cardrige, thats just blowing the dust inside.

[@dernuntius679]

You can desolder the cartridge port and replace it. But thats time consuming.

[@Cyberchild101]

Can someone send you their gbc for upgrading? If so how would they do that ?

[@aldesalOG]

He is not a repair service and has stated so many times. Anything sent to him will be kept lol

[@Zombytes]

Just wanted to mention, that one pin on the far side of the GBC is suppose to be raised like that, thats how they all came from the factory. I thought the same thing when i first saw mine like that tho also.

[@Grant-H2O]

i was just repairing that exact pin and ill tell you right now if it was that pin (which is marked ground on the games circuit board BTW) the gameboy logo will be corrupt like we always see. So what happened was the pin on mine got caught on a game after sitting for so long and it crushed it down into the slot. It looks like that might have happened to that one too but its hard to tell. When the pins get crushed down inside there they fold over themselves in a strange way and can be confusing on how to unfold them. Personally i got mine to take carts but when it acts up it usually means a pin got crushed again. You on the other hand have a very strange problem being that the logo seems fine and not corrupt. P.S. I melted the snot out of the back of the ground pin plastic to get at it and ended up getting it into a place that allows it to work only by luck alone. not recommended

[@SpencerJ289]

Thought the cleaner was a rice warmer at first haha

[@netwicks1126]

If I understood correctly you basically gave him a whole new GBC ? Or am I being stupid ?

[@pdeaky]

Interesting video as ever matey!

[@trueanonymous3112]

How do you not have 1 million subs You deserve it

[@marukorino.]

Love the new intro!

[@AmyraCarter]

Well, pushing that pin back down would of improved the gameplay and other small things, but there's a good chance that something on the board was fried, which that is not always obvious (sometimes it can be the tiniest most invisible detail). If you do look into the board further, I'd use a continuity meter to test all the possible connections. Actually, that continuity meter beep is also a satisfying sound. lol

[@Ana-td6cc]

I have one and it still works😁

[@jackb8926]

Your so good, You could MAKE A GAME BOY!

[@user-il8gt2ev9d]

Had the same problem with my GBC exact same colour as well. My issue was with the screen, I have to clean the contacts and apply some pressure as overtime the copper coating degraded or something leaving a line on the flex cable where the flex cable holder thing was clamping onto it. Works fine now.

[@benmiriello7059]

Please do not push that pin back as he does starting at 2:54. I noticed mine also had that pin in a different orientation than the rest, then I checked the iFixit teardown and their last pin was also slightly pushed up like you see in this video. It's supposed to be like that. guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com/igi/exqy6aPt31OAUrh1.huge

[@The_Zilla777]

I'M FEELING UNREWARDED! just kidding. Great work.

[@KISKONEW]

Great job Elliot!!

[@erykkrolasik9326]

The A B buttons look a lot worse after cleaning...

[@multistuff9831]

All I saw wrong with the cartridge reader was the fact that it was dirty

[@buzzlightyear1636]

Dear The Retro Future, do you fix Nintendo Switches, Please Let me Know, Because i Have The Drifting Problem With My Joy Cons. Thanks, Sonic

[@RetroRexzi]

Love the Atomic Purple

[@4cooey]

Just got one today from China that's doing the same. Been waiting a month for this damn thing

[@CelenaTheShy]

Bro, I am a big fan and i was inspired by you and bought a ds lite, broken. I still don't know what is the problem in it but for $3, how can I go wrong. It is still not delivered, but I ordered a new schell(pokemon special(Chinese)edition😂), because the shell is looking scratched up like shit and it also have cracks. I think nothing is even wrong with it, it just don't have a charger. Would be cool playing pokemon on such an old, but cool looking gaming machine. P.S.: here in Bulgaria the ds lite is still like 40$ for a working one and like 60$ for a perfect one.

[@Kindmom]

I don’t think swapping a working board is very helpful in the repair world………. Yea actually fix it don’t be a hack

[@ukatosp1953]

Use a needle to position that pin back in place, it works

[@MercuryGrey]

I have that game boy!

[@ezhumbug]

You should do an ASMR Refurbing gameboy

[@fkthewhat]

Reflow those header pins my dude - worth a try if it will save the logic board

[@mcki11ua41]

NICE VID ELLIOT

[@spaceinvader2827]

The raised pin is normal

[@msekiller64]

Imagine the universe where it's a 2 minute video where he plugs in a new game and it works

[@thump3r]

the best thing to get the corrosion off is baking soda and distilled water.

[@lightdialga9110]

I had the exact same problem on my gbc and i was able to just bend the pins out a bit more, not enough so that it would scratch the games, but just enough so that they were touching

[@adrienbrasseur8809]

Repair a game boy is very simple I thinking is very hard but not really

[@cestusfr]

you can repair a cart slot.