Restoration Retro Game Boxes - SNES Repair

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Have you got any success stories with repairing old game boxes?

[@mr0czusek]

I flatten my gba box since they looked like curvy. i flatten and now like new

[@RetroGamerBoy]

That's awesome, these simple tricks can breath new life into these old game boxes.

[@thomas_tk330]

Does restoring the box increase its value? I was thinking about removing a ripped price sticker off of an original Super Mario All Stars box using lighter fluid as that seems to work really well. Also the box has a patch of exposed cardboard on the top due to the finish having been ripped off which I was thinking about fixing by gluing a matching piece cut from a reproduction box. Would all this be worth the hassle?

[@Collect-Retro]

@@thomas_tk330no

[@christus321]

You were my inspiration on trying this for the first time. Now I have collectors sending me their valuable game or console boxes to upgrade or fix them. I found my own techniques and style, so now Im doing it professionally as a part time job. Thank you very much for the motivation!

[@lonreed9743]

I have a few boxed games but for the rest, I’m perfectly fine with reproduction boxes.

[@RetroGamerBoy]

I think however people choose to play and collect their games is perfectly fine. We all get something different from retro gaming 👍

[@Johndoe-co3pw]

I restore old Warhammer boxes and I also just started shrink wrapping them very satisfying! Love the channel!

[@RetroGamerBoy]

That sounds very satisfying.

[@gam85191]

mate, you are a genius. I wish i had the patience to do this with my collection, i have so many that need some work on them

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Genius is a strong word, insane maybe 🤔

[@malcolm5965]

Absolutely amazing tutorial, one of the best ones out there I've seen. Some parts drag on too long and get lengthened by unnecessary details though.

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Thanks for the feedback. Since the lock-in I guess I've got overly comfortable with waffling on 😂

[@Ahov29]

This video is from 4 years ago, so I would like to know if you have improved your technique in all these years with new materials, etc., so you could upload an updated video

[@UltraHealthyVideoGameNerd]

Great idea about using a cooking sheet to iron out a game box, I've got one I may try that on

[@RetroGamerBoy]

It works a treat. Although some did say that they tried it and it left a circle pattern. I have no idea what they did to do that.

[@DoYouNerd]

More great tips and another amazing transformation--it looks so good after the fact! Really enjoy the side-by-side comparisons. Also, kudos on you reminding people to please not try to pass it off as unaltered. And wait, what? Did I miss these cards? Those are so awesome!

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Yup those cards were going to be part of the game apparently. My friends at Rare game them to me.

[@DoYouNerd]

@@RetroGamerBoy Very, very nice--thank you for showing them and sharing them!!! I always enjoy seeing stuff like that!

[@CerealBox64]

This is so cool. I really want to find a restoration project to work on with an old game box now. It blew my mind when I first learned Japanese gamers had been enjoying sturdy plastic trays inside their Super Famicom and N64 game boxes years ago, while we were stuck with the old flimsy cardboard ones haha

[@RetroGamerBoy]

I know, cardboard is the bane of collectors lives. They push the price of CIB games through the roof.

[@dreamseeker2346]

I'm trying to restore 2 anime DVD art boxes that have bowed out a little bit and your video is very insightful, I'm hoping they can both be repaired like new

[@RetroGamerBoy]

You'll have to let me know how it goes

[@BlaizeV]

I've done this with DVD boxsets as well. It might not be for everyone but I feel like it can make a real difference to black boxes

[@RetroGamerBoy]

I agree, some people are happy with the wear on their classic games boxes and that's fine. I have a friend you likes the price stickers on the boxes, he says that they tell a story :)

[@hugoretrogt]

I have a Sonic&Knucles box to restore but man finding the correct blue color to restore part of that blue color in the box is hard. Also i need to diy the insert as well and after searching for the correct measures so it fits properly not easy too. Unfortunately 32X box inserts are smaller. Great video, thanks for sharing. Cheers.

[@RetroGamerBoy]

The blue is so hard to match. I've not found one yet, if you do find one let me know😁👍

[@Charlie-Cat.]

Oh wow! More box restoration videos. Awesome to see them again Mike. I was hoping that more would follow. Looks like my wish has been granted. 8^) Anthony..

[@RetroGamerBoy]

It's an interesting subject, some people like box restoration others thinks it's a sin :) I do not do it on all my boxes, but if there is one that is in really bad condition then I would rather repair and restore it, than let it waste away.

[@chrisandrews8357]

Have been looking into this and going to try it on a beaten up N64 box I have. Great video.

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Cool I hope it works out. Test it out on some card first to make sure you are happy with doing it on your N64

[@irong.4625]

What a fantastic high quality video. Thank you so much for this tutorial. You did an awesome job!

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Thank you for the comment. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@hazaeagle1]

It is the colour boxes I find difficult to restore. Black is easy but it is not easy to match the coloured boxes and there are a lot of coloured boxes out there. I use water based coloured acrylics and as much natural light. One has to be good at colour blending and good at art. One can also use some extensive felt tip pen sets which have a lot of colours but getting the right shade is hit and miss which is why I blend paints. Not an easy skill. Great to see a restoration vid on old cardboard boxes. I was hoping to see some colour restoration though.

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Colours are extremely hard.

[@TCGAllstar]

Came here from Reddit, great job!

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Awesome, I hope you find something you like.

[@blazbishop]

Here I am cleaning, organizing, and now I have N64 Boxes needing some proper TLC. Great now to assemble some items to fully restore my Goldeneye, Conkers Bad fur Day and Perfect Dark boxes. Great video and have Subscribed to your channel.

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Awesome, welcome. I hope the guide was useful.

[@blazbishop]

@@RetroGamerBoy It was very good and in-depth. Sometimes folks have to go into detail no matter how long it takes. Just so the task at hand is done properly.

[@RetroGamePlayers]

First off, nice choice with Killer Instinct! Second this is a great restoration video, never tried markers of any type but I must admit it looks good 👍

[@RetroGamerBoy]

The results are great. I think if you remember that what you are doing is ink work, so moving ink onto the damage parts, rather than colouring in, then you can get some great results.

[@gamatossian]

Hello! Many thanks for this video, it's amazing. Would anyone have any recommendations for water-based black markers? Thank you

[@RetroGamerBoy]

I would use whiteboard markers. They are really good and if you wipe over them the ink on the shinny card comes of but leaves the ink which masks the damage.

[@RussLyman]

O man you guys got Move cards those are dope. We did get the Killer Cuts CD inside ours. Great tips man

[@RetroGamerBoy]

The move cards never shipped in the end. But my friends at Rare sent me the prototype cards through that were going to be included :)

[@gamesyouloved]

love these restoration vids Mike! Nice work

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Thanks guys. It was a nice and simple video to make, which I need right now. My Dev team is in overdrive and there is little free time.

[@RetroSho]

Amazing. I'm gonna have to definitely do the ironing on parchment and marker tricks.

[@RetroGamerBoy]

The results can be amazing, maybe try it on a more common game in your collection.

[@RetroSho]

@@RetroGamerBoy I have just the box in mind for a start! Any specific marker you recommend?

[@RetroGamerBoy]

@@RetroSho I went for o e that did not dry straight away. This allowed me to work in the ink and wipe away the excess. I have also used white board markers before, and they have been great. I know some people use sharpie pens, but I've not tried this.

[@goodall1bay]

Try 'Copydex' glue for repairing these boxes. Works fantastic and can also harden the old card without marking

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Great tip, thanks.

[@theterminateurducinema3868]

Hello what you use for restore black area with paint??? I not understand I am french thanks you and great job

[@RetroGamerBoy]

I use a white board black pen.

[@johnboydojo]

This also works really well with Pal Sega Saturn game boxes. The spines always seem to crack over time and I've done this for many of mine. Look like new after 20+ years! Never understood why Sega made them cardboard and plastic to start with, weird choice.

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Ya it's was super strange, especially as everyone preferred their plastic over Nintendo's cardboard.

[@johnboydojo]

@@RetroGamerBoy Hey did you see that someone's finally done English Translations for the Legend of Mystical Ninja 2 and 3! (Goemon) Only found about it today. They both dropped in February. Happy days man! About time!

[@damyretro_store]

Great video!! Can you put here the amazon link to buy the black marker? or other reference to be able to acquire it. Thank you!!

[@RetroGamerBoy]

I use white board marker pens. You can wipe the excess off the shiny card and the remaining ink fill in the exposed card. This is what I use www.eastpointglobal.com/product/black-drywipe-pens-medium-tip/

[@TelesplashGaming]

Love this video, wish I would have kept my boxes😪😪😪

[@RetroGamerBoy]

In the UK it seems that keeping the boxes was more common than in the States. Only a few of my friends in NA have any boxed SNES games.

[@TelesplashGaming]

@@RetroGamerBoy ya. It's a bummer

[@DadLadsGaming]

Another great video mate 👍🏻

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Thanks dude. Some people like these, others hate them. My take is that if there is a box that is falling to pieces, that I would rather restore it than let it perish.

[@DadLadsGaming]

@@RetroGamerBoy totally agree 👍

[@lloydhinshelwood]

Amazing video thank you 💫🔥

[@RetroGamerBoy]

No worries, hopefully it's useful.

[@mr0czusek]

I subbed you before . now today i came across on reddit and saw you restored SNES box here. i didnt know you had Reddit too. tho i dont have account. just I like view from others who collect. pickups or show collection.

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Cool, well welcome back. Let me know what kind of retro collections you like to see.

[@mr0czusek]

@@RetroGamerBoy mostly sega stuff what im into..

[@richardmiller6829]

Good job

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Thanks Richard. I also looking at other ways to restore these old boxes.

[@giorgiorosellini670]

Hi, what I do is disassemble the box, even if it looks crazy, I wet it and leave it squashed between two very flat surfaces with a lot of weight on a couple of days. Then I repair the corners with a good glue and let it dry. Then with a good set of markers, I paint where needed, being very true to the original color. Once everything is dry, I put a liner of transparent adhesive film on it and carefully cut the excess material. Finally I assemble it and with a double-sided adhesive tape I attach it as it was originally. Are you agree? (google translate) :)

[@RetroGamerBoy]

That is very intresting, I will need to try this.

[@namiqkamal3789]

hello there i recently got myself a snes but box is in very bad condition i mean it is much worse then megadrive that you've fixed i did everything you said in that video it turned out pretty good but there is still one problem that i cant fix 1 side of the box(side that you open and get console from) is ripped and that side of the box is just blank there is nothing there how can i fix that or can i?

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Do you mean that the print has gone?

[@namiqkamal3789]

no i mean cardboard on that side has been ripped off 😂😂😂(thank you for replying btw😁)

[@bryanstarlord7422]

I don’t mind getting boxes that are a little beat up, after you put them in a protector, they always look better anyways

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Those protectors are stunning. They changed my life when I discovered them 😂

[@MattKasdorf]

@@RetroGamerBoy Where can I buy these protectors?

[@FoundOasis]

That looks much better

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Ya I'm super happy with the results.

[@markdero4703]

Your channel is really cool. I'll give you a hint, on the black parts use black shoe polish. You will be surprised.

[@RetroGamerBoy]

That sounds interesting, I'll go e that a go, thanks.👍

[@yeahhbuddy3932]

Im new here. That games room is awesome

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Thanks! I did a tour of it at the end of last year. I gutted my old games room to build this one. I had some very specific criterias :)

[@TimelessGamingUK]

As someone with quite a few tatty boxes this video is gives me hope. I haven’t been brave enough to try it myself though. Do you think it would be a good idea to brace larger splits in the corners with a bit of folded card or tape on the inside?

[@RetroGamerBoy]

I've not had to but I guess it depends in the year. I usually fing the well applied PVA glue does the trick.

[@alexluna6406]

Hey there! I'm trying to restore an old N64 Zelda majora's mask japanese, and it got damages on the black areas, so I'm pretty lucky that I will only use one water-base black pen. Is there any particular pen you recommend?

[@RetroGamerBoy]

I use a white board marker. these are great because if you go on the shiny bit of the card it rubs off nicely. You end up with a more convincing look. Make sure you test it on something first though.

[@Retro_GiD]

Спасибо...

[@RetroGamerBoy]

No problem.

[@luke9511]

thanks for the awesome box repair videos, i have some nes and genesis game boxes the cardboard ones and am looking to fix them up and strengthening up the tabs etc and was wondering if you had any advice for this?

[@RetroGamerBoy]

I think it reall depends on the kind of damage. I would always try any technique you use on something else first to make sure it gives you the results you want.

[@luke9511]

@@RetroGamerBoy just say your reply and i apologize for not seeing it sooner! i have followed your guide and others and have done minor repairs to some of my NES game boxes and they look much better than before

[@rickoosterling749]

Great video !!!!! Maybe you can do the same with console boxes? I have multiple boxes with damage and couldnt find a way to restore them , some have faded colors and i want to restore them but dont know how :-(

[@RetroGamerBoy]

I do have a console box repair video, but I'm not sure it has what you are looking for.

[@getzapped313]

This is a lot like fixing record cover damage

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Interesting. I guess they are both paper and card.

[@getzapped313]

@@RetroGamerBoy you have to be extremely careful repairing it, some record sleeves do not like liquid, especially white album jackets, seem splitting is a pain in the ass to fix, because usually where it starts getting damaged is on the top, it's because the sleeve gets damaged from people taking there records out carelessly, then to make vinyl clean as possible, you can go from 50% isopropyl on a record cleaning brush all the way to having to buy the most expensive cleaning machines like a VPI

[@samanthacparker]

Would this be ok to do on a box with a holographic/shiny finish? For example Pokémon on gameboy?

[@RetroGamerBoy]

I don't think so. It depends what you are trying to fix. The best results are on matt back boxes.

[@samanthacparker]

@@RetroGamerBoy I’m just trying to get rid of some creases on the box

[@Mycall1983]

Awesome thank you

[@RetroGamerBoy]

No worries, I hope you found it useful.

[@Mycall1983]

Retro Gamer Boy definitely

[@Mezzabotte54]

Hey what temperature you had the iron on ? I know if it’s too hot, you can burn the clear coat on the box. You should’ve mention this in the video. I burned this coat on my cartridge box now and it looks like the game was in the past years permanently laying in the sun :/

[@RetroGamerBoy]

If you use oven proof or baking paper this prevents the separation or bubbling. If you do it straight on the box it will destroy it, if you use a cloth you can also damage the box. Did you use baking paper?

[@Mezzabotte54]

Retro Gamer Boy yes i did. And the temperature on the iron was on maximum heat. Guess that was too hot. Do you put the temperature on Medium or Low ? I’m asking because I don’t wanna burn another Box :/

[@rogerchtarponne4968]

@@Mezzabotte54 same question for me.

[@markrushforth2031]

Where do you get the master system mega drive manual sleeves from. Great videos by the way.

[@RetroGamerBoy]

I found them on eBay. I searched for manual sleeves. They are up and down on eBay all the time. I find doing a Google search helps me to find where they are currently on sale.

[@kevinoconnell3080]

Any pointers for removing ball-point pen from game boxes? My Complete Earthbound box has "54.99" in pen at the top, and that'd be swell to clean off

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Ballpoint is super hard. There are ball point rubbers you can buy but you must be very careful. You can also use nail polish remover, but again this can ruin the box if you are not careful. The worst thing about ballpoint it that it leaves and indented mark. When I've had severe damage to a box I have stuck something over the damage. You can get official Nintendo seal stickers that can hide a multitude of sins.

[@michaelkamka6568]

What's the name/type of pvc glue you use? Will just any pvc glue work, or is there a specific kind?

[@RetroGamerBoy]

I don't have a specific brand I use. If you are unsure get two pieces of scrap paper, apply a thin layer of glue, and see if you have any problems. To be honest you only need the thinnest of layers to apply a strong bond, so you shouldn't get any issues.

[@Coxtheman]

Hello Mate, great video by the way! Have you got a Twitter account? Can’t see it in your bio for the videos! I’m a collector in the UK and am going for a full Nes Pal A Europe set. Would love to touch base on Twitter. Cheers 👍🏼

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Yup. It's @Mike_Rouse there is a direct link on my channel page on the banner.

[@Coxtheman]

Retro Gamer Boy Nice one MIke. Just followed you, my tag is @1UpRetroGaming all the best.

[@qp773]

A question for you. Does it matter if you iron the box first or glue the frayed dogears first? Like would there be any issue about doing the glue, then iron after?

[@RetroGamerBoy]

I've not tried that as I assume the glue would melt. I might test it out on an old bit of card to see what the results are. It could potentially strengthen the card If the melted glue is soaked into the card. Or it could just ruin it.

[@qp773]

Ok, because I have a few NES game boxes where I already touched up some spread corners (mostly the top opening area), little bit of white glue, clamp and let it set for hours. Then after the fact, I looked and thought, hmm maybe these slight creases could use an ironover. It's mostly on the long spine sides where I didn't do any glue, but a couple boxes have a bit of a compressed corner where I might have dropped a bit of glue in. Guess I could probably just avoid the top flaps if I follow thru with ironing

[@josh10111000001010]

What type of ink pen and water color market do you use?

[@RetroGamerBoy]

I use a white board marker. It does not fade over time and the excess that goes on the shiny part of the card can be wiped away, leaving a perfect finish.

[@josh10111000001010]

@@RetroGamerBoy thanks I just purchased a CIB Earthbound, but the flap where the original tape used to be has a tear that's about 1" x 1". Wish me luck 😬

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Test it out on something you don't care about first. Good luck.

[@josh10111000001010]

@@RetroGamerBoy good idea. I got Madden 97 box only for $2

[@al.d9592]

PV8 glue, is that what you said?

[@RetroGamerBoy]

PVA, but I have an accent so it may have sounded like that.

[@StevesRetroGaming]

Is that what we call Wax Paper in the US?

[@RetroGamerBoy]

Hmmmm good question. I don't know.

[@StevesRetroGaming]

@@RetroGamerBoy I found out it is different - GREAT video btw.

[@RetroGamerBoy]

That's good to know for the future. I need to do an update video with actual pen recommendations, and just talk about the difference between ink pens and pigment pens.

[@giosondrio314]

you scanned the cover, cleaned it in Photoshop and reprinted it on cardboard, or you bought one already made, so much effort for nothing.

[@RetroGamerBoy]

😂 no, I did what you saw in the video. Building a new box would be way too expensive for me.

[@giosondrio314]

@@RetroGamerBoy 10 euros in the printing house!

[@nexusofice9135]

"Refresh" / "Restored" ... Aka hiding what is really there and not original

[@RetroGamerBoy]

🤣 dear God I feel sorry for all those that have art restoration jobs if you are around. Say what you feel, more power to you👍

[@nexusofice9135]

@@RetroGamerBoy art restoration is an entirely different field. One major thing with real art restoration is called revarnishing. Is essentially like removing a top clear coat off of the under layer of the paint making sure you remove all the dirt and grime that has accumulated over the decades or centuries. Kind of like a plastic case. So when you replace that plastic case you actually see the color and original vibrance but you do not replace the existing paint. Now you do have "repairs" done to paintings, but it's not called restoration or conservation. Even in other fields of repair. No one even argues that replacement or refinishing of an item is not claiming it as original. That is why it is called a "restored" car not a "factory original" car. Those words are important. However you look at a restoration as a way to hide what original finish or condition is gone and replacing or repairing back to spec with modern work. This is all about a video game case. Is it your property? Ya. Do what you want to it. But I think that it is important that we don't beat around the bush on what we are doing to our property. We are hiding imperfections and damage. Whatever word we use to describe our actions.