Trying to Install a MCWILL Screen in my Fishy GAME GEAR

Remember the Fishy Sega Game Gear? ( • There's Something FISH... )
In this video, I'm going to try and fit a McWill LCD Screen Mod Kit, and put it all in a shiny new shell.
The question is, will I break it?
Hope you enjoy!
Steve
PS. I'm not an expert in repairs at all. I do this for fun, and it may not be the best or safest way to go about repairing broken stuff. I'm pretty good at melting plastic though. Please don't copy me - I'm an idiot.
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The magic things I use to break stuff;
My soldering iron: amzn.to/2Isf360
My microscope: amzn.to/2VP3msU
My multimeter: amzn.to/2LjBgnN
My oscilloscope: amzn.to/2LUidAQ
My component tester: amzn.to/39mrzhY
Filming Equipment;
My camera: amzn.to/38IdR7s
My microphone: amzn.to/3rCriPc
My VO mic: amzn.to/3pz2c1L

[@Ace-mw2fr]

Top tip: Make your bared wires longer then twist them tight and cut them short after tinning them. Makes them so they don't spread out. A lot neater.

[@mattinwinkymg]

yeah i noticed that too, it made me twist inside

[@martinpanks992]

7:43 FU1 and FU2, I think i chuckled way too much at that..

[@jansenmccloud]

"so you can put all the games you legally own ... *frozen pokerface* ... to the sd card" 😂 fantastic humor

[@simonwest80]

WOW! Actually shocked with how good that screen looked. Incredible job

[@kbsanders]

Bottom side components will typically have a dot of glue to prevent them from falling off due to gravity when the board goes back through the reflow oven to solder the top side of the board.

[@JonPadfield]

Fantastic job! The original Game Gear LCD was truly awful - it's amazing how far screens have come since then. I've got two Game Gears and just need to pluck up the courage to do this mod to one of them. The end result is definitely worth it! Thanks for the video Steve :)

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks Jon! Yeah, the difference is amazing. The games are so much better to play, it's really a joy playing on this thing now! Really glad i did it! 👍

[@shawnalfaro6943]

and if it was possible, proper rechargeable Li-on batteries because screw 6 AA batteries

[@mm0077]

Good work. I wish there was more of this kind of update to old nostalgic/retro devices.

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks Mial! Yeah, I definitely want to do more of this sort of stuff. There's something quite special about making something so old look better than new! It's hard to find good quality aftermarket stuff though...

[@Mymatevince]

Looks beautiful, great job Steve. Nice idea with the heat shrink as well 👍👍👍👍

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks Vince, I love it! It looks amazing and is such a joy to play. Very happy with it! 😊

[@Itsmealder]

You missed it up, because your are a totally tool!! And more, but I can’t said here because they will take my comment down! 🤤 👈 this is you Vince lol

[@Mymatevince]

@@Itsmealder Haha, what a really helpful comment. Well done, you're a big help. Maybe you should show off your skills as you must be a master of repair. Master Juan show us the way and we can all leave helpful comments in return

[@Itsmealder]

@@Mymatevince i know people make mistakes but you lol priceless some of videos, don’t get me wrong is pure entertainment!!

[@leeg4116]

That looks awesome! I love these mods that bring a retro handheld more up to date. Great job mate

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks Lee! Yeah, I'm really pleased with how this one came out. It just looks amazing! Will definitely be looking out for more stuff like this 👍

[@leeg4116]

@@StezStixFix and I will be looking forward to seeing the videos when you do 👍

[@the_rabbitt]

I love your videos! Your voice is so calm and sweet. And you dont act like you know everything about everything. Its nice to see such a genuine interest in repair and the like.

[@gravedigga71]

The device looks absolutely brilliant after the whole process. Well worth the work.

[@DweezilBubbadown]

I’m very glad this popped up! I watched the video before this one when you replace all the capacitors and I made a comment about replacing the screen. You went above and beyond and replaced everything except for the main board! For as much as I never touch my game gear, I’m tempted once I’m better with a soldering iron to try this!

[@ninjapwnsatlyfe]

i got my brother a game gear for christmas and the first thing he mentioned was can we make the screen any better, lol. after seeing a handful of these mods be done I'm pretty confident it is good mod to do.

[@neil_st6073]

1:38 silence says a thousand words. Going through your videos now enjoying it all and your style.

[@b4c0n88]

steve, i think you just answered your own question from last video "why did someone cut the speaker wire?" cheers mate

[@kazarenko6300]

Looks like all the wires to the bottom ribbon connectors have vias. It may have been easier to scrape off the vias and solder the 6 wires through hole, then you wouldn't have to route around the board

[@interghost]

It makes me think that Sega could remake their Game Gear with all new screen and sound etc. and sell it these days. Using little carts like Switch sized carts for the games. I'd buy it.

[@DanBird]

Great job, the screen looks amazing, Definitely going to get one when I finally get a game gear. The green colour looks pretty good as well.

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks Dan! Yeah, it looks incredible. The games look so much better, and it's a real treat to play on it! Absolutely love it! 😊

[@V3Vargr3V]

Ok man totally love the uploads you’ve put up. I came acros your feed one day and been hooked binge watching all your content and something dawned on me and I had to ask you a question. Has anyone said you look like a well fed older Ewan McGreger.

[@jaybee1158]

Let me first say that’s pretty badass..!! That is a well done job in my book. I have about 3 of these. This is my first time watching your videos and to be honest I just ran threw like 9 or so videos back to back. I just found your video out the blue bcuz I myself almost want to say love working and fixing things . I’ve always had a knack for fixing things , things that to me were just common sense. Now idk if that’s true or it’s actually a gift and most people don’t see it as I do.. But living in a situation growing up we didn’t have money ,so when things broke around the house it’s either you go without or you try fixing things. I’ve been doing that since I was a youngster now I’m in my 40’s . Back to how I found your videos was bcuz I’ve been working on a “Onn. Medium Party Speaker with LED Lighting” everything works except the audio. You can see when paired on your phone the lights go up and down when messing with the volume. I’ve looked on line for schematics or seeing if someone has had similar problems but I’ve came up empty. I have a cheap multimeter but it hasn’t done me much good; other then checking some things like the tweet and subwoofer for ohms … I’ve been just watching your videos and I realize 1 thing in life if you have “ALL the RIGHT TOOLS”.. you can almost fix anything.. I just have the very very small basic stuff to work with and like I said watching your videos; man..I saw stuff that I didn’t have, things I didn’t know they made to make it easier especially your “Microscope “ that’s pretty dope I’m like damn I’m seriously lacking.. by watching you do your thang your personality tripped me out bcuz your true to what you do , it’s either you can fix it or you can’t and your not just putting videos showing your success rate. To me, I’m like finally someone keeping it real , someone that feels what I’m feeling; especially I think it was the “NES” video after watching that I just binged .. by the way is there a part 2 to that video? A lot of these parts like fuses,diodes,caps,and etc I only know of so many names and where to find these things to put on the motherboards, is there a place in the “US” (I believe you live out the country is why I’m saying that ) or just know like a list of all these things so I know the names so when I go to Amazon I know exactly what to order I just learned a few words from you that I didn’t know like “ceramic caps . Anyways sorry for the lengthy comment,it’s just my first time reaching out and wanted to pay my respects and ask a question or two and just say keep it up you have a new subscriber… Much respect ✊🏾 from AZ

[@chris-pike]

Good to see you install the new McWill LCD screen and new shell case from your Game Gear great job you did there Steve and it looks awesome - well done 👍

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks Chris! Yeah, I'm really happy with the result, it looks great! 😊

[@guywilton7471]

Dear Mr Fix (my salutation will become apparent shortly.....) So there I am, watching this entertaining vid, minding my own business.......and at the same time I decided to attempt to repair a charging station that wasn't working when plugging in an iPhone Into the room walks the 'other adult in the house', at which point I receive an onslaught of questions, comments and complaints which finishes with.....'don't get breaking anything, just 'cause Mr Fix can do stuff, doesn't mean you can......don't get ahead of yourself' At which point I remind my beloved that I did in fact spend many years as a Military Avionics Technician.......but this didn't seem to deflect any criticism Anyway....the charging station is now fixed. So thank you Mr Fix for giving me the confidence to attempt such a challenging job as putting a connection point back into place.......I might next attempt to change a plug......if I'm allowed to that is......

[@StezStixFix]

Haha, love this! 🤣 And i quite like being referred to as Mr Fix. I think I might rebrand!

[@andrewcrane777]

I enjoy all of your fix it videos, but I have to admit that I like watching your mod videos the best. Have you ever considered modding an ipod?

[@miskinmisk4261]

You did well Steve 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Thx for the detailed work! You give the Retroworld a new pushup! Your new Game Gear looks great!

[@spamaccount6460]

I saw that green case and thought oh yuck why would anyone do that...and then the finished product looked fantastic. What a great job.

[@Ibubbas]

Wow that screen is popping. If I get my old Game Gear working I for sure am gonna do this upgrade.

[@ToxoRetro]

That looks much better Stez. The new screen means you no longer have to pretend to be a moth, hovering around a light source. Also the fact you don't need to work at a Varta factory to afford to power it. The green shell to me is quite nostalgic to the Gameboy Pocket and Color. I like it.🤘😎

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks Toxo! Yeah, battery life seems much better now. I agree, it is a nostalgic colour and I think it suits the GG really well! Very happy with it! 😊

[@ToxoRetro]

@@StezStixFix Well jealous. 😝 Enjoy!

[@-The-Darkside]

@A Volpe same and psu at home or relatives

[@Caluma122]

Green looks really good IMO. Watching this makes me want to pick up an old battered Gameboy for repairs and retrofit these kind of mods to!

[@djack7411]

This video finally convinced me to get off my arse and finally order the parts to do this (I've been wanting to for a while) hopefully my end result is as good as yours!

[@ryandavis7011]

I've done 2 BennVenn IPS replacements (with ribbons!), and wow, clean and easy. Second one took me around 40mins from start to finish!

[@AFCJaack]

Ace work! Here's hoping you get another game gear soon. Satisfying watch that.

[@rezqiano]

Watching your videos are informative entertainment, mate. Thank you for all your hard work (and comedies along the way 😆)

[@Abauto84]

the green shell does look so much nicer ❤

[@teej008]

FU1 and FU2 stood on either side of the board shouting at each other

[@RBKing80]

Love the colour choice buddy. Great video.

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks RB! Yeah, it looks amazing. I'm really happy with it! 👍

[@Druid_Plow]

1:49 Check out the spray paint in your local auto parts store. They may sell a "lens tint" for headlights and taillights. Basically a cheap clear coat with with UV tint mixed in, more layers means darker tint. You may be able to match the color with a little darkening.

[@todddell6400]

Tod from portland Oregon...love the green...I think it's because we have a lot of trees...

[@andycooper4230]

Great job done there bud that colour really suits it with the black 👍

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks Andy, yeah the green and black works really well, I'm very happy with it! 😊

[@woogaloo]

This makes me want to get a game gear just to add this. It was such a fun system.

[@dadwillfixit1907]

Very nice work mate really enjoyed that and the game gear looks amazing

[@StezStixFix]

Cheers mate, yeah it looks really good! I'm very happy with it! 😊

[@breakfastplan4518]

The mcwill screen and the usb-c rechargeable battery mods are a MUST for the game gear and the Turbo Express!

[@rundattmedia2106]

That colour looks amazing. Great job!

[@IanTheWoodchuck]

I loved my Game Gear, but they all had less than optimal backlight designs, and they got worse over time as that fluorescent tube degraded. It got permanently damaged in a moving flood and my father threw it away. With my current experience, I wish I still had it to refurb. In the end, I'm fine with being able to emulate my old titles. Finding a ROM for my old copy of Dragon Crystal was a pain, but I'm glad I found it because it's still one of my favorite roguelike games out there.

[@morganmedrano920]

LOL, it was dim because it uses a tiny florescent bulb and they dim a lot near the the end of their life. Full sized florescent tubes do the same but you only notice because its not enclosed.

[@castlecodersltd]

Great job. How long does the battery last now in comparison to when the old screen was in please?

[@ngiordano75]

I remember having one of these back in the day. That, tiny, shi...crappy, screen was the coolest thing for me. It was color!

[@StezStixFix]

Yeah, I had one too. I remember the screen being super bright and colourful! Sadly, I think I was wearing my nostalgia spectacles. 😁

[@ngiordano75]

@@StezStixFix we have live through some amazing evolution in technology. Each innovation is bright and amazing when it's new. Now? I'm taking my son to an Imagine Dragons concert in virtual reality. Life is good

[@StezStixFix]

@@ngiordano75 This is true. Enjoy the concert! 😍

[@bugsan]

haha, love this dry humor, subscribed!

[@CH11LER.]

Hats off to you for doing the mod but my goodness, that is a messy screen mod. The ones from the Gameboy are much cleaner as they contain more of the components. At least you made it as clean as you could. Let's hope that someone brings out a better screen mod in the future for the GG

[@DeejayAfro]

I love the sarcasm on your videos !!! I've being watching like for 4 days and man, I laugh more then watching comic dedicated stuff !!! I get the jokes !!!

[@justinblake7355]

I may be immature, but I laughed when you said FU2.

[@MonkeyZaz]

I am amazed at how good that looks. Good job.

[@engrey]

"All of the games you legally own" zooms to his face. hahaha I love this guy.

[@Druid_Plow]

Q3 and Q4. I think that Q4 wasn't entirely molten and just popped off. Applying lead solder doesn't always get under a chip, that's why you should poke before you pull.

[@TheAkashicTraveller]

It's a good thing you soldered the old speaker to those test points, those jst connectors are hell to solder. You end up melting the plastic or misaligning the pins if you're not carefull, if there's a trick to doing it well I sure don't know it.

[@ericcooper5867]

All of the games that legally own 🤣🤣

[@presc13nt]

@7:50 Yeah. FU too 🤨

[@ericcooper5867]

Could you make a video of the tools and equipment you have to carry out repairs? I think this would make a good hobby for me during the cold wet winters in scotland instead of freezing my balls off on project bikes and cars like i normally do 😂 really interesting stuff 👌

[@EikottXD]

It's in the description.

[@ericcooper5867]

@@EikottXD cheers mate

[@griloleatherface]

What would happen if you changed those fluorecent lights for LEDs?

[@ControlAllDa1337]

I've got 2 game gears collecting dust, might try this

[@armstrongskyview2810]

Fantastic video, would be great to see you do a lynx next :)

[@robertl8057]

Stez! Great job on the video! Cod3r sent me over to your channel, I'm diggin' it. Ya gotta tell me where you picked up the solder sucker. I've been looking for a decent one and I'm liking yours.

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks Robert! Really appreciate that. The solder sucker was from RS Components (UK based) I think. It's a Weller SA21A and it works really well! 👍

[@UserUser-ww2nj]

Personally i would have kept the black case for the mod but that is a personal preference . Nice mod for a better screen

[@Idontlikethisever]

“Vorsicht Hochspannung” you the best 🎰

[@phazonclash]

I still have my old GameGear... Now I feel like doing this to mine too

[@joelchristiansen1899]

incredible video. love the ninja turtle green!

[@seanpetermcdonald]

Impressive, thanks for sharing

[@garyellis1437]

What's that blue board that you use to rest it on when you're using your microscope? I have the same scope, it looks really useful as nothing ever seems to fit well on the scope base without help.

[@ticnervosi]

Incredible. Thanks

[@TheZeofobic73Channel]

Fantastic video,you had me At Legally and out of Focus comments,lol. Regards Zeo😃

[@yummyklown9226]

7:50 "...and FU2" .....Lmaooooo 🤣😂

[@simonlunt353]

Outstanding job Steve I take my hat off to you and yes I like the green well done 👍 who’s a clever man

[@MrKEVINCAMPBELL]

OK im more than a year late but that looked awesome.congrats on a great job

[@JB-uo3eo]

Game gear should never have stopped production. It was way better than Game Boy. Colour screen, tv tuner, and it kept Duracell in business in the 90’s with its 6 batteries that lasted about an hour.

[@StezStixFix]

Yep, I'm with you on that. It was awesome to play on back in the day, but with this new screen it really is incredible. I wish they'd have brought out a micro version that was actually playable, instead of that keyring toy they released. They surely would have sold loads of them.

[@axi0matic]

@@StezStixFix Why not just use an Anbernic of some description? GG emulation is so undemanding that it would surely be virtually 100% accurate. Sega presumably licensed one of the existing emulators for the Micro in any case.

[@adambritnell5596]

I’m starting to refurb my own game gear and using your videos as a guide, thank you. I can’t find the screen you used on retrosix, do you have a link please? Thanks

[@HoLd_My_Beer_Thanks]

Superb video and outstanding mod!............”Nice!” 👌😎

[@colinshanta1001]

I liked the red power button better actually. Little color contrast is nice.

[@Spectrophia]

You can use an ozone generator to quickly get rid of smells from stuff like that after it's been cleaned.

[@hippiepeter]

You did a really good job! I don't mind the green color but the plastic look kind of cheep compared the original black...

[@kanedaku]

Did that Gear Pro board fit into the clear cartridge case? It looked too long. And when you close the cart does that mean to access the MicroSD you have to open the cart again? Or did you mod a slot in the cart? Is there a video on the cart? I must look for that now.

[@cypresscustoms]

7:50 that’s just rude!!! Great video!

[@kennethbarker852]

1st class video to watch thank you take care kind regards from me kenneth👍

[@superamario6464]

Hi buddy, quick question.. where did you aquire the acrylic stand for the 'gear ?

[@BashoStrikes]

Is the split second of colored/garbled snow, when first turning it on, a normal characteristic of this LCD?

[@mcgrog]

Mod more stuff, love it

[@BrunakoPAO]

Love it ! Gonna do it one day on mine !

[@Peaterbeaterchickeneater]

This looked like a absolute nightmare to do

[@ChrisHopkinsBass]

Trigger’s Console 👍 cracking job

[@-Gax-]

To me the game gear is kind of like the Wii U. Not that great of a console, but great ideas that helped shape what we have today. I realise that the Wii U is a relatively modern console but it still has an important place in Nintendo's evolution. It gave us the Switch. A console I have grown to absolutely adore

[@ynots0625]

Think you just answered why the previous owner snipped the wires.. Cracked it at dim screen, wanted to upgrade screen and case… Circle of game gear 🌈

[@user-wj9xq7ig2v]

I prefer to solder to the vias than those weak pads where the old screen was. They damage and fail too easily.

[@StezStixFix]

That's a good shout! Wish I'd have thought of that 😬

[@infin1ty850]

What is that handheld zapper type thing you use throughout the video to help with removing things?

[@danieldelicate8015]

Looks amazing, assume you also used a black cart case at the back to keep the theme of black and green?

[@mragustin1997]

Looks like one of those leap frog toy things for children that were popular in the mid to early 2000s

[@ndavies5968]

This looks really good! I've seen a few on car boot sales but in very bad condition. Havnt seen all the video yet, but can you buy a battery pack for it?

[@StezStixFix]

Apparently, RetroSix are releasing a rechargeable battery kit for it, but its not available yet. Would really finish this one off, I think. The battery life is better with the LCD screen, it doesn't seem to eat through them as fast, but it would be nice to just plug it in and charge it up! 👍 I'm actually tempted to try and make one myself.

[@ndavies5968]

@@StezStixFix I used to borrow a game gear off my uncle when I was a little kid and I remember the weight of the thing with all the batteries 😂 itl be interesting to see what you can make for yours 👍 This is making me miss my old pocket neo geo and game boy micro

[@StezStixFix]

@@ndavies5968 nice! Would love both of those, might keep my eye out for faulty ones on ebay! 😊

[@ndavies5968]

@@StezStixFix Yea have a look. The micro is worth a lot now. When I got mine it was about £30, they are now fetching around £150 ish I think. They are the same size as a bank card apparently but I Havnt checked ( no pun intended) and have a big a screen with led back light. They have a built in battery pack and take gba games and I think game boy colour games, but they stick out quite far. You probably know this all anyway lol

[@StezStixFix]

Haha, yeah I knew most of that 🤣 but I didn't realise they were so expensive! They really are lovely looking things though. 😍

[@exodo7727]

Awesome unit how is the battery life?

[@DjPrimeberry]

It’s a lot of work! However looks amazing

[@steelbrotherhoodof2359]

what do you do when you burn your finger ? it looks so close too the solder iron.

[@NonsensicalSpudz]

1:40 I also have done that with all the legally owned PSP psvita ds and 3ds games I legally own

[@ninjahedgehog5]

Putting backlight on old handhelds is always worth it imho

[@STHelton1]

Wow. Great job man. Looks very good. What was that red arm on your microscope stand? Did you get a new scope or make a change to it?

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks Taylor! I pimped my microscope, added the articulating arm to it so I can get it a bit higher and have more room underneath. It works really well, but its just a touch wobblier! All good if I don't kick the table! 😁

[@STHelton1]

@@StezStixFix Dude. I have been thinking about the same thing for mine. I was thinking of rigging the scope to one of the articulating mic stands you can buy on Amazon. I would love to see what you have come up with. The only drawback to my Andostar scope is how close it has to sit to the base. Getting some more space under it would make a huge difference.

[@StezStixFix]

@@STHelton1 I tried a microphone arm and it all fitted nicely, but it was just too wobbly! Could barely keep it still and it wasn't usable. Its possible that a good quality one would work better, but I found the arm attachment and stuck it to the original plate (so I could keep the gooseneck led lights) with JB Weld epoxy. It worked a treat!

[@StezStixFix]

@@STHelton1 the articulating arm is by Oitez. I got mine for the Pi Hut, but I think I also saw them on ebay... 👍

[@STHelton1]

@@StezStixFix well I’m definitely gonna give it a shot. I found a great board holder, but the factory scope stand is way too low to use them together. You should consider doing a short review of yours. I bet quite a few people would love to see it. I know I would.