A fan sent me their broken GameBoy...

I stumbled across a video of a viewer asking me to fix their faulty GameBoy and I thought it was really sweet and wanted to help. I had no idea how much work was going to be involved...
Screwdriver-
UK: amzn.to/3qTXO0s
US: amzn.to/3u0oC0G
Tweezers-
UK: amzn.to/3uOERxl
US: amzn.to/3qYyO82
Cheap Consoles: bit.ly/38UrGzP
Patreon: / theretrofuture
Instagram: / theretrofuturephotos
Twitter: / elliot_coll
GameBoy Parts: bit.ly/2tZQ4iF
#TheRetroFuture #GameBoy #Retro
(Links are affiliated where possible to support the channel)

[@TheRetroFuture]

I hope you enjoy this video! Thanks for all of your support you’re amazing. Follow me on Twitter to keep up to date with my life - Twitter.com/elliot_coll

[@o1syt]

👍

[@allaccessentertainment4755]

Second 🥈!

[@Tazerboy_10]

😀 - I don't follow you on Twitter; Hope all is well for you!

[@FFCCDRUGFFCCCRAP]

Ebola diarrheea in your eyes

[@Wanderingtraveller89]

dude you should do a series of fixing your fans retro consoles for a price of course I would pay for gameboy advance sp to be fixed just a suggestion is all

[@joinanomumous]

"Honestly, the tweezers are just for the camera to make it look more professional. It's incredibly fiddly trying to use tweezers." Finally someone says it aloud. I've always wondered why would you ever use tweezers with a stuff like this, I'm much more comfortable using my fingers with little parts like this, with tweezers I'd probably do more damage than good. But yes, they do look more professional on the camera more than just a human hand blocking the view for what is happening.

[@nicholasjankovic7395]

I was thinking the same thing haha =D

[@norbertzietek]

He's probably training for watch restoration 👌

[@Jackpkmn]

I've found the more rigid the 'tweezers' are the better they are for this kind of thing. Part of what makes most tweezers so fiddly is how springy they are. This springiness is undesirable for maximum control. The best pair of tweezers i've ever owned weren't tweezers at all but instead intended for pulling splinters. They were more like scissors that met at a razor sharp point and were totally rigid.

[@luisdiaz5069]

best comment ever!!!

[@YoungpupontheblockIsPaRappa]

Soo long

[@Clanps]

You are too kind doing this repair for free and giving away your copy of blue. Nice video as always.

[@irgendwer3610]

too nice actually

[@alessiiscano1720]

Fake copy of blue

[@Clanps]

@@alessiiscano1720 the kid's copy was

[@vladimir6228]

@@alessiiscano1720 what?

[@alessiiscano1720]

@@Clanps the Kids copy?

[@thecanadian6022]

The "Warranty void if removed" sticker is from a gameboy part ebay store I've used before. They sell used and tested motherboards that are guaranteed to work. The sticker is so the seller doesn't get conned with a reurned broken motherboard.

[@TheAlphaWolf2013]

As someone who has used eBay for years and has sold unwanted items over that time, I can say with certainty that a warranty sticker would make no difference to a INAD case if a buyer decided to return a different motherboard. Ebay is completely biased to the buyer which is understandable as they are the users making the site the most money. In a return dispute ebay will side with the buyer 99.9% of the time as the seller can't prove what was actually sent out. If a buyer is dodgy the ebay money back guarantee make it very easy to scam a seller.

[@revengenerd1]

@@TheAlphaWolf2013 Yes and no, I have sold things and been scammed such as the time someone pretended to not be in so the item went to their local depot, opened a INR case won then collected under a hour later! But I have had multiple Ebay accounts banned due to me returning too many items so they see me as a "danger to the community" basically I say buy a good quality lead and its Poundland quality and maybe even stock, or I buy something advertised as mint condition and its bashed about and may not even work. And I have had dodgy sellers accuse me of sending back the wrong item and/or that something was "working" when sent to me. Each time I have to go to Paypal or my credit card company to get the cash back. It truly is a nightmare for any legit people and a haven for scammers.

[@TheAlphaWolf2013]

@@revengenerd1 Oh I've definitely had to deal with a dodgy seller before. Bought a phone that turned up in worse condition than described. Open a returns case and the seller accused me of lying and proceeded to drag the case out for as long as possible before finally refunding me.

[@captainamerica2931]

The warranty sticker comes from an awesome eBay seller Retro Awesome. Use them all the time and always impressed with the parts they send me. Super nice guy who’s been very helpful with my builds when I have a question

[@BeersAndBeatsPDX]

@@captainamerica2931 They can't be too awesome if they're putting those warranty void of removed stickers on their items.

[@neru_xie]

love how Elliot fixes consoles, he explains it well and all on whatever is happening on screen, keep up the good work man✨

[@JAIDEN-RODRIGUEZ]

I like how I have eyes and ears to know that...

[@kirbyfloppim6341]

@@JAIDEN-RODRIGUEZ bruh

[@RC32Smiths01]

A new repair is always a blast. You really are a technical and enthusiastic man

[@nickwaldron1719]

Your are far too nice a person, a full repair AND your copy of blue? May you get all the views and subs for your hard work!

[@piroabreu6721]

Hello 👋, I'm a Cuban living in Florida and also I'm electronic engineer, I have been fixing phones for some years and I also love retroconsoles....I found this channel and it's the best channel I ever seen !!!! I think I have now I new hobby thanks to you ....I m starting to do restoring and modifying on my retrocomsoles just like you !!!! Greetings and thanks!!!!

[@Mypeaisintheair]

bro liked everyones comment exept yours

[@MidnitePat]

You did a fantastic work with this Elliot. I always love your attention to detail, but I can’t help but feel that the fan that made the video and sent this in took advantage of your kindness to get a free (very in-depth) repair.

[@ATF_CA]

Didn't even seem like the guy offered a penny. I would've at least sent $50 to start with and ask what's owed before he returns it. So either we missed a part of the story or this guy is straight up scamming our boy Elliot

[@MidnitePat]

@@ATF_CA my point exactly. The guy deserves to be compensated for his time and expertise.

[@dustblowingman]

He also sent a load of random snacks and cereals so I guess he thought that was payment enough in his mind

[@pretzel1313]

My thought was the fellow was on the autism spectrum. A lot of times folks on the spectrum don't even think about that. It's like self awareness is impacted by autism (just a guess as someone who is on the spectrum and has autistic family), or like you kind of just operate assuming that if someone's not cool with something they just won't accept your request, but it comes off as rude to neurotypical people snoot of the time. One thing that makes it seem even more likely to me is that he was just like "Elliot, I want you to fix my Game Boy". Again, it seems like something you would say if you weren't very self aware. I could be completely wrong, of course. Was just the first thing that came to my mind.

[@GamesMore247]

Wow Elliot, you went above and beyond for this. Especially as they aren't even paying you for your time and labor. Great job!

[@TR-kg7lh]

Dude, I audibly gasped when I heard you say you were giving him your copy of Pokemon Blue. You are an absolute saint, man. That was so genuine and pure. I will always continue to support your channel. Keep being the best that humanity has to offer.

[@localprime8868]

Acting like he’s giving off a luxury vehicle lmao, relax lol, “gasped” like chill lol.

[@TR-kg7lh]

@@localprime8868 A luxury car? What are you talking about? I didn't audibly gasp because of the value of the item. It was such a cute and pure thing he did. What he did for the kid goes beyond face value. So what that they cost maybe almost £100, that was from his collection. It was so nice. 🥺

[@localprime8868]

@@TR-kg7lh reading comprehension isn’t a strength of yours is it? For that reason I won’t bother replying further. Keep on glazing

[@TR-kg7lh]

@@localprime8868 Ohhh. I get it. You're a troll. Have a nice day. Lol!!

[@localprime8868]

@@TR-kg7lh 👈🏽🤡🤡

[@ukatosp1953]

15:54 Just when I thought Eliot was really nice for fixing this for free he says this, you're a blessing man

[@donkmaster6762]

i love how in this, you knew someone had opened up the gameboy, but you held benefit of the doubt for your fan that it wasn't him trying to get free labor out of you but genuinely just asking for help. tldr, thank u for ur optimism. it's that, on TOP of the action of you fixing the gameboy at all, that feels very.. inspiring for faith in humanity.

[@timq16]

I’m always allured by seeing people know what they’re doing, being professional at it. This is the case here. Keep up the good work, man

[@thealmighty9]

You're either incredibly generous or crazy doing it all for free, but either way I really enjoyed the video, lucky guy even got a copy of Pokemon blue to go with it, great stuff Elliot :D

[@XKitsuneX666]

You should make a series of fixing retro consoles, this was so good to watch The Retro Fix

[@panthastaa34]

If i remember correctly thats almost exclusively what he was doing (with gameboys) when i first found his channel and subbed, its nice to revisit these types of videos

[@retrorewind6042]

@@panthastaa34 yep, check some of his older videos and that was his main thing for a while

[@moskbarto9436]

Yes! I totally agree!

[@stephanboxall1462]

Such a nice gesture for Eric. I hope he’s really grateful, as I know I would be. Thanks for sharing this awesome repair video- good luck with the house renovations.

[@bronzepkmn]

Fixed his Gameboy and gave him an authentic Pokemon Blue! What an awesome guy

[@SciZzurs]

Wow, gave him a brand new Game Boy and Pokemon Blue, free. You are a legend.

[@JuanPablo-ho7fg]

You should charge him for the repair. Even if you use it as material for your video and earn money from it, your did a repair and refurbish service to him and that work should ve valued, video aside.

[@benmac6147]

The person that sent it to him is just a kid who probably didn't consider the time & expense it would cost to fix it. If it was a grown ass adult that sent him their Gameboy though, I'd agree with you.

[@Ninetaled]

@@benmac6147 this "kid" had to have been over the age to legally drive and you are saying he didn't think it cost money to fix something?

[@benmac6147]

@@Ninetaled I didn't pay much attention to how old this guy looks but he looked like a kid to me. Who knows what he thought when he sent his Gameboy. I'm sure he didn't properly think it through though.

[@nateKitsura]

I'm with you but you should consider that the kid gave him content, and this content probably made Elliot more money than he could have gained from the repair, if he monetizes videos that is.

[@dstr001]

@@nateKitsura I dont think you realize how little youtube actually pays in ad revenue lol. KZbinrs mostly make money from sponsors. This vid at 100k views id guess made around £300ish, which sounds alot but remember Elliot did quite a bit of work on this, used many of his own parts and even gave his own copy of blue to the guy. Those parts arent cheap these days.

[@ermiag.8416]

Your simple restorations and repairs are awesome! Love how you describe the entire process

[@dustblowingman]

Big respect for fixing and restoring his gameboy even though I could tell in the initial mail unboxing you were a tad annoyed with the situation. I suspect you would have made his year by not only fixing it and making a video of it but also the Pokemon Blue you gave him. Hopefully some good Karma starts coming your way soon

[@austinwilburn1772]

Not really related but the sticker reminded me of a somewhat interesting fact. Warranty stickers and seals are pretty much useless. If you open a console with the intent to repair, your warranty is not void, as that is federally protected. If you opened your console with the intent to mod, upgrade, or any other intent like that, your warranty is voided (in the USA).

[@filterfreephotography]

You have inspired me to buy substandard consoles and fix them. Waiting on an IPS screen and shell for a DMG model. I just finished the IPS upgrade to a Game Boy Color. I also have an original version as well as the IPS upgraded model. In the last year I have gone from no handhelds to a Switch OLED, Switch Lite, new 3DS XL, new 2DS XL, DS Lite, GBA SP 101, GBC (Grape) GBC w. IPS, GB DMG, and GB DMG w/ IPS upgrade pending delivery of parts. Thanks for the simple, yet informative, format that you offer. BTW, I turn 50 this year... LOL.

[@pretzel1313]

Very kind and generous of you, and I always enjoy seeing you work magic on a Game Boy. I'm glad things are looking up for you lately, and I find it touching that, despite everything that's gone on this year, you still took the time to help someone.

[@generalorgana45]

I love fixing up DMG Gameboys. I’ve done a couple now, as well as a few other models. I got into modding and repairing Gameboys thanks to you Eliot 😊

[@MauricioJara]

This was honestly a really sweet video. I’ve been watching your videos for some time now and love that you explain how the components work. Thanks to a mix of seeing your repairs on the TPS-L2 Walkman, I was able to take it apart, fix it, and then put it back together

[@sphillips1679]

Elliot is a saint for fixing this gameboy. I remember when the video went up on twitter pretty much demanding he fix it.

[@acomingextinction]

You're a mensch for doing this. I do hope the owner wasn't the one who barbecued the screen cable originally, but the machine is such a franken that I could see it coming from a sketchy games dealer. What was the deal with that Warranty Void sticker?

[@smolmuffin]

That's likely what happened, probably bought it working and then it broke days/weeks later. Does seem weird that it would work for a small period of time even with a botched repair job but older Nintendo consoles can be tanks at times.

[@MrEnte3000]

He is a human? I mean, yeah, obviously.

[@mango8616]

My guess is it started being faulty and he sent it to someone else to fix at first, then the other person botched it and lied about the extent of the damage or was unaware themselves about how bad they'd botched it.

[@smolmuffin]

@@mango8616 Didn't even think about that. Would explain why the owner had no clue why it was broken if he was being honest. He could have very well sent it in to someone else, they tried and failed, made the issue worse and never disclosed the damage.

[@aetheralmeowstic2392]

@@smolmuffin I mean, there's a DMG Gameboy that _SURVIVED THE BOMBING OF A MILITARY BASE WITH FULL FUNCTIONALITY,_ so yeah, early Nintendo systems are tanks. Now JoyCons, on the other hand, drift if you so much as _look at them_ the wrong way.

[@Colorado-Coyote]

If I was ever to send in a Gameboy to Elliot I'd send in one for him to keep and a $500 in whatever currency he uses.

[@Bigjar420]

I mean u could easily get anyone else to do it for a normal price without all that but nice support for the creator

[@seaneddy1]

Enjoyed the video as always. Kind of feels like someone shouted "dance monkey boy, dance." You do you Elliot. Rest assured this viewer is not going to ask you for free sh!t. Also, I clapped like a fool when you fixed the screen lines completely.

[@Innes1]

Really love these repair videos, and I appreciate the honesty with the tweezers, they looked like a real pain in the ass haha.

[@Whitefright]

Love the details and explains when you fix devices. If my hands were more steady I’d try to do more repairs

[@aetheralmeowstic2392]

I once repaired my Pokémon Center New York GBA. It turns out the ribbon cable connecting the screen to the motherboard came loose. I also replaced the sun-damaged screen with a perfect one from a scrapped donor system (luckily they both had 40-pin screens).

[@TomAlexHelm]

This was awesome. I can always tell if a fix video is well made because it makes me feel as though I could do it myself, which I defo couldn’t. Subscribed 😊

[@jurgkrebs7406]

I love the care you put into this operation!

[@jeffreymarcum9053]

Honestly dude you couldn't have been nicer to this guy doing all this for free and gave him a real copy of pokemon blue to replace his broken repro You have earned a sub from me bud

[@PIXELPORTABLE]

A nice restoration! Very kind of you to help out a viewer, hope your house stresses end soon, I'm always rooting for you Elliot!!

[@the147th]

Eliot, you inspired me to get into gameboy modding🙌hope you’re having a wonderful day

[@joethompson11]

There's a real honesty to this style that I think is really resonant mate, lovely work and a great video. Take it easy 🍀

[@SEGAdude95]

Hey Elliot brother I enjoyed watching you repair the gameboy and you taking us along for the ride. Thank you so much and take care. Would love to see more in the future. 😁👍✌️😎

[@LKBRICKS1993]

Excellent video Elliott I love your restoration videos so much fun to watch. Hope the house & motor bike are going well.

[@paulboardman247]

There's been a glitch in the matrix!

[@gadgetmadlad6691]

Lol I was thinking the exact same thing. Mandela effect there is no spoon lmao

[@Ephlesss]

your vids are great, ive been wanting to repair gameboys and games for 9 or so years, and you've helped me realize how easy it really is once you get used to handling so many, cant wait for some more great vids

[@CrazyMautty]

Honestly I'm glad you did take this on just having seen the end result of it. Its nice to see one more classic device saved as they become rarer each year, and as you said its condition actually looked pretty good and post-bleach it was outstanding. Hopefully the views alone on this video made the repair worth it, and hope the guy you did it for appreciates what all went into it.

[@MikeeVee]

Excellent of you to do this, and you went above and beyond as well. Lovely video, thank you for sharing.

[@stanescutheodor2425]

I mean honestly if I were you I would've declined the guy just for not being able to ask. " I want you to ... " Is a long ways away from "please", especially for a free job , even if you make some adsense off of this

[@Stripestore]

And he already had another working gameboy! I don’t want to dog pile on Eric because I recognize that he likely has some form of autism and is probably doing his best to be polite, but making this video says a lot about Elliott.

[@dlynns]

All of your repairs have inspired me to mod my GBC. I hope it turns out half as good as your mods do!

[@breekiwalker]

I love those videos, I've been watching you content for around a week and I really enjoy how calm and relaxing your content is !

[@danielpeiro3470]

I love your videos so much! You’ve inspired me to get into gameboy repairing & modding and now watch repair as well!

[@yeismeload]

Great work man. I know you're not a repair centre and that must be frustrating at times with viewers, but you did this kid a solid. He likely didn't even consider the price of parts nor labour, given he's a young fan and those types of things often go under the radar at that age. I'm sure he must have been elated when he received it back.

[@andrewpeat6342]

I never heard a please once from that kid so I hope he was really grateful to you for fixing it

[@caseys_cozy_garage]

I love how he is like.... Nah don't send me these.... But the content is still 😊😊 good haha

[@calmingwhitenoise9317]

I genuinely look forward to these videos, regardless of the content. Thank you for sharing Elliott.

[@CBitsTech]

Very generous of you. Always good to see another video. Sometimes one just has to get the screwdrivers out and fix something.

[@PhatPhunk]

Totally enjoyed this one. Relaxing and laid back repair vid. Thanks Elliot :)

[@Luftwaffe_JG52]

I really loved this. The amount of care, attention and sweetness is how I try to be. Great job Elliot. 😊

[@piplup10203854]

That’s really nice you gave him your copy of Pokémon blue ☺️ I remember when I first bought my copy back in the day. I still have the original box and all that. Back when I was able to go into the store and just buy a replacement copy, thank you Fries electronic for saving the day.

[@MisterWolfen]

One of my fav people to watch at the moment, thanks for giving me a chill video to watch at the end of the week 👌

[@moskbarto9436]

You should fix consoles on a regular basis, as some folks have already commented! Great work and even for free. I hope everything that's goingnon right now in your life goes well!

[@jollylittle-elf2747]

This is awesome, was tempted to try and send you a Gameboy light a while ago to see if you could get it fixed but tbh it seemed too far gone, corrosion all over ☹️ and a dodgy power switch, oh well maybe I'll get one in my collection one day. Awesome video mate 🙂

[@ImTorryTF2]

You should have a repair business for Gameboys

[@RestoreTechnique]

Wow, great work! I assumed he was donating it to you, but you're actually repairing it for him for free and giving him Pokemon Blue as well. Great guy, great channel 👍

[@mrCetus]

That's a square contact Gameboy, those were indeed some of the first ones ever made. I've only ever seen one in my time of fixing them (probably like 150-200 Gameboys) They aren't exclusively rare or anything but definitely neat. They also do not come from the factory with an adhesive strip around the screen to hold it in place, it has different alignment molding on the inside of the front shell instead.

[@Gatch5333]

Man its great to see a video like your older ones again something therapeutic about it.

[@Nighthawk1982]

Really like your restoration videos without the music, so much better and more enjoyable 🙂 another great restoration, thank you so much to entertain us and put on a new video even with your busy life right now btw good luck with your home. Greetings from the netherlands

[@MMD_-jx2yu]

5:19 Nice watch! my uncle does have the same model with a red dial, pretty cool watch!

[@pimpedoutstereos9747]

Elliott, instead of retro brighting, try cover the gameboy shell in bleach gel and let it sit for a couple hours. U don’t need to use any special lighting or nothing, just cover the shell evenly with a toothbrush or sumthing and let it sit. The gel won’t ruin the Nintendo logo on the front of the shell or anything. Works really well, I’ve done a few of them now with really good results

[@itsmrotaku]

It was so nice of you fixing that ASD lads Gameboy! Loved the vid mate!

[@wattuh]

I really love your repair videos, i never skip even a second of these videos just to see the video

[@zrkled5645]

Elliot you are seriously an inspiring and kind person. What a wholesome video!

[@alejandrobueno4291]

I absolutely enjoyed your video. It was a very nice thing you did for that young man. Good job bravo

[@NobleZ3R0]

I don't why, but I feel like I've seen this video before, *shrugs* always enjoy watching your videos man, keep it up!

[@TheSkaldenmettrunk]

Nice repair. Very nice from you to fix his Game Boy.

[@Evercade_Effect]

Superb repair. That was very nice of you and generous to give him your own copy of Pokemon.

[@stirfryty420]

You inspired me to mod an SP way back! I’ve got 3 now. Great vids man

[@plaenterprise]

very cool video :) youre underrated bro its really interesting seeing you fix that stuff

[@coreystephen9878]

I love any time you fix or refurb a Gameboy. Another killer video.

[@RamblingPanda]

You sir are a kind and legendary chap! Keep up the great work.

[@izakknighton446]

Lmao this dude is the best. Takes a gameboy to repair for FREE and gives it back with a legit copy of a game. Nicely done! And I was really shocked when you “burned” the screen back into working order. Awesome!

[@pingASS_]

Not getting paid? He should let you keep the gameboy then

[@kazekage8957]

indeed

[@CMM1215]

Great work as always dude! I think you just made that kid really happy :)

[@enjirube1]

Very wholesome video mate. Really enjoyed it, much love.

[@daleanguiano6780]

I really enjoyed this. You do amazing work on all your videos.

[@kutaoizumi4189]

People like you that repair consoles are like wizards. Y'all leave me speechless whenever I look at repair videos, ahah!

[@drakecooley4776]

absolute amazing work, you brought it back from the dead. although I think as a little easter egg for the next person to open it, I would have signed the inside of the case.

[@KcinTelliam4595]

Great video. These are super relaxing to watch, also I’ve never seen the inside of a fake Pokémon game before. Cool stuff.

[@JuicyJakeRepairs]

this video has quite the retro feel to it, great restoration!

[@Wenlocktvdx]

Nice work indeed Elliott. My DMG gameboy is red and was missing the screen lens when I found it at the local Saturday market. I’ve since got a repro one on eBay to replace it with. BTW, I’ve tried putting some of my aircon louvres in the hot Aussie sun for 6 hours and it did make them noticeably less yellow. So it might be worth a try if you get a decent amount of sun there.

[@itdonotmatter]

super nice of you to do this for a viewer great vid elliot

[@pongopea]

you're a saint, I would get driven up the wall if people kept asking me for free stuff if I worked fixing this kinda stuff

[@Fatone85]

Elliot, are you okay man? Hope all is well my friend.

[@KeithCapeesh]

Man the nostalgia! I wish I still had my GB, GBP, GBC, GBA, and GBA-SP from back then. Unfortunately, I lost them do to flooding -- along with Pokémon Ruby, and Gold. I also regrettably lost a lot of first edition cards too. Today, they'd probably be worth more than my house..

[@KyleAndersonSkates]

loved this, hope the reno goes well!

[@mikeg8507]

This is major deja vu, I remember this video including the Pokémon blue and the guy who did the video I feel like I’ve seen this a while back

[@johnmorris7899]

Love how many retrobrites you have done and you still use the "hello kitty" UV lamp

[@daveford137]

Eric is a lucky guy. His console got fixed and also got a free game.

[@DreamDaddie]

YAY!! Is this another refurb video?! I love these!!

[@phonotical]

That looks like a gameboy that was rebuilt from older parts, the fake serial number label on the back is a massive giveaway

[@BalefireBombshell]

Ye. Probably a refurb from some third-party shop which just did a shite job.

[@mint_kyuu99]

Excelent job Elliot! I know that you were gonna do it without an issue

[@merman1974]

Great video, enjoyed watching how you did it.