Let's Refurb! - Severely Damaged £15 Faulty GameBoy Pocket!

Really hope you enjoyed this one. I had a lot of fun making it! GameBoy Pockets are my all time favourite consoles to refurbish. very simple and very rewarding. It was a shame about the motherboard but regardless, let me know what you think!
Polarising Film:
UK - ebay.to/2CspBwc
US - ebay.to/2EIAFHJ
Check out links below:
Things I Use:
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- Soldering Iron: ebay.to/2xiSKqv
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- Camera: ebay.to/2NMPhtL
- Cutting Mat: ebay.to/2NNxEtH
- GB Boy Colour: ebay.to/2xfFPWu
- Retro Console I Like: ebay.to/2NPAHSj
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Disclaimer:
The links above are affiliated where possible. This will give me a very small amount of commission if you buy anything through the links.
Please note links above are affiliated where possible to support the channel. Thank you for your understanding.

[@TheRetroFuture]

Japan 4 U (ebay.to/2T6wOaF) Is a great ebay page to pick up a faulty GameBoy console! Keep your eyes peeled for the bargains! Post pictures of your repairs in my Facebook Group!(bit.ly/2zOi869)

[@ChrisMX9]

Just bought a Clear game boy color in basically brand new condition for 21€ with shipping on this eBay page :)

[@BOBtoper]

Use dw40 to remove glue from the screen

[@oopsychostormoo4443]

Buy almost every Gameboy at this store.

[@chromatiCityGame]

Nooooo! Don’t tell anyone about this ebay store! Soon I’ll have nothing to buy 😉 But seriously, I have bought about 20 consoles from japan4u and enjoy fixing and tuning the things immensely! Thanks for a great video once again!

[@ediglez2705]

Really good video.Congratulations :) I have an old Game Boy from 1990 and I would like to repair the joypad 4 button , because It doesn´t work in one direction, Where can I Get some plastic and button pieces and the rubber unfer the joypad ? Do you know aly place to look after this pieces ? Thank You very muck. Keep going with this good videos and the really interesting youtube channel :) Congratulations :)

[@toutl]

Those bubbles under the label. Dude comeon!

[@mikeanderson1994]

Ikr

[@pajda666chleba]

and thats why it isn't perfect...

[@jackfry]

Looks perfect 🤣🤣

[@jaekaelae]

You should really consider removing those left over cohesive-marks that are left from removing the stickers and screens. I was about to write this comment to your previous video where you stick the brand new screen over a painted case. If the contact surface is uneven two parts won't stick as well as you hope. You can easily and quickly remove the left over residue by scraping it off with sharp chicel or razor blade and end up with nice smooth contact surface. What comes to that restored Gameboy Pocket I can see that the surface is uneven under the detail sticker.

[@iflyrcmike]

ARGH, my OCD. All that work and he leaves that.

[@KyleRVeenstra]

I was think the same thing, when painting he should put painters tape where the screen lens goes, and where the stickers go. Also should remove leftover adhesive/glue. Would leave a better surface for things to stick back on.

[@TheRetroFuture]

Thanks! Will do.

[@M1LAD81]

@@TheRetroFuture To get a good paint job, 90% goes into prep. If your preparation work is on point, your paint finish will come out 1st class. You should have used Isopropyl Alcohol on the left over residue from the label and under the screen lens. Other than that, it does look good.

[@Rickandmorty_com]

but he placed the same screen back on, and he didn't clean the back of the screen. so the two pieces will fit together and be even anyway. @The Retro Future you did a fine job

[@icarette808]

“And the battery contac- OH THERES NO BATTERY CONTACTS” beautiful

[@8bitbubsy]

The screen is like a DMG screen now, that's awesome!

[@missionpassed4584]

You should have removed the sticker glue before spray painting

[@quackywhackityphillyb.3005]

Yes the *sticker glue*

[@abarette_]

@@quackywhackityphillyb.3005 xD

[@omarbernal3804]

Lol for real! Half ass job! Even the paint job was horrible smh

[@narrabeenstudent7027]

@@omarbernal3804 stfu

[@adultlunchables]

Great video but your painting needs a little work. Gotta sand it down, primer it, then paint.

[@Rakwas]

and top coat it would be wise too

[@mandh14]

@@Rakwas Definitely, that gold will rub off real easy.

[@kennyclark131]

Sanding isnt always a good idea on plastic, as it can leave scuff marks and other defects in the surface that will show through. A good cleaning can do the same job as a sanding without leaving defects in the surface

[@murrys5444]

@@kennyclark131 - Using a fine to very fine sandpaper (220 to 400+ grit) to at least slightly scuff the surface so the paint has something to stick to will help a lot and won't mar the surface (unless you just rub one spot). This was a pretty sloppy restoration.

[@kennyclark131]

@@murrys5444 I've worked with plastics and fiberglass for years. To use a 220 grit paper would cut through that plastic. If you were to use a sandpaper you would need to use an automotive finishing style sandpaper at least 3000 grit and it would have to be wet and very lightly used. Even then the scratch Mark's may show up through the painting, because the cases are colored in the forming process and not painted. But yes the OP could have done more to make the paint better.

[@Rakwas]

Really nice video! But like some ppl have said in the comment section your paint skill needs some work, with this said I'll give my advice. Clean, Sand, Prime, Paint and Top Coat and it will look much nicer. Keep up the good work and love your channel.

[@justanotheryoutubechannel]

Looks like severe water damage and yellowing. Wow. What happened to this poor console!?

[@neogeo1670]

Looks like someone with sweaty hands have been using it ALOT

[@stevesstuff1450]

Nice refurb. job there..! As others have commented, removing the old adhesive from the case would help the screen and rear stickers to stick better, but I also think it may help when spraying the casing, to actually use a thin coat of primer first - something like the light grey Halfords car primer spray (works perfectly on plastic), as it'll help cover-up the stains/marks, and give a nice smooth layer for the top surface colour paint to key onto, and give a more resilient, stronger finish... :-)

[@AmandaM1565]

It depends on what brand he was using. There's 2 in 1 primer & colour sprays nowadays.

[@ethanpod8139]

This is extremely helpful for me as I’m just about to rebuild my green gameboy with a new atomic purple shell, white glass lens, new white buttons and also the other things like the stickers. I have no experience as of writing this and can’t wait!

[@atariforever2002]

You know, I think one of things I appreciate most about your videos are your nicely manicured fingers. Some of these guys' hands... yeesh!

[@TheRetroFuture]

Thats not a comment I get often haha!

[@GaZlovesGames]

Hahaha lol. Gotta take care of those gamer hands mate.

[@gerretoutdoors3710]

I love how you are so impressed and happy with your own quality work that you are convinced that people will think you are trying to pull a fast one. Great job. It really does look amazing.

[@jooniethebest3709]

*THAT. GAMEBOY. LOOKS. AMAZING!* Thank you for fixing it! Seeing it new makes me feel so satisfied.

[@SmashPortal]

Pharmacy and drug store are interchangeable in the US. Usually I hear pharmacy, and I assume it's because of "drug" having negative connotations.

[@aenigmaticus_ca]

Up here in Canada, I buy ISA from the local pharmacy. Same with most other medical gear.

[@Saberbeatsvr]

You say at the end "it almost looks like a completely different gameboy" well... It kind of is though isn't it? I mean you swapped out the main board which has the majority of the components leaving just the screen, case and buttons. Other than the outside it technically is a different gameboy. Nice vid though. 👍

[@enanament8161]

Retrotronix he didn’t use a different motherboard he just use a different game boy to test the screen and to test if he needed to replace it

[@DrSalvador555]

Don't know if you're aware Retro Future, but you can use Japanese games in American consoles. I only bring this up because your last Gameboy Repair you said you didn't have any cartridges around. You can use JP games in NA systems or vice versa, all the way from Gameboy up through the DS, 3DS is where you got region locked, and then unlocked again in Switch.

[@Deanster101]

Nice vid but you should always remove all traces of adhesive for the lcd housing so it’s sitting flush with the shell

[@danlmult]

It was very good. You could have removed the relief behind the sticker. That would eliminate the bubbles. As always great content!

[@clipsedrag13]

Shoulda left it that badass desert camo/Orange Julius color

[@hcshcsdazzle]

10:36 the sticker has so many bubbles

[@Boogaloogian]

Not even an attempt at repairing the motherboard...?

[@tolistheo_1953]

It can't be repaired because of the damage

[@johnellositt63]

The reason why it looks greenish is because your polarizing film is out of alignment. You're supposed to turn it on first, and then tilt and angle the polarizing film until you get as accurate a screen as possible, then cut it that way. You can't just cut it to size without testing it first.

[@davidanthony862]

Something about watching someone repair older technology is just so therapeutic for me!

[@makemefamousfornoreason8402]

"let's refurb!" swap the internal from another device, I'm done

[@jens468]

meh. you could've atleast removed the old adhesive before painting it. giving it a good rub with a scotchbrite pad would've helped paint adhesion as well

[@thoseonetrains]

Now all we have to do is- A COLD CASE MYSTERY HAS BEEN SOLVED THANKS TO THIS IMAGE FROM OUTER SPACE. A freaking news ad.

[@keyholes]

Love watching you fix these, makes me happy to see them like new again with just a little bit of love (and Mr Sheen...!).

[@ultraman241]

Maybe I missed it but did you need to apply another adhesive when you replaced the new polarizer film to the screen? If so what did you use and if not will it stay in place?

[@Dodo__Dojo]

Your videos really inspire me! I just fixed up a water damaged gameboy pocket I had lying around and I loved it so much! I'm going to look around for more gameboys to fix up thank you for these videos!

[@spyratekodaks7494]

I feel like you !! It really looks amazing!! You transformed a trash looking gb into something absolutely great!!!!

[@creepispooki]

How do you only have 88k subs? I love your channel! Your knowledge and enthusiasm is awesome!

[@Ragesauce]

Personally, I would have removed whatever was on the front surface of that shell, before adding the primer. Without knowing what was eating away at it previously, I wo uld not want that stuff under my new paint.

[@dbxdragan]

Just an idea: if you're replacing the stickers, why not replace them with your own ones? You can add the same information on them and add extra info from you. You can design the stickers on your computer and take them to a print shop where they print silver stickers. You can even print on holographic paper.

[@marchauo]

what happened to your fancy screwdriver?

[@nitrax8629]

That replacement polariser would look pretty sick in a classic edition GameBoy Pocket, makes it look even more like the original model that way!

[@loulew2]

Absolutely love watching your videos. It's kinda hypnotising, relaxing and so satisfying when you make them work. Your videos help me rewind. Keep up the good work...

[@wrxsti28]

Wait he just repaired a gameboy by just replacing every internal part. Thanks?

[@PollyBonanzas]

Not too fond of the bumps under the sticker on the back, but other than that it looks pretty good.

[@Charky_Creations]

From the way that even the paint under the label has been eaten away, I think it's had some kind of solvent spilled on it.

[@martinsamuelsson2322]

Great video! I did this to a gameboy light a while back :) Tip, get a smal lab powersupply and aligator leads, that way you can run the gameboy without the back on.

[@Dexter-po7ri]

I love these kinds of vids! Please do a gameboy advance again soon! Thanks btw your voice is so soothing

[@TheRetroFuture]

Glad you liked it

[@SapphFire]

I'm glad that one of your videos was in my recommendations. I really like watching these refurbishing videos.

[@TheRetroFuture]

Thank you!

[@flibblesan]

That turned out really nicely! Personally I probably would had given it a little sanding even just to get rid of the glue marks. But what a nice result anyway!

[@lazereth45]

You can use goo gone to get rid of the adhesive as well, I think it works a lot better than IPA.

[@LuisMercadoorg]

Great job! May I suggest some light wet sanding and priming before the paint? After the paint another round of sanding will make it shiny nice!

[@starkillerrock]

I actually quite like that rustic look I would make it work and then just leave it like that But yeah good job I still have mine in good working order

[@Sateisa]

The bubbles have been addressed but I already gasped when he tore off the sticker just to put it on another. You can get replacement stickers new.

[@thomask.7425]

you can remove the glue more easily with WD40, this product dissolves all glues, it works well also to take off the labels (only if the label is well plasticized, otherwise it makes the paper greasy) In any case, good job ;)

[@thebezzochannel7206]

The only thing with WD-40 is that it is oil based and will leave a residue if not fully cleaned. This can react and 'silicone' the paint and ruin the final finish. If you are not painting then WD-40 would be good as you don't have to worry about discolouration like you do with some sticker removers

[@RobertStacker]

Awesome work Elliot it looks like a totally different system, I remember when that post was added to the facebook group some weeks ago

[@NitroAnon]

That shell came out pretty well. I enjoyed that reveal.

[@TheRetroFuture]

Im glad!

[@Nixie-Nix]

This Gameboy is made of hopes and dreams it's gorgeous. Personally I would have probably painted a Legend of Zelda triforce on there to make it unique. I love how well this turned out! Seeing you play Pokemon Green on that Gameboy makes me so nostalgic; I need to find my old games again! Unfortunately my old Gameboy gave out on me multiple years ago but I intend to grab me a Gameboy color or something and fix it up nice and good to go!

[@TheRetroFuture]

Glad you liked it! Hope you play again soon!

[@Christopher_T_Paul]

Sticker residue is easy with a small amount of WD40, then IPA to degrease the screen.

[@JosephSalomonsen]

Chris Paul aweome advice!

[@thatspacenerdinspace]

“And the battery contacts-oh no there’s no battery contacts

[@privateaccount2226]

It could have been such a nice refurb if it wasn't for the poor paint prep. Just a few minutes extra removing the remaining adhesive from the sticker and display recess would have made all the difference.

[@TheRetroFuture]

Oh well! I am happy with it!

[@EmaSideProject]

So, i've seen this video on Facebook (well... that was shorter than this), people was saying that you were cheating because of the different sticker on the back without even knowing who you are. I'm a fan of you (Italian fan here!) and a sub with 2 channels, wanted just to advise you about the sh*t people is saying about you. Thank you for your videos and your hard work!

[@JeffeyFF]

All that work but you left adhesive from under the sticker and under the screen and painted over it...no no no

[@sisterunderstandable1717]

Random fact: on Christmas day kids in Japan only get one present under the Christmas tree

[@Asylus]

As do i

[@Denzarki]

More of a swap than a repair, you removed the entire insides and swapped in one that worked, so this is more of a repainted shell video than a repair

[@niplob]

Sometimes it isn't possible otherwise. When buying faulty gameboys you gotta expect getting some that are not repairable so you make the best of the leftovers

[@SkylarSpooko]

For the glue residue on the screen, if you use denatured alcohol it removes it much better than isopropyl

[@bulldogtonyyt1116]

Really nice, I enjoyed this video! Well done bud!

[@yodathegreatandpowerful3104]

It looks like a brand new shell oh my goodness *looks dead inside*

[@nicol-90]

Ich finde das so toll wie du alte Gameboys wieder reparierst. Ander würden die einfach wegschmeißen.😊

[@NLJamba]

Try sanding with grit 600 or higher and water after painting for an even smoother result. And you should really have cleaned the sticker residues! And finally, shots from above: take off your cap! It’s blocking the view!

[@NuarStanger]

over all a good job... but couldn't be bothered to remove the glue residue from the old stickers? Ruins the whole thing in my opinion...

[@samcooke343]

Replaced the motherboard, huge black line through the polariser, bubbles under the sticker because he couldn't be arsed to clean it, damaged the corner of the sticker because he couldn't be arsed to do it properly, painted over the original A/B and Start/Select type, didn't sand or prime before painting.... List goes on. Super lazy job on this one.

[@Skylon2311]

all your builds are very professional but if you paint something clean it and sand it with a high grid like 400-600 and remove clue but you are very talented

[@mattnid40]

The line on the new polarizing film would frustrate me to no end

[@DreamDaddie]

looks gorgeous, good work, dude!

[@TheRetroFuture]

Thank you Brandon!

[@DreamDaddie]

you're welcome

[@MultiDearDiary]

Watching this video is a great way to spend my work break!! Love your work as always 💜

[@GEKGanon]

Taking video game history and keeping it alive... you sir, are doing the Lord's work...

[@chrismifsud7154]

I've never found a way to restore the original "black & white" of the pocket. I've tried re-orientating the polarizers and all.

[@TaniaKisha]

Try to remove every left overs from case where you can and polish it up if there is any damage. You have several possibilities to fix everything back, most easy way is to using a double sided tape

[@someguy6865]

When you were showing the repaired game boy pocket ithought it would drop and you need to fix it again Btw great video looking forward to the next video keep up the good work

[@infadeldog13]

Agree, best refurb yet. Superb job as always; great to see another little gem or retro tech resurrected.

[@imzimansvideos]

Just what i love about gameboys so simple and so strong last forever with some tlc. That board could be save you need a multimeter on continuity and very thin wire solder. Clean the contact on the button and find the via or trace and clear trace a little connect thin wire to trace and contact where button is. Seen alot worse

[@bene.1639]

Thanks for the link! I just bought Kirby’s Dream Land 2 for $3!

[@supahcomix]

I just bought toy story for $4!

[@525Lines]

For stickers and glue residue, goo gone is pretty handy.

[@matthewvona5114]

Nice work! It really was a challenge. I have one question though. I try to find these Motip spray cans here in the UK but I can’t. Where did you get them from?

[@waldevv]

Well, about a year ago or so I stumbled onto one of these refurb videos.. and I may have gone a bit overboard but since then I've bought and refurbished like 30 or more gameboys and DSes and I really had no interest in handhelds before that

[@NuyoBoy87]

I got so triggered with the excess residue on the back shell. Lol! Still, excellent job!

[@RicardoJunqueira]

Why on earth you didn't properly clean the case BEFORE spray paint it?

[@kevinsong712]

try stripping the old paint off the case with methylated spirits next time. It's not the best to spray over old paint

[@Porygonal64]

Pretty poor refurb. I just wanted to see the disassembly of that screen.

[@stayoffmyfade7365]

The 64th Shadow I want to see you do better

[@Porygonal64]

@@stayoffmyfade7365 I should. It'd be a pretty fun project and video to make.

[@all_gen_games1259]

Nice video! Have you refurbished a gameboy light ?

[@zer0b0t]

The paint got oxidized, since it's a metallic finish. Yeah the gb was stored in a very damp place.

[@TheRetroFuture]

Interesting!

[@WH250398]

I would love to see a gameboy collection video from you. Why not do one every year?

[@FelixEA]

The Brand New Old GameBoy Pocket

[@ISupportTheCurr3ntThing]

the lest over residue really erked me on what was a really well done job. goo d work though!

[@joehdah5395]

Ok, i found something out, if you want classic nes games for cheap famicom games are miles cheaper and if you get a adapter you can play them on your U.S nes. pretty neat. super maro bros 3 on famicom is 6 bucks which is including tax and shipping.

[@JAD3__]

ya know... this is the first video iv watched on this channel and wow, you are smart. in fact this video inspired me to learn more about electronics and now im trying to do something similar. Thanks for being so inspireing

[@TheRetroFuture]

Awesome! You're welcome.

[@idontwantahandlebutok]

I've been watching you, for a really long time. Seeing you HERE makes me so happy, my life has been... *BROKEN*. But watching your videos always makes me feel so much better. (If you want to hear what im going through its in the read more.) You probably wont see this comment anyway, but if you do thanks in advance. So, I've lived life with aspergers sydrome and chronic anxiety. I was teased, mocked. I was hurt. It grew much larger around 2 years ago, when I met one kid that used, abused, and was always fake to me. I broke free from the manipulation, I lost friends, he turned the school against me. No one cared... not even the school district. I was harassed, tormented, beaten, got rude things shoved in my locker. Kids framed me for a note claiming the writer would shoot up the school. I was bullied online by them. They new where I lived. I was broken , unfixable. Things got better, so I thought. I was pulled out of school, I missed a year. Because no program for homeschooling wanted me. I got in a new school. Life alot better but, my mom made up lies about my dad cheating to escape to a song writer. Telling me she didn't want me, anxiety worsened, I got pulled out of school again, now I'm just lost. An emotional mess. If you read this, thank you. If you didn't thats fine. And for others who don't believe me or question the credibility of my life, you aren't helping. But thanks.

[@TheRetroFuture]

I am glad you enjoy my videos and that they bring you happiness!

[@idontwantahandlebutok]

@@TheRetroFuture But again thank you. And thanks for reading. Most people shrug it off. Or just dont care. So thank you so much

[@JieRai]

Feel for you man. Being isolated from humanity due to toxic people is difficult to say the least. Things will look up for you though, I'm sure of it. Focus on piecing back the broken pieces and day by day, work on increasing your mental fortitude. Much love and respect for sharing this 🙏🙏

[@sjm4306]

@@idontwantahandlebutok I have pretty bad anxiety at times as well and used to be picked on when I was a kid so I can relate a bit on those fronts. I'm sorry you are having a rough time but I promise things tend to get much better after you finish school and you are out in the real world. The bullies wont have time to bother you anymore (and some of them even grow up to regret the things they have done!) and you will meet and grow close to others who share your experiences and interests. In the meanwhile push through the tough parts and focus on the small things you enjoy (like this channel!).

[@CyanAnn]

I totally believe you. My brother has asperger's and his experiences in middle school and high school are super similar to yours. It blows mega hard that kids are dicks to people that are different and that mob mentality can affect a school so much. I would definitely try to get help from outside sources outside of your parents and school district since it unfortunately seems like they're not helping you like they should.

[@gaylper98]

Jezus thats Not how u paint Things

[@The_Zilla777]

Elliott, thanks for so many great videos. How do you know what gauge wire to solder in when adding new things to a circuit board? Thanks, Mike

[@seigeheim3247]

.... Now it makes me wonder, where is my Gameboy Light?

[@charlesbrown672]

That's a f*cked up Gameboy 😂😂😂

[@bellyum]

Good video, but when did Andrew Garfield get Harry Potter glasses?

[@colinbaldwin3278]

Great video looks great good work. Be careful mixing batteries tho!

[@zulfikranzulmos4066]

Why r u lazy to remove the glue residue with alcohol/sandpaper

[@goclunker]

Next time, use goo gone or 99% alky to remove the glue residue before you paint!!! This way you won't have any bumps under the replacement stickers