This SNES is worth $150, but WHY? Let's fix it!

[@Tronicsfix]

Come hang out on our Discord! discord.gg/tronicsfix

[@Wortho27]

sure, why not 🤠

[@dreamer_prince900]

Bro please help me restore my fat ps2. I took it to a repair shop and they destroyed it

[@CAYork0827]

Seller says unsure this can be fixed. Tronics fix: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

[@michellefernandez3155]

wonder why you didnt said what was the difference between the two versions, except for ¨one is a 3 chip and the other just one¨, ok, yeah, but how it does affect the price?

[@JellyBean-oj3vj]

Hi hope your doing great

[@autoneurotic]

Great repair! Please note that the 1 chip models have specific model numbers, which can be found on the bottom of the case. I would have suggested swapping only the top shells in this case. You now have a mismatch between the model of the of the board and the model shown on the bottom of the case.

[@jaraiza]

I was just about to comment the same

[@jahjoeka]

😂😂😂

[@longtermFX]

same comment. the 1CHIP was made with different plastic that was supposed to help with avoiding the yellowing in the later models.

[@longtermFX]

followup, do NOT replace the entire shell on a 1CHIP (especially the bottom). You will drop the value of the system by $100+ and mislead buyers!

[@ZonicMirage]

@@longtermFX Note that at least the prior "RGB" and "APU" revisions are in shells with the newer formula. For example, my '95 SNES with an "RGB" board never yellowed.

[@spanadian]

I don’t know a ton about electronics, but I find these videos very relaxing, and love watching you fix things. Thanks for the effort!

[@wsells]

Another great video! I hope your health is improving 👍🏻 Praying for you and your family🙏🏻

[@RestorishOfficial]

4:25 Wow thanks for the shoutout!

[@laidback93]

Never knew there was a better video processing chip in the later SNES revisions. Interesting. I have a Super Famicom that I did basically the same thing as you. Swapped over a cleaner pin slot from a broken unit to my working Super Famicom. Luckily it was plug and play, no soldering. Glad to see you doing better!

[@Tronicsfix]

Yeah, I didn't know about the 1 chip until recently.

[@legendofswords]

It was a revision at the end of its life. 95-97 meaning that PS1 and N64 were in about to or already on the market

[@MyRegardsToTheDodo]

The quality difference is actually pretty miniscule, the 1 chip gets a lot of hype that it doesn't really deserve in my oppinion.

[@CompletelyAverageGameplay]

@@MyRegardsToTheDodo Strongly disagree (if you aren't using a CRT) - if you're putting the RGB signal through an upscaler on a modern TV then you can definitely see how muddy the "2chips" are by comparison. Lots more ghosting and color bleed, too. The 1Chip-03 was the same version of the board they put into the SNES Jr units - they removed the components needed for Native RGB output but if you restore them it's arguably the cleanest analog signal you will ever get from a SNES unit. I'm a little jealous he got one for so cheap (broken or otherwise), because all of my "1chips" are the 01 revision.

[@MyRegardsToTheDodo]

@@CompletelyAverageGameplay There's now a mod where you can upgrade a 2 chip to 1 chip graphics, and atleast for PAL models that's the best solution out there. You can't 50/60 Hz mod a 1 chip, among other things and 1 chip models have that really annoying audio chip that tends to blow. Yes, you can canibalize an N64 for one, but who wants to do that?

[@SonicManEXE]

For those wondering, the 1-Chip is a consolidated video IC compared to the original 2- or 3-Chip video ICs found on earlier model SNES consoles. The original chips caused a kind of “smearing” where parts of the image weren’t quite lined up on screen. By doing a cost saving measure in the later revision hardware and the SNES Jr, Nintendo inadvertently cleaned up the video processing. This is why 1-Chips are more expensive. However, there is now a way to clean up the processing on 2-Chip models. Voultar recently came out with a mod. For now, he is only installing the mod himself, but he says that it will be available for standalone purchase soon. His video introducing the mod shows the differences pretty well.

[@aaronkosharskyswhiteknight5224]

No body was windering that quit copy psting from wikipedia amd acting like ur brain doesnt weigh under 2 ounces bruh

[@sargesmash1]

Was going to mention this - that mod makes the 2-CHIP extremely crispy. Very impressive stuff.

[@noobguy57]

I'm hoping he releases it for standalone install soon. I'm eagerly awaiting it

[@Gassit]

@@aaronkosharskyswhiteknight5224 You might want to learn a bit more spelling and grammar before criticising someone else's brain power brah

[@aaronkosharskyswhiteknight5224]

@@Gassit yup exactly u bot gonna attack the perosn and not the argument, my guy get a life hahaha

[@yeahbuddy999]

8:39 I love this channel! Thank you for all your help with tech stuff. Because of you have I created a repair business my own and I think it’s really fun ❤❤

[@PurpleSanz]

8:38 OMG!!! That was brilliant!!! 🤘😎

[@Tronicsfix]

My editor put that in!

[@ScratchySlide]

​@@TronicsfixDefinitely a keeper.

[@codenameviper7905]

Perfect Comparison, unintentionally for your donor board, you have the very first SNES Revision with extra Soundboard (Sony wasn´t finished with the Chips when Nintendo already wanted to produce the first boards, so they made extra connector that they can provide later the extra PCB with the Soundbard) and the very last SNES Revison 1-CHIP 03

[@DarkBowser64]

I think I saw a reddit post of this exact SNES with the cartridge slot's plastic pulled out with the pins floating. Cool to see this come full circle, if it is the same one. Would have recommended keeping the bottom shell from the 1CHIP so the serial number would match up, though. Additionally, the cartridge slot is not meant to be easily removed on the latest SNES consoles, likely as a cost cutting measure to save on the amount of components on the board. The seller, if the reddit post is the same person, looked at a guide to try to fully clean the SNES's cartridge slot and thought to remove the full slot altogether to clean it more thoroughly, but they couldn't do so at all (and the guide was of an earlier model that didn't even match theirs), causing the entire plastic part that keeps everything in place to be ripped out. Because 1CHIPs are not made to have easily replaceable cartridge slots. For prospective "cleaners" of game systems: Research properly before performing your maintenance! For example, you can't just easily clean the volume slider on a GBA SP, as some of them are not designed to come off and you'll likely crack the plastic piece trying to remove it, leaving only a nub for a volume slider if you have one of the applicable ones.

[@intoxicode]

Rust is pretty easy to take care of in consoles, I just use Rust neutralizer gel, and re-clear coat. Takes it right off and makes it look brand new!

[@308dad8]

I have a NES. I bought a NES/SNES 3rd party console too, Hyperkin. Works with most games. I remember getting the Super Nintendo as a boy and it was awesome!

[@pneumans]

Really well done! Thats gotta be not only the cleanest 1 chip but the cleanest snes. Brought back to life and looks as good as the day it was purchased. Never fail to amaze. I love doing this kind of work in my spare time. Nothing better than restoring electronics. Keep the videos rolling brother!

[@zeroblade9800]

SNES replacement shells finally started to hit market. Got me a colorless clear to replace my original 2-chip model which was yellowed and incredibly damaged. Massive cleanup and now looks brand new. Looking forward to the mod to be available to clean up the picture quality. By sheer luck, cause of all the damage on my SNES, I purchased another one long ago that happened to be a 1 Chip. Cleaning that one made me already know the difference in slot design between these two. Transferring the pins over was the only way to save that SNES

[@DanielCapers-bp6fi]

I hope your doing well. You make this look so easy! lol.. I would love to see a behind the scenes, or a bloopers real or something like that that shows the head ache and frusterations you have to go through to repair these systems and relics of the past. I love your work.

[@LeroysHangout]

This was one good job. I remember i lost my SNES because of the game slot. Pins got bent and then came off and one point it didn't work anymore.

[@mickeyBtsv]

All the pins in different versions of the board must always line-up, if not you'd need different cartridges... Part A contacts Part B.

[@johndowd9705]

Looking well Steve, hope you’re on the mend 👍

[@istvanbally2817]

Excellent work! Great to see you doing much better and in good spirits!

[@darthv72]

Fun fact... the 2nd SNES you used for its shell is an original 1st edition as you can see the cart lock mechanism @4:55 in the top shell when you pulled it off. Nintendo later removed that lock and the cartridges also went through a bit of a revision as first releases have a space for the lock to fit on the front of the cart and later releases have a sloped front where that space would have been.

[@mattymatt022000]

Nice!!! I've got end stage liver cirrhosis. You give me inspiration. I've got a good looking, and working snes but tons of other projects and have been recovering from alot of procedures. It's been a rough few months for me. My heart stopped a few times from blood loss but I'm home now. Needed 48 bags of blood etc. I literally know what it's like to die. Woke up about 2 weeks later with 85lbs of water weight. Couldn't walk,talk,eat or use the bathroom omo. So after 1 month in alcohol/drug rehab and 8 weeks in 2 hospitals + 2 states I'm home in recovery. Edit: it's alcohol induced liver failure. Happened in about 3 or 4 years. STAY AWAY FROM ALCOHOL PLEASE! For anyone reading this.

[@Shamzta]

Another potential option (I wasn't paying SUPER close attention) would be to solder to the pins on the bottom of the cart connector, and then feed some wire (either enameled magnet wire or small 24-26 wire) up through some of those humongous vias and connect either to the trace or straight to the leg of the chip. That said - stellar job! I do love watching your videos!

[@BlindLetsPlayer]

I don't know if anyone's said this yet but you're looking alot better man! ❤

[@MyRegardsToTheDodo]

Looks to me that somebody already tried to replace the cart slot on the 1-chip and managed to screw it up. You can get complete replacement cart slots for US SNES (but for some reason seemingly not for a PAL SNES).

[@12345.......]

Interesting experiment. What is the difference between 1 and 3 chip, other than the number of chips?

[@Tronicsfix]

The video quality is better on the "1 chip" system.

[@tomallica420]

​@@Tronicsfix is there a way to tell from the outside if it's 1chip?

[@phawxhunter]

1-chip outputs a much higher quality signal. But you can mod a 3-chip to have the same high-quality signal.

[@emmettturner9452]

The 1chip is essentially an official clone. It’s not a perfect clone as some games have minor glitches, but the analog video is significantly better. The HDL leaked for this chip design back in the ‘90s so clones like Tristar 64, Bung Game Station, SupaBoy, and all the non-emulation RetroN and RetroBit SNES clone consoles use it.

[@mullinsjm1]

@@tomallica420 no 100% way to tell besides opening it up. Usually a later serial number and they’re less likely to be yellowed.

[@fullmetal6519]

This video was actually amazing! I was holding my breath at the very end hoping the repairs helped!

[@Kaiman76]

Where did the repair go? While reassembling the console you can't see the wires or the red PCB mask

[@SMTahmid]

Double checked and sure enough, you're right.

[@TechTinkerWorks]

I've watched it like 4 times and unless he made the assembly footage before the repair he might just swapped boards?

[@ProcBen]

It is the same board but before the repair. The broken traces line up

[@SMTahmid]

@@ProcBen that's what i thought too, probably discovered the issue after reassembly

[@theri0n]

I think after replacing the pins he then made the assembly footage assuming he was done but the broken traces were indeed an issue

[@baltenr8327]

Its amazing how amazingly simple and yet brilliant wete the old NES and SNES. Thank you for your content, I hope your health is improving by days

[@martinrc80]

Why not leave the bottom case to have the correct sticker/model number plus don’t have to remove the screw post 🤷‍♂️

[@iamhere490]

Maybe because the top shell probably wouldn't fit 🤷

[@playerroku4412]

He's a NPC. don't bother with him

[@martinrc80]

@@iamhere490 that’s what I am thinking but just curious.

[@martinrc80]

@@playerroku4412 greetings traveler, the king is looking for a brave hero to save the kingdom.

[@70snowman]

Right?!? When he snapped that post off, I almost vomited 😂

[@darkwoork]

Keep it up, buddy. You're doing great! Love your videos.

[@iamhere490]

5:24 That's the audio processor for the system. Later models just soldered the audio stuff to the motherboard.

[@Mau.89]

Why not using the bottom part of the 1chip if the damages were on the top? Good video.

[@robertfaison5321]

Incredible work! You make it look so easy. I almost believe I could do it. 😅 Thanks for the video!

[@ArthurGsc]

Another great fix. Congratulations, man. Thank you for sharing this amazing content. Definitely a great console.

[@snowysnowwolf6228]

Did you swap labels to match the chip version

[@krishauer9000]

I got a model 1 Sega cd that isn't working would you have any interest trying to fix that?

[@TheSkaldenmettrunk]

Nice fix and a great clean from Robert.

[@NinjakX]

Looking good my friend. Thank you for this video.

[@310_Latchkey_kid]

Great to see you as always!!

[@JordoSez]

Fantasitic video! Im very new to this, and just learned so many things!

[@denisescardino5080]

My SNES was finicky. I got it a new shell because I wanted to avoid retrobriting, took 6 hours of tinkering and modding the bottom shell and getting nowhere, so I finally relented and let it keep the original bottom shell and retrobrighted it a bit to lighten it up but still keep the patina I liked. I gave it the gray upper shell and called it a day, it works so well that I don’t mind some brown, but my SNES was my most finicky console to clean/repair so far. But in its defense, I play it more than my PS5 and other retro consoles so it was worth it lol

[@JPWestmas]

Thanks for the vids. Hope you feel better!

[@lookitskazzy]

Several people have already kind of mentioned this, but 1CHIP units have a specific range of serial numbers, AND there are multiple variants of the top cover. Some have printed lettering, some are embossed, some have slightly lighter or darker colors.

[@DoblajesSkaDs7]

Looking good! ;) Much love from Spain!

[@justinnelson4391]

What a great repair! Thanks Steve

[@MASTECH91]

Glad to see you doing well my friend :)

[@cheesetomatoes]

I just went with a SNES Jr. to get my 1CHIP. Cheaper and no need to dig through listings staring at serial numbers. I did have to add a THS7374 amp board to restore RGB though.

[@KitDoctor]

Dude, nice work!

[@sorushrahimy8780]

My favourite technician on KZbin. Hope you get well soon❤

[@sp5141]

Looking great, Steve! Seems like you're glowing in this vid :)

[@HaraldSeebus]

When do you decide to use the desolder pump instead of a solder wick?

[@nicholasdeparto8304]

Funny I happened to see this video today. I was planning on getting my old snes out of storage and cleaning it up today!

[@RichHomieBodhi]

You should do a series of modding Retro Consoles. Like Hdmi mods, GBA consolizer, Recapping old systems, RGB mods, and even the new 2chip enhancer by voultar. A lot of cool stuff to be done.

[@njackson3148]

that was awesome. good work and good save!

[@alistairblaire6001]

That desolating tool looks amazing. I hate using braid and finding that there’s still residual solder holding a component in

[@RexRude99]

I have all three versions of the 1 CHIP. 1CHIP-01, 1CHIP-02, and the 1CHIP-03. It's very difficult to tell the difference between them. Maybe very very small, but essentially the same.

[@emmettturner9452]

Same. The difference between 01, 02, and 03 are probably more a difference between component suppliers or manufacturing technique than a genuinely different board.

[@kingjaekob]

I actually have all 3 versions as well! I can tell the 1 chip 03 looks better! (to me the 1 chip 02 is the lesser of the 3)

[@emmettturner9452]

@@kingjaekob That would be random… down to the tolerance of the components since the video circuits are identical. Whatever they were distinguishing with the -01/02/03 number, it wasn’t further video revisions.

[@kingjaekob]

@@emmettturner9452 I’ve had 2, snes 1-chip systems, that have such good video output, you can tell easily! And they be come across at least 10-15 others, and I do see that most look the same! You ever seen the dim video out out of the 1st test market nes systems? The board itself and bottom nes shell has 1 more screw

[@kingjaekob]

Sorry 2-3 type errors, then, video out put

[@kurtistharp2031]

The daughter card on that OG model is the Sony sound chip, and if it's not functioning correctly it can cause video problems like the no display you described. It may be possible to get that og functional buy refurbishing or replacing that daughter bored with the sound chip on it. That is, if it's still had a cartridge slot LOL. But aside from that, it is a really good source for the cartridge slot swap

[@FiveStringCommando]

8:45 You should save all the good pins in one of your spare bits containers. Also, you look like you’re feeling much better. I hope that you’re actually feeling better to match. Praying that your health continues to improve and that remission equals healing with no return of the cancer.

[@dragonhed123]

Do you have to take your machine appart to see wich chip it is or can you do it based on model or serial number?

[@jasonthomas1760]

I'm curious is there a way to repair a trace without adding the wire? Also does the wire alter the value if you have say a rare console?

[@mullinsjm1]

Good stuff Steve!

[@n7russ38]

You're looking good there bud. Wish you the best of health 😎👊

[@Outshinedsg]

Glad you decided to replace the slot connector, it was looking a bit sad with all those loose and bent pins ^_^;

[@furasoke]

thank you! i loved watching this!

[@Jamesdalbright]

Thanks for saving more gaming history. As a retro gamer, i appreciate it.

[@TimothyKing1]

I was disappointed the soldering was fast-forwarded through and the trace repair soldering not included at all. No continuity checks after the trace repair?

[@corvo1324]

I had no idea! what a cool thing to learn!

[@TattedCollector]

Almost EVERY single 1 Chip SNES I have found over the years, and there have been many, the serial number usually always starts with UN31. And I've always sold them for premium on eBay. They sell very quickly.

[@Doesnotcare12]

Man it's good to see your eyebrows coming in. I've watched you to get away from life for the past 4 years. I lost my lovely lady to the evil C word but I'm glad you're doing well. You're a.good man.

[@Valerie_is_doing_stuff]

looking sooo much better. you in remission? if so congratulations.

[@smurfberry2000]

Best use of the flip video transition I've ever seen, nice!🤌 (06:52)

[@JBORD101]

Why not try to transfer the shield first?

[@cosmos8569]

Very satisfying as always!!!

[@charlesramos7408]

9:05 nintendo s-apu sony chip 89 cool. there's a model with big chips am' i right ?

[@lastoeck]

Holy Restoration, Steve! 🦇🦇

[@tristanbaxter4131]

All the best man ❤

[@Enchurito]

The box you removed from the older board that is socketed to the board is the sound chip

[@mint_kyuu99]

7:06 They are 100% swappable. You can use either an early 2 piece slot or a late 1 piece slot with no issues, as they are pretty much the same. IMO the early slot is better, as its easier to clean it than the later ones.

[@Kakeen]

So what are the differences between the chip 1 and chip 3 models?

[@mvtroiano]

Is there a way to tell (on the outside) if your Nintendo is a 1 or 3 chip system?

[@xianox8]

That box is a sound module and was on the oldest version of SNES. That version is cool but kind of buggy I think. I personally would not case swap that one. Would take a middle in-between that and the 1 chip.

[@dr.markevers8331]

I still have a working original snes from my childhood. I play it more than any other game system. UN Squadron, Airobiz, TMNT, NBA Jam, PTO, epic times

[@ImJCyo]

Just curious, do you resell the consoles/games that you fix? And if so, where?

[@DevilPurpleLightning]

Hey Steve, have you ever tried those conductive ink pens to fix broken circuits?

[@mtshark7]

Nicely done Steve!

[@Shadepariah]

make sure to check and make sure the controller works too. Sometimes those chips on Supers die in ... interesting ways.

[@briandoss9232]

Awesome! Great work!

[@MrBlackmaxDK]

why didnt you fix the traces before you soldered in the connector ?

[@rachellear2207]

Do you have a seller you recommend for the wire and coating? What size wire do you use for trace repair?

[@blazerchris83]

I took apart a relay that I replaced on my truck and use the wire from the coil to do trace repair. Not sure the size, but it's about the thickness of a hair from the nether region (for lack of a better description 😂). It works great and was free. I use MG Chemicals conformal coating. Not sure how it compares to others as it's the only one I've used, but it works for me.

[@vegitoblue7908]

I used to open super nintendo's to repair. now that I see that maybe there's an addition that does not bring that pin cover. of course, I remember repairing one just like that and I play games well

[@dsingletary06]

Good repair and I loved that Zelda

[@chuckthetekkie]

I never had a SNES growing up. Growing up I only had the NES until one Christmas when I got a used, yes used, N64. My parents didn't have a lot of money so used was fine. I only heard about the 1 chip SNES a few weeks ago in another channel's modding video.

[@jorgeantonini201]

Like many other mentioning in the comments here… Why not keep the bottom shell and only swap the top? If needed clean it and brighten it, but then no worries about serial numbers or that post to worry about. When he just snapped it off I was cringing hoping the thing wouldn’t snap off with a piece of the case as well, it just the extra bit of screw post. As far as the repairs, looks like good job and if it works normally, obviously done right. 2 things I noticed tho. 1, you pointed out the couple of damaged areas near the cartridge slot that were gouged, but ok. But didn’t mention or look into the other gouged areas near the larger black chip, did you see those? Luckily they didn’t look like they were an issue, or were they……? And 2 when you put the system together…where did the repair go? Can’t see the red repair paint/covers, did you swap co soles to get it LOOKING fixed? I don’t doubt you fixed it, but where did the repair go?

[@rm4213]

Great video 👍👍

[@BeefJerkey]

I think the older model has a big sound module, probably what that big extra piece was, if I understood correctly. On the 1 chip model, we just see that little surface-mounted Sony chip.

[@kevintappminville195]

That's the sound board! And the lock means the donor is an original first model SNES. They have reliabilitt issue, but the sound board makes the sound so much warmer than the other version... RIP

[@justjack3075]

Good job as usual

[@FritzFrank]

Thanks for the content

[@blueskin1978]

There's a fix for the non-1chip blurriness by Voultar. Would love to see you do that mod on your SNES :)