Are you an owner of the original Gameboy but finding that it's not working as well as it used to? Don't worry, you're not alone. In this blog post, we will explore the common failure points on the original Gameboy and provide you with solutions on how to fix them.
Screen Display Issues
One of the most common issues with the original Gameboy is screen display problems. If you are experiencing a blank screen, lines on the display, or a dim screen, the issue may be with the LCD screen itself. One option could be to replace the screen altogether with an IPS mod. These are really solid upgrades, and not that expensive, around $60.
If your screen has lines, the ribbon connector has likely come loose. If you have experience with a soldering iron, you can try running the iron along the ribbon connector to reconnect the joints. You will be able to see the lines change on the screen as you do this.
Sound Problems
Another frequent issue with the original Gameboy is sound problems. If you are not hearing any sound or the sound is distorted, the issue may be with the speaker. You can try cleaning the speaker contacts or replacing the speaker to resolve the sound issues. If you have no sound at all, the issue may be with the headphone jack. If the jack becomes corroded, the system becomes unable to tell that if the jack is populated or not, resulting in the system not switching audio output to the speakers. Putting some isopropyl alcohol in the jack and inserting and removing a set of headphones ~20 times could resolve this issue.
Button Malfunctions
Over time, the buttons on the original Gameboy may start to malfunction, making gameplay difficult. If you are experiencing unresponsive buttons or buttons that stick, you may need to clean the button contacts or membranes. Using a pencil eraser or a piece of paper, try to rub both the membranes and the buttons to buff out the contacts. This should make the buttons press as expected.
No Power
If your original Gameboy is not powering on, the issue may be with the battery contacts. Dirty or corroded battery contacts can prevent the proper flow of power, leading to the system not powering on. Cleaning the battery contacts with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol can help resolve this issue.
Conclusion
By addressing these common failure points on the original Gameboy, you can extend the life of your beloved handheld gaming device. If you are still having issues after following these steps, fill out a ticket with us and we will be happy to take a look at it!