I just unpacked @[email protected]’s GameGear. It is dead, and most probably suffers from crappy capacitors. I already have a full replacement set here, so I will post some updates in the next days to weeks. Let’s see if the LCD screen is still viable, or a TFT mod is also required.
#retrogaming #retrocomputing #sega #segagamegear
Quick check inside reveals that this is a very nice VA0 mainboard from mid 1991. Visually it looks to be in excellent condition.
Closer inspections shows signs of corrosion at the capacitors. Yup, we got capacitor plague. No surprise here. This 100uF capacitor near the power connector has corroded terminals.
By the way: if you want to open up a GameGear you need a 4.5mm bit that’s shaped like… a flower…? Not sure what this is called.
@[email protected] Its called a game bit.
@[email protected] The really like to screw people. So annoying.
@[email protected] it is the same as SMS cartridges? what was it, security screws or something like that?
@[email protected] yes, might be the same screws. Definitely a kind of security bit. The smaller 3.8mm variant is I think also used on GameBoy cartridges.
I just want you to know that while the information you’re posting will never have a practical use to me, I greatly appreciate you posting it. The world needs more people like you.
@[email protected] I’ve seen them being called “GameBit”
@[email protected] I’ve always called it a “Nintendo Security Screw”. Didn’t know Sega used it too.
@[email protected] @[email protected] Neat thread! Thanks for sharing this. I definitely know less about this stuff, but did buy myself a security screwdriver to fix my Game Boy that isn’t working. I should get around to it sometime; thanks for the reminder lol. I’m hoping I just have to clean gunk off the battery terminal connections…
I have mine but it just white screens, so I’ll be interested in seeing this
I tried to power mine on recently and got nothing. Assuming it didn’t end up in an e-waste bin, and I can find it, how hard is this repair? Do you need to solder anything?
@[email protected] yes it requires a bit more advanced solder skills. If you never soldered before I would advise not to try it. But GameGears can be repaired very well. Lots of replacement parts available. And with a new TFT screen they are immense fun, I think. Pick up a cheap flash cart and go nuts! Total invest with screen and flash cart is not cheap though. Will come to about 120€. Doing only the capacitor replacements is only about 8€ in materials.
I have done some soldering, but it has been years. Probably not gonna do it. I might look up some YouTube videos or something.
I think delicacy with prying and holding ribbon cables is much more skilled than soldering. If you watch a nasa or tektronix video on soldering you can learn quite quickly how to solder properly, but best to definitely practice on junk before something you care about
You can get very nice clones of old soldering stations for quite cheap now with excellent tips. A brass tip cleaner sponge is also up there on must haves. Then a quality flux, the old school types are fine you just need to be sure to properly clean the board after using them.
