Restoration process

Refurbishing a Game Boy is a detailed and careful process aimed at restoring the classic device to its former glory while maintaining its original charm and functionality. Here's how the refurbishment process unfolds:

  1. Deep Cleaning the Shell: The refurbishment begins by disassembling the Game Boy to separate the shell from the internal components. The shell is then subjected to a deep cleaning process to remove years of grime, stains, and buildup. Using specialized cleaning agents that are safe for plastics, every crevice and surface of the shell is meticulously scrubbed to ensure it's free from dirt and residues.
  2. Retrobriting the Shell: After the deep cleaning, the shell often shows signs of yellowing due to age and exposure to sunlight. To reverse this, a process called 'Retrobriting' is employed. This involves treating the plastic with a hydrogen peroxide-based solution and exposing it to UV light or sunlight. The chemical reaction helps restore the original color of the shell without damaging its texture or integrity. This step is crucial for bringing back the nostalgic look of the Game Boy.
  3. Checking and Repairing All Functionality: Once the shell is restored, attention turns to the internal mechanics and electronics. This involves a thorough examination of the circuit board, screen, sound components, and all connecting parts. Any faulty or worn-out components are repaired or replaced. This includes fixing or replacing damaged wires, cleaning corrosion from contacts, and ensuring the display and sound work as intended. The device's software and all game functions are tested extensively to ensure they operate correctly.
  4. Cleaning or Replacing Button Membranes: The buttons and their membranes are essential for a satisfying user experience. Over time, these can become unresponsive due to dirt buildup or wear. Each button is removed, cleaned, and inspected. The rubber membranes underneath, responsible for the tactile feedback, are either thoroughly cleaned or replaced if they're found to be stiff or non-functional. This ensures that every press is as responsive and satisfying as when the Game Boy was new.
  5. Reassembly and Final Testing: With the shell looking like new and the internal components fully functional, the Game Boy is carefully reassembled. Following assembly, the device undergoes a final round of testing. This includes playing different games to check the response time of buttons, the clarity of the display, sound quality, and overall performance.
  6. Quality Assurance: The refurbished Game Boy is subjected to a series of quality assurance checks to ensure that it meets specific standards of functionality and appearance. This includes battery life tests, cartridge insertion and removal, and long-term performance monitoring.
  7. Final Cleaning and Presentation: The refurbished Game Boy receives a final exterior cleaning to ensure it's spotless and presentable. It's then packaged, often with any relevant accessories and documentation, ready to be delivered to its new owner, complete with a warranty for added peace of mind.

Through this comprehensive refurbishment process, a Game Boy is transformed from a worn and aged device into a revitalized piece of gaming history, ready to deliver hours of nostalgia and enjoyment.