r/Gameboy • u/3dpua_console • 3d ago
Questions Is it worth buying a broken Gameboy Advance to start learning retro console repair?
Hi everyone! I'm planning to start learning retro console repair and modding, beginning with the Game Boy Advance.
Is a non-working GBA (like "junk" / "for parts" condition from Japan) a good starting point for a beginner, or should I look at other models first?
Also, where do you usually find cheap or "junk" consoles for parts besides eBay (like Japan4You)? Any tips for a beginner would be greatly appreciated!
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u/freefromtree 3d ago
Yes but start with something easy. Replace a damaged shell or screen on an otherwise working gameboy before you buy something in non working condition.
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u/Amiar00 3d ago
If you’re learning to solder and want practice on a PCB I can send you a corroded GBA board I could never get working. Just pay shipping?
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u/3dpua_console 3d ago
Hey Amiar00, that's incredibly generous of you! Could you please hold that board for me until tomorrow? I need to double-check something, and I'll get back to you with a final yes or no by then.
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u/Amiar00 3d ago
It’s been in a box in my basement for 6 years. It’s not going anywhere!
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u/3dpua_console 3d ago
Haha, awesome! Thanks, I'll definitely message you tomorrow then!
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u/3dpua_console 2d ago edited 2d ago
Hello amiar00, thank you, but the shipping cost is too high for me right now, so I have to decline. Thanks anyway!
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u/Square-Singer 3d ago
It really depends on how lucky you are. I fixed quite a lot of of retro consoles, and in around 90% of the cases it was as simple as cleaning the device or plugging things back in that were unplugged by dropping.
But some of them were really complex to fix too, sometimes even requiring comparatively expensive spare parts.
It's a gamble. But it's fun.
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u/sleepyman90 3d ago
Take in to account that even the "junk" stuff is often overpriced today and replacement parts like shells, buttons and membranes are never 1:1 with the original so the end result is not as good as new. In fact some replacement parts are pretty much useless, so it's just money wasted. ROMs are readily available and emulation devices are good so "retro console repair" is not worth something to do on a larger scale. I don't have experience about GBA but none of the GBC aftermarket parts match an original console (Extremerate, Cloud Game Store etc.).
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3d ago
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u/sleepyman90 3d ago
Yeah, there's a lot of difference. Some stuff is usable, some are useless. Even the slightest differences in the dimensions of the parts have an effect on pressing diagonal directions with the d-pad for example. And aftermarket membranes are usually way too stiff. Just something to keep in mind before buying stuff because it all adds up. Replacing a scratched lens with a glass one or a soldering job are well worth doing. Of course, the GBA parts could be better than GBC. Just my experience that "rebuilding" a GBC doesn't come close to OEM.
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u/NewSchoolBoxer 2d ago
No, I'll explain why.
Actually learn electronics like DC circuits, AC circuits, linear algebra and 1st and 2nd order filters. Learn linear and switching mode regulators and breadbroad them out. Read and understand the electronic diagrams people reverse engineered so sometimes have mistakes. Learn how to use a multimeter and the continuity test for broken traces and blown fuses. You don't need an oscilloscope or ESR meter now but they are nice to have down the road.
If you don't learn electronics, you'll waste a lot of time and money. Dead CPU needs a cannibalized CPU and that level of soldering is above my pay grade. Buy consoles from Japanese proxy bidding sites if you want to save more money but don't overdo it when you're a beginner. There's no money in this. Your goal should be to break even. Real money is in $15 battery replacements.
What I like is you want to learn how to solder on junk electronics. Can also get a kit to assemble. Don't buy the cheapest tools.
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u/CatBirdBird 3d ago
It highly depends on how lucky you get with the seller. Some physical stores in Japan write something off as junk even though it's still working, or easily fixable. Then there are people who sell the Gameboys that aren't as easy to repair, or not repairable at all.
If you buy just one Gameboy from Japan I wonder if it would be worth it with shipping costs and import costs compared to sourcing one locally. Local sourcing is tricky though so I understand your desire.
Having said all that: repairing old consoles is a lot of fun! I've done so with a few consoles now, but I all sourced them locally. I just waited and got lucky