Ethan Clarke
If your Game Boy's plastic lens is scratched, you might be considering replacing it. While some suggest polishing the scratches or filling them in with a spreadable liquid, others recommend replacing the lens altogether. You can buy replacement lenses online, and the installation process is relatively straightforward. You'll need your Game Boy, a new replacement lens, and a thumbtack or similar tool. After prying off the old lens, cleaning the screen, and peeling off the adhesive strip from the new lens, you can apply and centre the new lens. While some users have reported issues with scratches, others have found that the replacement lenses fit perfectly and improve the look of their consoles.
How to Replace Plastic Lens on GameBoy
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for Replacement | Scratches, haze, or desire for a refreshed look |
| Tools/Materials Required | Replacement lens, thumb tack, x-acto knife, adhesive, polishing products, suction cup, hairdryer, compressed air, isopropyl alcohol |
| Steps | 1. Pry off old lens with thumb tack or x-acto knife 2. Clean the area and screen with isopropyl alcohol 3. Peel adhesive strip off new replacement lens 4. Apply and center new lens |
| Tips | Put the screen on while facing you for better alignment Stabilize hands while putting on the new lens Do it in an environment with minimal dust |
| Alternatives | Filling in scratches with spreadable liquid and polish Replacing the front shell and saving original parts |
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What You'll Learn
Removing the old plastic lens
To remove the old plastic lens from your Game Boy, you will need a few tools and replacement lenses. You can find replacement lenses on Amazon, eBay, or specialist retro gaming websites.
First, you will need to remove the old lens. If your Game Boy is glued together, you can use a hairdryer to heat the glue and soften the adhesive. Use a suction cup to gently pry the old lens off. Be careful not to scratch the lens or the screen underneath. Alternatively, you can use a thumbtack to gently pry the lens off. This may leave an indent in your system, so try to do it in an area that will be less noticeable.
Once the old lens is removed, clean the area around the screen and monitor with a gentle cleaner, such as isopropyl alcohol, to remove any dust, dirt, or oil. Ensure the area is completely dry before proceeding.
If you are hesitant to replace the lens, there are alternative methods to remove scratches. You can try polishing the scratches with a product designed for plastic lenses, such as automotive polish. You can also fill in the scratches with a spreadable liquid and polish. However, these methods may not be as effective as replacing the lens, and you risk getting dust or dirt in the scratches.
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Cleaning the screen area
To clean the screen area of your Game Boy, you should first remove the old lens. This can be done with a thumb tack, but be careful as this may leave an indent in your system. Alternatively, you can use a suction cup made for lens removal. Heat up the lens with a hairdryer to loosen the adhesive underneath and pull with the suction cup.
Once the old lens is removed, gently clean the screen area. You don't want any dust or debris on the monitor. Use a hand-controlled air compression tool, like a Giottos Rocket Air Blaster, to blow air onto the lens and effectively remove lint and dust. Make sure to use an ammonia-free cleaner if you are cleaning any clear plastic lens hardware. You can also use compressed air to blow off dust and dirt, but be careful as this can stir up dust in your work area.
After blowing off the dust and dirt, wipe down the screen with a cloth. You can use a glass cleaner or window cleaner, but if you are cleaning the LCD display, use cleaning alcohol. Be sure to clean gently and avoid getting liquid inside the device.
Before moving on to the next step of replacing the lens, inspect the screen area to ensure it is clean and free of any dust or debris. You can flash a light on the screen to check for any remaining dust particles.
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Choosing a new plastic lens
When choosing a new plastic lens for your Game Boy, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you should decide whether you want to opt for a plastic or glass lens. While a glass lens is less prone to scratches and offers a clearer viewing experience, it is more fragile and can crack if not properly aligned or if the device is dropped. On the other hand, a plastic lens is tougher and withstands everyday use, making it a better option for younger players or those who plan to carry their console around frequently. Additionally, plastic lenses offer more customization options with various decals to choose from.
If you decide to go with a plastic lens, you can choose from a variety of options available in the market. Some popular options include replacement lenses from Amazon, eBay, or specialist stores like Cloud Game Store and Retro Game Repair Shop. When choosing a plastic lens, it is important to ensure that it is made of high-quality plastic that can withstand everyday use and provide adequate protection for your screen.
It is worth noting that the original Nintendo lens is made of slightly higher-quality plastic, which is denser and has fewer variations compared to aftermarket lenses. However, if you are looking for a unique design or customization, there are many brightly coloured plastic lenses available as well. Some even feature popular characters like Pokemon or Mario.
When purchasing a new plastic lens, it is advisable to buy a replacement lens that specifically mentions compatibility with your Game Boy model. This ensures a proper fit and avoids any alignment issues during installation. Additionally, look for lenses that come with an adhesive strip for easy application and a protective layer to keep the screen safe during the replacement process.
Lastly, consider the cost and availability of the lenses. Plastic lenses are generally more affordable and widely available, making them a popular choice for Game Boy enthusiasts. Remember to compare prices and read reviews before making your final decision.
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Attaching the new plastic lens
Prepare the New Lens:
Before attaching the new lens, it is important to prepare it correctly. The new lens should come with a protective plastic film on both sides to prevent scratches during installation. Carefully peel off the protective film from one side of the new lens, ensuring you only remove the film from the white side, as the clear side protects the screen during installation.
Clean the Gameboy:
It is crucial to ensure that the Gameboy's faceplate is thoroughly cleaned before mounting the new lens. Use a suitable cleaning agent, such as isopropyl alcohol, to remove any old adhesive residue, contaminants, and oil from your fingertips that might affect the adhesion of the new lens.
Apply the New Lens:
With the protective film removed from the new lens, carefully align and centre the new lens onto the lens area of your Gameboy. Ensure that the new lens is positioned correctly and securely attached to the adhesive.
Remove Remaining Protective Film:
Once the new lens is in place and secured, you can remove the remaining protective plastic film from the outer side of the new lens. This film is designed to protect the lens from scratches during installation, and it can now be carefully peeled off to reveal the fresh, scratch-free surface.
Inspect and Enjoy:
Finally, take a moment to inspect your work. Ensure that the new lens is securely attached and centred correctly. Enjoy your refreshed Gameboy, which should now look as good as new, with a clear and scratch-free screen!
Remember, it is essential to work carefully and deliberately throughout the process to avoid introducing dust or dirt during the lens replacement. Taking your time and working in a controlled environment will help ensure a successful and satisfying outcome.
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Avoiding dust and scratches
To avoid dust and scratches when replacing the plastic lens on a Gameboy, there are several precautions you can take. Firstly, ensure you are working in a clean environment, free from dust if possible. You can also use dust removal products that come with screen protectors to ensure no dust gets onto the screen.
Before removing the old lens, clean the area in and around it, as well as the screen, to prevent any dust or debris from getting onto the monitor. You can use compressed air to blow away any dust particles, or a soft microfiber cloth with a small amount of distilled water, rubbing in small circular motions.
When removing the old lens, be careful not to scratch the screen. Use a thumbtack to gently pry off the old lens, and try to do it in an area that will be less noticeable to avoid any indents on your device.
If you are polishing the lens, be sure to use a product specifically designed for this purpose, such as a polish intended for car paint or headlights. You can also use products like Meguiar's PlastX or Autosol Scratch Remover, but these may only work on fine surface scratches.
Finally, when applying the new lens, ensure the screen is facing you so you can line it up better and stabilize your hands while putting it on. This will help prevent dust particles from settling on the screen and reduce the chance of scratches.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need your Game Boy handheld, a new replacement lens, and a thumb tack. First, use the thumb tack to gently pry off the old lens. Then, clean the area around the old lens and the screen. Peel off the adhesive strip from the new lens, making sure to only remove the white side, as the other side will protect the screen. Finally, apply and centre the new lens.
Replacement plastic lenses for Game Boys can be purchased on Amazon. You can also find them on specialist retro gaming websites, such as retrogamestar.com and retromodding.com.
If your new plastic lens arrives scratched, you may need to apply a small amount of extra glue to ensure it stays in place. You can also try contacting the vendor to request a new lens.
Yes, you can try to polish out scratches. There are a number of products designed for this purpose, including automotive products such as car paint polish and headlight polish. You can also try using a spreadable liquid and polish.
