I want to purchase an original Game Boy -- Does Anyone Refurbish Them?

maximumzero

I was thinking the other day that I'd love to have an original "brick" Game Boy. Unfortunately growing up my parents chose to get me a Game Gear instead and I didn't jump on the GB wagon until the GBA was released.

I'd love to bring it with me and play it plays that I normally play my DS from time to time, as a nice little piece of nostalgia. Does anyone sell these guys refurbished? Fresh cover over the LCD screen, cleaned up, etc?

DarkPrimus

Man my brick Game Boy works just fine now. I don't know that people refurbish them because I don't think it's necessary. Either it's working or it's dead.

maximumzero

DarkPrimus wrote: »

Man my brick Game Boy works just fine now. I don't know that people refurbish them because I don't think it's necessary. Either it's working or it's dead.

I'm just trying to get one that's clean, and the plastic cover over the LCD screen isn't full of scratches.

Not to mention one that's not discolored.

DarkPrimus

Well... you can get a non-grey one, and it will look cleaner. Mine is clear and still looks pretty neat.

In all honesty though I would recommend getting a Game Boy Pocket instead - it's smaller and the screen is a heck of a lot sharper with better contrast.

Lucky Cynic

Part of me wishes that Nintendo would take the time and remake the classics.

I mean seriously, who wouldn't buy a brand new NES just out of the nostalgia factor?

mcdermott

maximumzero wrote: »

DarkPrimus wrote: »

Man my brick Game Boy works just fine now. I don't know that people refurbish them because I don't think it's necessary. Either it's working or it's dead.

I'm just trying to get one that's clean, and the plastic cover over the LCD screen isn't full of scratches.

Not to mention one that's not discolored.

Well, if you can find one that isn't discolored and where the screen works well (mine had a couple deal lines, not even pixels) it's easy as cake to replace the screen cover. Google turned up this, so it looks like some of the old screen covers are still floating around...they used to sell them in stores, and you'd just replace them yourself. Hell, I imagine if you really started poking around the interwebs you could find a dead Game Boy (well, maybe not...they're tanks) with no discoloration, and just swap the whole case, too.

Though I'm with the other guy suggesting getting a Pocket instead. The screen was quite a bit better, and it used less batteries.

Anyway, I saw a kid walking around the mall a little while back (maybe a few months) with one of the old original gray "brick" Game Boys. Fucking think looked mint, too. I was jealous of a 10-year-old.

EDIT: Shits, did an eBay search and it looks like the screen covers are not in short supply.

Xenogears of Bore

This must be some sort of nostalgia trip here as the GBP, GBL, GBC, GBA, GBA SP, and GBA SP MK II all play original Gameboy titles better than the original. The only thing the original really wins on is that it has a better mono speaker than the GBP-GBC and better battery life than the GBP and GBL.

It's tough and maybe even a bit expensive but you might find a like new model on EBAY.

mcdermott

Xenogears of Bore wrote: »

This must be some sort of nostalgia trip here as the GBP, GBL, GBC, GBA, GBA SP, and GBA SP MK II all play original Gameboy titles better than the original. The only thing the original really wins on is that it has a better mono speaker than the GBP-GBC and better battery life than the GBP and GBL.

It's tough and maybe even a bit expensive but you might find a like new model on EBAY.

To my knowledge, though, only the GB, GBP, GBL, and GBC will hold a full-sized Game Boy cartridge properly. Still, like I said, I'd generally recommend the Pocket over the tank. Didn't even know about the GBL (Light), that looks pretty sweet. The Color was also backlit, I believe...it's been forever since I had mine.

But yeah, I assumed it was a nostalgia kick...nothin' wrong with that, though.

maximumzero

mcdermott wrote: »

Xenogears of Bore wrote: »

This must be some sort of nostalgia trip here as the GBP, GBL, GBC, GBA, GBA SP, and GBA SP MK II all play original Gameboy titles better than the original. The only thing the original really wins on is that it has a better mono speaker than the GBP-GBC and better battery life than the GBP and GBL.

It's tough and maybe even a bit expensive but you might find a like new model on EBAY.

To my knowledge, though, only the GB, GBP, GBL, and GBC will hold a full-sized Game Boy cartridge properly. Still, like I said, I'd generally recommend the Pocket over the tank. Didn't even know about the GBL (Light), that looks pretty sweet. The Color was also backlit, I believe...it's been forever since I had mine.

But yeah, I assumed it was a nostalgia kick...nothin' wrong with that, though.

But see, buying a GBP or newer completely defeats the purpose. I like the nostalgic look of the original model. If I cared about screen quality, well, I wouldn't even be asking since my GBA plays the games just fine.

Silvoculous

The Gameboy Pocket may have a sharper screen and fit more easily in a pocket, but two AAA batteries will die really fast. The original had the merit of being both virtually indestructible and ample in the ways of battery life.

Take a look in local pawn shops, I can't say this enough. The ones near me always seem to have at least one brick Gameboy in pretty fine condition.

mcdermott

maximumzero wrote: »

But see, buying a GBP or newer completely defeats the purpose. I like the nostalgic look of the original model. If I cared about screen quality, well, I wouldn't even be asking since my GBA plays the games just fine.

Gotcha. That's kind of what I figured, since it's the only reason to look for an original over the other three quasi-original models. And after seeing that kid with the beautiful one, I can fully understand. My mom actually still has mine (she digs the Tetris) but like I said it's pretty fucked up.

maximumzero

I don't know why I wanted this all of a sudden. I think it's half VGCat's new comic and half my new wallet:

Food

I have 2 original gray Gameboy bricks. They're not in the prettiest condition, but they work. I still use them from time to time because of nostalgia and because I like a system that you can really get your hands around. Sure, you're not going to be carrying it around in your pockets (although when I was a kid I bought big-pocketed pants specifically for that purpose) but it just feels good.

Gunstar

i have my gameboy pocket lying next to me with Link's Awakening in it. I've beaten it so many times and it has never left that slot.

yalborap

mcdermott wrote: »

Xenogears of Bore wrote: »

This must be some sort of nostalgia trip here as the GBP, GBL, GBC, GBA, GBA SP, and GBA SP MK II all play original Gameboy titles better than the original. The only thing the original really wins on is that it has a better mono speaker than the GBP-GBC and better battery life than the GBP and GBL.

It's tough and maybe even a bit expensive but you might find a like new model on EBAY.

To my knowledge, though, only the GB, GBP, GBL, and GBC will hold a full-sized Game Boy cartridge properly. Still, like I said, I'd generally recommend the Pocket over the tank. Didn't even know about the GBL (Light), that looks pretty sweet. The Color was also backlit, I believe...it's been forever since I had mine.

But yeah, I assumed it was a nostalgia kick...nothin' wrong with that, though.

Nope, I've got my old one right here and it doesn't have a backlight. I used to have to plug in a light through the link cable port to play it in the dark.

Silvoculous

I used to have the Light Boy. It added the cost of another pair of AA batteries and it sucked complete ass. Yet it stayed with me long after my two brick Gameboys and my Pocket sustained major damage and became that much less usable.

mooshoepork

There are some on eBay. New.

maximumzero

Holy fuck.

Anywho, I saw a new one on eBay at $150.

Right.

maximumzero

Anywho, I got my stimulus check today so I'll likely go out tomorrow to see what I can find at the local used game shop. I doubt I'll find any that are as nice as I'll like them to be so I'll end up empty handed anyway.

Figgy

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Console-Gameboy-Classique-en-boite-3-Jeux-Dont-Mario_W0QQitemZ250248972256QQihZ015QQcategoryZ104782QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Gameboy-Console-Tetris-Game-with-Instruction-Book_W0QQitemZ320253569658QQihZ011QQcategoryZ129746QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
(This one looks very clean)

http://cgi.ebay.ca/GAMEBOY-ORIGINAL-SYSTEM-CONSOLE-TETRIS-LT-GAME-BOY-CASE_W0QQitemZ230254610590QQihZ013QQcategoryZ139971QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Start bidding?

maximumzero

Figgy wrote: »

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Console-Gameboy-Classique-en-boite-3-Jeux-Dont-Mario_W0QQitemZ250248972256QQihZ015QQcategoryZ104782QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Gameboy-Console-Tetris-Game-with-Instruction-Book_W0QQitemZ320253569658QQihZ011QQcategoryZ129746QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
(This one looks very clean)

http://cgi.ebay.ca/GAMEBOY-ORIGINAL-SYSTEM-CONSOLE-TETRIS-LT-GAME-BOY-CASE_W0QQitemZ230254610590QQihZ013QQcategoryZ139971QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Start bidding?

Thanks.

I ended up buying the last one. He had it as a "buy it now" rather than a bidding war so I figured what the hell and grabbed it. It was right around $33 with shipping not bad, considering it includes Tetris.

According to his description (and what I can make out from the picture) it's in good shape. The biggest thing is the screen cover, and like you guys said, that can be replaced if/when necessary.

RichardTauber

Xenogears of Bore wrote: »

The only thing the original really wins on is that it has a better mono speaker than the GBP-GBC and better battery life than the GBP and GBL.

No. A thousand times no. The brick has much superior sound, not only "mono", but in all areas. Especially the bass compared to the other models. For gameboy music this is very important.

Figgy

maximumzero wrote: »

Figgy wrote: »

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Console-Gameboy-Classique-en-boite-3-Jeux-Dont-Mario_W0QQitemZ250248972256QQihZ015QQcategoryZ104782QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Gameboy-Console-Tetris-Game-with-Instruction-Book_W0QQitemZ320253569658QQihZ011QQcategoryZ129746QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
(This one looks very clean)

http://cgi.ebay.ca/GAMEBOY-ORIGINAL-SYSTEM-CONSOLE-TETRIS-LT-GAME-BOY-CASE_W0QQitemZ230254610590QQihZ013QQcategoryZ139971QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Start bidding?

Thanks.

I ended up buying the last one. He had it as a "buy it now" rather than a bidding war so I figured what the hell and grabbed it. It was right around $33 with shipping not bad, considering it includes Tetris.

According to his description (and what I can make out from the picture) it's in good shape. The biggest thing is the screen cover, and like you guys said, that can be replaced if/when necessary.

Oh cool. Glad you found what you were after. That case looks like a bit of a collector's piece too.

Xenogears of Bore

RichardTauber wrote: »

Xenogears of Bore wrote: »

The only thing the original really wins on is that it has a better mono speaker than the GBP-GBC and better battery life than the GBP and GBL.

No. A thousand times no. The brick has much superior sound, not only "mono", but in all areas. Especially the bass compared to the other models. For gameboy music this is very important.

Well, we agree then so I don't get the thousand times no bit.:P

All I was pointing out was that with no headphones the Brick destroys the next three Game Boy iterations, which you clearly agree with. It was soo good in fact that I only bothered to play it with headphones on when I was in an area where noise pollution would be a factor.

RichardTauber

Xenogears of Bore wrote: »

RichardTauber wrote: »

Xenogears of Bore wrote: »

The only thing the original really wins on is that it has a better mono speaker than the GBP-GBC and better battery life than the GBP and GBL.

No. A thousand times no. The brick has much superior sound, not only "mono", but in all areas. Especially the bass compared to the other models. For gameboy music this is very important.

Well, we agree then so I don't get the thousand times no bit.:P

All I was pointing out was that with no headphones the Brick destroys the next three Game Boy iterations, which you clearly agree with. It was soo good in fact that I only bothered to play it with headphones on when I was in an area where noise pollution would be a factor.

You and your damn logic.

DarkPrimus

maximumzero wrote: »

Holy fuck.

Anywho, I saw a new one on eBay at $150.

Right.

That's some crazy limited-edition one, though.

Chalkbot

Um, if I were you I would simply rip the guts out of my GBA and install them into the GB brick shell.

Best of both worlds?

maximumzero

DarkPrimus wrote: »

maximumzero wrote: »

Holy fuck.

Anywho, I saw a new one on eBay at $150.

Right.

That's some crazy limited-edition one, though.

No no, there was a standard new GB for $150.

Edit: It was supposedly "mint" however.