Skip to main content

A color version of the Nintendo Game Boy, released in 1998. Repair of this device is straightforward.

73 Questions View all

Power Switch Related Issues

I bought a limited edition GameBoy Color from a guy on Kijiji who cited it as having "power issues". I didn't really know what he meant by that until I brought it home and tried turning it on with some fresh batteries.

Issue #1: There's some kind of problem with the power switch; it will not turn on when simply flicked from Off to On, but rather when the switch is about 4/5 from On. If I can get the red Power LED to stay lit for about a second, I can then let go of the switch and it will stay on. It will power down when jostled though, and the red Power LED just burnt out a few minutes before I typed this, so I no longer have a good method of turning it on. What could be the problem, and what's the fix? I've heard that it could be a corroded switch, but I'm not sure how to go about cleaning it other than that I have to use high percentage Isopropyl.

Issue #2: The red Power LED. Is there some way to replace the bulb (which I assume is the issue, but am not sure)?

I'm not scared to open it up and fix it, but am not an expert on terminology, parts, or specs by any means, so I'd prefer to have a lot of the explaining done in plain language. If I have to purchase another GameBoy's innards to replace mine's with, keeping the housing, then so be it.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Score 0
Add a comment

1 Answer

Chosen Solution

Hi!

So about your first issue: You will need to open your GameBoy up and simply check if the switch contacts are indeed corroded or not. To clean it up use, as you mentioned, high percentage isopropyl,Q-tips and a lot of patience. If this does not help at all, the switch itself might be the problem and it will need replacement. I think you can find some on eBay, Aliexpress, etc, the only issue is that it requires soldering...

As for the power LED, we have a guide here on how to replace the LED, but it also requires soldering. Fortunately if you decide that you want to do this repair without replacing the motherboard you can basically replace both parts using the same guide, with a few side-steps for the switch.

Otherwise a motherboard replacement will fix it.

Was this answer helpful?

Score 0
Add a comment

Add your answer

Emily Thibault will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 9

Past 30 Days: 29

All Time: 3,635