Introduction

Sometimes the buttons on the device may stick or become unresponsive, requiring replacement. This guide shows how to replace buttons on the Game Boy Color.

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    • Locate the battery compartment on the back of the Game Boy Color.

    • Push down on the tab and hinge the cover downwards and outwards to remove the battery cover.

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    • Remove the batteries from the battery compartment.

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    • Using a Y1 screwdriver, remove the six screws on the back of the device as pictured. The bottom two screws are located inside of the battery compartment.

    I did this with a Y0 bit. It works if you are careful. I wouldn't recommend it on other consoles but for this tiny thing, it works.

    phnome -

    The guide says a Y0 is needed. Is it a Y1 or Y0?

    Trav -

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    • Gently lift and separate the back housing from the rest of the device. Now you've got the back housing out!

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    • Push up on the tabs on either side of the ribbon with a spudger.

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    • Gently remove the ribbon cable from the port

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    • Using the Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove the 3 screws shown in the picture.

    It’s not mentioned here, but be sure to unplug the LCD flex cable at the top of the motherboard before removing the motherboard. To do so, gently press the clips on either side of the receptacle toward the top of the Game Boy. When they are both pressed up, the orange cable will slide freely out

    Ben Perkins -

    Thanks Ben. That's a very good point. Just ripping it out will cost you a couple bucks, not to mention your Gameboy will not work until you replace that ribbon cable.

    Chris Pavlik -

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    • Gently lift the motherboard from the front housing.

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    • Remove the rubber backing on each button grouping.

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    • Remove the original buttons from the housing.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Nick Katsantones

Member since: 18/01/13

937 Reputation

2 comments

Thank you for your information on repair of my color game boy.

just two things.

1. I had a hard time with the removal of the screws. Any tip on that would be helpful.

2. Where can I purchase replacement parts?

Thanks again for all of your help.

Ray Blasko

raymondblasko -

In the tools needed it states Y0 screwdriver, but in step 3 it says Y1 which is not the same. Which one is the correct size?

blogcraft -