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Game Boy Pocket Buttons Replacement

Device	Game Boy Pocket
Difficulty	Moderate
Time	10 - 20 minutes
Steps	7

This guide is by Adriana Rahrig on iFixit and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0. ByteRot mirrors it for non-commercial preservation: formatting changed and photos resized for old browsers; full-size photos and the text are on the FTP in /DOCS/REPAIR. Original guide >>

If you need to replace the face buttons on a Game Boy Pocket (model MGB-001) due to worn-out buttons or to customize your console, use this guide to remove and replace the buttons. No prior experience or soldering is required.

The Game Boy Pocket has five buttons located on the front of the device:

Directional Pad (D-Pad)
A
B
Start
Select

Before beginning, ensure that the console is powered off by moving the power switch located on the top left corner to the left position. It is recommended that you remove the two AAA batteries located on the lower backside of the console as well as any game cartridges from the slot on the top of the console.

Tools: Y1 Tri-point Screwdriver; Phillips #1 Screwdriver; iFixit Opening Tool

Parts: Game Boy Pocket Buttons

Step 1 :: Buttons

• Place the Game Boy Pocket face-down on a clean, flat surface.
• Use a Y1 tri-wing screwdriver and turn counterclockwise to remove the four external screws.
• Use a Y1 tri-wing screwdriver and turn counterclockwise to remove the two screws inside the battery compartment.

Step 2

• Place your hands on the front and back covers of the Game Boy Pocket, and carefully separate the device.
• REMINDER: Set the back cover aside. You will need it to reassemble the device.

Step 3

• Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the three screws from the motherboard.

Step 4

• Use a plastic opening tool to dislodge and remove the clip securing the ribbon cable.
• NOTE: Make sure you apply pressure on both sides of the clip to loosen it.

Step 5

• Use a plastic opening tool to dislodge the ribbon cable.
• CAUTION: Be gentle to prevent tearing the ribbon.

Step 6

• Grab the black piece protruding from the motherboard, and lift up to remove the motherboard.
• REMINDER: Set the motherboard aside. You will need it to reassemble the device.

Step 7

• Use your fingers to remove the three silicone button covers.
• Use a plastic opening tool to remove the buttons.

Conclusion

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

Credit