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Game Boy Pocket Front Housing Replacement

Device	Game Boy Pocket
Difficulty	Moderate
Time	10 - 20 minutes
Steps	9

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 >>

This guide will show you how to replace your Game Boy Pocket's front housing. Maybe you have cracks or scuff marks causing discomfort during gameplay, it's otherwise causing issues for your device's functionality, or you simply want to improve its appearance and/or resale value? Whatever the reason, this guide has you covered! All you need is prior knowledge using a screwdriver and a careful hand, as we will be dealing with small and fragile parts.

Please ensure your Game Boy Pocket is shut OFF before you begin.

Tip: Because the front housing is made of plastic, it would be beneficial to recycle your old one.

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

Step 1 :: Remove the external screws

• Place the Game Boy Pocket face-down on a clean, flat surface. Remove the battery compartment cover, along with any batteries inside.
• 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 of the battery compartment.

Step 2 :: Open the device

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

Step 3 :: Remove the motherboard screws

• Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver and turn counterclockwise to remove the three screws on the motherboard.

Step 4 :: Remove the clip securing the ribbon cable

• 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 :: Dislodge the ribbon cable

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

Step 6 :: Remove the motherboard

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

Step 7 :: Remove the buttons

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

Step 8 :: Remove the LCD screen

• Use a plastic opening tool to lift the LCD screen away from the front cover.
• Use your fingers to remove the LCD screen.
• NOTE: Set the LCD screen aside. You will need it to reassemble the device.

Step 9 :: Replace the front housing

• Replace the front housing, following each step in reverse order.

Conclusion

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

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