Back to the Future: Refurbish and Upcycle a Classic Game Boy
Nov 25.2024
Gameboy Reboot: Bring it back to the future by upcycling and revitalizing a classic Gameboy in this hands-on electronics exploration
Starting at 375.00
4 hrs.
Usually no more than 6 people
Workshop At a Glance
Price: Starting at $375 per person
Duration: 4 hours
Location: Craftsman Ave Workshop at 117 11th Street Brooklyn, NY 11215
Class size: Usually no more than 6 people
Skill Level : Beginner — no previous experience is required.
What You’ll Be Making : You’ll be completely refurbishing and upcycling a vintage Gameboy!
What You’ll Be Doing: Using a CNC, Soldering, Cleaning, and Rewiring
What’s Included? All Materials & Tools Provided!
- A Vintage Gameboy: We’ll provide a Gameboy that has seen better days and is ripe for a face lift! THE GAMEBOY IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE WORKSHOP.
- CNC Machine: Learn how to use a CNC router to make space for the new LCD screen!
- Expert Guidance: Step-by-step instructions from experienced makers.
What To Expect
Abandoned decades ages ago, with a broken screen and corroded battery contacts, the Gameboy DMGs we restomod in this class have seen better days, but by the conclusion of our time together they will be ready for another 30 years of life. We will begin this class by stripping your donor Gameboy down to the sole of these handheld classics: the motherboard. A discussion basic analog electronics, Ohm’s Law, and the use of multimeters will ensue as we work to get electrons following through these circuits once again.
Next up you will be introduced to the use of a CNC router, which we’ll use to machine the Gameboy shell such that it can accommodate the modern LCD screen you will be installing.
While the trimmed shells get a much-needed bath, the reassembly process gets underway with basic electronics soldering being the first step in this journey. From there it’s mostly a matter of turning screws as the parts go back in the shells one by one.
The final product in the class is a beautifully restored Gameboy DMG with a backlit LCD display that is lightyears better than the original. They are instant conversation starters, and hours of 8-bit retrogaming fun awaits with classics like Mario, Zelda, Pokémon. Plus, just think of all the cred you’re going to have when you explain to everyone that you built your Gameboy yourself!
Book This Class
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What our Workshop Guests are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own GB to rehab?
Yes but we will need to make sure it works. If it does, we’ll refund $40.
Can I use a custom shell?
Yes, you are welcome to bring in a custom shell. In choosing a custom shell we would encourage you to select one of the ones that is “IPS Ready”; however, we can most likely modify a standard shell to work too.
Do I need to bring anything?
NOTHING – we provide everything needed for you to take home a “brand new” 30 year old Game Boy (batteries included but games not)
Can I rehab an a Game Boy model other than the original (aka "DMG")
This workshop is focused on the first gen Game Boy.
Will you ever offer a workshop to rehab a alternate Game Boy models or Sega's Game Gear?
We’d love to expand coverage at some point. The best way for that to happen is for this current workshop to be a success. So, if you’re keen to see further offerings please do whatever you can to help support the current class and our small business. (Optional: Also, feel free to let us know what future offering(s) you’d like to see. We’ll keep your contact info on hand and let you know if a class for your preferred device becomes possible)
What are some of your favorite games?
Some of our personal favorites include: Zelda – Link’s Awakening (the G.O.A.T), Pokémon Blue (the other colors are alright too), Megaman, Mario, Tetris (multiplayer feature especially fun), and Donkey Kong Land.
