To pack a Game Boy for posting, take out the batteries and any cartridge, wrap the console in bubble wrap, and put it in a sturdy box with the gaps filled so it can't move. Send it with a tracked service and enough cover for what it's worth to you. If you have a GBA SP with a swollen battery, don't post it: get in touch first.
Before you pack: what to take out
Batteries
Take the AA or AAA batteries out of an original Game Boy, Pocket, Color or Game Boy Advance. Loose batteries can leak in transit, and I don't need them to test the console.
The GBA SP has a built-in rechargeable battery behind a screwed cover. You can leave it in place, as long as it isn't swollen or damaged (see the warning below).
Cartridges
Remove any game from the cartridge slot. A cartridge sticking out of the top is easy to knock, and that can damage the slot pins. I test with my own games, so you don't need to send any unless the repair is on the cartridge itself.
Everything else
You don't need to send carry cases, link cables or boxes. Keep them at home so nothing gets lost.
Do I need to send the SP charger?
No. Even if the repair is for a charging fault, you don't need to send the charger. I test with my own. If you think the charger itself might be the problem, mention it when you book.
A warning about swollen SP batteries
SP batteries age, and an old lithium battery can swell. Signs to look for:
- the battery cover on the back bulging or not sitting flat;
- the two halves of the console not closing properly;
- the shell creaking or splitting near the battery.
Royal Mail won't carry a swollen or damaged lithium battery. If yours looks like this, don't post it. Get in touch first and we'll work out the safest way forward. The SP battery replacement and my SP battery guide explain more about SP batteries.
How to pack it
1. Protect the screen
For an SP, close it before wrapping. For the other models, a piece of soft cloth or card over the screen lens helps stop scratches.
2. Wrap the console
Wrap it in two or three layers of bubble wrap, and tape the wrap so it can't unravel. Don't tape directly onto the console, as tape can leave residue on old plastic.
3. Use a sturdy box
Use a proper cardboard box, not a padded envelope. Envelopes get squashed and bent in the post, and a Game Boy shell or screen lens won't enjoy that. The box should be a bit bigger than the wrapped console, so there's room for padding on every side.
4. Fill the gaps
Fill the space around the console with more bubble wrap, packing paper or scrunched-up newspaper. Close the box and give it a gentle shake. If you can feel the console moving, add more padding.
5. Add your details
Your confirmation email gives the address and packing guidance. Put a note inside the box with your name and booking details, so I can match the console to your order.
Choosing postage
You pay for the postage to me, and the insured, tracked return is included in the price of the repair. For the journey to me:
- Use a tracked service. Tracking means we can both see where the parcel is.
- Choose enough cover. Check what the service covers and pick a level that matches what the console is worth to you. Boxed, rare or modded consoles may need more cover than the basic level.
- Keep your receipt and tracking number until the console is back with you.
What happens next
Once it arrives, I do the work, test it on my bench and send it back insured and tracked. If I can't fix it, I refund what you paid, less the return postage. Every repair comes with a 12-month warranty, on a no-fix-no-fee basis.
Not sure which service to book? Start with which Game Boy do I have, then choose from the Game Boy & Game Boy Color hub or the Game Boy Advance & SP hub. If your SP won't charge, the SP charging repair is the one to book.
Frequently asked questions
Can I post a Game Boy in a padded envelope?
It's best not to. Envelopes offer little protection against crushing, and old plastic shells and screen lenses can crack. A small, well-padded box is much safer.
Should I take the SP battery out before posting?
If it looks normal and flat, you can leave it in. If it's swollen, bulging or damaged, don't post the console and get in touch first instead.
Do I need to send the original box?
No. Keep the original box and any paperwork at home. I only need the console itself.
