Game Boy Battery Corrosion Repair

£35

No fix, no fee · 12-month warranty · Insured, tracked returns

Reasons to book

  • The console won't turn on, even with fresh batteries
  • Power cuts out or flickers when you move the console
  • You can see white, green or crusty deposits on the battery contacts
  • Batteries were left in for years and have leaked

AA and AAA batteries left in a console for years can leak. The leak corrodes the battery contacts and can spread to the tracks nearby. The result is a Game Boy that won't turn on, or one with intermittent power that cuts out when you move it. In most cases it's repairable, depending on how far the corrosion has spread.

I open the console and check how far the damage goes, from the contacts to the tracks on the board. I clean away the corrosion carefully, replace contacts where they're too far gone, and repair damaged tracks where needed. Then I power it up and test it with a game.

This service covers the original Game Boy (DMG-01), the Game Boy Pocket (MGB-001) and the Game Boy Color (CGB-001). The model code is on the label on the back.

Honest limits. Very corroded boards need a look first, so if the damage has spread well beyond the battery compartment, get in touch before booking. Not every won't-turn-on fault is corrosion: a failing power switch causes similar symptoms, and that's covered by the button, power switch and cartridge slot repair. If I find the switch is the problem instead, I'll tell you before going ahead.

When you post it, take the batteries out. For things to try at home first, read what to check when a Game Boy won't turn on. If you'd rather stop buying batteries altogether, the USB-C rechargeable battery mod can be done once the console is working. The repair is no fix, no fee, with a 12-month warranty.

Game Boy Battery Corrosion Repair

Frequently asked questions

Can I clean the corrosion myself?
Light surface corrosion on the contacts can sometimes be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud. If it has spread past the contacts, or the console still won't turn on, it needs opening up.
How do I stop it happening again?
Take the batteries out when the console is going to sit unused for a while. Leaks come from batteries left in for long periods.
My console turns on but cuts out. Is that corrosion?
It can be. Corroded contacts or tracks often cause intermittent power. A worn power switch can do the same, so I check both.

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About this service

How does your mail-in repair service work?
Three steps: book and pay for your repair online, post your item to me using the packing instructions I email you, and I repair it, test it, and send it back tracked. You'll get updates as it moves through each stage.
What is your no-fix-no-fee promise?
Payment is taken upfront at booking. If I can't fix your item, there's no repair fee — I refund what you paid, less £4.99 return postage to send it back to you. Assessment bookings work differently: the £4.99 covers return postage and comes off the repair if you go ahead, but isn't refunded if you decide not to or it can't be repaired.
Do your repairs come with a warranty?
Yes. Every repair carries a 12-month workmanship warranty against the same fault returning. If it does, I'll put it right.
How long will my repair take?
Most repairs are completed within 3-6 working days of arrival, then posted back by tracked post. If a part needs ordering, I'll tell you as soon as I've diagnosed it and give you a realistic date. Diagnostic-led jobs take a little longer if I'm waiting on your approval of a quote.
How do I package my item safely to post it?
I send clear packing guidance when you book. In short: wrap the item well, use plenty of padding, and a sturdy box — the return leg is insured and tracked, and good packing on the way in protects your item too.
Where do I send my item?
Your postage address is included in the confirmation email after you book — you don't post anything until you've booked, so your item is always matched to your order.
Do you cover the whole UK?
Yes — I run a mail-in repair service, so you can send your item from anywhere in the UK. There's nothing local you need to find.
What if my item turns out to be unrepairable?
I'll tell you honestly and, where the fault allows, offer an alternative. If I can't fix it, there's no repair fee — I refund what you paid, less £4.99 return postage to send it back to you.