Original Game Boy Vertical Lines Repair

£39

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

Reasons to book

  • Thin vertical lines run down the screen
  • Whole columns of the picture are missing
  • Lines come and go when you press or flex the screen area
  • Text or sprites are cut off in the same place every time

Vertical lines or missing columns are a well-known fault on the original Game Boy. They come from the ribbon connection between the screen glass and the board. Over time, that connection can lose contact along parts of its length, and each lost contact shows up as a blank line or column.

I open the console and carefully reheat that connection along its length, using controlled heat so the glass and ribbon aren't damaged. Then I close it up and test the screen with a game, checking every column.

Reheating the ribbon connection often brings the lines back, but it can't be promised in every case. If the glass connection itself has failed, reheating won't help. If that's the case, I tell you before going further, and you can choose a screen replacement or the original Game Boy backlit IPS mod instead. The IPS mod replaces the whole screen, so the old connection is no longer part of the picture. If neither suits you, you get your console back under the no fix, no fee terms.

It's also worth being straight about the future. A reheated connection is a repair to an old part, and I can't promise the lines won't return. The work carries a 12-month warranty, like every job.

This service is for the original Game Boy, model DMG-01 on the label on the back. If your console won't turn on or has other faults, get in touch first. For more on what causes the lines and your options, read why a Game Boy screen gets vertical lines.

Original Game Boy Vertical Lines Repair

Frequently asked questions

Can you promise the lines won't come back?
No. Reheating often brings the lines back, but it's a repair to an old part, so I can't promise they won't return. The work is covered by the 12-month warranty.
What happens if reheating doesn't work?
I tell you before doing anything else. You can choose a screen replacement or a backlit IPS mod, or have the console back under the no fix, no fee terms.
Should I press or heat the screen myself?
I'd advise against it. Pressing on the glass or using heat without control can crack the screen or damage the ribbon, which leaves fewer options.
Does this fault affect the Game Boy Pocket or Color?
This repair is for the original Game Boy, where the fault is well known. If your Pocket or Color has screen trouble, get in touch and describe what you can see.

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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.