Replacing the Video Capacitors in a Sega Game Gear

(A Quick Guide)
There are two models of Game Gear that I know of, the one I have and will demo here is the two ASIC chip model. The other newer one only has one single ASIC chip. The procedure is the same, but youll need to replace one extra capacitor in the Single ASIC model. See end of document for list of required replacement capacitors.

This is an example of the onboard caps that will be replaced with regular tub shaped caps. I suggest only removing one at a time so you dont get mixed up and put the wrong cap in the wrong place. Each cap has its rating and positive/negative leads labeled. Make sure to match the replacement caps to both the rating and polarity.

Use pliers to pull up and bend off each capacitor. Carefully solder the replacement according to each caps rating and polarity. If a capacitor doesnt fit , solder wires in between the cap and the board.

The Green shows were the caps are that have been replacement. The red shows were to identify the number of ASIC chips.

Replacement capacitors can be purchased at www.mouser.com

Replacement caps should be the same capacitance (in F - micro farad) and the same or higher voltage rating Standard electrolytic capacitors are fine, the smaller the better.

See picture below for a visual list of required replacement capacitors.

I Hope this helps fix youre Game Gear. Youre problem may have a different cause, but these capacitors are a common problem in degraded LCD quality. TUTORIAL BY KEVIN BERRYMAN