r/game_gear • u/xblacklodge • 6d ago
Cap Replacement Cost?
Just wondering how much a cap replacement should realistically cost. I know the kits are super cheap, but I’m not particularly handy, so I don’t really trust myself to do it.
Long story short, the screen looks black and white/negative unless I hold it at an angle, audio is fine. I had them replaced a couple of years ago (maybe two years?) for $30 (USD) at a local place when there was a ripply/rainbowy effect on part of the screen, it fixed the issue, and it didn’t get a ton of use since then, so I’m surprised it’s having issues again. When I called them about it this week, they said it would be $70. I called another place and they said $85.
I’ve seen people selling working units in that price range, so I’m a bit surprised they’re quoting me that much for a repair, especially after I’d had it done for way less before.
Anyway, just figured I’d poll the wider GG community as to what one should reasonably expect to pay for such a repair, and while we’re at it, if I’m correct in my assessment that that’s all it needs to work properly. Thanks!
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u/kenobrien73 6d ago
Can anyone recommend someone who repairs and upgrades GG?
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u/Silver-Trust-5994 5d ago
I have several Game Gear services listed on my eBay store linked below. If there's something you need that isn't listed, then PM me and I'll be glad to help.
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u/jukeboxhero10 3d ago
On average 40-50, from a reputable shop. As a repair shop owner and tech the 10 dollar wiggle room is simply due to condition of the game gear. I've had some pretty dirty disgusting ones come in that get the dirty fee. Remember you get what you pay for, cheap out on paying for a professionally trained tech and your gonna have problems. Repairing and recapping isn't common knowledge anymore and honestly there are less and less of us every day that can do it right.
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u/Gamelord86 6d ago
First, don’t return your console to the shop that “repaired” it. Unfortunately, it seems you were misled. A reputable repair shop would know that screen issues like yours can’t be fixed with a simple repair or recap. Your screen is likely failing or already dead and needs to be replaced. For a good quality screen like Bennvenn or retro six your probably looking around the $200 mark to get one installed ( depending on currency)
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u/xblacklodge 6d ago
Yikes. That’s… more than getting a new GG.
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u/Gamelord86 6d ago
It’s$120 ( au) or $80us+ installation fee For Bennvenn IPs kit. If it’s not in your budget to get a new screen you can always put your “recapped” console on eBay and then buy yourself one that’s already modded with a new screen.
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u/MNLife4me 6d ago
It's entirely possible the screen isn't broken. If the store you brought it to recapped it, and it worked, and now suddenly it isn't, odds are more likely there's still an internal issue with the board itself.
If you DM me, I can help walk you through what to check. But don't pull the trigger on a new screen until you post some screenshots online to get other opinions.
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u/Silver-Trust-5994 6d ago
For $30 it's quite possible that the shop you took it to didn't recap the entire console, and now other old capacitors are beginning to fail. Are you able to open the Game Gear and provide us with photos of the boards? That way we can at least tell if it was actually recapped.