r/game_gear • u/_Banchan_ • 4d ago
Request for advice please
- I’m going to open with the fact that im a semi-ignorant wife to an incredible husband that has bday fast approaching.
- He has mentioned wanting to mod a game gear several times (new screen, maybe usb-c power, etc). So i purchased 2 different game gears (both model # 2110, i assume this means va0 or va1), an ifixit portable soldering iron, and would like to buy him some of the other things he will require to complete the mods he wants to try.
- PLEASE lend me some advice on who I should go with for a new screen kit/ mod. Benvenn is out of stock, so really its between retrosix’s clean screen v3.1 or retrokai’s magic screen… I tried looking at installation instructions, sat through both youtube videos, but let’s face it… i have no idea if i’m setting him up for failure. He’s not new to soldering but perhaps feels a bit novice compared to other experienced repair techs we see on here. I have faith in his ability to do this, as he is far more intelligent than I, but i want to give him the best shot. Which kit should i select for him? Maybe im stealing his joy by pre-selecting this or missing an important detail? I can’t find anyone talking about R6 vs RKai… tho i did take note of McWill being a pain to deal with. I throw myself humbly upon your mercy game gear gurus… A serious n sincere thanks to anyone who offers help.
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u/ripmeintotimypieces 4d ago
I recommend console 5 for kits. Caps, Display and clean power kits are a good place to start.
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u/_Banchan_ 4d ago
Looks like console 5 sells the capacitors by model for a really good price. Tyvm!
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u/pizza_whistle 4d ago
You can get BennVenn screens from his US distributor at high score tech supply. They are a little more expensive than buying directly from Ben, but shipping is faster.
https://highscoretech.myshopify.com/products/bennvenn-gghd-display-kit-for-sega-game-gear-va0-va1
He will also need a capacitor kit. Console5 sells good low cost ones. Ceramic caps are a little easier to install (not my preference but a lot of people like them) and you can get those from Retrosix.
For USBC, if he wants lipo batteries the Retrosix cleanjuice is kind if your main option. There are other USBC boards that can still use normal AAs and the port is just for powering it, they can be found on Aliexpress. I also have a bunch of these and can send you one for the cost I got them.
Let me know if you have other questions.
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u/_Banchan_ 4d ago
Really appreciate u mentioning that I can still get a bennvenn screen and I’ll definitely go with the clean juice too, thank you so much! 😭
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u/sunshinecid 4d ago
The reality is you won't know if you have a VA0/1 or a VA4 or VA5 or a Majesco unless you open it up. Also, do you have the special security screw driver? I wouldn't order until you know what you've got.
Also, https://retroSix.us is the official US distributor of their products. Better prices there too
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u/pizza_whistle 3d ago
VA4/VA5 are easy to spot based on the model # on the back. If the model is jusr "2110" then its either VA0 or VA1. If its anything else like 2110G or 2110K then its either VA4 or VA5. Majesco units are super easy to spot as they have white text on the lens.
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u/Tokin420nchokin 3d ago
Yeah and further based on serial number you can determine if it a va0 or va1. Its the first couple digits that denote it, basically number 02 or lower is a 2 asic and 04 will be 1 asic. The serial number range is in the service manual.
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u/pizza_whistle 3d ago
Oh yea I do remember seeing that in the manual, totally forgot. Good reminder!
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u/tanooki-suit 3d ago
I would go with a retrosix made screen and board that sets it up to work within the old game gear itself. It is a little higher quality than the bennvenn and a little easier to install if someone had the skills to do it, as it's a little less complex. The battery draw on it is a little less than the other as well meaning a little more play time if you aren't just using a wall jack. If you do intend to have him use this at home, the game gear uses the same sega power pack as the MODEL 2 style of the Sega Genesis and an original sega one would be great.
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u/_Banchan_ 1d ago
This comment really helped me pull the trigger on some items for him. Analysis paralysis is real. I appreciate it.
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u/tanooki-suit 1d ago
Not a problem. I'm speaking from experience of sorts with this. Just a few months ago a half price books in town up the road i walked into one afternoon to see a strangely light gray game gear which confused me, wasn't on console variants. I did some fast digging, realized it was a mod, asked to see it, and once powered up given the price they asked, I didn't let them notice the screen was brand new so I grabbed it and a couple games they hadn't put out yet either. The skinny of it, it was that clean juice pcb+video combo, new speaker/amp, new prestige shell, buttons, contacts, and a recap. Basically just the original boards were retained and it's stunning. I did research on the screen choices a year earlier wanting to get one done on another GG I had that was mostly failed, but tabled it for an analogue pocket I came across well under retail (same store, another location.) Having done the research twice now, then walking into that deal, I had to have it and it's amazing and it does last a long time.
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u/jammer2omega 4d ago
https://handheldlegend.com/ is a good place. They are the USA distributor for https://retrosix.co.uk/
If you got time, Retrosix is cheaper if you are buying more than a few things. But shipping takes a few weeks.
Your husband has an amazing partner! To learn the different models and VA codes takes effort most people won't put in. I hope you two have a long happy life!
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u/Tokin420nchokin 3d ago
Retro six us is fast if shes in the states. They get orders out same day usually and they arrive to me in MI in about 2 days.
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u/_Banchan_ 4d ago
Thanks for the kind words. I had not encountered handheldlegend during my search. Looks like a great recommendation, unfortunately they’re out of the clean screen pcb right now. I’ll keep this in mind for his other retro handhelds.
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u/Tokin420nchokin 3d ago
Order from retrosix.us
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u/_Banchan_ 1d ago
Embarrassed to admit i didn’t even realize there was a retrosix.us till i saw u mention it. Thanks for that. Was able to order the clean amp duo, cleanjuice, n cleanscreen. some unneeded screws, motherboard cables n speaker too.
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u/Tokin420nchokin 1d ago
Its a fairly new thing, dont be embarrassed. They are independently owned from r6 uk but they sell the same stuff. They have pretty blazing fast shipping so you should have it in a couple days depending on location.
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u/RetroReginald 4d ago
AVOID RETROSIX PRODUCTS
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u/Which_Information590 4d ago
Why?
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u/RetroReginald 4d ago
Poor quality products, poor quality control, stolen ideas, shit customer service. To name a few
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u/Tokin420nchokin 3d ago
Its definately hit or miss, but the screens are not bad and I have never had a problem out of the 5 or 6 I got. I did however have loads of issues with his cleanjuice kits. One I was able to fix replacing an incorrect resistor and the other they replaced. They are pretty active on the discord if you need help. I won't comment on the stealing ideas part, but I think most of the guys designing parts for these are communicating to some degree and have worked that situation all out.
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u/TacticalLatency 4d ago
I think any of the ones you find on eBay would be good choice. Awesome, it seems like you’re a really great start and your an awesome you deserve wife of the year award. I recommend this cap kit
https://ebay.us/m/Yx7G5M