This was ROUGH... I can’t wait to do it again! - Game Gear Screen Replacement
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Promos
Thanks MANSCAPED for sponsoring today's video! Visit manscaped.com to learn more and get 20% OFF with code TECH and make a donation at checkout. Use code LINUS and get 25% off GlassWire at lmg.gg Linus and David set out to have a relaxing time doing a screen upgrade on their most beloved handhelds: A Sega Game Gear and PS Vita. But in true LTT fashion, things go very, very wrong. Join us on this rollercoaster ride of a repair. Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com PARTS LIST Buy a PS Vita Screen Replacement: lmg.gg Buy a PS Vita Battery Replacement: lmg.gg Buy a GBA IPS Screen Kit: lmg.gg Buy a BennVenn Sega Game Gear Display: lmg.gg Buy a Mathijs Sega Game Gear Amp board: lmg.gg Buy a Retro Modding Glass Sega Game Gear Screen: lmg.gg Buy a Retro Modding Sega Game Gear Capacitor Kit: lmg.gg Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. ► GET MERCH: lttstore.com ► AFFILIATES, SPONSORS & REFERRALS: lmg.gg ► PODCAST GEAR: lmg.gg ► SUPPORT US ON FLOATPLANE: floatplane.com FOLLOW US --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Facebook: @LinusTech Instagram: @linustech TikTok: @linustech Twitch: twitch.tv MUSIC CREDIT --------------------------------------------------- Intro: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High Video Link: youtube.com Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi Artist Link: youtube.com Intro animation by MBarek Abdelwassaa @mbarek_abdel Monitor And Keyboard by vadimmihalkevich / CC BY 4.0 geni.us Mechanical RGB Keyboard by BigBrotherECE / CC BY 4.0 geni.us Mouse Gamer free Model By Oscar Creativo / CC BY 4.0 geni.us CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro 1:19 What we are doing 5:21 A Good Start 7:04 Battery Upgrades 9:51 Uh oh... 10:52 David Tech Tips 11:08 That's Dark... 11:18 Upgrade Continued 12:17 Adam Goofed it! 13:23 Adam Ungoofed it! 16:15 Original Game Gear Display 17:55 David's First Boot! 18:30 Linus's realization 19:08 This is Dan 19:18 Linus screws up 20:45 Nevertheless, we persisted 22:33 This Game Gear is unique 26:52 David GBA Upgrade 27:07 "Moment of Truthiness" 28:03 Screen Deets 28:39 One Final Speedbump 29:20 Conclusion
This video documents Linus, David, and their team attempting a dual screen upgrade project on two classic handhelds, a Sega Game Gear and a PlayStation Vita. The opening segments establish the plan to replace or upgrade the displays, with a focus on sourcing parts from AliExpress and eBay and attempting a difficult chassis swap. Early commentary highlights the contrast between nostalgia and modernity as they discuss the feasibility and cost of upgrading, including a battery upgrade and a new front panel with an integrated screen. The team acknowledges the ambitious scope and low confidence level for a solo effort, which is why Linus steps in to guide and assist, setting the stage for what becomes a high-energy, chaotic repair journey. This first stretch frames the project as both a technically challenging repair and a playful exploration of how far retro hardware can be modernized. The tone remains lighthearted and candid, with frequent jokes about the difficulty and a clear emphasis on learning through doing. By the end of this segment, it is evident that the project will test limits, reveal hidden quirks of vintage hardware, and provide entertainment in the process of trial and error.
Topics · technology repair · hardware mod · retro gaming · electronics · maker culture
Questions answered
- Why did Linus decide to help with the Game Gear and Vita screen upgrades?
- Linus stepped in to assist because the project was too difficult for one person to handle alone, ensuring a higher chance of success and keeping the repair process engaging.
- What were the main technical hurdles faced during the Vita screen upgrade?
- The team encountered a complex teardown, conflicting chassis and ribbon cable challenges, battery integration issues, and non-standard wiring that required custom solutions and real-time problem solving.
- What did the team discover about the VA5 Game Gear and its screen?
- They discovered the VA5 variant has a different, better-looking original screen, and that sourcing suitable replacement components may vary by edition, impacting the suitability of some upgrade paths.
- What role did Dan play in the project?
- Dan provided hands-on soldering expertise and calm, dry humor, acting as a technical foil to the more exuberant hosts and helping to salvage critical wiring and board work.