crwdns2936637:0crwdne2936637:0 crwdns2853008:0crwdne2853008:0 crwdns2918746:0crwdne2918746:0

The Game Boy released on April 21, 1989 in Japan, followed by North America on July 31, 1989, and lastly in Europe on September 28, 1990. It is characterized by a large grey casing and model number DMG-01.

crwdns2934591:020crwdne2934591:0 crwdns2934593:0crwdne2934593:0

crwdns2933897:0crwdne2933897:0

DMG-01 works only when motherboard is hot

I have a strange issue with my Gameboy Classic (DMG-01) that I am trying to fix. Bootup sequence is good, with logo and sound but everyting dissapear after a second and no game is loaded.

I cleaned everything, replaced cartridge socket, resoldered CPU and memory but no luck so far. What is interesting that everything works perfectly IF motherboard is heated with a hotair.

Also what is worth to mention Tetris works fine regardless temperature but no luck with Super Mario Land 1 and 2 at 'normal' working temps.

Could you please advise or tell me what else to check? Thanks a lot!

crwdns2934089:0crwdne2934089:0 crwdns2934093:0crwdne2934093:0

crwdns2934109:0crwdne2934109:0

crwdns2853045:0crwdne2853045:0 crwdns2853046:0crwdne2853046:0
crwdns2889612:0crwdne2889612:0 1
crwdns2947414:01crwdne2947414:0

@trinq120 I wonder if our game console guru @dan0 has a solution for you.

crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0crwdne2934271:0

crwdns2934285:0crwdne2934285:0

crwdns2933313:01crwdne2933313:0

crwdns2934221:0crwdne2934221:0
crwdns2931211:0crwdne2931211:0 crwdns2931215:0crwdne2931215:0 crwdns2934225:0crwdne2934225:0
crwdns2934057:0crwdne2934057:0

crwdns2933897:0crwdne2933897:0

Hi!

The only thing I can think off is that something ain't right with the cartridge socket. Maybe a colt solder joint causing the issue. (perhaps Tetris isn't using all the pins). Which motherboard side do you need to heat up so that it works?

Are you able to test other games? Like Pokémon?

crwdns2934105:0crwdne2934105:0

crwdns2853045:0crwdne2853045:0 crwdns2853046:0crwdne2853046:0
crwdns2889612:0crwdne2889612:0 1

crwdns2944067:06crwdne2944067:0:

I'm heating only top part and not particular game slot. I checked all the pins of that slot for cold joint and they looks fine. I'll try other games in a few days (just ordered some additional ones). It is not any problem with games as well - works fine on other console (GBC).

Thanks for your answers!

crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0crwdne2934271:0

Hi!

Yeah must be the top motherboard... When you heat it, and it does work, then it's probably a colt solder joint somewhere there. Replacing the top motherboard will probably solve the issue (game cartridge motherboard). But is most likely expensive.

crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0crwdne2934271:0

I'll try to replace all those old capacitors first ;) Not sure about resistors / disc capacitors.

crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0crwdne2934271:0

It's a good start to do it. If it's still not working, you can replace the others too.

crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0crwdne2934271:0

Hey, nothing changed after replacing all the capacitors so I decided to buy some neglected console with good motherboard. Cleaned everything and works (and looks) like new :) Thanks for all your comments.

crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0crwdne2934271:0

crwdns2934273:01crwdne2934273:0

crwdns2934285:0crwdne2934285:0

crwdns2934229:0crwdne2934229:0

Trinq120 crwdns2934231:0crwdne2934231:0
crwdns2936625:0crwdne2936625:0:

crwdns2936751:024crwdne2936751:0 1

crwdns2936753:07crwdne2936753:0 2

crwdns2936753:030crwdne2936753:0 5

crwdns2942667:0crwdne2942667:0 57