Tito from Macho Nacho Productions recently posted a video showcasing what’s currently the best enhancements for the original Sega Game Gear handheld console. This is essentially a build that only uses the original ASIC processor and cartridge slot, with every other component being brand new. The new components include a reverse-engineered motherboard, high quality screen, new shell and buttons, new power circuit with rechargeable batteries, HDMI-out and an FM sound module for SMS games. You can buy these components individually, or even have them pre-built for you. Check out the video for all the details, with more info below the links:
SYF Store: https://syf.nl/
High Score Tech: https://highscoretech.myshopify.com/
Retro Gear Customs: https://retrogearcustoms.com/
As always with stuff like this, context is key. First, you’ll need to remember that ALL Game Gear’s will need their capacitors replaced immediately, as all are leaking and destroying the motherboards. Unlike the original DMG Game Boy, there’s no option to just “play it as it was” – Either remove the caps, thoroughly clean the motherboard and add new capacitors, or it’ll soon be dead beyond repair. So with that in mind, you have a few choices.
First, you can simply purchase an Analogue Pocket with Game Gear cartridge adapter for far less than it costs to build this Game Gear, with no “assembly” or soldering required – Just insert your Game Gear games and start playing. That method will get you the ability to play tons of other games as well.
But that’s not what people who enjoy these mods are after – They want the best “original” experience possible, playing in the original form factor. For those people, you can do a full recap and even consider a screen mod, as the original definitely hasn’t aged well. That’s a perfectly good solution that will preserve your console. If your motherboard has been destroyed by leaking capacitors though, you’ll have no choice, other than replacing the motherboard like shown in this video.
Even if your MB is still salvageable, this is still a great build for the Game Gear superfan and I absolutely love it! You’re using the original Sega processor, so games will play exactly like they used to; This would definitely count as “original hardware” from a playability standpoint. And since all other components are brand new, you’re essentially getting a “new Game Gear”.
…and if you’d like to hear more from the creator of the custom motherboard, I did an interview with him awhile back – Either watch the video below, or just search any app for “RetroRGB Mathijs”:
