Shout out to you for cleaning and keeping the original case and everything, instead of throwing it away and using an aftermarket shell. I've seen so many TH-cam modders take Gameboys in perfectly good or even great condition, rip the shells apart, even destroy them for lolz, and then use some cheap aftermarket shell instead.
I appreciate your stance on retrobrighting. I hadn’t thought of it that way being a cosmetic and a temporary fix before. I do like watching other respected channels the do focus on that. I’ve even seen someone do this process only using sunlight. It just amazes me.
I agree that more people should try to take repairs into their own hands instead of putting away things they once loved. While it can be risky in some cases, restoration can bring back memories and prevent many things from being unnecessarily scrapped. I can't wait to see your next video!
The work you and Steve do has inspired me to make the effort on some cleaning/repair work. Fell into a slightly rusty, non-working Neo Geo CD console. Rust only touched the edge of the PCB and no apparent damage. Used your techniques to clean it as well as painstakingly and gently using a dental pick to clean all the rust from the PCB. A bit of research and some testing with the multimeter led me to find two faulty inductors (common fault on these consoles). Not replaced yet, but will do soon. Reckon should work after that 💪🏻 Love watching your content, keep up the good work and never stop learning :)
Very cool to hear about your intent with this channel. It's made me think completely differently about these processes and given me something to think about in general. Props to you man
Agreed! It's not something I've heard many creators talk about, but now that I've heard it I realize how important it is. So much more goes into content creation than most people (myself included) realize. Just like film and TV production.
I respect your position on retrobrighting, I don't personally agree, but you do you man 👍 also, it doesn't matter much with the ds anyway since the outer shells are covered by transparent plastic and in my experience the retrobrighting doesn't get through it much 🤷♂️
We have 2 ps3s, 2 ps4s and multiple other consoles that I would love to restore. Your videos are more realistic and humble to an every day person in an apartment that doesn't have all the fancy shit to clean their consoles/devices. I do love watching the creative restorations, but this is it for me. Thank you!
I had this color DS and LOVED it. Brought it to a repair shop I found back in the day because 1 hinge cracked...turned out the guy was a fraud and I never got it back. I still miss it sometimes. 😥 Can't wait to see the restoration on this beauty!
I for one love this approach. Wouldn't even mind to see some revisits of these devices down the line, if/when one of their other components happens to fail. Keep up the good work!
i really love your stance on restoration. i havent done any restoration myself aside from a few minorish repairs but there are some things i dont like fixing if theyre not having any impact on the function of the console, like my childhood ds lite's many scratches and loose hinge. i could easily fix the hinge and sand down the shell to repaint it, or even replace the shell entirely. but i just love seeing those little marks showing how loved things are.
Another great video. I totally agree with your stance on Retrobrite. Something that's not really mentioned is that the effects of retrobrite don't last that long, and hydrogen peroxide is actually pretty expensive. You'll end up spending $40-$50 on peroxide just to whiten a console that probably costs less than that used.
Amasing how nicer it looks clean. Good content. And no you don't need to UV bleach it. Perfect is often the enemy of Good Enough, puhsing you to not even try.
Hey, man! I understand your stance on not using retrobrighting to restore consoles on this channel. If you're wanting to demonstrate to folks how much love they can give their old tech just with stuff they have lying around, that sort of high-tech, complicated restoration might not have a place in your videos. I think that it certainly has its place elsewhere, however, and I'm not sure it's entirely about making a satisfying video on TH-cam. I posted a comment suggesting you try the method last week in ignorance of your viewpoint, but also out of personal ignorance. You're right in your assessment of most of us, or at least of me-I've never used the technology before, despite cleaning multiple devices and bringing them back to working order with some specialized equipment but also household objects like old toothbrushes, and I do enjoy seeing other folks do it on TH-cam. But I enjoy seeing them do it because I think would like to try it someday, and I believe that I could. I feel empowered. The idea that the chemical change won't last forever doesn't matter to me so much. I think that putting in the extra effort for certain consoles that really need it will be worth it, if only visually, and will nicely complement the package of restoration I am able to provide. It will be another skill I have. I wouldn't want to do it just so it looks like, precisely, but because it looks better and is better. I'm not sure if you have done it before, either-you didn't have a clear stance on that. If you haven't, it might be fun to try it, whether you do it personally, just to see what it's like, or you document the process for folks here-not to set a new standard for how you mean to restore consoles from there on out, but just to walk folks through it from your perspective, trying to give us a complete picture of the technology, its impact, and what it might mean to you or to others. All of it is up to you. No pressure from me. :)
Thank you for sharing and nice job on another working console! I was going to get the necessary supplies and such for retrobrighting at one point, but I was under the impression that since it's an additional chemical reaction that ultimately reverses the discoloration it would gradually make the plastic more brittle in the long run. I'm sure for something like a stationary console it'd be fine but for a handheld that's going to be handled it's another matter. Personally I prefer either straight repair, simple mods, and spray painting scratched up shells to give them more variety versus bringing them back to a "pristine" condition.
Interesting to hear that your channel name was actually influenced by your choice to refrain from retrobriting & I respect that. Honestly it looks like you do a nice job regardless!
I agree that most people wouldn't go as far as doing retrobrighting. And your reasoning makes sense, I have no issues with that not being in your content. You are right about it being temporary, but it can take years before it started discoloring substantially. If you are that serious about it, you could just do it again in a few years. You can also put a clear uv resistant lacquer that would make it last much longer. But that's even more advanced stuff people wouldn't do. You don't really have to setup an LED box for it, you can use sunlight. It can take longer depending how much sun you have, but it's a lot easier. Also, the next time I try it, I'm going to try the vapor chamber method. You don't need nearly as much h202, and sunlight is perfect for that method. Keep up the good work, can't wait for the next project!
ez subscribe :) what a wholesome video this is the mentality I've been taking with my handhelds and its been very stress free. I believe I have OCD and the constant need to have EVERYTHING be perfect is exhausting. But living with good enough/making the best of it is making me a lot happier these days. I'd like to add that paint brushes are similar to "chip brushes" chip brushes are a little more rough and used to clean bigger more stuck on debris/dirt then moving in on finer brushes is def the way to go =)
I really liked your restoration and philosophy behind choosing not to use retrobright, moreover I'd say that have some yellowing is also nice as a testament of the passing ages and history which that console came through
also got one like this. It looked HORRIBLE- but then I realized it had a complete case sticker on it, lol. After getting rid of it- a true beauty was lying underneath. Just the touch wasnt working, but I got a cheap replacement digitizer from aliexpress. It became one of my favorites😊 Retrobrighting is frowned at least in theAtari ST community- not because of the idea itself but due to the fact that this (at least on Atari STs) makes the plastic of the case brittle.
🎮Great clean. Facts are facts though It comes down to laziness with the brightening. Its not about affordability and those of us true enthusiasts don't really care about anything but the experience. Good on you for maintaining principle and ethic. Not many these days can.🎮
Another great video! Awesome selection of background music, could you put a link where to find it? Since you mention it doesn't require attribution. Much appreciated
I appreciate the compliment ☺️. I try really hard to find music that I would want to listen to, and fits with the video. I use a paid service at epidemicsound.com for all music.
I did build my own UV-light box and when turned on, it looked like something from outer space that was giving off deadly radiation. I loved it *lol* To my defense, my SNES was so yellowed, that it looked more like a banana than a gray console. I only used the UV-light box once and now dont even know anymore where the growlightbulbs went ^^; In some extreme cases, there is a good reason to use retrobrighting, but in most cases, i think, its better to leave the items dignity intact and just clean and repair. I restored quite a few Nintendo DS'es and curling up the ribboncable was always the part where i cursed the most *lol* And yep, some replacement cases from china are so bad, that it almost feels like you have to carve your own working shell out of them *lol* But strangely it's all fun to me. Maybe i like struggling... That's why i like Dark Souls? Yeah, probably ^^; And i think You shouldn't need an excuse why You don't retrobright. But it was interesting to hear Your explanation.. Thank You ^_^
As a collector and someone who likes to take broken discarded consoles and restoring them to like new condition myself. I love the content but on the retro bright I disagree. It doesn't cost that much to do this. The vapor method using outdoor sun works pretty good. I have got great results from doing that with a aluminum bake pan with plastic cover setting console on something the elevate out of the hydrogen peroxide, placing in direct sun for a few days in this Alabama heat. I have done many console this way for a few bucks each.
I appreciate your perspective. One of the things I don't like is the temporary nature of this method. Have you found the yellowing coming back after a few years?
@@RestorishOfficial Not in my case . I keep sunlight to minimal in my gameroom around about the same temp year around. My home is also smoke free and I think that helps. I can only speak to my results. Try it on your own without posting a vid , monitor results for a while then see .
I retrobrited a nicotine stained Super Famicom and when I say stained I mean it was pure brown. it has stayed white for 3 years so far. However both a dogbone and 2 Super Famicom controllers I did began discolouring again quickly.
Retrobriting basically works by bleaching the plastic, which is a non-reversible process and generally ends up making the plastic more brittle. It really doesn't fit the spirit of a restoration, in my opinion, which is all about preventing further damage. The "patina" is also part of the history of that device.
"No response from slot" - Nintendo DS needs to be started with the cartridge inserted to regognize it. Also, the touchscreen does respond to finger input, your gloves might be the issue.
i broke my lil plastic knubbin on the power button slider, for my ds lite, you can still turn it on by using the tip of the stylus but it kinda sucks that it broke.
Would you be willing to try to use flame to remove scratches on plastic? I mean very carefully and with a small torch, like you would use to make the top crust on a Crème Brûlée.
I always thought retrobrite reversed the damage done by yellowing and made the plastic less brittle. If it actually doesn't then it's worthless in my eyes personally. Might as well just paint it if you're only making it "look nice".
Retrobrighting is dangerous. I ruined a Japanese White Sega Saturn trying to Retrobrite it. Now it's got spots that are white and spots that are offcolored. I guess if someone is willing to risk it with their systems thats cool, but i wont ever do it again.
I always wonder where that brown crap comes from on white or light color consoles and controllers. Its always disgusting and when you use a white rag it turns brown cleaning it off. That generation of portables from Nintendo was a ROYAL pain in the arse to work on. DS, DSi, 3DS, 3DS XL etc. Steve keep you on a tight rope with dish soap costs I see?? LOL
I just learned a couple of months ago that Retro Brite was useless. All consoles turn yellow again after three years. You're kinda better of buying new shells.
Came in for some DS restoration and came out with life advice.
Lol, I tried to sneak that in there.
I'm not crying, you're crying! 🥲
Each time I see a tub of soap. I wait for a rubber ducky... damn you Oddtinkering!
Ductor!!!!
Shout out to you for cleaning and keeping the original case and everything, instead of throwing it away and using an aftermarket shell. I've seen so many TH-cam modders take Gameboys in perfectly good or even great condition, rip the shells apart, even destroy them for lolz, and then use some cheap aftermarket shell instead.
I appreciate your stance on retrobrighting. I hadn’t thought of it that way being a cosmetic and a temporary fix before. I do like watching other respected channels the do focus on that. I’ve even seen someone do this process only using sunlight. It just amazes me.
I agree that more people should try to take repairs into their own hands instead of putting away things they once loved. While it can be risky in some cases, restoration can bring back memories and prevent many things from being unnecessarily scrapped. I can't wait to see your next video!
The work you and Steve do has inspired me to make the effort on some cleaning/repair work.
Fell into a slightly rusty, non-working Neo Geo CD console. Rust only touched the edge of the PCB and no apparent damage.
Used your techniques to clean it as well as painstakingly and gently using a dental pick to clean all the rust from the PCB.
A bit of research and some testing with the multimeter led me to find two faulty inductors (common fault on these consoles).
Not replaced yet, but will do soon. Reckon should work after that 💪🏻
Love watching your content, keep up the good work and never stop learning :)
Thanks for being open and sharing your perspective.
0:23 you can't put in cartridges while the DS is on. it won't detect them until you power cycle it
Yep I figured that out by the end 🤦♂️
Very cool to hear about your intent with this channel. It's made me think completely differently about these processes and given me something to think about in general. Props to you man
Agreed! It's not something I've heard many creators talk about, but now that I've heard it I realize how important it is. So much more goes into content creation than most people (myself included) realize. Just like film and TV production.
Beautifully done. Glad to see a good console restored with a little TLC. Your rationale for not using retro brite is deep and thoughtful. Kudos!
I respect your position on retrobrighting, I don't personally agree, but you do you man 👍 also, it doesn't matter much with the ds anyway since the outer shells are covered by transparent plastic and in my experience the retrobrighting doesn't get through it much 🤷♂️
We have 2 ps3s, 2 ps4s and multiple other consoles that I would love to restore. Your videos are more realistic and humble to an every day person in an apartment that doesn't have all the fancy shit to clean their consoles/devices. I do love watching the creative restorations, but this is it for me. Thank you!
I had this color DS and LOVED it. Brought it to a repair shop I found back in the day because 1 hinge cracked...turned out the guy was a fraud and I never got it back. I still miss it sometimes. 😥 Can't wait to see the restoration on this beauty!
Sorry to hear that
You have a good channel here, I found you via Steve's channel. Enjoy watching both your channels.
I for one love this approach. Wouldn't even mind to see some revisits of these devices down the line, if/when one of their other components happens to fail. Keep up the good work!
i really love your stance on restoration. i havent done any restoration myself aside from a few minorish repairs but there are some things i dont like fixing if theyre not having any impact on the function of the console, like my childhood ds lite's many scratches and loose hinge. i could easily fix the hinge and sand down the shell to repaint it, or even replace the shell entirely. but i just love seeing those little marks showing how loved things are.
Another great video. I totally agree with your stance on Retrobrite. Something that's not really mentioned is that the effects of retrobrite don't last that long, and hydrogen peroxide is actually pretty expensive. You'll end up spending $40-$50 on peroxide just to whiten a console that probably costs less than that used.
Yes, exactly
Amasing how nicer it looks clean. Good content. And no you don't need to UV bleach it. Perfect is often the enemy of Good Enough, puhsing you to not even try.
Hey, man! I understand your stance on not using retrobrighting to restore consoles on this channel. If you're wanting to demonstrate to folks how much love they can give their old tech just with stuff they have lying around, that sort of high-tech, complicated restoration might not have a place in your videos.
I think that it certainly has its place elsewhere, however, and I'm not sure it's entirely about making a satisfying video on TH-cam. I posted a comment suggesting you try the method last week in ignorance of your viewpoint, but also out of personal ignorance. You're right in your assessment of most of us, or at least of me-I've never used the technology before, despite cleaning multiple devices and bringing them back to working order with some specialized equipment but also household objects like old toothbrushes, and I do enjoy seeing other folks do it on TH-cam. But I enjoy seeing them do it because I think would like to try it someday, and I believe that I could. I feel empowered. The idea that the chemical change won't last forever doesn't matter to me so much. I think that putting in the extra effort for certain consoles that really need it will be worth it, if only visually, and will nicely complement the package of restoration I am able to provide. It will be another skill I have. I wouldn't want to do it just so it looks like, precisely, but because it looks better and is better.
I'm not sure if you have done it before, either-you didn't have a clear stance on that. If you haven't, it might be fun to try it, whether you do it personally, just to see what it's like, or you document the process for folks here-not to set a new standard for how you mean to restore consoles from there on out, but just to walk folks through it from your perspective, trying to give us a complete picture of the technology, its impact, and what it might mean to you or to others.
All of it is up to you. No pressure from me. :)
I appreciate your comment. I’ll take that into consideration. 😊
You also need to have the DS powered off before inserting a DS game for it to be recognized, not just for Game Boy Advance games.
Thank you for sharing and nice job on another working console! I was going to get the necessary supplies and such for retrobrighting at one point, but I was under the impression that since it's an additional chemical reaction that ultimately reverses the discoloration it would gradually make the plastic more brittle in the long run. I'm sure for something like a stationary console it'd be fine but for a handheld that's going to be handled it's another matter. Personally I prefer either straight repair, simple mods, and spray painting scratched up shells to give them more variety versus bringing them back to a "pristine" condition.
Interesting to hear that your channel name was actually influenced by your choice to refrain from retrobriting & I respect that. Honestly it looks like you do a nice job regardless!
This DS is one of the ones where repair would have been nice, that lower touch screen was pretty scratched up. Nice restoration!
I agree that most people wouldn't go as far as doing retrobrighting. And your reasoning makes sense, I have no issues with that not being in your content.
You are right about it being temporary, but it can take years before it started discoloring substantially. If you are that serious about it, you could just do it again in a few years. You can also put a clear uv resistant lacquer that would make it last much longer. But that's even more advanced stuff people wouldn't do.
You don't really have to setup an LED box for it, you can use sunlight. It can take longer depending how much sun you have, but it's a lot easier. Also, the next time I try it, I'm going to try the vapor chamber method. You don't need nearly as much h202, and sunlight is perfect for that method.
Keep up the good work, can't wait for the next project!
Your explanation on retro brighting makes a lot of sense to me. What you are doing can easily be done by us at home.
ez subscribe :) what a wholesome video this is the mentality I've been taking with my handhelds and its been very stress free. I believe I have OCD and the constant need to have EVERYTHING be perfect is exhausting. But living with good enough/making the best of it is making me a lot happier these days. I'd like to add that paint brushes are similar to "chip brushes" chip brushes are a little more rough and used to clean bigger more stuck on debris/dirt then moving in on finer brushes is def the way to go =)
I don’t why but his videos always calm me down lol
Hi, cool video. Question: At 6:14, what's that light blue dispenser (with the brand "Menda") you use as an IPA dispenser? Where did you get it? :O
I have a link for it in the description but I'll post it here too: Dispenser Bottle: (Paid Amazon affiliate link) geni.us/NSHC
I really liked your restoration and philosophy behind choosing not to use retrobright, moreover I'd say that have some yellowing is also nice as a testament of the passing ages and history which that console came through
Re: you not retro briting
I applaud you for going your own way. And nice restorishion! :)
Retro Brite is amazing
Retro Brite definitely can make old electronics look amazing, even if it's temporary.
remember that, first model of nintendo ds and lite dont read cartdridge nds or gba when is already turned on. Only 3ds can!
also got one like this. It looked HORRIBLE- but then I realized it had a complete case sticker on it, lol. After getting rid of it- a true beauty was lying underneath. Just the touch wasnt working, but I got a cheap replacement digitizer from aliexpress. It became one of my favorites😊 Retrobrighting is frowned at least in theAtari ST community- not because of the idea itself but due to the fact that this (at least on Atari STs) makes the plastic of the case brittle.
🎮Great clean. Facts are facts though It comes down to laziness with the brightening. Its not about affordability and those of us true enthusiasts don't really care about anything but the experience. Good on you for maintaining principle and ethic. Not many these days can.🎮
Just subbed because of this vid 🤘🏾
So glad you're enjoying my videos!
Another great video! Awesome selection of background music, could you put a link where to find it? Since you mention it doesn't require attribution. Much appreciated
I appreciate the compliment ☺️. I try really hard to find music that I would want to listen to, and fits with the video. I use a paid service at epidemicsound.com for all music.
I did build my own UV-light box and when turned on, it looked like something from outer space that was giving off deadly radiation. I loved it *lol* To my defense, my SNES was so yellowed, that it looked more like a banana than a gray console. I only used the UV-light box once and now dont even know anymore where the growlightbulbs went ^^; In some extreme cases, there is a good reason to use retrobrighting, but in most cases, i think, its better to leave the items dignity intact and just clean and repair. I restored quite a few Nintendo DS'es and curling up the ribboncable was always the part where i cursed the most *lol* And yep, some replacement cases from china are so bad, that it almost feels like you have to carve your own working shell out of them *lol* But strangely it's all fun to me. Maybe i like struggling... That's why i like Dark Souls? Yeah, probably ^^; And i think You shouldn't need an excuse why You don't retrobright. But it was interesting to hear Your explanation.. Thank You ^_^
I appreciate your comment. It was a fun read 😄
I will probably never retrobright because the yellowing kinda adds a sense of character and history to the product.
Bro had an existential crisis over cleaning. lmao That's a new one. Sound advice, either way.
What about magic erasers? Are you willing to use them? Thanks, as always, for the content! Keep them coming, please.
😅 Thank you
As a collector and someone who likes to take broken discarded consoles and restoring them to like new condition myself. I love the content but on the retro bright I disagree. It doesn't cost that much to do this. The vapor method using outdoor sun works pretty good. I have got great results from doing that with a aluminum bake pan with plastic cover setting console on something the elevate out of the hydrogen peroxide, placing in direct sun for a few days in this Alabama heat. I have done many console this way for a few bucks each.
I appreciate your perspective. One of the things I don't like is the temporary nature of this method. Have you found the yellowing coming back after a few years?
@@RestorishOfficial Not in my case . I keep sunlight to minimal in my gameroom around about the same temp year around. My home is also smoke free and I think that helps. I can only speak to my results. Try it on your own without posting a vid , monitor results for a while then see .
@@RestorishOfficial I have got consoles from Japan and I believe sometimes its nicotine staining from smokers and not the plastic its self.
I retrobrited a nicotine stained Super Famicom and when I say stained I mean it was pure brown. it has stayed white for 3 years so far. However both a dogbone and 2 Super Famicom controllers I did began discolouring again quickly.
Retrobriting basically works by bleaching the plastic, which is a non-reversible process and generally ends up making the plastic more brittle. It really doesn't fit the spirit of a restoration, in my opinion, which is all about preventing further damage. The "patina" is also part of the history of that device.
It looks amazing.
I'm just wondering what happen if You use some polish on the touch screen maybe You can erase those scratches
"No response from slot" - Nintendo DS needs to be started with the cartridge inserted to regognize it. Also, the touchscreen does respond to finger input, your gloves might be the issue.
i broke my lil plastic knubbin on the power button slider, for my ds lite, you can still turn it on by using the tip of the stylus but it kinda sucks that it broke.
That thing looked like it had been pulled out of a sewerage tank 🤢
It was pretty gross!
Would you be willing to try to use flame to remove scratches on plastic? I mean very carefully and with a small torch, like you would use to make the top crust on a Crème Brûlée.
Im skeptical, but would be a fun experiment 😊
Hey! There seems to be a white circle around your profile picture that you might not have caught on to. I’m on mobile if that helps
Thanks, Ill look into that
For screens next time use a make up brush is very soft for screens
I was under the impression that retro briting also made the plastic more brittle,
I have also heard this. It’s another reason I hesitate to start using this technique, even though it would look so good in a video.
Did the touch screen work after all that??????????
I have replaced a lot in my time.
It did :)
@@RestorishOfficial Bonus !!!
1:06 1:15 2:20 3:05 3:45 4:10
Good call wearing gloves 😅
I always thought retrobrite reversed the damage done by yellowing and made the plastic less brittle.
If it actually doesn't then it's worthless in my eyes personally. Might as well just paint it if you're only making it "look nice".
You ever have to clean your tools after cleaning nasty consoles?
Lol, yes
Retrobrighting is dangerous. I ruined a Japanese White Sega Saturn trying to Retrobrite it. Now it's got spots that are white and spots that are offcolored. I guess if someone is willing to risk it with their systems thats cool, but i wont ever do it again.
I always wonder where that brown crap comes from on white or light color consoles and controllers. Its always disgusting and when you use a white rag it turns brown cleaning it off. That generation of portables from Nintendo was a ROYAL pain in the arse to work on. DS, DSi, 3DS, 3DS XL etc. Steve keep you on a tight rope with dish soap costs I see?? LOL
Yes, these ones that have the clear shell really collect that grime in the cracks. Lol, yeah, I have a weekly soap allowance. JK
@@RestorishOfficial lol
I just learned a couple of months ago that Retro Brite was useless. All consoles turn yellow again after three years.
You're kinda better of buying new shells.
Yes, exactly.
424🎉
Naked and ashamed 😂
Lol