Haha I know what you mean. Replacing with a backlit screen or at least replacing the lens did cross my mind at first, too. As I thought about how many years of memories I had with it, and how treasured it was by my kin at one time, I just didn't have the heart. There's an old saying about car restoration that I think applies to this situation.

"It's only Original once."

I have to admit.... The prices here in the west are just so expensive. I recently opened an Ali express account for a side business and when I saw this price I just thought I'd roll the dice and see what happens. It was all circumstantial and impulsive.

Whew. I hear you so hard. FWIW, I did actually win the cartridge in this auction as well, but since it's just a cartridge and no box, I didn't think many people here would appreciate a pic of a cart as much as they would a pic of the manual.

I'm also an old man yelling at clouds so I'm right there with you. Isn't it crazy that we've found ourselves here so quickly?

And also, mad props for referencing Jon Lajoie. A very talented individual who doesn't get enough credit. I love his work! For anyone reading this thread who has never heard of him, I encourage you to check him out. He has an awesome sense of humor!

I commiserate with you. The days of manuals are gone. And for what it's worth, the Zelda material is super sad for me as well because my late baby sister and I bonded tightly over the Zelda games. So these games are just super bitter sweet to me as well for so many reasons. When I play these games, I hear her laughter and feel her next to me. The games mean more to me than most, I suspect.

You're not alone. In fact, it sounds like you're my favorite kind of people! Thanks so much for commenting. I wish it weren't true, but the day of the manual has come to a close and you and I are the minority. But you are not alone. Let's appreciate what we have left. The next generation will never be so fortunate!! Do not be discouraged. Sounds to me like you're pretty rad!

We all have sad days. You are not alone!

It really did! Now I have to get to work collecting all the games!

I got it right here!!

I absolutely plan to report on how it turns out. So far, it sounds like I've made a mistake, but everyone here will know soon enough!

Adding a second image for texture. I'm not sure if links are allowed and don't want to come across as a self advertiser. I was just so impressed I had to share with someone. This is one handsome 2DS XL!

You know what's bittersweet about this is that my aunt died of dementia. My uncle said she held onto it and played it for years. It makes me wonder what she thought about as she held her son's favorite toy.

Hey! So I had to clean the contacts on the motherboard fairly vigorously with rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth in order to get the buttons to register again. In my case it appears that something sugary had been spilled on the Gameboy and seeped down to the motherboard. I didn't have to replace the buttons, just clean the button membranes of residue.

And the Oxyclean solution I used on the housing was about 1/4 cup liquid concentrated Oxyclean to 32 oz of warm water. I soaked all plastics for 2 hours and then I brushed with a soft bristle toothbrush. It won't damage the color of your plastics at all, but may lighten them to the degree that you can see in my pics. Lots of people use the Oxyclean solution for colored Gameboys. There are suggestions out there for stronger solution recipes but I didn't want to take any risks. More than anything, it seems like Oxyclean helps with the yellowing that occurs over time, but beyond that, the soak helps make the grime loosen up so it can be brushed out of the crevasses.

Edit: you will need a precision screwdriver set that includes triwing bits to disassemble the Gameboy. I got a budget set on Amazon by a company called "Jorest" for $9 USD. It included all the right bits and spudgers and picks to get it cleaned up no problem. I'm not sure if links to products are allowed here so I'm not comfortable providing a direct link. Part number was AJJOJM0101ORDCAR1 if that helps.

Thanks for the advice. I gave that a try and it seems to have helped a little. Maybe I just need to grow a stronger thumb lol.

I absolutely agree with you about it's place in gaming history. The wobbly screen definitely takes some getting used to. I'm not exactly sure why they decided to design it that way. I know the DS Lite models were prone to hinge cracking so maybe they left the slack in them to reduce that issue? Either way I sympathize with ya!

Yeah that's it.

I did the cardstock mod and it improved it a little, but the force needed is still uncomfortable. Does your thumb hurt after long play sessions?

I remember going to Toys R Us with Dad, picking a game out, and then eagerly reading the game manual on the long drive home. It got me SO hyped!! Definitely wish they still made manuals!

You made me chuckle. Thanks!

I was having a bad day. This is good news.

Heck yes. I miss the Dreamcast. Forgot about how long those cables were. And Power Stone 2 was my fighter of choice.

I wouldn't call this "classic moral panic". I would characterize it as our nations leaders demanding that Tiktok revisit their data collection practices in the interest of protecting US citizens.

Thanks for the supportive and insightful reply. It sounds like your experience was similar to mine, as we also struggled through adversity together (our N64 was powered by a light socket and we couldn't run the heater if we wanted to play it). Unfortunately she couldn't overcome our childhood trauma, became addicted, and in the end decided to take her own life.

The Zelda obsession started with OOT for her. Eventually her love for the games led her to a degree in computer science and a hobby restoring consoles. I grew up, enlisted, and unfortunately we parted ways for the rest of her life. In spite of geographic separation, we always kept in touch and often shared the joy of the next Zelda products and rumors.

Whenever I play the games, hear the timeless soundtrack, or see any Zelda artwork, I remember her laughter as Darunia burst into dance at hearing Saria's Song, her groans of sadness as the Great Deku Tree passed away, her gasp of delight as Anju and Kafai were reunited, and even her grumbles of anger as the Skull Kid declared that he "got rid of" Epona.

Bittersweet memories, but no matter how much sadness I feel at her loss, the games ultimately remind me of the happy moments and warm my heart. I am happy to have had her as my sister, even if only for a relatively short time.

"The flow of time is always cruel... its speed seems different for each person, but no one can change it... A thing that does not change with time is a memory of younger days..."

And for all you manual lovers that wish new games came with them, there is a very talented artist who goes by the name "mbpuk" that makes some really awesome mini manuals that fit in the Switch game case!

Is Aldi truly an affordable/low cost store? I've never seen one before.

Looks great! I regularly cruise through my town's thrift shops and chase garage sale signs often in hunt for a good CRT. Jealous of your find and your awesome skills!!

You can do it! Dive in, and provide us with an update when you get it up and running!

I have been working on my backlog so I blew the dust off of my copy of Bravely Default for 3DS. I am so impressed by the art style of this game, and the 3D effects really add to the sense of immersion. If you're a fan of old school jrpgs I would encourage you to give it a shot. It gives me FF9 vibes. I'm only a few hours in but so far I'm really enjoying it.

Long live the 3ds!!

Thanks! Just hoped that it would make someone out there smile!

Wow! Thanks!

Clever

I'm not sure. I did buy a GBA corpse on eBay to harvest the OEM membranes, just in case that's the issue.

I got updates! I got my hands on a copy of Link's Awakening. I forgot how awesome this machine is.

Your comment was the first indication of any sort of midgame hurdle. A reviewer on YouTube vaguely described a point where things suddenly became unbearably repetitive. Does that sound like the hurdle to which you were referring?

So far, if Bravely Second is as good as good as the original, then I definitely look forward to it.

Lol I love it. Thanks for sharing!

Beautiful. I had the same TV for years. Never should have gotten rid of it!!!

Ok. Well your opinion is encouraging. If I find myself at that point I will be sure to press through. Frankly I've been playing with the encounter rate at maximum so far just to rapidly level up, so I feel like just maybe my tolerance for redundancy is high. I really hope it's not a game-breaking experience.

Your posts make me jealous. I wish we were friends.

Aren't we all.

It is good, isn't it!? Playing with headphones is the best.

"The time when countries use air drops, and these maritime piers, is usually if not always, in situations when you want to deliver humanitarian aid into enemy territory,"

That should have spelled it out enough for those that don't understand. Gaza is considered enemy territory as a direct result of Hamas actions. So the US is trying to help the innocent in a hostile environment.

largely non-violent

Your reply is such a relief. I'm so happy that someone can disagree with me and also call me out in a manner that is respectful but also aggressive enough to put me in my place. Thanks so much for not dehumanizing me but also challenging me in a manner that causes me to question my own mindset and experience. Moving forward you should totally use that tactic to derail people that disagree with you.

But also.... It's clear you could probably kick my bottom in smash 3ds or even Mario Kart. I would love someone to play with even if they defeat me because it makes me happy to be connected to someone!

Thanks for your patient and assertive response!