# Disassembly Guide

## Video Guide

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avd2NVmZ9qY>

## Getting Started

In this guide we'll show you how to disassemble your [original DMG Game Boy](https://ebay.us/NkbpWH). 


:::hint{type="info"}
Hand Held Legend earns commissions for Amazon purchases made through links in this post.

:::

### Required Tools


1. PH1 Phillips screwdriver
2. Y1 Tri-point screwdriver

### Recommended Tools


1. Plastic spudger tool

 ![Ready to disassemble!](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS9kN2M2YjhiZS0zODA3LTQyM2MtODAwZS04ODM3ZjZiNTg4MzAvbUlDZzZhN0NsYzFOX01iOE1wVEJ0XzF0b29scy5KUEciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5MzgxNzAwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzOTAzNDAwfQ.wGJ2Qo0nSHdX2_C-rVbiIQUGpmqztPoU0CK0k98B46A)

## Written Guide

### Rear shell removal

Turn the Game Boy over so the battery cover is facing up. Remove the battery cover and any batteries. 

Use your Y1 screwdriver to remove the 6 screws as shown. *Some models may use PH1 screws.*

 ![6 Y1 or PH1 Screws](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS8xOGI0Mzg2Ni1mZjhkLTRmNGItOTQ0Yi01MTI1YTdkOTBmZjEvbFdsNFNlazRqOXJSeEh1bWpVOFBEXzJmbGlwLkpQRyIsInR5cGUiOiJhdHRhY2htZW50IiwiaWF0IjoxNzkzODE3MDAwLCJleHAiOjE3OTM5MDM0MDB9.y2_JUwYcspHHC4bnRRA6YXv58gC1eaKecjY3cJwtiIk)

 ![Y1 Screw example](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS8wNzY5N2NmMy1lZDMxLTQxNDQtODQwMi01NWEwNzZjN2IyZDkvejVfeVRUREJZZjctSkRvVDJiSHlxXzNiYXR0ZXJ5c2NyZXdzLkpQRyIsInR5cGUiOiJhdHRhY2htZW50IiwiaWF0IjoxNzkzODE3MDAwLCJleHAiOjE3OTM5MDM0MDB9.dxrYfI_vHNA_xR4vrUE4AF1_lnQ-qE99iQrSZnAxNbM)

Carefully separate the front half from the rear half of the Game Boy. Note that there is a ribbon cable connecting the front shell PCB to the rear shell PCB. 

The ribbon cable can be pulled straight out of its socket. This connector is a pressure fit and does not have any locking mechanism. A small wiggling motion can be applied to persuade a stubborn cable.

 ![LCD ribbon removed](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS85OTlmY2YzOC1jNGFjLTRlNDItODRlOC1hZTI0OTUwMmYxOTAvQUtpRndPQkx6aG1vMkFwY2FtZnlIXzRsY2QtcmliYm9uLkpQRyIsInR5cGUiOiJhdHRhY2htZW50IiwiaWF0IjoxNzkzODE3MDAwLCJleHAiOjE3OTM5MDM0MDB9.5ePCUw3gDB1bZPtFg7TTOQOPMytg9-p1WCSk0IpUzgI)

### Main board removal

Remove the 4 PH1 screws holding the main board and audio filter board to the rear shell.

 ![](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS81MGQwNzc0Ni1kODE4LTQxZmQtOWVjNS1kY2QxN2NjNGJhMDMvTWhzX013eExpcS1aM0ZfdUhmakZyXzVyZWFyLWJvYXJkLXNjcmV3cy5KUEciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5MzgxNzAwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzOTAzNDAwfQ.kOSAgiSEMF9j3-renIufvNxAtp8etaj_Gu8lqShfcfo)

At this point, the main board, audio filter board, and power regulator board can all be completely removed from the rear shell.

 ![](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS9hZjNlYmI2MS03ZGUzLTQ4Y2EtYjQwZS1kOGUwYWFkMmQ2OGEvd1JiZW9FSFZDN3hXR2RLSmxaWFNYXzZyZWFyLWJvYXJkLXJlbW92YWwuSlBHIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTM4MTcwMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzkwMzQwMH0.hxKMDBcDvbMb3mOMs90rVvlGp0aqaRN8MWUkfvF75Cw)

The plastic power switch can be removed and placed aside.

 ![](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS9iMjk5NjFhMi01ZGFhLTQ0NmMtOTVmZi1jZWVlODVjNjM0MmUvZjVTZGdISDY5aW8wRm5ZUWhBclFJXzdwb3dlci1zd2l0Y2guSlBHIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTM4MTcwMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzkwMzQwMH0.CgwBwm7OODs4Z-gVpkPE1MWeE1oj0XB3cmsU9J64MxI)

### Optional: Remove cartridge shield

Unscrew the 4 PH1 screws. The metal shield will lift off with ease.

 ![](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS84ZTYzYjM1ZC0zODA1LTQ0ZWQtYWI3Zi1hZDAxZTIzMDUwYWEvejI3MGE3ZWZRZHV5Z25LeTJlbmhyXzhjYXJ0Y292ZXIuSlBHIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTM4MTcwMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzkwMzQwMH0.tPHf_ZgcrEd116WG8UKRD4loGietzp7je5rbCbFOeKU)

### Optional: Remove battery tabs

If your battery tabs need a good cleaning or you are moving them to a new case, you can use your plastic spuder tool to release the metal locking tab on the inside of the rear shell. There are 3 tabs in total.

 ![](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS9hOWEzMDhmOS03NmY3LTQ3ZjMtODdjNS0yY2Y1ZTM5MDNlYWUvMFpQVEh3RjJkOF9YUUFlX3FmY1F2XzEwbW9yZXRhYnMuSlBHIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTM4MTcwMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzkwMzQwMH0.s_akuq8v8gBfSMXCzLcp3lg7FQB0DskhXk_MYOEXF2k)

 ![](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS85YjVmMzU4Ni1kMmY2LTQxYTEtOWEyNS1hYTM1MzVhN2Q5MzkvRlluOG1QbTlTQWRLODJoY1p0SXZxXzliYXR0ZXJ5dGFicy5KUEciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5MzgxNzAwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzOTAzNDAwfQ.9QwFnQ-9SLo4GoWXWDLPXLjKJXPY3f_NY1eElD4W_qY)

 ![](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS8xMjQ2ZWU5Yy0yYjhmLTQwMjQtODU3Yy03ZmZhNTg1OGUzY2QvSXh0cWdVNjdlNlU0MGF4ZmhicmxpXzExYmF0dGVyeXRhYnNyZW1vdmVkLkpQRyIsInR5cGUiOiJhdHRhY2htZW50IiwiaWF0IjoxNzkzODE3MDAwLCJleHAiOjE3OTM5MDM0MDB9.r_eeAiuFMDrQhOS8bQa9-RJRe8C8oDJLFSpOpJsz-3c)

### LCD/control board removal

Remove the 10 PH1 screws holding the LCD/control board to the front shell.

 ![](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS9hZjlmNGQ5ZC0yMjE3LTRiZTMtYjAxNi01OTBjZTI3YTU0ZTIvMVF5SGM4QzlzUkJkb2s3OWhHQ1dSXzEyZnJvbnRwY2IuSlBHIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTM4MTcwMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzkwMzQwMH0.Y_tvanHK4OpWK46oIUVuIlspuabGcBgVV94rDz5kIhA)

Note that there is a thin strip of adhesive which may produce some resistance when freeing the board from the shell. A gentle but firm lift should remove the board with ease. The main speaker is attached to the front board; mind the wires!

 ![Inner adhesive is hidden](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS8xZThlODYxZi1iNjFjLTRlNzgtOGYyZS01ODRjMjlkZjBmYmQvekdTeWR1WHdsZGtkdEtVclZTTTRRXzEzZnJvbnRwY2JhZGhlc2l2ZS5KUEciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5MzgxNzAwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzOTAzNDAwfQ.Cso3Ug4lsKDQ4U7sK03ZIzDJ4VTtm74TBVZ5VDht6hE)

 ![LCD board removed](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS8xNTMyZTc2MS0zOTI2LTRiZjktYmJkZi1lYWY5OGFiNzRkYWEvWjJvRXJYa2tIS0dnazJSUy11YXhpXzE0ZnJvbnRib2FyZHJlbW92ZS5KUEciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5MzgxNzAwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzOTAzNDAwfQ.8p19O4ATLtbGgVH5IoXSFSwGY5bcbazU-88OZAjTGFc)

### Buttons and D-Pad

You now have access to remove the silicone membranes as well as the buttons. 

 ![](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS9lYjFhNDZkYi1jYjk2LTRlYzUtOGMxOS0xM2JjMmViNjA2YTEvaVZodTVNMm1WZDlfNktDdWNLVzJIXzE1YnV0dG9ucy5KUEciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5MzgxNzAwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzOTAzNDAwfQ.SdWB1lEK5Jt2zZeA-Xp2lKFoMDfh3T1agqfAfjHi4OU)

### Front screen lens

Pressing gently from the inside of the case, it is usually quite easy to remove the plastic screen lens. Use a cloth if you want to avoid any scratching. Gentle heat from a hair dryer can help to soften up stubborn adhesive. You may find this old adhesive to be dry and cracked. Hearing cracking noises during this step is not abnormal.

 ![](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS82NGUxYWU1NS1hMDIyLTRiZjEtYTFlOS1mOWI3MTkyODE3MzMvX0Y2T1FvLV8ydkt3MzByZV9wVzE2XzE2c2NyZWVubGVucy5KUEciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5MzgxNzAwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzOTAzNDAwfQ.lcd_t2b14naHkxudNAJQBJwoyVfOAsrR5EONOw8IF40)

### Complete!

To reassemble your console, simply follow these instructions in reverse. 

 ![DMG Spread](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzU5ZGZiY2Y1LTNjZGEtNGY4OC1hMDAyLWViYzFkNmQ5NjMyOS8yZjdmZGQ2MS1lNWJhLTQ0NWItYTk4YS1lMmMyMmFiYWEwYzUvTkdtZ2dnOHZZZFF2VGNHc1ZLV2dWXzE3ZW5kLkpQRyIsInR5cGUiOiJhdHRhY2htZW50IiwiaWF0IjoxNzkzODE3MDAwLCJleHAiOjE3OTM5MDM0MDB9.tqI6Iwp6S_JcqJcES8oTKi7mdrDbqNgBYT_AMHbt_TQ)

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**Documents**

- [Screw Guide](https://docs.handheldlegend.com/s/portal/doc/screw-guide-PwQRDfSzeq)