Nintendo of America

Scratched/Bubbles on the Screen - Troubleshooting

If there are bubbles on the screen of your Game Boy system, check to make sure any protective film has been removed. On older Game Boy systems, Nintendo installed a thin plastic coating to ensure the screen is protected during shipping. This should be removed before you begin play.

If the screen beneath the plastic window appears cracked or there is a dark ink-colored splotch beneath the screen, the problem is likely a cracked liquid crystal display (LCD). Click here if this more closely resembles your symptoms.

If the plastic cover appears scratched, the options for replacement will depend on which type of Game Boy you have:

System:	Option:
Game Boy (Original) Game Boy pocket Game Boy Color	Screen cover replacement kit (click here for more information)
Game Boy Advance	Screen cover replacement kit (click here for more information)
Game Boy Advance SP	Due to the construction of the screen itself on a Game Boy Advance SP, it is not possible to replace its screen cover without special facilities and tools. As a result, we are unable to offer personal screen cover replacement kits at this time. If the screen cannot be seen due to excessive scratches, you will need to have the unit repaired. Because this problem is considered physical damage, it is not covered under Nintendo's warranty against manufacturer defects. If you wish to have your Game Boy Advance SP repaired, and your system is less than a year old, please call our Consumer Service department at 1-800-255-3700. If your Game Boy Advance SP is more than a year old, click here for repair options.
Game Boy micro	Game Boy micro systems use removable faceplates that have a clear plastic window that lines up over the actual LCD screen of the system. If the LCD screen is intact, and it is only the plastic screen cover of the faceplate that is scratched, your system does not need to be sent in for repair. The Game Boy micro comes with two extra faceplates that can be used (more info), or you can purchase additional faceplates from Nintendo. Click here for information on where to buy Game Boy micro faceplates. If the LCD screen itself cannot be seen due to excessive scratches, you will need to have the unit repaired. Because this problem is considered physical damage, it is not covered under Nintendo's warranty against manufacturer defects. If you wish to have your Game Boy micro repaired, please call our Consumer Service department at 1-800-255-3700.

 

 

 

Screen Cover Replacement Kit for Game Boy Advance:

You can replace the screen cover of your Game Boy Advance by using the screen cover kit. A screen cover kit includes a new screen, a removal tool, and replacement instructions. The kits are available through:

• Nintendo's Online Store
• Nintendo's Customer Service Department. For assistance, please call 1-800-255-3700 between 6am and 7pm (PST) 7 days a week
  
  This product is not available at retail stores.
  
  Please read the instructions carefully before performing the replacement.

If you do not want to replace the screen yourself, you may want to have your system repaired or replaced. Because this problem is considered physical damage, it is not covered under Nintendo's warranty. If you wish to have your Game Boy Advance repaired, and your system is less than a year old, please call our Consumer Service department at 1-800-255-3700. If your Game Boy Advance is more than a year old, click here for available repair options.

 

 

 

Screen Cover Replacement Kits for Game Boy (Original), Game Boy pocket, and Game Boy Color:

You can replace the screen cover of your Game Boy (all types except Game Boy Advance SP) by using a screen cover kit. This kit includes a new screen, a removal tool, and replacement instructions. The kits are available through:

• Nintendo's Online Store. There are different kits for the Original Game Boy, Game Boy pocket, and Game Boy Color
• Nintendo's Customer Service Department. For assistance, please call 1-800-255-3700 between 6am and 7pm (PST) 7 days a week
  
  This product is not available at retail stores.
  
  Please read the instructions carefully before performing the replacement.

If you do not want to replace the screen yourself, you may want to have your system replaced. Due to the age of the system, we are unable to offer factory repair directly from Nintendo. For more information on finding replacements, click here.