Are all Virtual Boys like this?

[Tupin]

Okay, so the system turns on and I can see 3D effects, but I noticed that I can only see through the left screen. The right one is black.

I'm new to the VB, so is mine broken or is this normal?

[Nitrosport]

Both screens should display a picture. The ribbon cable has probably come loose on the right led display.

[Tupin]

Both screens should display a picture. The ribbon cable has probably come loose on the right led display.
Crap.

How hard is it to fix and what do I need to do?

[jb143]

I'm a little confused how you can see the 3D effect if only the left side is working. If that's the case then the image should look flat.

[Tupin]

I'm a little confused how you can see the 3D effect if only the left side is working. If that's the case then the image should look flat.
Well, it's a very, very shallow 3D effect.

I looked it up, and apparently it requires putting the LEDs in an oven and heating them, which I'm scared to do. D:

[Aussie2B]

It's a very common problem with Virtual Boys, and from what I understand, it's not an easy fix. You're better off getting a Virtual Boy that works from the get-go than trying to revive a busted one (not that I'm suggesting you should trash it). I lost about 20 bucks mailing back a Virtual Boy with the same problem to an eBay seller who claimed it was perfectly working, so I know the pain of a broken Virtual Boy.

[Tupin]

It's a very common problem with Virtual Boys, and from what I understand, it's not an easy fix. You're better off getting a Virtual Boy that works from the get-go than trying to revive a busted one (not that I'm suggesting you should trash it). I lost about 20 bucks mailing back a Virtual Boy with the same problem to an eBay seller who claimed it was perfectly working, so I know the pain of a broken Virtual Boy.
Well, I emailed the eBay seller, so he should have some answers for me.

This certainly sucks. :frustrated:

[Nesmaster]

Mine has the same problem, and the problem wouldn't be fixing it... it's getting the damn thing open without destroying it! :P

[Tupin]

Mine has the same problem, and the problem wouldn't be fixing it... it's getting the damn thing open without destroying it! :P
It looks like it uses a 4.5mm security bit.

[squirrelnut]

It looks like it uses a 4.5mm security bit.

I've heard that you can take the metal point off a bic pen, heat it with a lighter then melt it and push it onto the bits to made a mold that kinda fits the bit head.

[Tupin]

I've heard that you can take the metal point off a bic pen, heat it with a lighter then melt it and push it onto the bits to made a mold that kinda fits the bit head.
Yeah, but you can barely unscrew anything because the screw keeps stripping the bit.

I'll call Nintendo as a last resort and see if they can recommend anything....

[Nitrosport]

Yeah, but you can barely unscrew anything because the screw keeps stripping the bit.

I'll call Nintendo as a last resort and see if they can recommend anything....


Don't bother calling Nintendo as they no longer support the Virtual boy (they prefer to pretend it was never made :P). Your only options are to return it to the seller or try the oven trick. You will need a long security bit to open it.

[Cornelius]

It is the same security bit as for a SNES. The real problem is that the holes are so deep that the usual bits can't reach it. There's a guide for this out there, but in brief you can use a dremel to grind down the hex part of the bit and cut a slot in the end so that it can get all the way down to the screw, then you can use a screwdriver in the slot to turn it. It isn't quite as much of a pain as it sounds, so long as you have the equipment.

Also, if the ribbon cable is just loose, you should be able to re-seat it and be fine. However, I gather that most of the time the adhesive actually has pushed the cable away from its connector, and that's when the oven trick is needed. I had only temporary limited success with the oven trick, but I've since found a fully working unit.

[c0ldb33r]

Well, it's a very, very shallow 3D effect.
Heh. With only one screen I guess it'd be extremely shallow :)

Just get your money back and get a new one.

[Bratwurst]

In the more dedicated Virtual Boy discussion groups a more permanent solution has been found in stripping away some of the cable's insulation and soldering the traces directly onto the optic assembly's board. From what I've seen and read it's best done with a great deal of experience in stripping conformal coating and soldering delicate wire. I plan to do it someday as a preventative measure on my own Virtual Boy.

The oven trick only lasts so long because the adhesive is so old it has lost its tack.

[Tupin]

Thanks for the help, everyone.

I'm wondering if this was either mishandling in shipping or if the system was always like this... :?

I might take it to a local mom and pop game store to see if they can do anything.

[Pantechnicon]

I've done the oven trick and it works...at least for a while. Nothing to be afraid of carrying out the the procedure. After you've done it once it's not such a big deal to do it again whenever needed.

[Poofta!]

Thanks for the help, everyone.

I'm wondering if this was either mishandling in shipping or if the system was always like this... :?

I might take it to a local mom and pop game store to see if they can do anything.

it was probably like this from the get go. go apeshit on the seller, demand he pays for shipping, if not ship it the worst/cheapest way possible but insure/delivery confirmation it. make sure you get your money back and NEG him. i hate ebayers who think they can get away with anything and blame it on the post.

[Tupin]

it was probably like this from the get go. go apeshit on the seller, demand he pays for shipping, if not ship it the worst/cheapest way possible but insure/delivery confirmation it. make sure you get your money back and NEG him. i hate ebayers who think they can get away with anything and blame it on the post.
Darn, I already gave him a positive before I found this out. D: