How do you keep your portable systems minty fresh?

[Retromangia]

Hey folks,

I was wondering how everyone out there keeps there hand held systems from getting scratched up? I'm talking particularly about the screens.

Systems like GBA SP and DS are fucking awesome in this respect because they fold closed, and you don't have to worry about a thing.

But what about systems like PSP, and Gameboy Color? I've thought about getting screen protectors, but sometimes those can cause more problems than not (bubbles, scratches while applying, etc). Besides, who wants to make those great screens look less vibrant with the use of a screen protector.


In the past, I've always put my systems in a plastic sandwich bag, then into a soft travel case for safe keeping.

Does anyone out there know of any better ways to take care of your portable systems? I'd love to hear about it

thanks,
Retromangia


P.S. Has anyone ever tried this product called "Plastic Scratch remover" by Novus, or anything like it?

here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Novus-Polish-Plastic-Scratch-Remover/dp/B000J41VDM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1282928662&sr=8-1

[jb143]

Systems like GBA SP and DS are fucking awesome in this respect because they fold closed, and you don't have to worry about a thing.


The case of the SP uses a plastic that is very easy to scratch though.

If the screen cover(lens, or whatever you want to call it) is scratched, you can usually get a replacement for fairly cheap that is easy to replace. For GBC and original GBA anyways. I'm not sure about the DS.

[Darko]

In the past, I've always put my systems in a plastic sandwich bag, then into a soft travel case for safe keeping.

Does anyone out there know of any better ways to take care of your portable systems? I'd love to hear about it

I store my PSP in a sunglasses bag when I'm not playing it. You know, the type with the drawstring on one side? I think I'm using an old over-sized Oakley bag right now. It's great because you can use the bag to wipe off fingerprints without worrying about damaging anything.

As far as storing everything else goes, I keep mine in a box like this:

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTmQTuGVLflDVjR5x5NJIyxIYPCZ7niW XvPnYkPBQDmrTBlKxA&t=1&usg=__L98WEknQzScZ_XPHw93jMeUQpyo=

Mine is velvet lined so it doesn't hurt the games/systems at all. They come in all sorts of sizes. I think I got mine at some antique store that doesn't really sell antiques, but you can get them at TJ Maxx, Ross, etc. It also keeps the dust out!

[Richter Belmount]

Store them in the fridge next to a box of arm and hammer.

[WoodyXP]

I use Crown Royal bags to store my handhelds.

[Retromangia]

Richter Belmont your an idiot.

So Darko.. you think Microfiber Sunglass bags are better than plastic bags, as far as scratching goes? Thats not a bad idea.

Anyone else can back this up?

[RazorD]

I dip my hands in pure engine grease then play em! Ha, my apoligies man, just messin around

[Darko]

See below (can't figure out how to delete this).

[Darko]

Richter Belmont your an idiot.

So Darko.. you think Microfiber Sunglass bags are better than plastic bags, as far as scratching goes? Thats not a bad idea.

Yes. You can't clean your handhelds with sandwich bags.

[Red Baron]

http://sadpanda.us/images/201182-0PY9REC.jpg

One of these(although mine is the GB Color model) houses my precious GBA. It has a plastic tray inside, which it only sorta fits in due to being for another kind of Game Boy, but the rest of the case being soft helps even things out. Also has room for my light, spare batteries, the AC cable, and some games.

Hasn't let me down yet.

[staxx]

Screen protectors (static kind) work great, though you have to know how to apply them on without the bubbles and dust (use the shower trick). Other than that is to store them in their original box. If they are loose systems then you can wrap them up in bubble wrap or wrap them up in lint free cloths (very cheap from auto stores). Last idea is to put em in a huge vault, lock it up and never play em until you are 80 years old.

[frogofdeath]

I've had an original GameBoy case from back when it first came out. It still works just fine, as the inside is a soft padded foam of some sort (I believe it was made by Nuby). If you can track down GameBoy cases, I think they work swell.

Not sure what the best option is for newer portables.

Don't mean to hijack this thread, but it still deals with portable screens, does anyone know how to re-attach a GameBoy screen that has fallen off? Mine slid off and I still have yet to look into putting it back together.

[Oldskool]

I keep mine covered at all times when not in use. If I don't have a cover for it, I will lay a cloth over it. (I live in Vegas and it's very dusty here).

As far as the screens go, I blow them off with my breath if anything like a dust bunny gets on it. The stuff that doesn't blow off I wait a few weeks and then use a lense cloth on it. The lense cloth really keeps it from getting all scratched up, especially if you use the lense cleaning solution with it.

Once every month or so, I go over the whole thing with a damp cloth.

[skaar]

Listerine, baby.

[Retromangia]

.. I think I'll lock them in a vault and wait until I'm 80 =)

Microfiber cloth sunglass holder it is.

[skaar]

Of note, a 50/50 solution of rubbing alcohol and water in a misting spray bottle + microfiber cloth makes anything look new again.

[Leo_A]

I was wondering how everyone out there keeps there hand held systems from getting scratched up? I'm talking particularly about the screens.

Most don't, just look at all the collection pics posted here over the years with things like Game Boys, Game Gears, and Atari Lynxes left out in the open for display to collect dust and inevitably get scratched.

I keep mine in cases to protect the screens when not in use (Unless of course it's something like a SP or a DS).

[retroman]

from the original gameboy to psp..none of my screens for any portable have ever been scrached..the key to it..dont touch them, and dont let anyone play your systems..

[c0ldb33r]

I keep mine in coffins:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmGyww_Q3Gg

I've got official carrying cases for some of them.

[Arcade Antics]

I put this http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/f2_DXv654_YQotknhLIREMYWPpxzvHdcuSf1IcJ4e_MXrL2soM L2b5zL4dbwzxzmKGCRkodB4I1yhAjO6Nr6Zq-bEXOONb3MRSzt4XeusaqP81h793VDGPSN4KF-YOLYPI9XqhUH9ZMnJrFQPK-1GGREsUEe in the game slot when it's not being played.

[kupomogli]

Screen protectors work really well I think.

[theclaw]

I wonder about this. I think I'd be hosed if my Swancrystal or NGPC screen were to get too scratched. Finding replacement covers, oh boy.

[DeputyMoniker]

Honestly, my PSP is the only one I carry in a case. I've always been very happy with the stock one that came in the bundle. My DS, well, it's already protected. My GB Micro, the screen is replaceable, so I don't worry much about it. I just throw it in my bag or pocket. Those are the only portables that leave my house. Back to my PSP, considering how valuable the screen is to that system, I'd flip out if I scratched it...so I'm just careful with it.