Game Gear:Screen Lens Replacement

This page walks you through replacing the screen lens on your Game Gear. The most common replacement is to swap the plastic screen lens with a glass one which reduces the possibility of scratches and helps combat the slight distortion of the rounded plastic lens.

Removing the Old Lens

Pop Out Method

This is the safest method, as you do not require heating the unit.

1. Disassemble the Game Gear until you have just the top half of the shell with the lens.
2. Grip the console like a steering wheel, with your thumbs on the plastic lens. Use slowly increasing pressure until the lens pops off.

Heat Method

This is the quicker method which requires heating the unit with a hairdryer or hot air station, but does not require disassembling the unit.

1. Use a hairdryer or hot air station on low heat (120-150°F) to heat the left and right edges of the lens. Avoid directing heat at the screen itself, and try to stick to the edges as much as possible.
2. Use a thin plastic tool or playing card to slide under the top-left or top-right corner of the lens.
3. Use a plastic pry tool to lift the lens and work your way around the screen lens until the lens comes completely off. Avoid heating the exposed screen.

Applying the New Lens

1. Use your fingers to peel off as much of the adhesive as possible. After peeling, attempt to pick off as much as you can with your fingers or plastic scraper tool.
2. Remove all adhesive residue using cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol.
3. Peel up some of the top left and top right corners of the plastic film covering the replacement lens. Grip the film to hold the lens in the air to aid with positioning it.
4. Peel off the adhesive on the lens and guide the lens gently into place, placing it into the grooves in the shell plastic. If needed, you should be able to slide it around to reposition it.
5. Gently press down all over the screen to secure it into place.
6. Remove the plastic film and use a microfiber cloth to apply pressure while cleaning the entirety of the screen.