Battery corrosion
Corrosion residue is caustic and can irritate skin and eyes. Wear gloves and eye protection, remove all batteries first, and never power on a console with active corrosion on the contacts.
Battery Corrosion
Leaving alkaline batteries in a Game Boy for years is the most common way to damage one. As they age, batteries leak a corrosive substance that eats into the metal contacts and can creep onto the board, leaving a crusty white or green residue. Caught early, it cleans up; left alone, it destroys traces.
- Assess the damage. Open the battery compartment and the shell. Note whether corrosion is limited to the contacts or has spread to nearby board traces.
- Neutralize and clean. Apply a mild acid such as white vinegar to dissolve the alkaline residue, then scrub with isopropyl alcohol and a brush. Repeat until the metal is bright.
- Repair contacts. Lightly corroded springs and tabs can be sanded clean; badly eaten ones should be replaced. Repair any damaged traces with wire if needed.
- Dry and test. Let everything dry fully, reinstall fresh batteries, and confirm the console powers on reliably.
Preventing it
- Remove batteries whenever the console will sit unused for weeks.
- Do not mix old and new cells, which accelerates leaking.
- Inspect the compartment periodically for early signs of residue.
Act fast
The sooner you clean leaked residue, the better. Corrosion keeps spreading along metal even while stored, so a unit that powers on today may not next year if left untreated.