This is a customizable order form for the Virtual Boy and the various services offered. Please note that all costs listed are for service only, requiring you to ship not only the console but the mod/upgrade parts you have purchased yourself (with exception to the Full Recap Service as I will provide new capacitors from Console5)
Virtual Tap Install
The Virtual Tap allows you to ‘tap’ into the video signal from one of the Virtual Boy lens and convert it to 60hz video signal for output to a TV or monitor via either RGB or VGA. This is helpful for people who want to enjoy Virtual Boy but suffer from eye strain or discomfort using the actual headset. It also makes a great addition if you want to play on the Virtual Boy but allow other people to watch. When choosing this service, please be sure to select whether you want a palette switch or not. This switch costs slightly more as there is additional wiring but allows you to toggle between 8 different color schemes at the press of a button and some of these themes are much easier on the eyes than the OEM Red. Since I’m not providing any of the parts in this service it’s up to you to select and procure the AV Connection you want. You can do a mini-din style connector for use with an RGB Scart cable or HDRetroVision Genesis cable, a Nintendo style AV MultiOut for use with HDRetroVision SNES cables or VGA connector. There are two specific variations of the board depending on what you are choosing (RGB or VGA) so PLEASE read the note below before you order anything. The Nintendo MultiOut and VGA options cost slightly more as well due to a more complex shell cut for fitting, vs the smaller round hole for the mini-din style.
Virtual Tap Kits can be purchased from the following website:
VirtualTap Kit – RGB (Scart/YPbPr) – Rondo Products
VirtualTap Kit – VGA – Rondo Products
AV Connectors (to match your Kit style) can be purchase from the following websites:
Nintendo MultiOut AV Port – LaserBear
Threaded 8 Pin Mini-Din RGB Port – RetroFixes
Amphenol 15 Pin DSUB VGA Connector – Mouser
Push Button for Palette Switch can be purchased from here:
CW Industries Push Button – Digikey
PLEASE NOTE: You need to be sure you select the correct version of the VirtualTap Kit that corresponds with your AV Port of choice. In other words, don’t order and send me a VGA VirtualTap to go with an RGB Scart mini-din or Nintendo AV connector. I do not have the tools to re-flash the VirtualTap boards. If this happens you would have to change your port type to match the board you sent (including additional cost for me to procure parts) or pay for return shipping to you so it can be replaced or reflashed). VGA boards will NOT work with RGB and vice versa. Double check this and reach out if you need help picking!
Lens Ribbon Replacement
By far the most common issue with the Virtual Boy is Nintendo’s decision to use flex cable ribbons that were simply glued to the lens PCB instead of soldered, and the fact that over time this glue has weakened and left many Virtual Boys with only partially working lenses or even no display at all. For years the fix was to carefully clean and scrape away the glue and residue then expose the traces on the OEM ribbons and solder them to the lens. This worked, but there are now several options for high quality replacements that offer a permanent soldered solution and are much sturdier and reliable. For this reason, I no longer offer OEM ribbon repair as I would have to charge the same cost in labor but its much harder to guarantee lifetime of a flex cable thats already 30 years old. Below are the options I have installed or know come heavily recommended. If you want this service please select one of the following and ship it in with your system.
Lens Ribbon Replacements can be found on the following websites:
VBRibbonFixer Kit – Will’s Console Modifications
Virtual Ribbon Kit – StoneAgeGamer
Virtual Boy EyePatch – CardosiCustoms
Full System Recap
Electrolytic Capacitors have an estimated shelf life of about 15 years and many of these old retro gaming systems are long past that time. Prevent unwanted power, video or audio issues by proactively replacing these in your Virtual Boy system. If your Virtual Boy is already exhibiting issues a failed capacitor could be the culprit and is usually a good first step in the diagnosis and repair. All capacitors will be replaced on the 3 component boards with a cap kit from Console5 which I will provide for this service, included in the cost
Full Service Cleaning
After years of heavy use many systems will exhibit accumulation of dirt, dust and debris and this can not only impact the aesthetic appearance of the system but dirty system components can impact component life and performance. Your console will be completely disassembled and cleaned from the inside out. All PCB and internal electrical components will have dust and debris removed via an electronic air compressor and then be cleaned with 99% isopropyl alcohol and brushed clean. Outer shell and other non-electronic components will be taken apart and soaked in a soap/water mixture and carefully scrubbed to remove stains and debris buildup. Any light markings, scuffs or other blemishes will be safely removed to the best of my ability. Once the console is re-assembled the outer shell will be given a coat of plastic UV protectant to restore shine and prevent UV damage. The fabric visor will also be safely washed and dried
