Ok - so got a Sega Game Gear that needed new caps, I could tell because the picture was just barely visible. Replaced most of the caps (still have a few on the way). Now I can see a picture - however the system looks like it needs some more contrast. It has been years since I have played one of these, so I am sure it is just the LCD technology of the time that Sega chose.
Here is one major issue - batteries don't work. I could only get it to power using an AC Adapter. The battery tray had a ton of corrosion. Figured I probably just need to clean the hell out of the pins? Maybe something was damaged nearby? I know this isn't a Sega forum but thought I would just start here before posting on some Sega Forums.
If you need to send it to someone, I sent my game gear to Chop5 and it came back in awesome condition!
haha I normally fix my stuff, but yeah Chops and many others are awesome
You can get more contrast by doing the DSI backlight mod on the gamegear. will also improve battery life by a ton. power board on your gamegear may be to far gone. might have to get another for parts and replace it. Majesco made gamegears (have a purple start button) have slightly better screens and battery life over older game gears stock.
in general, the screen will have terrible contrast. it will always have a white washed out look until you start doing some screen modes. The backlight mod helps, but I wish there was a simple screen swap like on the Nomad.
it doesnt help having beautiful HD screens in our pockets. Switching to a retro console from a smart phone is a shock.