When I recently tried to play my Virtual Boy, I realized that I was having the display problem occur. I could only hear the sound from the game, but no video. I did some searching and found this site and have been reading up on the different methods of repairing this problem. However, after I tried repairing the Virtual Boy using the soldering technique, I saw some of the image, but the scan lines were now present. So, I continued using the soldering technique with hope of making a solid connection, but I’m back to seeing absolutely nothing again. This time, there is no sound as well. I fear that I may have really messed it up. Now, I’m wondering if anyone may either have an extra spare set of display cables already connected that they’re willing to sell. I doubt it, but I feel like it’s worth asking just in case. If not, is there anyone here able to repair it? I don’t want to do anything else to it, fearing that I’ll just make it worse.

Welcome to the forums!

TheForce81 does display repairs for people, but there’s a chance yours might be beyond recovery. I think Runnerpack recently did a repair as well, but I don’t know if he’s “open for business”, as it were.

You might end up having to buy a broken VB on eBay (~$40, at the moment) to get the salvage parts you need. I have two VBs that have display issues, for instance, and intend to repair them some day… but haven’t yet.

So… yeah. Welcome!

I was fearing that, but I did start checking on eBay for a replacement VB. So I have my sights set on a few auctions. I just figured I’d ask here to see if anyone had any advice on it before I do anything else. This site is great and informative on lots of topics regarding the VB so it really helps.

Did you perform a continuity test to see if there are any shorts between pins for the display cable?

I had lines, then blackness due to a few shorts from my first soldering job [a bit of solder between two pins as well as lifted tin when the plastic melted and receded], so I checked each pin and corrected each problem and it has been working perfectly since.

Not sure why there is no sound, however..

I’ll definitely check to see if everything is okay through a continuity test and let you know. Thanks Wazzal

So, I performed the continuity test and found that that was the issue. I tinkered with it for a while and restored the sound and video, even though it was simply the horizontal lines. I kept trying with one right eye, but I’ve given up on that one. However, the left eye I was able to restore with the exception of a few lines. So, I figure I’d try the bypass method on the right eye to get it back to normal. I’m just going to do some more research on it before performing anything. Thanks again.