[Can someone build me a] Game Gear Adapter

[beamish]

Hi all,

I am wondering what it would take/cost if someone was willing to create a Game Gear adapter for me?
I am not very familiar with putting one of my own together, and of any of the previous methods
I have read about, I would not want to damage a master system adapter in the process.

Thanks in advance!

[Matthias_H]

Adding a Game Gear slot inherently "damages" the SMS adapter because it will no longer fit into the cartridge shell. Even worse, though, it completely destroys a Game Gear

[beamish]

haha very true! So is there no way to get some kind of adapter made?
I have a few games that I would love to start playing again, and even backup.
I have seen a few prototypes being made for the retrode, and I didn't know
if any progress was made, or if that was being furthered.

[Matthias_H]

There will be no "official" GG adapter because taking old Game Gears apart on an industrial scale is clearly not an option However, maybe some forum member can build you one. I've changed the title of this thread to better reflect your intention.

[beamish]

Ok, great. Thanks for changing this. That is basically what I am looking for. Any takers?

[beamish]

If someone were willing to build one for me, what would be required?

[Muzer]

If someone were willing and able (I'm not saying I am), they would require a preferably-broken Game Gear, and the existing SMS adaptor. You would also have to not mind people cutting a large hole in the case.

[beamish]

Ok, that's what I figured. I really don't mind having a hole in the sms adapter. Just want to back up these games 

[beamish]

I have a busted Game Gear, so it wouldn't be wasted 


If I were to do it myself:

1. it requires the SMS adapter
2. Desoldering / Cleaning Game Gear connector
3. Solder Game Gear Connector to SMS adapter (thus "ruining" the SMS adapter shell.)


Is this correct?

[Matthias_H]

Almost. You will probably also have to clean the SMS adapter's GG pins from solder before you can put the connector in.

As for your point 2. (the GG connector unsoldering), I've done this once and it was a real joy thanks to its long and flexible pins: I managed to get it out only using a heat gun.
a) Remove rivets that nail connector to PCB
b) Cover bottom side with alu foil, leaving only solder points exposed
c) Pad gap between connector plastic and PCB with paper to obtain some tension
d) Gently apply heat from below until solder melts and connector loosens

Repeat steps c) and d) until connector falls out

ad 3., if you don't mind using the plug-in naked (PCB only), of course you don't have to ruin the shell.

[beamish]

ok, I'm new to doing that, but it sounds like I can handle it! 
All I have to do now is buy the SMS adapter.


Thanks for all the help!

[Matthias_H]

You may also want to get in touch with this guy who has just embarked on the same journey.

[beamish]

A few minutes with the heat gun, and it came right off! Now time to wait for my SMS adapter in the mail 

[Matthias_H]

A few minutes with the heat gun, and it came right off! Now time to wait for my SMS adapter in the mail 

Feels good, doesn't it?