Bringing a Corroded Game Gear Back to Life
A step-by-step account of cleaning battery corrosion off a Game Gear motherboard and testing each component before reassembly.
Stories From the Bench: Port Said's Modding Chronicles
Deep dives into shell casts, restoration logs, and the handhelds that keep coming back to life on our workbench in Port Said, Egypt.
Read the ArchiveFrom the Workbench Journal
Recent write-ups on builds, restorations, and the hardware that inspired them
Reviving a Water-Damaged Game Boy Pocket
A corroded board, a dead speaker, and a shell yellowed past recognition — we walk through what it took to bring this Pocket back to functional condition.
Casting Custom Shells: A Look at Our Resin Process
We break down the mold-making and pigment-mixing steps behind our translucent purple shell run, including where the process tends to go wrong.
The Quiet Rise of IPS Panel Swaps
IPS backlight kits changed how collectors view screen upgrades. We trace how the mod became a near-standard request in restoration circles.
Sourcing Rare Buttons for a Neo Geo Pocket Color
Finding matching membrane pads for a discontinued handheld meant hunting through supplier lists across three countries — here's what we learned.
Capacitor Rot: Reading the Warning Signs Early
Before a board fails completely, there are telltale signs on the PCB. We cover what to check before powering on an untested vintage unit.
A Shell Restoration Diary: GBA SP Hinge Repair
The clamshell hinge is often the first part to fail on an SP. This entry documents a full teardown and hinge reinforcement on a well-loved unit.
Curious how a shell swap actually works?
Our latest teardown posts walk through every step, from disassembly to final polish, no shortcuts skipped.
Why Readers Follow This Blog
What separates our workbench notes from generic modding roundups
Hands-On Documentation
Every article comes from an actual build sitting on our bench in Port Said, not secondhand research or recycled press releases.
Honest Process Notes
We include the failed attempts and reworked steps, not just the polished final result, so readers understand the real learning curve.
Community Sourced Requests
Many restoration logs come directly from questions and console submissions sent in by local collectors and readers abroad.
Regional Hardware Focus
We highlight handhelds and consoles that circulate through this part of the world, offering a perspective outside the usual coverage.
Fresh From the Workbench
The latest entries from our restoration and modding logs
Mixing Pigments for a Translucent Amber Finish
Notes on the resin ratios and curing times that produced a stable amber tint without warping the shell mold.
Comparing Replacement Speakers for Classic Handhelds
We tested three aftermarket speaker options against original parts to see which held up best in sound clarity and fit.
Reader Submission: A Rescued Sega Nomad
One collector's shipping mishap turned into a full teardown story, shared here with his permission and our repair notes.
Checking a Board for Capacitor Leakage Before You Buy
A short visual guide to spotting early corrosion signs on secondhand boards before committing to a restoration project.