How To Clean A Gameboy Advance

How to clean a GBA without taking it apart?

Eventually I want to open it up and clean it real well, and maybe add a new screen because it's all scratched up. But right now an external cleaning will have to do. What should I use? Also, is there a definitive guide to opening up, cleaning, and replacing screen GBAs? This is my childhood gameboy and I'd hate to fudge it up. Any help will be appreciated. I need a hobby!

level 1

The GBA is stupid easy to disassemble, and the procedure for changing the lense is literally "wedge something really flat under the old one to pry it off, replace it with the one you bought for $3-5+s&h." The lense (screen cover) is held on by adhesive and the replacement will have adhesive on it. Super easy. I'd also recommend getting a toolkit with the triwing, two security screw tools and a Philips; it was like $9 on Amazon.

Good luck!

level 2

I'd take it apart to remove the screen. You risk scratching when trying to pry from the outside. Once the GBA is apart, you just press the screen out with your thumbs. Dish-washing detergent and water works well on the dissembled plastic (using an old toothbrush to scrub).

level 2

Thanks! I'm still new to the whole thing and I plan on watching a bunch of videos. I know of aliexpress for shells and stuff but what other sites do you recommend for screens and such?

level 1

I always use an alcohol covered Q-Tip

level 1

If you just want to do external cleaning and little holes like the link port, use a dry tooth brush. It gets in all the little nooks/grooves in the plastic without too much effort :)

level 2

Is there a solution I can use lightly to wipe the shell?