Modding & Repair

3D printing opens up custom shells, buttons, and grips for retro handhelds. Here is how to find designs, choose materials, and finish prints that fit.

Mushy shoulder buttons are a common handheld weak point. Here is how to mod them for a crisp click, from drop-in kits to soldered microswitches.

A worn or swollen battery is fixable. Here is how to safely replace the lithium battery in a retro handheld, what capacity to pick, and the safety rules.

Cracked glass or a dim panel is fixable. Here is how to replace a handheld screen or glass safely, plus what a laminated screen mod is worth.

A shell swap is one of the best first mods. Here is how to move your handheld board into a new shell safely, from opening it to transferring buttons.

New to modding retro handhelds? Here are the tools you need, what is safe to try first, what is risky, and how to plan your first hardware mod.

How to clean and maintain your retro handheld so it lasts for years. Safe ways to clean the screen, buttons, and ports, plus storage tips that prevent damage.

How to upgrade your handheld with Hall effect sticks to kill drift for good. What Hall effect is, which devices ship with it, and a full install walkthrough.

How to install a screen protector on your retro handheld with no bubbles or dust. Step by step for tempered glass and film, plus how to fix trapped bubbles.

How to keep your retro handheld's battery healthy for years — charging habits that matter, safe storage, spotting a swollen cell, and when (and how) to replace it.