Bringing Retro Handhelds Back to Life!

At SaveState Revivals, we specialize in restoring, repairing, and reviving classic handheld gaming consoles—because great games deserve to be played, not just collected!

🔧 Repairs & Maintenance – Fixing common issues like dead screens, unresponsive buttons, and power failures.
🛠 Refurbishments & Shell Swaps – Giving damaged or aging consoles a fresh new look.
✨ Full Restorations – Preserving the original feel of beloved handhelds while making them fully functional.
⚡ Modding & Upgrades – Enhancing old consoles with IPS screen mods, backlit displays, rechargeable battery upgrades, and more.

Transparency is very important to us! Each device contains a scannable QR code and service number, linking to its service history, so owners can always access repair and manufacturing details. It is usually located behind the battery cover.

Whether you're looking to bring your childhood console back to life or want a modernized retro handheld, we’ve got you covered.

🎮 Play Again. Play Better. Play Forever.

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Meet our Technician!

Restoration is more than just repair—it’s an art. Lauren, our lead technician, holds a BFA in Drawing and Painting from OCAD University in Toronto, Canada, and a Post-Baccalaureate in Art Conservation from SACI University in Florence, Italy. She has done work for the Italian government as a graduate student, and had moved on to working on projects for the City of Toronto as well as private clients. With a deep understanding of materials, preservation techniques, and historical integrity, Lauren approaches each restoration with the same care and precision used in fine art conservation.

But beyond the technical expertise, Lauren is a lifelong gamer. One of her earliest victories was finally beating her mom at Tetris on the Famicom at age 7—a defining moment that sparked a lifelong love for classic games. Some of her all-time favorites include Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land on the Game Boy Advance SP and the underrated Pokémon Tetris on the Pokémon Mini—a true hidden gem.

Lauren believes retro gaming isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about preserving history, reliving cherished moments, and ensuring these legendary devices continue to bring joy for years to come. That’s why she meticulously restores each console, combining expert craftsmanship with a passion for gaming.

"From preserving historical artifacts to reviving classic gaming consoles—restoration is both an art and a science!"

Terms & Definitions

What is a Restoration?

🛠 Restoration – Bringing a console back to its original condition

✔ Deep cleaning to remove dirt, dust, and corrosion
✔ Fixing broken buttons, screens, and power issues
✔ Keeping as many original parts as possible

💡 Example: Restoring a GameBoy by replacing the screen, fixing corroded battery contacts, and keeping an original shell so it looks and works like new.

For Restorations our goal is to use all original parts. Often, the only reproduction part of the device will be a new reproduction screen cover, usually in glass for better clarity and durability. We also have a deep appreciation for the life of an object and so we try not to overclean.

What is a Refurbishment?

🔧 Refurbishment – Making a console look and function better

✔ Replacing worn-out parts (like new buttons, screens, or battery covers)
✔ Shell swaps for a clean, fresh look
✔ Can include minor upgrades but keeps the original design

💡 Example: A very damaged GameBoy gets a brand-new shell and buttons, but it still looks and plays like an original unit.

Our goal for refurbishments is to make consoles look and feel like they just came out of the box. We ensure high-quality reproduction replacement parts while keeping the console as close to its factory design as possible. It may not feel like an original, but we try.

What is a Mod?

⚡ Modding (Modification) – Upgrading a console beyond its original design

✔ IPS screens for brighter, sharper visuals
✔ Rechargeable batteries instead of AA batteries
✔ Backlit displays for playing in the dark
✔ Custom shells, LED mods, and improved sound

💡 Example: A GameBoy with a modern IPS display, rechargeable battery, and custom shell for a better playing experience.

Our goal is to for Mods is to enhance the gaming experience while respecting the spirit of the original console. We use only tested and reliable mods to ensure durability and playability.

What is a Display Piece?

🎨 Display Piece – For collectors & showcases, not active play

✔ Cosmetically restored and displayed in a shadowbox
✔ Uses non-working parts
✔ Perfect for shelf displays, photography, or collectors

💡 Example: A GameBoy with a damaged shell, is cosmetically restored and mounted in a shadowbox with a dead motherboard making it a collector’s showpiece

At SaveState Revivals, our goal for our Display Pieces is to create an archival display that is visually stunning and show an appreciation for the internals of a device.

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