Game Gear RePCB New Motherboard (2-ASIC)
The Game Gear RePCB (2-ASIC) by RetroSix is a completely redesigned motherboard for the Sega Game Gear VA0 – the ideal foundation for a clean, high-quality console rebuild.
- For VA0 consoles with 2-ASIC configuration (IC2 315-5377 & IC3 315-5378)
- Designed for the RetroSix CleanScreen – not compatible with the original LCD
- Self-powered via USB-C: test without power or audio boards
- Japan/English toggle switch & reset button directly on the board
- Includes CleanScreen ribbons, power/audio ribbons, solder paste, stencil & spreader
A fresh heart for your Game Gear VA0
The original Game Gear VA0 revision used two separate ASICs on its motherboard – and that's exactly what RetroSix's RePCB (2-ASIC) was built for. This isn't a repair kit; it's a completely new, redesigned-from-scratch motherboard that addresses every weakness of the original: noisy power rails, poor audio, and zero built-in diagnostics. In short: the board Sega should have made.
What's included – and what do you need to transplant?
The board comes fully populated with everything except the console-specific chips. You transplant your two ASICs (IC2 & IC3), the MPU (Z80 CPU, VDP), and the EXT port from your donor board. For the cartridge slot, RetroSix strongly recommends grabbing their separate GameSlot so you don't have to desolder the original. Alternatively, you can transplant the original cart slot yourself.
Important note on VDP transfer: The VDP is extremely heat-sensitive. Based on experience from over 100 Game Gear repairs, RetroSix recommends keeping hot air to a maximum of 330 °C / 80% airflow – this gives a 100% success rate.
Features at a glance
- Self-powered via USB-C: Just plug in a USB cable and headphones – no power or audio board needed to test the console.
- Reset button: Instantly reset the game during bench testing via USB-C power.
- Japan/English toggle: Region switch accessible through the battery compartment even when fully assembled.
- Out-of-reset LED: Confirms the ASICs have correctly exited the reset state.
- Power-good LED: Status indicator for the 5V rail.
- New PCB layout: Less noise, cleaner power rails, more accurate data transmission.
- New SMD crystal for the main system clock.
- Improved audio: Rerouted traces, new amp and audio filter – sounds you've never heard from a Game Gear before.
- Test points & solder pads for all important signals.
- CleanScreen ribbons included for solder-free CleanScreen installation.
What's in the box
- Game Gear RePCB motherboard (2-ASIC) – pre-populated, without ASICs, MPU, cartridge slot, and EXT port
- Brand-new power and audio ribbons
- CleanScreen ribbons
- Solder paste, stencil, and spreader for hot-air ASIC mounting
Compatibility
This board is designed exclusively for the Game Gear VA0 (2-ASIC). For VA1/VA2/VA4/VA5 consoles (1-ASIC), RetroSix offers the matching RePCB (1-ASIC). A RetroSix CleanScreen is required as the display – the original LCD is not supported.
