Why Circular Tech matters (and what you can do with it)
We all throw away far too many electronics. Even Game Boys, PSPs, emulation handhelds… They disappear into a drawer or worse, they end up in the trash while they are still perfectly salvageable. A shame.
At RetroGear, we believe tech deserves a second life. That’s why we focus on circular technology: upgrading, repairing and refitting devices so you can keep gaming without having to buy new stuff.
What is circular tech?
Circular Tech and Slow Tech? This means we don’t throw away devices as soon as they fail. Instead, we repair, reuse and improve what is already there. Less waste, more value.
For you that means: you can send us your old handheld. We will repair it, rebuild it or give you store credit which you can use to choose something new from our shop. But also that you can buy devices from us that have been saved from landfill!
Why e-waste is a problem?
Electronic waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. Only a small proportion is recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, often in countries where it causes serious environmental damage.
Throw away a Game Boy because the screen is broken or the battery dies? There is no need for that. With a few upgrades, such a device can last for years again.
About RetroGear
RetroGear is Europe’s first Slow and Circular Tech shop with an exclusive focus on retro handhelds, such as Game Boys and emulation handhelds. We extend the lifespan of retro handhelds by repairing, upgrading and reusing them, contributing to a sustainable circular economy. We design and build devices that comply with the slow tech principle: durable, easy to repair and consciously use.
At RetroGear, you can buy both new handhelds and refurbished devices that we have refurbished with care. You can trade in your old device with us and get store credit to choose a new or refurbished device. This encourages sustainable use and a conscious, slow technology experience.
We increasingly use recycled materials in our builds and manually test each device for optimal quality. Our customers are all over Europe, building a growing community of gamers, modders and tech enthusiasts who value sustainability, mindful technology and the right to repair.
What we do at RetroGear
- We repair, modify and refurbish used handhelds
- You can send in your old device and get store credit for it
- We are working towards using fully recycled materials in our builds
- Everything is manually tested, built and checked
- You can also build your own custom Game Boy via our mod service
That’s how we keep hardware in the cycle. Good for you, better for the planet.
Take a look in the workshop
Curious how we do it? We regularly film our builds, mods and repairs. In our videos, you will see how we replace shells, install IPS screens and put together unique customs.
Check out our modding video to see how an old Game Boy comes back to life.
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We also recycle the plastics
Besides rescuing and upgrading hardware, we also make sure that the parts we no longer use get a new use. Old shells, knobs and broken enclosures are recycled wherever possible. We are working towards using fully recycled plastic for our builds in the future.
This keeps not only the electronics but also the casing circular.
Why you make a difference?
Do you still have an old Game Boy lying around? Or a handheld sitting somewhere gathering dust? Give it to us. We will make it like new again or build something beautiful out of the parts. You get something that really works in return.
So you don’t always have to buy something new. Sometimes swapping, repairing or upgrading is much smarter.
And yes, it also just looks bold!
Custom shells, backlight screens, new buttons. Everything we build has character. No mass production, but unique builds that you can really be seen with.
Ready to join in?
- Trade in your old handheld for store credit. Let us repair or upgrade your device.
- Or create your own Game Boy in our custom build tool.
Questions? Send us a message or follow us on Instagram for builds, tips and new drops.