Bringing a Commodore Game System to life from a damaged board isn’t for the faint of heart—but that’s exactly what RETRO is the New Black sets out to do in part two of this ambitious restoration project. From patching ripped traces to rebuilding a battered cartridge port, this episode is a hands-on look at what it takes to resurrect a beloved classic with precision, patience, and a little ingenuity.
This chapter of the Commodore Game System saga picks up right where the last video left off—facing the aftermath of a misbehaving RF modulator replacement that did a number on the traces. With methodical troubleshooting, hand-laid bodge wires, and the iron will of someone who’s not afraid of a few singed fingers, the board is brought back from the brink. Reinstalling the cartridge slot proves to be a trial, with bent pins and lifted pads along the way, but persistence pays off. The board powers up. The cartridge boots. The GS lives again.
But it’s not just about fixing. This video also focuses on refining—the aesthetics of the final build matter. From printing custom-fit stickers and logos to installing a bright green LED and improvised flap springs made from pen coils, the project goes from functional to fabulous. By the end, what started as a cracked and wounded C64 shortboard is now a working tribute to the original Commodore GS, complete with a beautifully applied label courtesy of Batchman.
Whether you’re a die-hard Commodore fan or just love watching the creative process of retro repair and restoration, this episode delivers solder-sizzling satisfaction.
You can watch Part 1 Here.
