"Retrobrighting" Your Old Gaming Consoles May Be More Destructive Than Beneficial
Revisiting Retrobrighting
For any retro gaming enthusiast, the sight of a once pristine white console turning a disappointing shade of yellow is all too familiar. This aging process, a result of the fire-retardant chemicals present in the plastic oxidizing over time, has led to a widespread practice known as "retrobrighting."
About Retrobrighting
For years, the retrobrighting process has been a go-to solution for retro game collectors looking to restore their yellowed consoles to their original white color. The method has seen success in many cases, with consoles like the Dreamcast, SNES, NES, and even the 1987 PC Engine being returned to a semblance of their former glory.
The Dark Side of Retrobrighting
However, recent findings suggest that this popular restoration method may not be as beneficial as once believed. YouTuber Shelby Jueden, also known as Tech Tangents, has raised concerns that retrobrighting may actually be causing more harm than good to your beloved gaming consoles.
In a recent video, Jueden revealed the disturbing results of a 10-year study he conducted on a Dreamcast console he partially retrobrighted back in 2015. To his shock, he discovered that the treated portion of the console had not only yellowed more than the untreated sections but also showed signs of damage to the plastic, including visible streaks and blotches.
What This Means for Retro Collectors
This revelation has significant implications for retro gaming collectors. The initial allure of retrobrighting was its promise to bring old consoles back to their original aesthetic appeal. However, if Jueden's findings hold true, this method could potentially speed up the aging process and cause irreversible damage to the consoles.
As a result of his study, Jueden has publicly stated he will no longer be using the retrobrighting method on his retro hardware, a sentiment echoed by many others in the community. This development could lead to a shift in how collectors approach the preservation and restoration of their retro gaming consoles.
Looking Forward
As retro gaming continues to thrive, the importance of preserving these pieces of gaming history becomes increasingly paramount. While retrobrighting may have seemed like a viable solution, it's clear that more research and alternative methods are needed to ensure the longevity of our beloved gaming consoles.
For now, it seems it’s best to embrace the yellowing as a sign of a well-loved system and a symbol of gaming's colorful history. After all, these consoles are more than just objects; they are pieces of nostalgia that remind us of a pivotal time in gaming culture.