Why circular tech matters (and what you can do with it)
We all throw away far too much electronics. Game Boys, PSPs and emulation handhelds disappear into a drawer too - or worse: into the bin - while they’re still perfectly salvageable. 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 keep buying new stuff.
What is circular tech?
Circular tech and slow tech mean we don’t throw devices away as soon as something goes wrong. Instead, we repair, reuse and improve what’s already there. Less waste, more value.
For you that means: you can send us your old handheld. We’ll repair it, mod it or give you store credit so you can pick something new from our shop. You can also buy devices from us that have been saved from the waste pile.
Why is e-waste a problem?
Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. Only a small part gets recycled. The rest ends up on waste piles, often in countries where that causes serious environmental damage.
Throwing away a Game Boy because the screen is broken or the battery keeps dying? No need for that. With a few upgrades, a device like that 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. In doing so, we contribute to a sustainable circular economy.
We design and build devices according to the slow-tech principle: sustainable, easy to repair and used consciously.
At RetroGear you can buy both new handhelds and refurbished devices that we’ve carefully restored. You can trade in your old device with us and get store credit for a new or refurbished device. That way we encourage sustainable use and a conscious, slow technology experience.
We use more and more recycled materials in our builds and test every device by hand for optimum quality. That’s how we’re building a growing European community of gamers, modders and tech enthusiasts who value sustainability, mindful technology and the right to repair.
What we do at RetroGear
We repair, mod and refurbish used handhelds.
You can send us your old device and get store credit for it.
We are working towards using fully recycled materials in our builds.
Everything is tested, built and checked by hand.
You can put together your own custom Game Boy through our mod service.
That’s how we keep hardware in circulation. Good for you, better for the planet.
Take a look in the workshop
Curious how we do that? We regularly film our builds, mods and repairs. In our videos you can see how we replace shells, install IPS screens and put together unique customs.
Watch our modding video to see how an old Game Boy comes back to life. Also follow RetroGear on Instagram for builds, tips and new drops.
We also recycle the plastics
Alongside saving and upgrading hardware, we make sure parts we no longer use get a new purpose. Old shells, buttons and broken casings are recycled where possible. We’re working towards using fully recycled plastic for our builds in future.
That way not only the electronics, but also the casing, stays circular.
Why you make the difference
Got an old Game Boy lying around? Or a handheld gathering dust somewhere? Give it to us. We’ll make it like new again or build something nice from the parts. You get something back that actually works.
So you don’t always have to buy something new. Sometimes trading, repairing or upgrading is much smarter.
And yes, it just looks cool too
Custom shells, backlit screens and new buttons: everything we build has character. No mass production, but unique builds 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.
Put together your own Game Boy with our custom-build tool.
Questions? Send us a message or follow us on Instagram for builds, tips and new drops.
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Jorne