How to Prevent Yellowing on Retro Consoles
If you’re a fan of vintage video games, you may have heard of console yellowing, or perhaps you’re experiencing it right now in your game room: those cherished consoles starting to take on a yellowish tint. This common issue, particularly prevalent in devices from the 1980s and 1990s, affects the plastic cases and can be quite frustrating for collectors and enthusiasts. How to Prevent Yellowing on Retro Consoles? Let’s dive into why this happens and what you can do to restore and preserve your beloved gaming hardware.
🟨 Why Retro Consoles Turn Yellow?
Console yellowing isn’t always caused by the same thing. It can result from chemical additives, environmental exposure, airborne contaminants, or a combination of all three.
🧯 Bromine Flame Retardants
Many vintage consoles are made from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic, which often contains bromine compounds as flame retardants. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or indoor lighting can cause these bromine compounds to break down and react with oxygen, leading to a yellow or brown discoloration.
🚬 Cigarette Smoke
Exposure to cigarette smoke can also cause yellowing. The tar and nicotine in the smoke settle on the plastic surface, causing discoloration. The chemicals in the smoke can further react with the plastic, worsening the yellowing effect.
⌛ Oxidation
Even without significant UV exposure, the plastic can oxidize over time, leading to yellowing. Heat and humidity can accelerate this process, making it a common issue in various climates.
⛑️ Console Yellowing: Preventive Measures
While you can’t stop plastic from aging, you can slow down yellowing significantly. With the right environment and a few simple habits, your consoles can stay clean and color-true for years.
🔆 Avoid UV Light Exposure
Keep your consoles out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. Between 18–24°C (64–75°F) and 30–50% relative humidity.
🚭 Smoke-Free Environment
Avoid exposing your consoles to cigarette smoke. If you are a smoker clean regularly to reduce smoke residue buildup.
🛡️ Protective Covers
Use protective covers or place consoles in enclosed display cases to reduce exposure to UV light, smoke, and other contaminants.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Yellowing is a natural process — but with a little care, it can be slowed or even reversed. Whether you’re restoring a classic SNES or preserving your Dreamcast for years to come, taking small steps today can keep your collection looking great tomorrow.
