Console Yellowing

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. Let’s dive into why this happens and what you can do to restore and preserve your beloved gaming hardware.

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.

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.

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.

Keep your consoles out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place.

Avoid exposing your consoles to cigarette smoke. If you are a smoker clean regularly to reduce smoke residue buildup.

Use protective covers or place consoles in enclosed display cases to reduce exposure to UV light, smoke, and other contaminants.

Wait… but…

What if my console is already yellow?!

If your console is already yellowed, addressing the discoloration can be challenging but rewarding. The most common and effective method is Retrobright, which uses hydrogen peroxide and UV light to reverse yellowing.

For detailed instructions on how to perform the Retrobright method, check out our step-by-step guide here.