Do The Batteries Run While The System Is Off?

[Atari6600]

On August 30, I was playing Game & Watch Gallery 2 on my Game Boy Pocket.  In the middle of a round of Vermin the batteries died.  Luckily, I thought ahead and had extra batteries in my pocket.  I played another five minutes then didn't play anymore until last night.

I played another five minutes last night.  And just now, after five minutes of leveling my Bulbasaur in Pokemon Red Version to learn Vine Whip, my batteries died.  Fifteen minutes of battery life.  I thought the Game Boy Pocket had eleven hours worth.

Is it possible that the batteries were running and draining their juices during the times I wasn't playing?  And if that's not the case does anyone know why a pair of fresh, new AAA batteries would die after fifteen minutes?

[SirPsycho]

Check the connectors. Over time they might get corroded and block the connection of perfectly fine batteries. If there's any corrosion you want to neutralize it or it could lead to even worse internal damage.

[Atari6600]

What does the corrosion I'm looking for look like and how do I neutralize it?

[Leynos]

What does the corrosion I'm looking for look like and how do I neutralize it?

white crusty buildup. Sometimes greyish or brown. If you get too much of that stuff..best to throw the thing away. Shit is also toxic,however IF it's so bad you have to toss it,put it in a ziploc bag. Illegal to toss them away loose. Wash your hands very thorough.

[Atari6600]

I'm looking at the connectors right now.  There's white, grey or brown crusty build up of any kind.

[SirPsycho]

If you meant that there's no corrosion then its probably something internal interfering with the connection. Dust build up on the board can be enough.

[Atari6600]

So I'd have to take it to a retro game store to get it looked at right?

[SirPsycho]

Not really. Don't game boy pockets have Philips screws?

[Atari6600]

On the back, yes.  But I'm not an electrician, so I'd have no clue what I'm doing.

It'd have to be as simple as opening up the system and wiping off the circuitry with a dusting rag.  And I don't want to accidentally break it trying to clean it if I don't know what I'm doing.

[SirPsycho]

That's basically what I'm suggesting. Open it up, wipe the board down with some 75% or stronger rubbing alcohol and let it dry.

You'd be surprised how many serious problems can be fixed by this simple cleaning. Playstation disc read errors, RROD, yellow lights, the list goes on.

If this doesn't fix it then its more serious and a replacement will be cheaper than paying for a repair.

[Atari6600]

In all honesty, the Game Boy system I grew up with was an original Game Boy.  I got this Game Boy Pocket on Amazon for my birthday last month.  It was 17 bucks plus tax, so I'll vouch for a cheap replacement lol.

Thanks for the help.

[Leynos]

Yeah coupe months ago I took apart my Sega Master system cleaned everything and then it was purring.

[JerryGreenwood]

Is it possible that the batteries were running and draining their juices during the times I wasn't playing? 

Yes. Batteries are ALWAYS draining for everything. Your car battery is ALWAYS draining. Your TV remote batteries are ALWAYS draining. Cell phone battery? Always draining. As long as they are touching the connectors, they are slowly, but constantly draining.