this post was submitted on 14 Oct 2025
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Mine's still white, but I'd always heard there were different types of plastic used in consoles (and computer cases) back then, some of which would become discolored, and others wouldn't. Might be true, unless anyone in your house has been a smoker in the last 25 years.
Look up a cleaning solution called 'RetroBright'. It's designed to remove the yellowing from the ABS housings of old electronics. I'm pretty sure the recipe for it is available free online, or you can order pre-mixed bottles of it. You have to be a little careful with it because it's mostly hydrogen peroxide, but I hear it works great.
You are correct, it's the plastic. Or rather, the fire retardant mixed into the plastic.
If I recall correctly it's related to a fire retardant additive that oxidizes