Is this with fresh batteries?
Are they normal alkalines or 1.2V rechargables?
Does anything seem off about it externally, such as LCD screen inconsistencies or strange buzzing/hissing from the speaker or headphone jack?
Is he using a normal cartridge or a flash cartridge?
Has this had a history of liquid damage or other kinds?
The more detail you provide, the better an answer can be provided, and less questions have to be asked.