Clean NES Games

Let's say you are feeling nostalgic. You go to your closet and pull out that old NES and hook it all up. You put in the game and turn on the system, but it doesn't work. You try everything from banging on the side to trying a different game. Still, nothing works. Read through this article and you will learn how to play that old NES.

Steps

  1. Pour a small amount of window cleaner into a small cup.
  2. Dip the Q-Tip into the window cleaner that you poured in step 1. Be sure to only dip one side of the Q-Tip into the window cleaner.
  3. On the bottom of the NES game are metal contacts. Rub the side of the Q-Tip with the window cleaner on these contacts. Make sure you rub both sides of the contacts.
  4. Now use the other side of the Q-Tip (that should be dry) exactly the same as step 3, but without window cleaner. This dries off the contacts. If you have a one sided Q-Tip just use another Q-Tip.
  5. Dispose of the Q-Tip. You can use the extra window cleaner in the cup for another game, but make sure you use a new Q-Tip.
  6. Your NES game should now work, so put the game into your NES and play. Enjoy!

Tips

  • You can use this method for any cartridge games including SNES, N64, Atari 2600, and even Nintendo DS games.
  • If you have some time on your hands you can attempt to bend the pins back into place. To do this safely you will need to look up instructions on how to do this.
  • If the system still doesn't work, you may have to fix the 72-pin connector within the console. This involves taking the console apart and either bending the pins back into place so that they will make contact with the game, or replacing the connector entirely (not recommended)

Warnings

  • Avoid blowing into the cartridge contracts. This works as a temporary fix, but in the long run the moisture from your breath will corrode the contacts.
  • Avoid using alcohol to clean these games. Alcohol will leave a thin layer of an oil like substance on the contacts of the cartridge and will eventually destroy the cartridge.
  • Be sure make sure the cartridge contacts are free of window cleaner before inserting it into the game system. This will cause window cleaner to get into the system and eventually corrode the contacts.

Things You'll Need

  • Dirty cartridge based game
  • Window Cleaner
  • Q-Tips

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