Is there any way to clean NES games
10-08-01, 10:30 AM
#1
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Is there any way to clean NES games
I am buying a new 72 pin connector from e-bay, and I need to clean the games.
Is there any way to do this without having to hunt down the cleaning kit. I don't really want to have to buy the NES kit from nintendo or buy it off of e-bay, but I guess if I have to I will.
I just need to clean the games.
Is there any way to do this without having to hunt down the cleaning kit. I don't really want to have to buy the NES kit from nintendo or buy it off of e-bay, but I guess if I have to I will.
I just need to clean the games.
10-08-01, 11:41 AM
#3
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Back in my day we used to cover the cartridges with 2 fingers (usually the index fingers) while leaving a small gap between the fingers which left a sort of "blow hole." Then we would blow forcefully into that hole, going from left to right or right to left...i preferred left to right myself.
(nostalgia, it's grrrrreat
)
--HN
(nostalgia, it's grrrrreat
)--HN
10-08-01, 01:19 PM
#5
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Originally posted by mmconhea
Exactly what I have been using for over 10 years. Works great!
Exactly what I have been using for over 10 years. Works great!
10-08-01, 02:04 PM
#6
DVD Talk Legend
The number one best way is to get a 3.8 MM Gamebit screw (check eBay. I got one for $4) then just use an eraser. There are a very small number of games that use a Phillips screw instead of a gamebit one, so you wouldn't need the special bit for those, but those games are rare.
Rubbing alcohol sort of works, but it can strip the metal off the connecters. Even if it doesn't strip it, it doesn't work anywhere as well as actually opening up the cart and using an eraser.
If you want instructions on fixing the connecter inside of your NES, let me know.
Rubbing alcohol sort of works, but it can strip the metal off the connecters. Even if it doesn't strip it, it doesn't work anywhere as well as actually opening up the cart and using an eraser.
If you want instructions on fixing the connecter inside of your NES, let me know.
10-08-01, 02:27 PM
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Originally posted by HN
Back in my day we used to cover the cartridges with 2 fingers (usually the index fingers) while leaving a small gap between the fingers which left a sort of "blow hole." Then we would blow forcefully into that hole, going from left to right or right to left...i preferred left to right myself.
(nostalgia, it's grrrrreat )
--HN
Back in my day we used to cover the cartridges with 2 fingers (usually the index fingers) while leaving a small gap between the fingers which left a sort of "blow hole." Then we would blow forcefully into that hole, going from left to right or right to left...i preferred left to right myself.
(nostalgia, it's grrrrreat
)--HN
Another one I used to use a long time ago was to put the cartridge in so its almost all the way in (but not quite) Then push it down really hard to click it in the system and it would make a really loud bang type sound. It may sound harmful but it seriously does work and won't damage your games, and has never failed for me, use as a last resort if the blowing method does not work. I can't really explain why it makes the game work, its like if your cd player doesn't work you bang it against the table I'm assuming
(only your NES cartridges are built much tougher, Nintendo is pretty good about building their stuff so they won't die by getting smashed up, my gameboy color really took a beating in the washer on accident and still works!).I never tried the alcohol method but I'm sure it works just as well.
10-11-01, 05:00 PM
#8
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Rubbing alcohol will also dry the board that the contacts are on, and the contacts will consequently fall off. Many will argue with this theory but I have dealt with thousands of nes games in my life, and have seen this very thing multiple times. True the cleaning solution that used to be sold did have alcohol in it, but there was something else that counteracts the drying out of the board.
10-13-01, 02:02 AM
#10
DVD Talk Godfather
Blowing was just a placebo
We know there's written warnings on the games and on instruction guides advising against using any kind of solvent... I've never tried the eraser method but I am sure it is similar in effect to this one...
Take the game in question and stick it into the NES. Don't push down, just slowly take the game out about 0.5" then slide it back in. Do this about 15-20 times.
Slide the game in completely, push the NES tray down. Now grip the game by either side and slide it back and forth inside the tray. This needs to be done for at least 120 seconds. I would recommend two minutes or so.
This will clean the connectors and restore your game to its past glory without harmful chemicals.
Nowadays the kids just download the ROM. Siigh.
Take the game in question and stick it into the NES. Don't push down, just slowly take the game out about 0.5" then slide it back in. Do this about 15-20 times.
Slide the game in completely, push the NES tray down. Now grip the game by either side and slide it back and forth inside the tray. This needs to be done for at least 120 seconds. I would recommend two minutes or so.
This will clean the connectors and restore your game to its past glory without harmful chemicals.
Nowadays the kids just download the ROM. Siigh.
10-13-01, 04:09 AM
#11
DVD Talk Hero
Originally posted by HN
Back in my day we used to cover the cartridges with 2 fingers (usually the index fingers) while leaving a small gap between the fingers which left a sort of "blow hole." Then we would blow forcefully into that hole, going from left to right or right to left...i preferred left to right myself.
(nostalgia, it's grrrrreat )
Back in my day we used to cover the cartridges with 2 fingers (usually the index fingers) while leaving a small gap between the fingers which left a sort of "blow hole." Then we would blow forcefully into that hole, going from left to right or right to left...i preferred left to right myself.
(nostalgia, it's grrrrreat
)
10-13-01, 01:13 PM
#12
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Blowing was just a placebo
Originally posted by The Bus
Take the game in question and stick it into the NES. Don't push down, just slowly take the game out about 0.5" then slide it back in. Do this about 15-20 times.
Slide the game in completely, push the NES tray down. Now grip the game by either side and slide it back and forth inside the tray. This needs to be done for at least 120 seconds. I would recommend two minutes or so.
Take the game in question and stick it into the NES. Don't push down, just slowly take the game out about 0.5" then slide it back in. Do this about 15-20 times.
Slide the game in completely, push the NES tray down. Now grip the game by either side and slide it back and forth inside the tray. This needs to be done for at least 120 seconds. I would recommend two minutes or so.
On a related note, If you open up your NES, unscrew the black laoding tray, then unscrew and remove the connecter, you can un-bend all the contacts. The easiest way is to take a tiny flathead screwdriver, place it in between the top and bottom of each contact, then slightly lifting the top of each contact up. Be VERY careful if you do this though, because the contacts can break off.
10-13-01, 09:04 PM
#13
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Nintendo sells a "NES system/cart cleaning kit" at their online store.
