Restoring Games
Hey guys. I'm sure this question has been asked before (point me to the thread, please!), but I was wondering, what do you guys do to restore used games?
I've just recently started up an NES collection, and, as usually seems to be the case, a lot of my games don't work on the first try. I have to take them out, and reseat them several times. I purchased a cleaning kit from NintendoRepairShop.com and used it on a couple of my games. For the most part, I'm happy with it. It definitely improved performance. However, the games I cleaned still don't want to work right away -- they still take four or five "reseatings" before they want to start up.
Is there any way to restore these games to like-new condition, where they will work consistently on the first try?
I should say, too, that I'm currently using a Yobo system (I've got two old front-loaders that I'm planning to fix). I don't think it's the system though, because the copy of Black Bass that I bought my dad on his birthday like 20 years ago, and a few of my other games, still work perfectly, first time, every time. Is there any hope for my other games to work more consistently, or am I simply expecting too much for vintage NES games?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!
JFW
I've just recently started up an NES collection, and, as usually seems to be the case, a lot of my games don't work on the first try. I have to take them out, and reseat them several times. I purchased a cleaning kit from NintendoRepairShop.com and used it on a couple of my games. For the most part, I'm happy with it. It definitely improved performance. However, the games I cleaned still don't want to work right away -- they still take four or five "reseatings" before they want to start up.
Is there any way to restore these games to like-new condition, where they will work consistently on the first try?
I should say, too, that I'm currently using a Yobo system (I've got two old front-loaders that I'm planning to fix). I don't think it's the system though, because the copy of Black Bass that I bought my dad on his birthday like 20 years ago, and a few of my other games, still work perfectly, first time, every time. Is there any hope for my other games to work more consistently, or am I simply expecting too much for vintage NES games?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!
JFW
Comments
clean the pins on the game untill the q-tip comes out clean. and clean new games before you put them in your system so your not inserting dirt into the new pin connector.
your definatly not expecting too much. if anything a NEs with a new pin connector is a better bet then any of those knock-off systems on ebay. theres a few games out that wont even play in those things or have mixed up colors and stuff like that
replace the connector and q-tip your games. works everytime...
The eraser method works too, but not if you have a really filthy game. Those are even a pain to clean with polish, and eraser just won't get all of that off.
Finally, the QTip & Alcohol method will work sometimes but not all the time. However, this is the easiest since you do not have to open the cart.
It comes down to whether you want the easiest method or the most effective one. Just pick your trade-offs
One bottle will last you a year. If you can't get a game to work after a Wieman's cleaning, then the game or the system is broken.
Thanks to NA for turning me on to this stuff a few years ago.
replacing the pin connector that you got from the internet will help alot, sometimes they grip the carts very very tightly though.
To clean games, Weiman Glass Stovetop Cleaner is the best.
Do you just scrub them with any old rag, or does it have to be a lint free cloth?
But then I usually wash the whole board in hot water. If you dry it off decently good, Nothing will blow up
Here's Dains message on Ebay:
http://reviews.ebay.com/The-SECRET-to-Cleaning-NES-Nintendo-Game-Connectors_W0QQugidZ10000000001205863
Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V =
First you have to open the cart with a security bit, which is easily attainable on ebay. I prefer a battery powered screwdriver rather than a manual hand operated screwdriver to open the cart. I then use a sock or some sort of cloth to actually hold onto the board as the edges can be rough and sharp on the hands while cleaning. I use a Scotch-Brite heavy duty scrubbing pad dipped lightly in water to get the main gunk off, clean only to the copper contacts, nothing else (be very gentle, the grime will come off eventually). I then use a plain paper towel dipped lightly in water to clean off the remaining dirty water on the contacts. Finally, dry the contacts with dry paper towel. That's it! There might be a better way, but this is how I have done it for a couple of thousand games :-) They have all worked flawlessly after this treatment! Hope this helps!
What about cleaning the plastic on the outside of the carts? Any tips for restoring discolored carts?
I think restoring discolored carts may be next to impossible, but the thing I've found the best for outside of carts and console is Scrubbing Bubbles. (you remember the funny commercials from the 80's)
Spray some on and let the bubbles do the work for about 30+ seconds. It will remove most types of markers and rental stickers, as well as improver the overall appearenace of the cart / console