Trying to get an NES cart to work.

Sonicracer100Sonicracer100
in Help Wanted!
Alright so....I went to the pawn shop yesterday and figured I'd picked up a few games, about three. The games I got were Double Dragon(NES), Sonic the Hedghog(Not for Resale, with box) and Punch Out(NES). I paid $25 for the load which is a decent deal compared to internet prices, but unfortunately the Punch Out game won't work no matter what I do. I cleaned the game vigorously, and even checked my NES to make sure everything was straight on the insde, and tested some other games to confirm my NES wasn't the problem(I leave the NES unscrewed by the way for quick access to it's innards). The game seems to have a hard time being recognized, and whenever it is recognized I usually get a solid colored screen(only game to do this really from my tests). Any ideas or things I'm not trying? Any help would be appreciated!

Comments

  • MrPete1985MrPete1985
    can you post some picture?
  • ifightdragonsifightdragons
    Open the game (if you haven't already, you failed to specify), and give it a rundown with a rubber eraser (Staedtler is amazing), and then some Isopropyl 99,9 %.



    Also take some pics of the board to show on here, maybe some of the pins need reconnecting/resoldering?
  • Sonicracer100Sonicracer100
    I'll try to open it up, but unfortunately I lack a security bit. I did open up cartridges before without one though. I'll post pictures as soon as I can.
  • 85collector85collector
    Yeah you need the security bit. Unless there's some problem on the board, it's probably just filthy or tarnished. I've had very dirty games I had to clean three or four times to get them to work.
  • Nes FreakNes Freak
    getting those screws out with out the proper tool could be tedious.



    i recommend getting the security screw driver

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-Screwdriver-3-8-mm-3-8mm-security-bit-for-cartridges-NES-SNES-N64-/161245837283?pt=US_Video_Gaming_Replacement_Parts_Tools&hash=item258b0037e3



    there is another way to clean the cart perfectly with out opening it up. but it might be risky if you dont clean out the metal fragments properly. i usally do this with atari games with hard to get dirt and or corrosive issue.



    get your self a paper based Q tip and some super fine steel wool take the cotton off the tip and take the steel wool and twist it on the tip of the Q tip. make sure its wrapped securely now put windex on the end and clean it as you would normally. now put some more Windex on the other end and clean out all the metal fragments left behind let the cart dry then take a medium sized paint brush and sweep out the terminal to assure you got the metal out.



    that should make it work and no it will not cause damage to the game terminals ive been doing this for 10 years and it has no long/short term effect to the game.
  • nonameononameo
    If you can't open up the cartridge, try using a piece of magic eraser and a popsicle stick. Dampen the magic eraser and ring it out good, then use the popsicle stick to run it over the pins. Use a piece of cloth with the popsicle stick to wipe off any leftover water/residue. This is my "back up" cleaning method when I can't open carts, but it won't do anything if the contacts are corroded. Try using a flashlight to look at the contacts so you can be sure they aren't. Badly corroded contacts pretty much need the cart to be taken apart before you can even consider getting it to work.



    Also, it may take a little practice to get it right, and try to keep water from running down into the cartridge. 
  • NewUser123456789NewUser123456789
    no need for a security bit if you have a good BIC pen and a lighter..







  • AstralturfAstralturf
    Very curious that your Punch Out cart doesn't work as that is the only non-functioning cartridge I own, despite having purchased several lots on eBay.



    Opened it up and cleaned it with an eraser and dilute window cleaner with a q-tip.  I get a pink screen when I try to start the cart, both in my NES and a top loader clone (can't recall which type at the moment as I currently have it in a bin.



    I have a retron 5 that I have not yet tested it in, but those are typically more finicky than getting it to work on an original system.



    Eventually I acquired a cheap Mike Tyson's Punch Out so it hasn't bothered me that much.



    Will be very curious to try whatever is suggested.



    Of course if nothing works at least you have the cart for the spare parts.


  • hossdrophossdrop
    If you don't have a security screwdriver (you can buy one on eBay for a couple bucks), you can use 1000 grit sandpaper on the end of a q-tip to clean it. This is generally my last resort.



    Another thing I've noticed is that some games won't work if you put new pins in your nes, but will work on old pins.



    Hope this helps
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