How to Clean Sega Genesis Game Cartridges (Internal Cleaning Tips)
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- čas přidán 23. 04. 2011
- I've literally cleaned hundreds of retro gaming carts and have learned a good number of cleaning and repair methods from fellow gamers, collectors, pawn shop owners, etc. This guide demonstrates some super simple, easy-to-use strategies for cleaning the copper metal contacts inside your Sega Genesis or Master System games.
For more game cleaning tips and tools, check out our other videos or simply visit us online at:
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Video Game Museum why would you use wd40 and polishers that leave damaging residues on the contacts as opposed to 95% plus alcohol which won't or in extreme cases high quality residue free art erasers.
Worked perfectly! I utilized this technique on my new Pokemon Snap N64 game that wasn't working and it worked like a charm. Thx for the help!
Thanks so much! I've been wondering what to do with these old games for ages, and in 2 minutes, with some WD40, they're alive again! Guess this isn't going to be a productive weekend after all...
in my experience the best way to clean the nes carts is by using Staedtler Mars Plastic Erasers (u can find them on ebay)... they simply "erase" all the dirt & grime from the copper connects, without leaving any residue on the copper connects (or remove any copper)...carts work like new after u clean 'em.
For extra dirty/rusty connects, you have no choice but to use some metal polish (like Brasso copper polish) and then use alcohol to wipe away any residue polish.
Thanks for the compliment. Trust me, we have plans to make more...it's all just a matter of time. :)
didnt even think to use copper cleaner. thx mate great vid.
brilliant video now weres my old n64 and master systems carts at??
thanks from the uk!!
I thought my Shinobi cart was screwed (I'm a noob to Genesis) but it turns out it works, all I had to do was insert the cart about halfway and boom! Worked like magic
Thanks! We've gotten great reviews on them! Best of luck on your repairs!
Yeah, I tried using rubbing alcohol on a q-tip without opening the cart for deep cleaning. Didn't work. Some message boards suggested capacitors may need replacing. What do you think?
I have the same problem with my copy. It just means that the internal memory battery is dead and a new one just needs to be soldered in place of that one. There are tutorial videos concerning the same thing involving NES games. It does take a CR-2032 lithium battery with the pins attached and you can find those anywhere that sells watches.
This is brilliant. Im following your advice.
Well done! It's amazing what a bit of cleaning will fix!
Thanx for the quick reply!
once I clean my games, is there a specific amount of time I should wait to test them out or are they ready to go once theyre done cleaning?
Yup, works great for us.
I got working Sonic 3 and two Sonic & Knuckles carts but the connectivity between them doesn't work with any game. I'm pretty sure it's connectivity that's the problem and not any actual hardware errors. How would I go around cleaning those?
Mine is 58's part WD-40 and 600 parts alcohol, Johnny Walker Red preferably
originally designed to repel water and " prevent corrosion" the make up has somthing in it that we skaters know is harmful to skate bearings as i eats ruber or many soft compounds so over all i am not 100 percent if it is safe?i think a lighter solvent may better to apply.it would work but it also may have some side effects???
Can you please tell me how to open a Sega Genesis cartridge such as Pocahontas and Alien 3 that use another kind of security screw? I just don't know what to do about these types of screws.
Which solvent is your favorite?
Nice trick!
You have the best carts of screws and batterys on you website
so, I've noticed that on some of the sega games, this 4.5mm screw doesn't work due to the fact that there are different types of screws in the game examples WWF Royal Rumble and NHL Hockey, so I was wondering which ones that I needed for each of those games?
Torx bit
thanks for your answer.
Hey mate, I've got a Rocket Knight adventures cart for genesis, and it freezes at the Konami logo, I've used this cleaning method but it's always the same. Is there any way to fix it?
Do all sega game boards have teh SEGA logo on their chips? Trying to authenticate some of the rare sega games I purchased and make sure they aren't reproductions.
well my gen 2 genesis has been sitting in a box since the 90's. it still works, hell 95% of my games still work too!
all xcept one ... altered beast. my o.g. genesis title, came with my gen 1 genesis. im going to get some WD-40.
tried cleaning the contacts with rubbing alcohol & qtip. haven't tried disassembling it yet, mainly because i don't have that 4.5 mm security screw adapter (not to mention its probably just as much $ for it as a replacement copy of AB would be)
would certainly be easy enough to simply emulate A.B. i'd like to get my cart. to work again however.
there doesn't appear to be anything loose inside the cartridge when i shake it.
what would cause the cart. to simply cease to function? it was stored with my other games.
help? thanks.
There could be something wrong inside the cartridge itself, The capacitor could be loose or it blew. Another solution is the chip might also be loose or it just cease to function. If almost all of your genesis games work than obviously the cartridge slot is fine.
Bummer man, you definitely tried your best to get it working.
Would cleaning a Game Gear cartridge be similar to this?
Is it necessary to open the cart to clean it?
I bought a security bit from you on amazon.com, Great deal hope I it helps
can u use tcut metal polish????
Yup!
Dont have one yet but was lookin at your idea and then remembered what i have been told about that lube as it is also a corrosion killer so , it does say that the petroleum has been changes and they use more oxygen in it now but i will hav to research and ask some pros who know about wd40,
WD-40 is great in that it helps to both clean and to repel moisture. Great stuff!
I have a couple of Sega Genesis games that have different screws. Double Dragon has these bits that are round on the outside but have some kind of holes in the middle, and I'm not sure what the hell to do here.
Yuko Asho those are Torx bits
this is what i was lookin for, found this as a post in regards ot wd40
It does NOT ruin your bearings.. But the lack of lube can.
WD 40 is not a lubricant, while yes it seems slippery to the touch, it is actually designed to remove water. It's name WD40 stands for "Water Displacement #40" it is the final product in a whole run of chemicals.. It was the #40 version. It will deteriorate Urethane and other petroleum products.
i use the alcohol q-tip and magic erasure method.
Is alcoholic disinfection liquid safe to clean cartridges?
Can i use ointment?
I have polished an alc-tipped my copy of sonic 1 many times but i still cannot get it to work. Any advise?
halo3odst buy a new one. it's probably older then you
Born in 86 actually, but to go along with your point. A "new" one wouldnt be new, it would just be a different copy and probably just as old as mine.
It's hard to say without looking at it. Often it could be a scratched board or corrosion connecting two contacts, etc. Also, have you tried it in another system to double check?
Those are tricky ones. We haven't found a good security bit yet for those goofy screws. If you do, let us know. Otherwise, try thin pliers or strong tweezers.
thanks, i fixed my skitchin' cartridge with this, first time 😎😎
I'm just sending it back, as I got it of ebay, but thanks anyway, at least I know if this happens again. :)
i think wd40 also is a rust eater so it eats?
Yes, it would be nearly identical.
Thanks, help my cardrigde dirty
Thankyou but wd40 is basically a lubricant or an antitrust its very greasy yes it dose work but it will easy attract more dirt it still can leave a little grease on da pins sorry for da criticism just my opinion try the runner thanx
wd40 eats? would it not be bad for non metal surfaces?
I have a Genesis,SNES and a NES and the only games I have problems with getting to work are Genesis
I've had the best luck without chemicals using rectangular rubber erasers. Simply generate some heat by vigorously rubbing back and forth over chip until contacts are bright, gold, and shiny. If done correctly, you will have bits of eraser left over that can easily be wiped away.This is alot easier, faster and the least invasive method I've ever used.
The "rubber" (aka eraser method) is pretty good. Nice video on the method.
Out of curiosity, why do you think WD40 ruins it? I know people who have used WD40 to clean games for decades, but I'm open to hearing feedback on the method if you can explain your concerns.
Hmm, I didn't know you can open a Genesis cartridge without damaging the top portion of the game's sticker label?...
@ViableNutria797 Actually, I'd guess the makers of WD-40 would argue that WD-40 can be used for more than loosening moving parts. Google their list of "2000+ Uses" for other applications.
Right, you don't have to open them to do basic cleaning . In fact, we clean most of our games without opening them by simply using a q-tip in WD-40. Best of luck! Happy retro gaming!
Just like in this video. For the top of the Sonic & Knuckles cart, I'd use a firm toothbrush or something to scrub the top contacts.
Right, the sticker doesn't cover the seam. Good luck!
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The proper way to Clean any Game cardtridge 91 percent alcohol and glass cleaner and q tips
No, you really only need to open it if it's exceptionally dirty or if you want to do a serious cleaning job. A basic cleaning with a Q-tip dipped in your basic solvent is all you need most of the time.
Dont use wd40 it ruins it trust me use a rubber check out my vid on my channel
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DONT USE WD-40! ITS MADE TO LOOSEN MOVING PARTS! CARTRIDGES DONT HAVE MOVING PARTS!!
Dude no everyone knows that blowing into the cart is the best way to clean games
sonic 2 is the greatest game ever made. that game alone destroys Nintendo