There’s an undeniable charm in playing old school Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) games. However, sometimes these gaming sessions may be abruptly cut short due to malfunctioning cartridges. Cleaning these cartridges can solve many of these issues and breathe new life into your cherished NES games. Here is a comprehensive DIY guide to NES cartridge cleaning.
### What You’ll Need
The process to clean NES cartridges is simple and requires materials you likely have around your house. Here are the items you will need:
1. A 3.8mm game bit screwdriver.
2. Cotton swabs.
3. Isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher is preferred).
4. An eraser or a white vinyl eraser.
5. A soft, dry cloth.
6. Canned air or compressed air.
### Step 1: Unscrew the Cartridge
The first step in cleaning your NES cartridge is to unscrew the cartridge. NES cartridges have security screws that require a 3.8mm game bit screwdriver, a tool specially designed for such purpose.
With the necessary tool, unscrew the back of the cartridge. Generally, NES cartridges have three screws; two at the top and one at the bottom. Carefully unscrew these and set them aside in a small bucket or bowl to avoid losing them.
Always proceed with care. Be patient, taking the time to gently dislodge the screws to minimize damage to the cartridge casing.
### Step 2: Remove and Clean the Board
Slide out the game board, gently. Keep in mind that the board is responsible for functioning of the game, so handle it with utmost care. The primary concern is the contacts located at the bottom – these copper streaks are where the game console reads data.
You can start by cleaning the board using some canned or compressed air. This will remove any loose dust or particles. If your cartridge is particularly old, there might be some stubborn dirt or grime. In such case, use a dry, soft cloth to wipe it down gently.
### Step 3: Clean the Contacts
Next, dampen a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and gently rub it against the contacts on both sides of the board. The goal here is to remove any visible dirt or grime from the contacts. Make sure not to oversaturate the cotton swab; it should be damp, not dripping.
After cleaning with the alcohol-dampened cotton swab, use the dry end of the cotton swab to dry the area. Remember to be gentle and patient to prevent any damage to the delicate contacts.
For stubborn grime on the contacts, you may want to use the white vinyl eraser. Gently rub it on the contacts and then dust it off with a soft cloth or compressed air.
### Step 4: Clean the Cartridge Casing
While the game board is out, it’s an excellent opportunity to clean the cartridge casing inside and out. Use cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol to clean the inner surfaces of the cartridge casing.
For the exterior, you can use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the casing. If there are stubborn dirt marks, a touch of mild soap won’t harm. However, ensure you dry the cartridge completely afterward.
### Step 5: Reassembly
Once every part of your NES cartridge is cleaned and thoroughly dried, it’s time to put it back together. Gently slide the game board back into the casing, making sure it fits comfortably into place.
Screw the casing back together using the 3.8mm game bit screwdriver and the screws you previously removed. Ensure you fasten the screws securely, but avoid over-tightening as it could damage the casing.
### Testing the Game
After the physical cleaning, it’s time to test the game. Pop the cartridge into your NES and see if the game loads up without any issues. If it does, your cleaning was successful. If not, you might want to repeat the cleaning steps, or consider seeking professional help.
### Maintaining Your NES Cartridges
Cleaning your NES cartridges isn’t something you should only do when they stop working. Making it a routine can significantly improve the lifespan of your games.
Try to keep your cartridges in a cool, dry place and always handle them with clean hands. Try cleaning your cartridges at least once every year, or consider doing so even more frequently if you play them often.
Understanding how to clean your NES cartridges correctly can bring innumerable hours of entertainment and nostalgia from these retro gaming gems. With a little patience and dedication, you can keep your NES library running smoothly for many more years to come.
