How to clean your old game cartridges

If you’re a retro gamer, chances are you have a few game cartridges that don’t work so well anymore. Over time, dirt and tarnish builds up on the contacts. The system can’t get a good connection, causing the game to glitch out or just fail to boot.

Blowing into the cartridge only makes it worse. Moisture from your breath causes corrosion. Here’s the easy and professional way to keep your old gems sparkling.

You’ll Need:
-Cotton Swabs (Q-Tips)
-Contact cleaner or rubbing alcohol
-Paper Towel (optional)

Rogue Squadron for the N64 was giving me a bit of trouble, so let’s clean it out.

Contact cleaner is your best friend here. It removes tarnish while preventing further oxidation. It also lubes the contacts, which helps to reduce wear and tear. You’ll be able to find it at most electronic supply stores. Alternatively, you can use high concentration rubbing alcohol (70%+). It’s not quite as good, but gets the basic cleaning done.

Wet the swab with your solution of choice. Run it across both sides of the PCB to remove any surface dirt.

Next, take your swab and run it length wise carefully down the contact, giving it a good scrub with light pressure. Repeat this step with all the other contacts on both sides.

When you’re done, use a clean swab or piece of clean paper towel to sop up any excess contact cleaner. This isn’t necessary if you’re using rubbing alcohol.

Now your game cartridge should be just like new. They should be stored with the bottom protected to prevent new dirt and dust accumulating on the contacts. With a bit of maintenance every now and then, they’ll probably outlast your console.

Feature image by Winick-Lim, via Deviant Art. CC Licensed.