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Topic: NES/ SNES cartridges don't work, blowing into them does the trick?

Posts 1 to 9 of 9

Don

I read that when cartridges don't load blowing into them makes them work but you shouldn't do it. But I never see what other alternatives there are to get them to work. Also, the articles always refer to NES carts and the toaster console but I found the same problem with Super NES cartridges and top loader NES have the same problems as well with certain used carts. Blowing into the cart only temporarily solves the problem and it seems you have to do it again the next time you play the game. What are other alternatives to blowing into the cart to make it work if that's a bad idea?

Don

Octane

@Don Dust sleeves, keeping them clean, especially the pins. Blowing into the cartridges may get rid of some dust that allows the system to recognise the game, but it can cause rust over time from the moisture in your breath.

Octane

Don

@Octane
Not sure if it's only dust. After I blew on it to get it to work I kept it out of dust and inside a case but next time I load it I encountered the same problem. I don't think it's just the system either because a few other used games I purchased loaded fine on first try.

Don

Octane

@Don It depends on the game. They just deteriorate over time. The more you use them (insert and remove), the faster the process goes. There's isn't a lot you can do about. There's probably ways to chemically clean the metal pins if that's causing the problem. But it could also mean that they just don't connect with the NES anymore. In that case, I don't think there's a whole lot you can do. Take them out and re-insert them, that solves the trick sometimes, but it's not a long term solution.

Octane

KingMike

I use Windex (any form of iso-? alcohol) and cotton swabs. Get a couple drops on one end of the swab, wipe the pins and then dry with the other.
Maybe have to repeat a few times on very dirty games.

KingMike

Kobeskillz

KingMike wrote:

I use Windex (any form of iso-? alcohol) and cotton swabs. Get a couple drops on one end of the swab, wipe the pins and then dry with the other.
Maybe have to repeat a few times on very dirty games.

Windex is by far the worse thing for the pins.

75% or 99% alcohol people.

Kobeskillz

Nintendo Network ID: Kobeskillz

Tasuki

Actually it's a design flaw with the original box NES that causes the problem. Yes dirt and dust can cause it too but if your using an original box NES then it's probably not dust or dirt.

For dirt or dust just use some Windex on a Qtip and that should due it. If you are still having a problem and are using the box NES then the pins might need replacing. Which at that point you will have to replace the pins or get a top loader NES. That's why alot of the clones systems are top loaders or in the case of the Retro Hub AVS the cartridges don't get pushed down they just slide in. Also there are kits out there that you can use on an original box NES to make it where you don't have to push the cartridges down to get them to work, thus lessening the damage done to the pins. You can Google those but I believe Norman Caruso aka The Gaming Historian done a review on one of those kits on his Youtube channel.

RetiredPush Square Moderator and all around retro gamer.

My Backlog

Nintendo Network ID: Tasuki311

ogo79

my ex always thought that fixed the trick

the_shpydar wrote:
As @ogo79 said, the SNS-RZ-USA is a prime giveaway that it's not a legit retail cart.
And yes, he is (usually) always right, and he is (almost) the sexiest gamer out there (not counting me) ;)

bluedogrulez

I've been playing the NES since its release. The truth is blowing can work, especially for an old cart that hasn't booted in years. Yes, it theoretically could cause corrosion, but I have not experienced that.

It is good to clean the cart contacts. I use a q-tip with Nature's Miracle (found at pet smart and the like). A very mild but effective cleaner.

But the if you truly want carts to boot up in one shot, you need to work on the 72-pin connector. Don't buy a new third party one--they are too soft and stop working in a week. Instead, you basically have to push down each pin with a knitting needle or a tiny screw driver so the gap between the pins is narrowed. After this repair, be good about not playing games you know to have thicker boards. My copy of SMB/Duck Hunt, for instance, is thicker and stretches the pins too much.

Also, I think leaving any game in the NES for long periods between game play is not advisable; i suspect it also stretches the pins and widens the gap.

Asphalt 9 / Siege Engine FTW

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