How To Get The Green Off Nes Games

How to Get the Green Off NES Games

So, you’ve pulled out your old Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and a pile of games, ready for some retro gaming fun. But wait! What’s that nasty green crud on the metal connectors of your game cartridges? That’s corrosion, and it can stop your games from working. Don’t worry, it’s a common problem and you can fix it at home! This article will show you how to clean those game cartridges and get them working again.

Understanding the Green Menace: What Causes Corrosion?

The green stuff you see is usually a type of corrosion that forms on metal parts over time, especially when exposed to air and moisture. This is more likely to happen in places with high humidity or big temperature changes. The connectors on your NES cartridges are made of copper, which reacts with oxygen and other things in the environment to create this green gunk. It’s like rust, but for copper. The scientific name for this green stuff is copper(II) oxide or copper carbonate. The key contributors to this corrosion are:

• Humidity: Moist air is a big culprit.
• Temperature changes: When the temperature goes up and down a lot, it can create condensation.
• Dust and grime: These can trap moisture and make corrosion happen faster.
• Time: Over many years, even in normal conditions, corrosion can slowly form.

Tools of the Trade: What You’ll Need

Before you start cleaning, make sure you have everything you need. Having the right tools makes the job easier and safer for your games. Here’s what you should gather:

• Isopropyl Alcohol (90% or higher): This is a cleaning agent that dries quickly and doesn’t leave behind residue. You can find it at most drugstores.
• Cotton Swabs (Q-tips): These are great for getting into small spaces and gently scrubbing.
• Soft Cloth or Microfiber Towel: For drying the cartridges after cleaning and removing loose dirt.
• Pencil Eraser (Pink or White): These are used to remove stubborn corrosion. Make sure it is a clean eraser.
• Optional: Screwdriver (small Phillips-head): If you need to open up the cartridge for a more thorough clean. Be careful and only do this if you’re comfortable with it.
• Optional: Canned Air: To blow out any loose dust after cleaning.

The Cleaning Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let’s get those games clean! Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

Step 1: The Preliminary Check and Dry Wipe

Before applying any liquids, examine the cartridge carefully. Look for any loose parts or obvious damage. Use your soft cloth or microfiber towel to gently wipe away any loose dust or dirt. This makes the next steps easier.

Step 2: Alcohol Cleaning: The First Assault

Now, it’s time to use isopropyl alcohol. This step is effective for removing minor to moderate corrosion.

1. Dip your cotton swab: Dip the tip of a cotton swab into the isopropyl alcohol. Don’t soak it, just make sure it is damp. Too much alcohol can drip into the game cartridge.
2. Clean the Connectors: Gently rub the wet swab back and forth on the metal connectors, going from one side to the other. You may notice the green coming off onto the swab.
3. Switch Swabs: Use a new swab when the previous one gets dirty. Repeat the rubbing motion until the connectors are mostly clean.
4. Clean the whole board edges: after cleaning the contacts on the bottom, gently clean the all the edge of the board inside the cartridge, as dirt might have gone inside the cartridge and might have formed dust.
5. Drying: Allow the cartridge to air dry for a few minutes. The alcohol should evaporate quickly.

Step 3: The Eraser Technique: When Alcohol Isn’t Enough

If you still see green gunk after cleaning with alcohol, the next step is to use a pencil eraser. This abrasive method helps remove more stubborn corrosion.

1. Prepare the Eraser: Make sure the eraser is clean. You don’t want to rub dirt into the contacts.
2. Gently Rub: Rub the eraser back and forth over the metal connectors, applying gentle pressure. You’ll see tiny bits of eraser and corrosion coming off.
3. Clean Up: Blow away eraser bits with canned air or wipe them away with a dry cloth or use a soft toothbrush.
4. Alcohol Rinse: After using the eraser, use a fresh, slightly damp cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol to clean away the residue left by the eraser. Let the cartridge air dry completely.

Step 4: Opening Cartridges for Advanced Cleaning (Optional)

If the exterior cleaning isn’t working, you may need to open the game cartridge for a deeper clean. Be extra careful when doing this as you can accidentally damage the components inside.

Why Open a Cartridge?

Sometimes, corrosion seeps inside the cartridge, or there may be gunk or grime that needs more direct cleaning. Opening the cartridge allows you to clean the inside components more effectively.

How to Open a Cartridge

1. Locate the Screws: Turn the cartridge over and look for screws. They are usually small Philips-head screws.
2. Unscrew: Use a small Philips-head screwdriver to remove the screws carefully. Store the screws in a safe place.
3. Separate the Shells: Gently separate the two halves of the cartridge shell. If they stick together, carefully wiggle them, do not force them.
4. Inspect the Inside: Carefully examine the game board inside. Look for any signs of corrosion on the circuit board or other metal components.

Internal Cleaning: A More Detailed Approach

With the cartridge open, you have better access to clean the game board. Here’s how to do it:

• Soft Brush: Use a soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush) to remove any dust or loose debris on the board.
• Alcohol Cleaning (again): Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and carefully clean the board edges where the board makes contact to the cartridge connector. Avoid getting the alcohol on any of the chips or other components.
• Thorough Drying: Let the board air dry completely. Do not assemble until you are sure that everything is dry.

Reassembly

1. Line Up the Shells: Carefully place the game board back into the bottom half of the cartridge shell.
2. Reattach the Top: Line up the top half of the cartridge shell and press it gently until it sits flush with the bottom half.
3. Screw It Together: Put the screws back into the holes and tighten them gently until the cartridge is secure. Do not over tighten the screws.

Preventing Future Corrosion

Cleaning your cartridges is important, but so is taking steps to prevent corrosion from coming back. Here are some tips to keep your games in good shape:

• Storage is key: Store your NES games in a cool, dry place. Avoid basements and attics that can have high humidity or big changes in temperature.
• Use Protective Cases: When not using your games, keep them in plastic cases or sleeves. This helps keep dust and moisture away.
• Regularly Inspect: Check your games from time to time. Catching any corrosion early makes it easier to clean.
• Play Your Games: Believe it or not, using your games can actually help prevent corrosion. The simple act of putting the cartridge into the console can help keep the contacts clean!
• Dehumidifiers: If you live in a very humid environment, consider using a small dehumidifier where you store your games.

Troubleshooting: When Things Don’t Work Right

Even after cleaning, you might find that some games are still not working properly. Here are some common issues and what you can do about them:

Game Won’t Load at All

• Re-clean: The first step should always be to re-clean the game cartridge using the steps above. Make sure you’re cleaning both the game contacts and the console’s connector pins.
• Try a different game: Test another game cartridge to make sure that the problem is not with the console. If the other game works, then the issue is definitely with the cartridge.
• Console Cleaning: Sometimes the console itself might need cleaning. Use a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol to clean the contact pins in your NES cartridge slot. Let it dry completely before testing games again.

Game Freezes or Glitches

• Check for Damage: Carefully examine the cartridge for any signs of damage, like cracks or broken pins.
• Re-clean thoroughly: Go through the cleaning process again, using both alcohol and eraser if needed. Make sure the game board is clean.
• Test on another console: If you have another NES system available, try the game on that console to make sure that the problem is with the game itself and not the console.

Sound or Graphics Issues

• Check the Connection: Make sure that the game is fully seated into the console’s game slot. Sometimes a bad connection can cause weird sound and graphic issues.
• Clean Again: Go back to cleaning process, using both the alcohol and eraser cleaning methods. This might be a sign of bad connectivity.
• Inspect the Board: If you opened the cartridge, check for any damage to the game board or any loose parts.

Cleaning your NES cartridges can make the difference between playing and not playing those great retro games. The process is fairly easy, but remember to take your time and be careful. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can get your games working great again! Happy gaming!