I just picked up an NES along with 12 games at a garage sale, but I’m experiencing issues like a yellow screen with some games and a strange text effect on one. I’m guessing it’s time for a cleaning session! I’ve heard some suggestions about using a pencil eraser to clean the cartridge contacts, but I’m also curious about how to clean the contacts inside the console itself. What’s the best way to go about this?
2 Answers
Stick with 70% isopropyl alcohol for cleaning! Just dip a Q-tip and softly clean the cartridge contacts. You can even use a cartridge that’s slightly dirty to clean the console’s contacts; just move it in and out a couple of times. Remember to let everything air dry afterwards. Avoid using anything stronger than 70% as it might damage the PCB around the contacts. And don’t forget to remove the cartridges after cleaning; leaving them in can lead to erosion over time!
For cleaning the cartridge contacts, you can use regular rubbing alcohol or even Windex with Q-tips. Make sure to scrub both sides of the circuit board and switch to a fresh Q-tip each time for the best results until they come out clean. For the console, if you have a front-loader model, try this: first, clean your cartridge as mentioned, then insert it into the NES and clean it again to remove any additional gunk. Next, disassemble the NES, and remove the pin connector (it’s the big black piece). Boiling it can help restore the pins to a better position, improving game connectivity.
Is 70% isopropyl alcohol the same as regular rubbing alcohol? Also, it’s odd someone downvoted without sharing their thoughts!