Spray the pins with metal contact cleaner.Test the cartridge again.Įnsure your console is powered off and unplugged before attempting this on any connector on the console. Move the eraser back and forth and up and down quickly on the pins on each side, then take a cotton swab dipped in IPA and make sure all debris is wiped clean from the cartridge. Place the flat end between the pins and the cartridge case while applying moderate pressure on the pins. (Highly encouraged) Slice half of an eraser sandwich style so you have a flat eraser nub on one end.

(Optional) Spray the pins with metal contact cleaner and scrub them with a cotton swab.

The sound is present and not glitching.

The video is present and not glitching.

If repeating the process does not work, proceed to the next step. If any issues are present, repeat the cleaning process. Once done, take the dry end of the cotton swab and do a once over to quickly dry and soak up any excess alcohol on the pins. Flip the cart over and do the same with the pins on the other side. Apply moderate pressure with the wet end on the exposed pins and move it quickly from side to side, then like a toothbrush back and forth quickly on the pins.

Take the alcohol and wet one end of the cotton swab.

Note that some games are more difficult to disassemble without damaging the shell (such as Atari 2600 and DS games).

If the cartridge can be opened and the PCB removed from the shell, the cleaning process will be much easier.

(Optional) Metal Contact Cleaner (Such as CRC QD Contact Cleaner).

(Optional) Needle, Dental Pick, Weeding tool.(See console specific tools sections for more info) Appropriate tool for opening cartridge.

Video game cartridge cleaner