INTRODUCTION
To those of you who have come to this thread seeking answers, I truly hope you find them swiftly. In order to make your search brief, use the "Find/Search" function on your browser. Usually, it's Ctrl + F. Just press that keystroke combination and type in a key-word. For instance, if you want to know how to clean your top-loading NES, press Ctrl + F and type "top-loader" or "clean". If you do not find what you are looking for, leave a comment! If the need is common enough, we will add it to the FAQ.
To those who wish to help, the comprehensive FAQ is under-way! Thanks to all who have contributed so far! You have been given credit at the bottom of this post. MrMark0673 has said he thinks it is sticky-worthy. We are on a trial run for a month to see how it works out. So the immediate goal has been partially reached. The primary goal - providing as much helpful information as possible - is still far from over. Keep it up, guys!
**Please note: In making repairs or modifications to a cartridge, manual, box, label, system and/or any other possession of yours, YOU are responsible for changes made to your item(s) and not the users who provide the information or NintendoAge. Do anything and everything at YOUR OWN RISK.
Last updated: Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 3:10AM NintendoAge Time (EDT/GMT-4).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- Table of Contents
- Website FAQ
- "Help Wanted!" FAQ
- How to clean cartridge-based games: Part I - The Inside.
- An important note on magic erasers.
- How to clean cartridge-based games: Part 2 - Permanent Marker.
- Cleaning cartridges in general.
- N64 cartridges specifically.
- How to clean cartridge-based games: Part 3 - Sticker Residue.
- How to clean cartridge-based games: Part 4 - Label Peeling.
- How to clean cartridge-based games: Part 5 - Marker on Label.
- How to remove stickers off paper (instruction manuals, labels, case inserts, etc.).
- How to clean marker off paper (instruction manuals, labels, case inserts, etc.).
- How to remove stickers off cardboard boxes.
- How to clean marker off cardboard boxes.
- How to start using the collection wizard. (Start collection, manage, and export).
- How to block the cornerstone (the image in the bottom, left-hand corner).
- How to add images to your posts.
- Is there a mobile version of the website?
- Awards
- Game Series Awards
- I need a moderator! What do I do?
- Starting a transaction.
- Leaving feedback.
- How to open games/systems.
- How to replace the 72-pin connector inside the NES.
- Boiling the 72-pin connector.
- Replacing the battery save in cartridge-based games.
- Where to buy homebrews/reproductions.
- Recommended method(s) for shipping a loose cartridge.
- Recommended method(s) for shipping CIB or box-only item(s).
- A space-efficient, organized, accessible, and safe way to store Nintendo Power magazines.
- How to clean battery leakage in portables.
- How to clean the pins inside a top-loading NES.
- Discoloration on systems.
- General VGA Help
- How to remove odor from games.
- Forum Time.
- Contributors
WEBSITE FAQ
For those of you who may not know, the website does indeed have a FAQ. Before looking further, it may be best for you to check if your answer lies there: http://nintendoage.com/pub/faq/NA/
"HELP WANTED!" FAQ
1. How to clean cartridge-based games: Part 1 - The Inside.
Everyone has their own nuances on how to clean games. Some people prefer rubbing alcohol, some use weimans (which I have heard some say is not safe). etc. but one thing is certain: DO NOT BLOW IN YOUR CARTRIDGES. This will speed up the corrosion process, making your game become unplayable sooner. The alternative is much safer and much more effective...
You will need the following items:
- Cotton Q-Tips.
- Rubbing Alcohol.
Lightly apply a conservative amount of rubbing alcohol on the Q-Tip and rub the alcohol against the contacts of the game. As dirt, dust, or other foreign objects begin to come off, you may need to use the other side or apply more alcohol. Continue to do so until the cartridge is clean. Once clean, dry off the contacts with a dry Q-Tip (air-dying is not good for the contacts). Sometimes, the cartridge is so dirty it is more effective to open the cartridge itself and clean. You need a 3.8mm security bit to open the game.
Other things to consider using: white art-erasers, magic eraser.
An important note on magic erasers: Magic erasers are called a "micro abrasive". It works like a very, very fine sand paper. This is way you are to dampen the magic eraser before use. It is also important to remember that because of its rough qualities, eventually, it can remove anything including the plating on your pins.
2. How to clean cartridge-based games: Part 2 - Permanent Marker.
If you haven't already, it won't be long until you get a game with someone's name written on the cartridge with a permanent marker. This part of the FAQ only applies to the plastic part of the cartridge itself, and not permanent marker on the label. Please be aware that there are a plethora of methods for removing permanent marker (see the link at the end of this section). For this particular method, you will need...
** = Optional/May not be required.
- Cotton Q-Tips
- Rubbing Alcohol
- **Expo/Dry-Erase Marker (NOT PERMANENT MARKER).
Before continuing, it is necessary to know that you should NEVER use fingernail polish remover. Although it will work, this will terribly discolor your cartridge with a splotchy white look! It's not worth it!
The first mode of action should be to apply the rubbing alcohol to the Q-Tip. Rub the Q-Tip firmly against the affected area while being careful not to get alcohol on the label. This will only affect weaker types of permanent marker ink.
For more diligent cases of permanent marker, it is sometimes advantageous to apply dry-erase marker over the affected area and then repeat the process using rubbing alcohol and q-tips. The dry-erase marker will help "pull up" the permanent marker. However, this also may not get remove everything. Permanent marker can be very difficult to remove. You can also use a standard school eraser (such as the pink Elmer's eraser) to try to get any remaining permanent marker. This is a good alternative to the magic eraser as it is not an abrasive.
For N64 games, using magic eraser is ideal for removing permanent marker. Be aware that magic eraser can damage textured cartridges such as NES cartridges. The N64 cartridge's texture is flat, so this is not a problem.
There are other methods for removing permanent marker as well, such as using magic eraser. To see a more comprehensive list on how to remove permanent markers from a cartridge, see this thread: http://nintendoage.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=8&thr...
From K. Thrower: Dot-3 brake fluid. This is the end all of permanent marker cleaner, and makes alcohol look like garbage in comparison. A side by side test will prove the difference. This also works on labels, boxes and manuals, but like other methods, has the chance of damage when gloss is missing, or it soaks into an edge. A q-tip is the easiest precise application method, and the strength of the ink will determine the amount of swipes necessary to remove the ink.
Other things to consider: magic eraser. Please be aware that magic eraser is a micro-abrasive. DO NOT use it on textured cartridges as it will remove their texture!
3. How to clean cartridge-based games: Part 3 - Sticker Residue.
Sticker residue is a common pain with a simple solution. Please note that this guide only applies to sticker residue on the cartridge part of the game and not on the part with the label. You will need:
- Cotton Q-Tips
- A bottle of Goo-Gone
The process is easy. Simply apply a dab of Goo-Gone onto the end of the Q-Tip and gently rub away the residue. Be very careful not to get any of the Goo-Gone on the label. When ready, simply wipe away the excess with a dry end of a Q-Tip.
This method is also effective when removing sticker residue from game cases. Just be sure to keep all agents within the affected area and not on any paper, labels, etc. and to remove excess agents thoroughly.
4. How to clean cartridge-based games: Part 4 - Minor Label Peeling.
Minor label peeling is not only a nuance that affects the cosmetics of our games, it's also a danger to the integrity of the rest of the label if not taken care of. If the small, peeling part of the label is snagged on something, it can wrinkle, fold, or tear more of the label. Before proceeding it is important to note that using any liquid adhesive can be disasterous. Do not use them. Moreover, using the hairdyer method to liquify the label's adhesive to lift up the label is VERY dangerous for the label and is not worth risking, especially on pricier cartridges. The following is assuming there is no dirt or debris on the adhesive part of the label.
For very minor peeling (such as a slight lift in one corner), you'll need:
- Toothpick (or other narrow, solid, not-fuzzy or fragile item similar in size)
- Elmer's Glue Stick
Before starting, it may prove wise to dull or remove the sharp ends of the toothpick (if applicable) in order to decrease the chances of puncturing the label.
Apply a light amount of Elmer's Glue (stick) to the side of the toothpick, not the corner. Then, very slightly and carefully lift the peeling area and apply the glue to the bottom of the label gently. Smooth out the glue or remove excess very carefully so that the label does not become lumpy or uneven. Reapply the label back to the cartridge.
(See Tanooki's Response: http://nintendoage.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=8&thr... )
5. How to clean cartridge-based games: Part 5 - Marker on Label.
I believe there is a way, needs updating.
^ NEEDS UPDATING ^
6. How to remove stickers off paper (instruction manuals, case inserts, etc.).
A known and often used method for removing stubborn stickers is to use a hairdryer over the sticker in order to weaken the adhesive. Be wary of any labels if performing this technique on a cartridge as the hairdyer can have a similar effect on the label.
If removing a sticker from a case insert (the paper in between the case and outer plastic on DVD cases), completely remove the paper insert before using the hairdyer so you do not accidentally warp the plastic.
From K. Thrower: Dot-3 brake fluid. This is the end all of permanent marker cleaner, and makes alcohol look like garbage in comparison. A side by side test will prove the difference. This also works on labels, boxes and manuals, but like other methods, has the chance of damage when gloss is missing, or it soaks into an edge. A q-tip is the easiest precise application method, and the strength of the ink will determine the amount of swipes necessary to remove the ink.
7. How to clean marker off paper (instruction manuals, case inserts, etc.).
Unfortunately, there is no effective method known at this time.
8. How to remove stickers off cardboard boxes.
Much like removing stickers off paper (instruction manuals, case inserts, etc.) use a hairdryer to loosen the adhesive off the cardboard box and remove the sticker. Please be very precise and patient as premature sticker removal may tear the cardboard due to the adhesive still being sticky.
Caution: While I have not seen any reports of this, I would imagine using the hairdyer too closely for too long or using too much heat can damage the box.
9. How to clean marker off cardboard boxes.
NintendoAge user Alder has used the dry-erase marker method to remove permanent marker from a Pokemon Crystal box and it came off very easily. Please note that before doing so, this only has a chance to work on boxes that still have their gloss/laminate. If it's just the cardboard exposed, it's better off to leave it be.
1. Using a dry erase marker (Alder used an black EXPO brand marker), color on a small portion of the back of the box to make sure it can be easily removed with cloth. Again, if there is no longer laminate on the box, it may be a lost cause.
2. Use a sock or DRY cloth (no liquid should be used whatsoever) to wipe off the dry erase marker. It should smear a bit and look like you're making it worse at first. I would exercise extreme caution.
3. Repeat until it's all gone. Alder reports it took about three or four series of wipes until it was completely gone.
You can view Alder's original contribution on this subject on page 3, post 11 of this thread.
10. How to start using the collection wizard. (Start collection, manage, and export).
The collection wizard is an excellent resource in tracking your collection. On NintendoAge, you can use it to track your NES, GB, GBC, SNES, VB, N64, GBA, GC, DS, 3DS, and Wii collections. Likewise, on SegaAge, you can use the collection wizard to track your SG-1000, SMS, Genesis, Sega CD, 32X, Game Gear, Pico, Saturn, and Dreamcast collections.
There are a few ways to create a new collection wizard.
- After logging in, go to "My Home" and on the left navigational section titled "Manage", click "Collections". Here, there are two default collections, the "Wanted" list and the "For Sale/Trade" list. You may delete these by clicking the red "X" in the far right.
- To start a new collection wizard, click "New Collection Wizard" to the right of the bold "Add Games".
- Here, you will have the opportunity to name your collection, select the supported platforms you want to track with this particular list, and select the appropriate region(s). (To select more than one option, hold ctrl while selecting the platforms or regions you want to track).
- After verifying your selections, click "Generate Collection!"
- Now, you may add items into your collection by searching keywords in the search bar or manually select them in the database below. (Be sure to select "Cart", "Ins" and/or "Box". Similarly, you may remove items from you collection by unchecking the appropriate boxes.
- To edit your collection list's settings, go back to "Collections" and click "Settings" (the image of the cog/gear).
- To view your collection outside of the editor, go back to "Collections" and click on "Public View" (the image of the magnifying glass). Upon clicking, a new page or tab will open. Here you can see when the list was created, last updated, how many views there are, and what percent you are to completion overall, cartridge-only, instructions-only, and box-only as well as a list of every item within the collection. From here, you can also export your collection as a .png file, .pdf file, .txt file, and excel spreadsheet (.xls) file.
11. How to block the cornerstone. (The cornerstone is the image in the bottom-left hand corner of the page).
The cornerstone is the image in the bottom left-hand corner of the website, usually an image of the website's mascot, Nindo. If you desire for this to be removed, follow these instructions:
After logging in, go to "My Home" > "Edit Profile" > "Forum Settings" > and
select "Yes" for the "block cornerstone" option.
Alternatively, you may go to the mobile website: http://mobile.nintendoage.com
12. How to add images to your posts.
Benihana has created a visual walkthrough and a video found in this thread: http://www.nintendoage.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=8&...
Video:
Alternatively, you can actually "copy-paste" images uploaded already. If the image is embedded within a web-page, just right-click and select "copy" and then go to the whitespace in the thread and select "paste". You can only do this with embedded images on a web-page, not just any file on your computer.
You can also attach files to your post.
13. Is there a mobile version of the website?
Yes. http://mobile.nintendoage.com
14. Awards
If you qualify for an award and would like it added to your profile, PM a moderator with proof that you deserve an award and they will add it to your profile. For a list of moderators who can add awards (as not all moderators can add rewards), see: http://www.nintendoage.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=24&am...
Please be patient in receiving a reply, moderators and administration are very busy!
15. Game Series Awards
There is a thread dedicated to this. See: http://www.nintendoage.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=5&...
16. I need a moderator! What do I do?
If you are in need of a moderator, simply PM one. Please be patient in receiving a reply, moderators and administration are very busy! For a list of moderators, see: http://www.nintendoage.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Users.Direct... . Only use the "Page Moderators" function under urgent, extreme emergencies. Do not test to see if it works, it does, you will end up notifying every moderator and inconveniencing them.
17. Starting a transaction.
The main FAQ for the website has a tutorial on starting a transaction. Please use it by clicking the following link: http://www.nintendoage.com/pub/faq/NA/tutorial_transaction.h...
18. Leaving feedback.
The main FAQ for the website has a tutorial on leaving feedback. Please use it by clicking the following link: http://www.nintendoage.com/pub/faq/NA/tutorial_feedback.html
19. How to open games/systems.
All you need is the proper security bit and screwdriver:
- NES: 3.8mm security bit for cartridges, phillip's head screwdriver for the system.
- GB: 3.8mm security bit for cartridges, ??? for the system.
- SNES: 3.8mm security bit for cartridges, 4.5mm security bit for the system.
^ Will update.
20. How to replace the 72-pin connector inside the NES.
Will update. If a NintendoAge user has uploaded a video or has made a guide on this before, that would be great. Making a tutorial on this practically requires pictures, which would clutter this thread way to much. If we can get a link to a YouTube video or another thread here, that'd be great.
^ NEEDS UPDATING ^
21. Boiling the 72-pin connector.
22. Replacing the battery save in cartridge-based games.
^ NEEDS UPDATING ^
23. Where to buy homebrews/reproductions.
Want the PowerPak? Earthbound Zero? Battle Kid? Nomolos? Or perhaps some other translated famicom RPG? NintendoAge user Gwyndion has provided a huge resource with a list of where to buy homebrews/reproductions from - complete with extensive information and feedback. You can see his thread here:
http://www.nintendoage.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=5&...
To clarify, any translated ROM put on a cartridge is called a translated reproduction. An example of this is Earthbound Zero (the translated version of the Famicom game Mother).
Reproductions is a general term for ROMs of generally unobtainable games put onto cartridges. NEVER ask a repro maker to make copies of commercially released games like Little Samson, Flintstones: Surprise at Dinosaur Peak, etc.
Homebrews are games made from scratch by our fellow enthusiasts.
24. Recommended method(s) for shipping a loose cartridge.
The most common method is to use a bubble mailer/padded envelope (the ones with the bubble-wrap inside). Naturally, the size of the envelope is dictated by the size of the cartridge being shipped. Many post offices sell them for $1 - $2. You can find them much cheaper at Wal-mart and other office supply stores for well under a dollar each.
It could prove prudent to add additional bubble wrap for added security. In a bubble-mailer alone, some members have had their games damaged.
Also, the more expensive or important the cartridge, the added security you provide. This should be a given.
25. Recommended method(s) for shipping CIB or boxed item(s).
The most accepted method is to go with a box. A large box may require a medium flat rate (USPS) box, but most CIB games fit very nicely in a small flat rate box. These small flat rate boxes are 8.5" x 1.5" x 5". Bubble wrap should be added for added protection and to make the contents snug inside.
- Do not ship CIBs in a bubble mailer.
- Do not ship CIBs with the address put on the box of the game itself or on paper barely covering the box (An NA member had this happen to him with a Super Scope CIB).
26. A space-efficient, organized, accessible, and safe way to store Nintendo Power magazines.
Make sure the plastics you use are acid-free and non-PVC. Mylar protectors are the safest route for storing magazines/comics.
27. How to clean battery leakage in portables.
You will need:
- An acid such as vinegar or lemon juice
- gloves and goggles
- cotton swabs
- paper towels
Alkalines & most rechargables leak sodium or potassium hydroxide which forms a greenish or white crust.
**** Be careful, this stuff can cause burns on your skin. Wear gloves and glasses, be careful ****
- Carefully remove the bad batteries if they are still there. Dispose of them in the trash.
- Apply vinegar with cotton swabs to neutralize the crusty stuff. It should bubble a bit from the vinegar.
- Wipe it away with clean swabs and towels. Minimize the use of water as this will only corrode the electronics further
- Use a tooth brush or fine wire brush if the swabs alone aren't working.
- Inspect the battery contacts to ensure they aren't corroded away. If they are, the contacts can usually be replaced with parts from Radio Shack and a little bit of soldering.
28. How to clean the pins inside of a top-loading NES.
This method is used for cleaning the contacts/pins in your top-loader. This method has been reportedly used succesfully by NintendoAge users Paul, KHAN, and laserman81.
You will need:
- Credit card
- Cardboard or old-yet-clean plain t-shirt. (A coffee filter can also be used in place of these two).
- You may need scissors for cutting the cardboard.
If you are using cardboard, cut the cardboard to fit the cartridge slot and double it over the credit card so that there is cardboard on both sides of the credit card. Make sure not to use really think cardboard as it can expand the connector pins in your top-loader. Use the credit card/cardboard contraption to insert and remove the cardboard several times.
Alternatively, you can use an old-yet-clean plain t-shirt instead of cardboard or a coffee filter. The advantage to this is that you do not risk a piece of cardboard or coffee filter getting caught in your machine.
You can also use this method on your toaster-style NES, but you have to at least remove the top of the system.
If the methods listed above do not work, you can find more here:
http://www.nintendoage.com/forum/...
29. Discoloration on systems.
Due to the chemical composition of many plastics in systems like the SNES, it is impossible to completely reverse the effects of discoloration (which was caused by the inevitable exposure to oxygen). However, many have had successful results in partially reversing the effects with retr0brite.
http://retr0bright.wikispaces.com/
30. General VGA Help
31. How to remove odor from games.
Chances are, if you haven't already, you'll stumble across a game cartridge that has a terrible odor - usually cigerette smoke. Removing this plague from your game is a simple task. You will need the following items:
- The game(s)
- A bag (a plastic bag will do)
- A box of baking soda
- A dry, ventilated place such as a garage
Place the game in the bag (to protect the game) and the opened bag in the box of baking soda. Then, take the box to a dry, ventilated place such as a garage and let it air out and the baking soda absorb the odor. Alternatively, if the odor is not very strong, just letting the game air out by itself can work. Make sure the area is dry and safe as to not damage your game.
32. Forum Time
CONTRIBUTORS
Thank you to all who contribute and help make this thread an valueable resource!
- Alder
- Benihana
- bennybtl
- BouncekDeLemos
- captmorgandrinker
- Dennis
- Duke.Togo
- K. Thrower
- Laserman
- MinusWorlds
- Nightowljrm
- ookii_risu
- Paul
- SsPpAaMm
- zoOmer
http://goo.gl/xmzKR...
