VGC’S Classic game care tips
Congratulations on owning a piece of gaming history!
We’ve put together some tips to help you care for your classic game cartridges:
These classic game cartridges have been around for a while. Some are more than a quarter century old! Over time, humidity, dirt, and improper storage practices can lead to oxidization of the contacts and prevent the game from working. In most cases, the ravages of time can be reversed and a game can be restored to working condition through a simple cleaning procedure. But even if you are not experiencing problems it is a good idea to clean your games occasionally, as preventative maintenance.
When to clean your cartridge:
• You are experiencing blank screens
• Game won’t start
• Game crashes or freezes in the middle of play
• Scrambled game graphics
• Flashing screen or power light
What you’ll need:
• A cup or bowl
• Windex or an equivalent mild glass cleaner
• Q-Tips
What to do:
• Pour some of your windex into a bowl and dip a Q-Tip into it.
• Rub the wet Q-Tip firmly across the contacts inside the cartridge. (See figure) Be sure to get both sides!
• The Q-Tip will become dirty very quickly. When this happens, wet another Q-tip in the windex and repeat.
• Keep scrubbing with fresh Q-Tips until no more dirt comes off.
• Use a dry Q-tip to wipe off any excess cleaning solution.
• Let the game cartridge sit for about 10 minutes to dry thoroughly.
• Test the game in your system.
If that didn’t work:
If it still doesn’t work, contact us via e-mail at orderassistance@videogamecentral.com or by phone at 718-323-1515 mon-fri 12-7 EST. We will attempt to troubleshoot your problem and, if necessary help you to replace the defective game or get your system repaired.
Proper storage:
• Always store your classic game cartridge in a cool, dry place.
• Never store them in close proximity to a heat source (a radiator, or on top of a computer monitor).
• Never let the cartridge become immersed in water.
• Humidity will oxidize the contacts, do not store classic games in humid places.
Only use mild cleaning products such as Windex to clean the contacts. Never use benzene, rubbing alcohol, paint thinner, acetone or other harsh solvents on the game cartridge!
Disclaimer: VGC is not responsible for any damages, monetary or otherwise, incurred by the use of these procedures. Do so at your own risk!
