Tips for preserving and cleaning vintage video game cartridges, and where to locate these games.
Finding older video games can seem difficult, and for some titles, it is. Not only that, but the rarer games hit hard in the wallet, so when spending money on classic video games, be sure to be fully aware of the game's condition. If you're purchasing from an online dealer, read all information you are provided with very carefully. Many vintage games can be found on auction web sites such as eBay, in particular if you are looking for region-specific cartridges or boxes and manuals to complete a collection. Carts being sold separately are very common, but the collector often will want the complete package, and these are rare enough now that the only place to find shrink-wrapped or at least mint condition vintage games is online. You must be sure to read the details of the auction and know exactly what you should be getting. Place priorities on auctions that show you pictures of the game cartridge. Even if you don't need the box and manual to go with your game, you can still tell a lot about how it works from its visual condition, and verify that the label and casing are intact. However, don't judge completely by image alone - some of the most beaten-up games can still run smoothly. If you don't wish to shop for games online, in most areas there are video game stores which trade, buy and sell older video games. Some such stores specialize in vintage games, so have a look around your city or town.
Keeping vintage games working is a big part in collecting them. Cartridges, as most older games tend to be, can be stubborn and refuse to work on the first attempt. Just because a cartridge doesn't work when you put it in your system does not mean it's broken. In fact, the game may be in perfect condition, and your system may be the culprit - the older consoles, in particular front-loading ones, are usually problematic. Some of these issues can be easily solved by shifting the cart back and forth or pushing it in further, or testing it in another system. If not, take the proper precautions by following these steps before cleaning your game.
Static shocks can render the circuitry of a video game cartridge or system completely inoperable. Make sure you are grounded before cleaning your games, and possibly add the protection of an anti-static wrist strap which can be found at most electronics or hardware stores.
Once you know it is safe to do so, clean your cartridges. Vintage games get unavoidably dirty, especially if they have been in storage, but there are ways to keep them clean (or to make them clean again, if they have become dirty). Cartridge-based games have what are called contacts. These are the gold-colored pieces inside the bottom of the cartridge which directly interact with the gaming system. If these are dirty, the game's data may not transfer to the system correctly. One way to clean the contacts is with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. Soak the swab in the alcohol and lightly rub it along the cartridge's contacts. A black substance may show up on the cotton swab; the dirt and oxidation being removed from the contacts. Now take a dry swab and lightly rub the contacts again. This will remove any excess alcohol and any remaining loose dirt. Often, this is all that is required to get a cartridge to work properly. You may wish to apply the same technique to the video game system itself, provided you can easily get to the contacts on the system.
If rubbing alcohol alone does not work, then there is the option of using acrylic nail buffing boards, which utilize extremely fine grit sandpaper. In order to remove the deep oxidation from the contacts, soak one end of the board in some rubbing alcohol. Rub this against the contacts, but be sure to use caution and be extra gentle. If you rub too hard, you may break the contacts or circuits. Once you've taken the buffing board to the contacts, once again rub the contacts dry with a cotton swab.
Never use water on your video game cartridges. There is a widespread misconception that this will work, but water will only cause more harm to your game, adding more oxidation to the contacts and potentially destroying the label. Never blow into your video games - this is another common mistake. It's true that this may remove some light dust or dirt, but you are also blowing water vapor into the cartridge. This will only cause more oxidation to occur.
Keep your games in the slipcovers they were originally sold in, or in other protective casing. Handling them carefully will keep them working well and preserve them for many years to come.
