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How to Disassemble an SNES Cartridge

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) introduced the world to 16-bit gaming, but those SNES cartridges that many people have come to know and love were created in the early 1990s and may have various problems, including dust accumulation and internal damage. Keeping these classic gaming gems in mint working condition may require taking them apart for a bit of internal tinkering, maintenance or cleaning.

Things You'll Need

3.8mm game-bit driver
Small flat-head screwdriver (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Lay an SNES cartridge on its back with the title sticker facing upward.
- 2
  Locate the cartridge's two screws. One is in the lower left corner and the other in the lower right corner. Secure a 3.8mm game-bit driver over one of the screws, and gently turn the device counterclockwise, which will turn the screw in the same direction. Do not force the screw to move because you could strip it, making its removal almost impossible. After you remove the first screw, use the same procedure to remove the second screw. Set both screws aside.
- 3
  Pull the two halves of the cartridge apart at the cartridge's seam using your fingers. If the cartridge does not come apart easily, insert a small flat-head screwdriver in the seam and gently use it to pry apart the cartridge's two halves.

Classic Console Games