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How to Clean an SNES Game Deck

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System has existed since 1991 and remains a popular and beloved video game console. If you own a SNES console, you need to keep it clean for it to function and play your favorite vintage games, such as "Link to the Past" and "Super Mario Kart," without the games glitching on you. The Super Nintendo, like pre-PlayStation consoles, runs games in cartridge format, and ceases to work properly if the contacts in the console are dirty or smudged.

Things You'll Need

Thin T-shirt or cloth
Credit card
Water
Rubbing alcohol
Q-tips

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the controllers, A/V input and AC power adapter from the main part of the SNES console.
- 2
  Wet the cloth lightly. Wrap the shirt or cloth as tightly around the credit card as possible; leave no wrinkles.
- 3
  Hold the cloth and card taut. Push the cartridge flap of the console open.
- 4
  Slide the card into the SNES cartridge slot gently, making sure to insert it perfectly straight. Pull it directly out; do not slide or wiggle the card. If you do, you risk bending or breaking the connector pins. You will likely see a film of grime and gunk on the cloth. Wrap the card in a clean area of the cloth and repeat the process for the remaining area of the cartridge slot.
- 5
  Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water together in a container and dip the end of a Q-tip in it.
- 6
  Rub the end of the Q-tip along the contacts of a dirty SNES game cartridge to remove dust and dirt. Wipe it dry with a clean cloth.

Video Game Consoles