If you find this helpful, please VOTE [YES] below!!! My customers are almost always happy with their purchases, but every once in a while a game just won't work for a number of reasons. Here are steps you can take to identify what is wrong, and correct the problem without the need for filing expensive claims, going through return procedures and other messy resolutions.

This guide applies to ANY Cartridge-based home video games, including but not limited to most handheld games (Game Boy, Game Gear) and NES Nintendo, SNES Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, Sega Master System and other older popular home consoles.

Remember...GAMES GENERALLY DO NOT "GO BAD." Very rarely will a game simply be "broken." Even if you hear a rattling inside the plastic case, even if there's a crack in the plastic, even if it's covered in schmutz of unknown origin...problems you are experiencing are OVERWHELMINGLY likely to be because of one of the following three problems, and not because it's just DOA (Dead on arrival!):

1. The game may simply be dirty. This is the most common problem, and fortunately the easiest to fix. Take a Q-tip and a strong rubbing alcohol (isopropyl 70% is available at drug and convenience stores, and is appropriate). Soak one end of the Q-tip briefly in your alcohol and scrub that end across the visible metallic connectors within your cartridge's opening. Scrub vigorously with moderate pressure. Be sure to scrub end-to-end, if you miss some of the metallic connectors you won't fully solve the problem. Your Q-tip should be turning a darker color from all of the grime you're loosening, as it does twist the Q-tip around; use the whole head to get the most filth off. After a quick 20-second scrub on each side of the circuits (get BOTH sides of that little board!) turn the Q-tip around and use the DRY end to repeat the process, this time with NO alcohol. Drying the connectors is essential so that they do not corrode in the air, and also this helps to "bat cleanup" and get the last bits of dirt off. You can repeat with another Q-tip this same manner if you didn't get it clean enough the first time. One side note: do your games a favor - DON'T BLOW ON THEM. You won't dislodge the oily dust and in fact are more likely to permanently corrode the connectors with your moist breath. The game may work temporarily after you've blown into the end, but many times the game will fail during play and the moist connectors actually facilitate that grime rubbing off inside the system, making it tougher to play ALL of your other games. This brings us to the next potential problem:

2. Your system may be dirty from repeated use with dirty cartridges. This is frequently the case with older systems that have been in service for decades, especially if the system has played many different rental cartridges or if games weren't kept in protective sleeves away from dust. This gook can be removed from the inside your system as well, but is much tougher to get at. System cleaning kits are available from many sources (including eBay!) and are cheap and easy to use. Methods exist that require no special purchase, but that involve disassembling your game system and unless you're comfortable with working inside of similar gadgetry, the layperson should avoid these methods.

3. If your games are clean and your system is clean, are you using an original official game system? Many clones and imitators are available for cheap prices, but are incapable of playing the complete library of games. If you try your best but it seems you can't get your game to work on your clone system, it might be time to think about purchasing the real deal. Look for consoles that have either been "professionally cleaned," or have had a replacement PIN-CONNECTOR installed. Both of these, bought from reputable sellers, should work with any clean game you introduce to it.

4. In a VERY small percentage of games, problems may exist within the game cartridge, in the circuitry. Mainly these problems will be with "unlicensed" games, ones that are a different color and/or shape than normal games for that system. Problems range from physical ones, such as a loose chip or corrosion from water damage, to electronic ones like data loss from extreme old age. Professional help may be necessary to save these games, and solutions to these RARE problems are beyond the scope of this guide.

Rest assured, YOUR GAMES WORK. With a little tender loving care and some precautionary steps like keeping your games stored where dust and sunlight can't get at them and keeping the lid of your system closed when not in use, they'll work for another 20 years and beyond. Have fun!