Cleaning Cartridge Contacts

Dirty cartridge pins are one of the most common causes of read errors, failed saves, and games not being detected. Here’s how to properly clean them.

Why cleaning matters

After decades of use and storage, cartridge pins accumulate:

• Dust and debris
• Oxidation from humidity
• Residue from previous cleaning attempts
• Corrosion in severe cases

These contaminants interfere with the electrical connection between your cartridge and your Operator device.

What you’ll need

• Cotton swabs (Q-tips)
• 99% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
• A game cartridge

Important: Use 99% or higher IPA, not rubbing alcohol. Lower concentrations contain more water and other additives.

Cleaning steps

1. Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol (don’t soak it, just dampen)
2. Gently rub the metal pins at the bottom of the cartridge
3. Use the dry end of the swab to remove excess moisture
4. Let the cartridge dry completely (2-3 minutes)
5. Insert and test

What NOT to do

• Don’t blow on the cartridge — This was never a good solution. It just moves dust around and adds moisture from your breath.
• Don’t use water — Water can cause corrosion
• Don’t use household cleaners — They leave residue
• Don’t scrub aggressively — You can damage the pin plating

When to clean

Clean your cartridges:

• Before using games that have been in storage
• When a game isn’t being detected
• When you experience read/write errors
• When you notice visible dirt on the pins

For stubborn corrosion

If regular cleaning doesn’t work:

1. Try a slightly more abrasive approach with a pencil eraser (gently)
2. For severe cases, consider a fiberglass cleaning pen
3. Very corroded pins may be beyond cleaning

After cleaning

If your game still fails Playback’s integrity check after cleaning, it may be:

• A counterfeit cartridge with non-standard hardware
• A cartridge with internal damage
• A cartridge with a dead battery (if applicable)