In Hardware

Does anyone know where I could find the tool to open NES carts, or a compatible tool that can be found easily? I've noticed a few of my carts have a screw type that can be opened witht a slotted/flat-head screwdriver, but the majority are this inverted torx kind of screw.

so if anyone knows of a place, or has one to spare, or knows a compatible tool, please let me know.

3.8 mm bit. I got mine of ebay for around $8 with shipping. May seem kinda high but its well worth it. Since I put my new 72pin in I always clean the new games I get. Take um apart and use an eraser and gets them like new.

an eraser eh? I haven't heard that one before... a pink one, or a white one?

I've always used a Q-Tip with windex to clean the connectors on the games. It sounds kinda weird, but I've never had any problem with any of my games after doing this. Of course, don't put a damp cartidge in the system, though.

that's basically the method I've used but I used rubbing alcohol, but it doesn't seem to be working all too well, and after opening one of the few carts I have that uses normally accessible screws, it was still filthy, so this eraser method interests me

Color doesnt really matter. Give it a try u will notice a huge difference. Its tookin years worth of gunk of my games. With my new 72pin and clean games there has been no blowing on my games or system. I remember the amount of frustration I used to go threw with the nintendos, but no more. ps I dont use the erasers on the pecils but the larger ones that come seperate. If you end up getting the bit let us know how it turns out.

Ive never tried to clean them with the eraser while assembled. If you get a bit. Take the board out then use the eraser. It would be difficult to clean them this way while assembled, but like I said the bit is well worth the price.

I think I'll give that a try and see what happens... gotta find an eraser in my apartment first.

I think I need a new connector... no matter what I do to clean my games, they don't seem to like working

There is a method that you could try in which taking the NES apart is necessary. See, Nintendo thought the connection would be better if it was designed where you insert the cartridge, then push it down. They didn't take into account that people would leave the cartridge in the system for a long amount of time ( such as days ). After time, the connector pins start to spread away from each other from the constant pressure of the cartridge inserted. Too bad they didn't make the top loader first!

Anyway, this method is done by taking the top off the NES, and getting to the connectors. You can then use a very small screwdriver to ( ever so gently ) pry the connectors up. Don't do it too much, though, or the games will be difficult to get in and out. Of course, before doing all this, for God's sake, make sure it's unplugged! If you don't feel that you can do this properly, then I suggest purchasing the new connector pin, but it helped me when I couldn't get any game to work.

I've done that, it didn't help a whole lot, my NES seems to have an attitude, some times I can just pop the game in, and it'll work, other times I have to spend a half hour wiggling it back and forth, and removing and inserting.

Like just now for example, last time I tried to play Kickle Cubicle, I spent 15 minutes trying to get it to work, this time, I just popped it in, and it loaded right up perfectly...

The only other solution I can think of, is to purchase a top-loader. When I get some extra money, I am definately getting one! My friend has one, and there is ABSOLUTELY NO BLOWING in the games required. Every game works immediately. I couldn't believe it. It's definately the way to go for us retro-gamers.

the only down side to the top loader for me is the lack of composite video, which is what I'm currently using on my NES. Other than that, I want one.

I'm curious to know whether this kit contains the 3.8mm bit that I need



I'm not sure of the technical name, so I don't know...

Honestly, I bet if you go to your local hardware store, you'd probably find something that will open it.

I tried, I went all over town one day... nothing, I think I'm getting the bit though, so I'll be fine.

I know this is quite an old post but just incase anyone has a read over it...

The Gamebit screwdrivers are sold at Lik-Sang for quite cheap but I would not recommend getting them from there. They only give you the adapter bit for the end of a normal screwdriver and the smaller bit (for the carts) is terrible quality and wont last long. The larger adapter they do (for the Nintendo consoles) 4.5mm I think seem alot better.

If you are in the UK, RS Tools sell them and are amazing (professional) quality.

I need one of those screwdrivers,they sell them on Ebay too.When i play my games i always use the game genie,never had probs with a game not working all work well with the game genie,but i guess you tried that already.