16-Bit Gems - Extra #2: Cleaning Retro Video Game Cartridges

[@franknacc1718]

10 years! I remembered watching this when it was new back in high school. Good times. Still use these tricks to this day. Thanks Roo!

[@cwooddirector]

I miss Roo's videos. Was it ever said why he stopped making videos? I know we're not owed an answer, but I've always been curious.

[@franknacc1718]

@cwooddirector I remember the Game Chasers mentioning he didn't want to make videos anymore and wanted to do other things. Not exactly sure wha though.

[@cwooddirector]

@@franknacc1718 okay. That's totally fair. Dude isn't beholden to making videos for the rest of his life. Hope things are going well for him.

[@Evil_Noah]

I've found that a little rubbing alcohol will remove marker ink without leaving any damage. I wouldn't use it on cardboard, but I've used it to get ink off of the front of DVD discs I've bought from rental stores.

[@RPGtourguide]

Random story about the cigarette smell, I grew up in a smoking household and the smell never bothered me. Now that I'm on my own, my parents will babysit the kids from time to time and they do still smoke. It is amazing how much my kids' clothes will smell of smoke to me. I just have to think to myself, "is that how I smelled to people that didn't smoke when I was a kid?" Crazy. :P Good video! :)

[@SuperPaperNess]

I've always wanted a Good Eats-esque way to look at my video games, but then again, I could go for a Good Eats-esque way to do anything. Thanks a lot for that, Roo!

[@slamdangles]

I didn't know retro collectors go this far into their collecting, to actually maintain the box as well. Great video!

[@neoasura]

This may had been mentioned already, but rubbing alcohol and paper towel works wonders on removing permanent marker off of plastic. I cant speak for video games, but it works well on Legos so far.

[@motherplayer]

Just another video that shows Roo's informative ways work not only on gameplay but game boxes too! Also I'm totally *NOT* expecting Populous to be on the next 16 bit gem. Gonna be something else. *chuckle*

[@Memsyszero]

Most permanent marker can be removed by using alcohol (or (almost) anything that has a high % of alcohol in it) as long as it is on a non-porous surface. Just apply alcohol to a piece of paper towel and rub the spot with the marker and it will be gone almost instantly!

[@Fasneocroth]

I removed marker pen from donkey kong land using isopropynol alcohol and a q-tip. There was also tippex on my snes when I got it from the loft, heck knows why but I rubbed that off too

[@occlinkn]

Practiced the hair dryer and Goo Gone trick on a couple cheaper boxes (Primal Rage, Out of This World) before moving on to the main event - my Earthbound box. It worked perfectly on all three with no damage. Thanks for the tip Roo.

[@TheRetroMess]

Another one I've seen that works well with stickers on cardboard or other stickers (I collect carded toys, oftentimes they come with stickers on them) is lighter fluid. The reasoning behind it is that while it melts the glue it evaporates quickly enough where you're not doing further damage to the laminate layer. So you do have to apply it several times and use a bit of patience because it will take a while and several passes. But in the end you'll be left with something that doesn't have heat damage or saturation/water/fluid damage. Goo Gone is good, but it could linger on and in cardboard causing problems down the road. A hair dryer is applying heat damage and requires a bit of finesse so you don't damage anything. The magic eraser, like you say, is like a very fine sandpaper. And as we all know, the way sand paper does its job is by taking away material to take away the blemish. You're actually scraping a thin layer of plastic. You probably wouldn't notice until many many passes when the cartridge surface starts to become shiny instead of retaining the texturized look. I do use rubbing alcohol to remove marker, but that's with the understanding that the marker won't be completely removed simply because permanent marker soaks into the plastic at a molecular level. But I'd defer to an art restorer (if you know of one) to see what they use on different materials. The video game collector community probably should go in that direction anyway, seeking the advice from professional museum level restorers. One recent trick I've learned on my own for taking stickers off of plastic is if you want no residue at all, I mean AT ALL, is to take some scotch tape and apply it to the gunk. You then rip away at a shallow angle. You'd be surprised at how well this works and the plastic looks absolutely clean and beautiful afterwards without any damage (even touching it you can't feel any stickiness where glue used to be). I would not recommend this on a sticker as the scotch tape will do what it does best and stick to the sticker ripping the top laminate off. But as for plain unpainted plastic, go for it. If you think about it, it makes sense. You're taking glue off with glue, they're going to stick together better than glue with something dry and you're not risking melting/dulling the top layer of plastic with stripper chemicals.

[@tvsonicgaming]

The fabric softener trick actually helped man! Thanks for sharing that :)

[@ClanOfTheGrayWolf]

If you're very careful and don't use too much, Goo Gone is fine on the outside of SNES boxes and labels, since those have some protection from liquids. You just have to clean it off fast. Same thing with manuals too, actually, but work even quicker there - it is essentially just paper there.

[@ClanOfTheGrayWolf]

July - looking to premiere at ConBravo! I do apologize for the long delay, but there are a lot of projects I've been working on in the background....

[@stormerbuzz352]

Thanks for that hairdrier tip! An alternative to the Goo Gone is methilated spirits, but I would suggest caution when using it. Works great on any sticky messes.

[@ClanOfTheGrayWolf]

Yep, you beat me to it on the explanation, Shulamana. I know a few people who have just taken apart their consoles and spray painted the yellowed parts so that they're the "correct" color. That's probably the easiest way to get them looking like new.

[@empire0]

All great tips, Roo. I got a boxed N64 off a guy that was a heavy smoker, just reeked like smoke. I wrapped some Bounce sheets around it and on the inside, left it for a week, and it took away all the smell.

[@Creepynazgul]

Nice catch on the demon's crest game. I'm still looking for it. Hope it gets a episode on 16-bit gems. Its definately an awesome game.

[@jesseblue8598]

For the marker on the top I guess it would be safer to use a q-tip in rubbing alcohol

[@ClanOfTheGrayWolf]

UGC's are very useful, and are great if you like to protect boxes. I just like having the originals out there as much as I can. Personal preference.

[@PolaireOfAstora]

The fabric sheet method for the smoky odor worked quite well for a PS2 game I bought.

[@ClanOfTheGrayWolf]

The thing that worries me about steam is that wet heat is more likely to warp cardboard boxes or labels if too much is used. As for Goo Gone, I believe it is sold in the UK - at least I can see it in the UK Amazon store.

[@rofyle]

Rubbing alcohol is best for removing magic marker from a plastic substrate.

[@richycline]

I like to use rubbing alcohol to clean permanent marker off of carts. Also if the back is in really bad shape I look for another cart that has faded equally and swap their backs. This is what sports games were made for I think.

[@kaoko6835]

Cool to see how other collectors clean up their games. I agree Goo gone is effective but you really have to be careful when using it on cardboard or paper. It can leave grease stains if it soaks into a break in the protective film and you will never get it out. Strong odor too. I recommend trying to remove any sticker very slowly and resorting to more risky techniques if you can't get it off just by peeling and taking your time. Heat can help but I wouldn't go straight for the dryer. I'm glad it works for you. Sometimes you can just dab off the bits of residue using the tacky side of the sticker you removed.

[@CamuiNox]

Sticky tape residue can actually easily be removed using, well, more tape. Fighting fire with fire and so on. Helped me get rid of all the puppies and kittens stuck to a NDSlite I picked up used, so I know it works at least on smooth plastic. Just take a short strip of tape and apply only a bit of it to the residue. Keep sticking and peeling it off, rather quickly and steadily, moving from the edges of the sticker inward, and the residue should start sticking to the tape. Replace the tape every once in a while. I guess it works due to the warmth that motion produces, but it doesn't take a hair-dryer and works even with all of the sticker itself gone already.

[@cgibson7511]

I live in Cotswold! It's located in Charlotte, North Carolina. If it makes you feel any better, the store has been closed for several years.

[@loupetron]

I love your vids; always informative with humour. I can't wait to see you in person at ConBravo!

[@maxim5893]

this video helped me with a demons crest cart and a mighty final fight cart , thanks roo!

[@ClanOfTheGrayWolf]

Good tips to spread around. One question, though: Wouldn't spraying the silicone contacts prevent the console from making contact with the cartridge?

[@OMGpandemic]

Yeah if you leave anything close enough to dryer sheets (fabric softener) for a while it will most likely keep the smell, haha.

[@hondragrid]

Looks like you got a helper at 3:06. Kitties are such great helpers, especially when you don't need help. xD

[@MrPenguincat]

I must say you have a great taste in music Roo. The second truth from the left my is favorite song/game music from anything I own that goes for cd's and other things. :)

[@McMullenEJ]

im with ya bro. 16 bit generation fo life!! games were meant to b chunkier than how they are now.

[@TraumaSwitchGaming]

A really easy way of getting stickers off of carts (providing it's not over the label) jewel cases and DVD cases is pull it off and any mess left behind go at it with a normal pencil eraser, lightly rub it and it just rolls off. A wad of blu-tack (or whatever it might be called in America) can get the extra sticky residue off too, just put a nice sticky blob over the residue and let it dry then pull it off, all the residue should come with it. That's how we thrifty Scottish folk clean our games.

[@electricmastro]

4:02 I like how after you spend some minutes carefully removing stickers off of that box, you just throw it aside. XD

[@zackschilling4376]

For cleaning contacts on cartridge games use Brass-O, or if there is a generic brand use that. It shines those contacts and haves them looking brand new and the games will play great.

[@ToploadedGaming]

Zack Schilling I have a way easier faster way. i will be unveiling it in my third video two Wednesdays from now. My first video is up now. New vid every wednesday

[@BrenTenkage]

Oh thank you, I'll check out the video, can't wait for the next 16 Bit Gems, thanks to you, I was able to find some awesome old school games.

[@reepermaple]

I'm not even a serious gamer, but I love your vids

[@TannerWood2k1]

I find that the Magic Eraser cannot get all marks and dingy spots off of cartridges so I also use the classic blue/pink combo eraser. I would recommend extreme caution when using goo gone on the front label of N64 carts. In my experience they tend to bleed out their color so much faster than any other labels I have dealt with. Finally, Mother's Mag and Rim polish does great to remove oxidation from contact pins. Goof Off cleaner is very harsh so do not pick it up as a substitute for Goo Gone!

[@101Volts]

Thanks, I used to collect games myself and have learned some new methods to cleaning games. How about Sega CD and Saturn cases with warped manuals? I heard that simply flattening them under a book with some weight on them for a while will fix that.

[@DjSilverMiX]

Thank you, now i can apply these methods not only to my game boxes but to other boxes and plastic stuff with stickers on them :) very useful advice!!

[@ClanOfTheGrayWolf]

This made me cry a little.

[@TheRadPlayer]

Thanks for the tips man, helped me alot. Even though i don't own games that came in boxes, it came in real handy for PS1, PC and DVD cases.

[@GreyHulk2156]

Odour-eaters work well to remove smoke smell too. If you seal the offending items in a ziplock bag with one the smell goes away.

[@TheGamerGoy]

I like the Secret of Mana credits music being used in this video.

[@kubev]

If you don't happen to smoke and never allow smoking at your place, then it's very noticeable when an object that's saturated with the smell of smoke is there. While that isn't the only thing that can make something like this smell bad, it's not too uncommon for smoke smell to be taken into consideration with any sort of collectible. There's a reason why people tend to specify that something is coming from a smoke-free home. That usually means that it won't stink and isn't discolored.

[@Bestphyle2911]

I don't know if you have or not heard this before but a MUCH easier way to get the sharpie off is to cover it with dry erase ink from like an Expo marker, let that dry, then wipe it off, be with magic eraser or paper towel, it'll come right off!

[@Trialwolf]

I try to play it safe and not leave it on too long. If you have some adhesive on that is really giving trouble I normally use the hair dryer to heat up the residue then use Goo Gone and it seems to come off much easier. Then I wipe the area with some water to get rid of any remaining mess from either the adhesive or Goo Gone then dry wipe.

[@treepizzle]

Where have you gone? I needs me some content!

[@ClanOfTheGrayWolf]

The labels have a plastic coating that protects them if you only use a small amount of Goo Gone - just be quick in wiping it off with a moist paper towel and then drying it off. I've had no problems with it.

[@JOJO2K_JOJO2K]

These tips work awesome. And even though goo gone says no odor, I still sprayed my cartridge with frebreeze.

[@LPN00b]

I'm SO looking forward tot he populous 16-bit gem episode!

[@AdamSmithNES]

Best video game channel on all of the 'tubes, I say.

[@Altitudes11]

Thanks Roo! I have an old copy of Contra 3 with the blockbuster sticker on it, but someone tried to rip it off WITHOUT the hair dryer and there's all kinds of goop left behind. Goo gone?

[@BanjoKazFace]

Beautiful choice of music there man! Methodically speaking, of course.

[@85dustyk]

don't know if this as been commented on but try green stuff for the engraving. just a thought don't know how well it would work.

[@ClanOfTheGrayWolf]

Very awesome game. The Happy Video Game Nerd did a great review of it at RetrowareTV

[@Videogamepony]

Nothing I dont already know but thanks for keeping me entertained.

[@batmandx]

Is that the collectors edition of Star Trek micro machines on your TV shelf? I have the same

[@teknifix]

I print labels (stickers) for a living, and those void labels you mentioned are very expensive labels.. but I hate all of the crap I find on game carts nowadays. I spent an hour cleaning my copy of Robotron 64, but it was worth it because it looks like it's new now.

[@DubstructorMusic]

If you soak the paper based address label style sticker with lighter fluid it can peel right up. You can use lighter fluid it acts just like alcohol. Test it first on a small patch of the plastic to make sure it won't react and possibly melt or deform it.

[@RocketLawnchair]

Thank you for showing us how to stop being so dirty. I've needed this help. ^_^

[@frozenaorta]

The Chrono Cross song really takes me back. Such amazing music in that game. Anybody remember the title of this track? Or Roo, if you're reading this?

[@Dannykm]

It's Dreamwatch of Time, so beautiful.

[@NightSkye27]

I have used magic erasers on games. They also work on jewel cases. Especially since the nearest Goodwill uses a silver marker on ALL their games. Which annoys the piss out of me. I didn't know that heat from a hair dryer would work so well. I'll be sure to give that a try.

[@FangAoTian]

For what it's worth, I hear what you're saying. Video game collections can be cool, but they're expensive for the good stuff and take up so much room. It's not for everyone. I have a ROM of TMNT: Turtles in Time and play it with my brother whenever we're both home.We hook up a couple of PS3 controllers to the laptop, hook it up to the TV, and have fun with a great old game.

[@XoVoX]

how do you go about cleaning the actual contacts themselves? Both the games and the systems for cartridge based games?

[@SpikeSpoogle]

Q-tip and windex. Works everytime. If it doesn't, it's probably broken. Don't use too much windex though.

[@thatguyontheright1]

NintendmanMidget If it doesn't work, it needs more work to get working. I got Earthbound for Cheap because the person thought the rom was dead. I just had to reflow the solder and it worked like a champ.

[@SpikeSpoogle]

Put windex on the Q-tip (not too much, as I said) and just go back and forth on the contacts. When you pull the Q-tip out, you should see some dirty dirt shit on it. For the console, it's hard to say, but I would guess you would just do the same thing. Doing this trick with the cartridge has literally worked for me every single time I tried it.

[@zackschilling4376]

Everyone says Windex and Alcohol, but if your contacts are "actually" dirty and or corroded use a product called "Brass-O" or its generic equivalent. I bought a few lots of NES/SNES games from some scummy ass people who treated their games very poorly. Brass-O cleaned the contacts and had them shinning almost as good as new, and more importantly every game that didnt have a blown capacitor played perfectly (Most of them did not play before cleaning). We re talking games with a good amount of water damage, and that dirty ass well water , not even purified city water. It works miracles. Trust me. check it out for yourself.

[@zackschilling4376]

On the inside of the console, check out videos about boiling your 72 pin connector for the NES. I havent tied it myself but Ive heard it works great. I do know a lot of after market 72 pin connectors are inferior to the originals so try to clean yours before buying a cheap china knock off

[@nfistfu]

I know what you mean by the whole don't leave it for too long. Too many a second hand game have I gotten that whole wet around the edges of the cover insert problem when trying to remove stickers. One time I bought a copy of Metal Gear Solid 2 that had like 20 stickers piled on top of each other. When I finally got them all off I didn't remove all of the adhesive remover and it got all over the insert. After that I started taking the insert, manual and disc out before cleaning cases.

[@josephskater1994]

If the rental stickers have a date I like to keep them on, just because it's kinda cool to know where the games been and when it was a rental :P

[@GoRedskinsAndWizards]

Will you be doing a 16 bit gems review of Demon's Crest?

[@hudemx]

Great Tipps, thanks! I recently picked up an old Game, but the Cartridgebox ist full of Textmarker with the Name of the Original Owner. You got any tip to get the Textmaker of without erasing the Artwork on the Box?

[@9102matt]

Dark Cloud 2 is awesome. For using that as an example, you are awesome.

[@bcsuda]

Since you warned about Goo Gone on disc sleeves, let me add a warning about dryer sheets. I've found some leave a greasy residue on paper so trying to stick them in manuals may not be a good idea--especially for the length of time that it takes to mask or remove any kind of smoke smell. A better alternative is to have a medium sized cardboard box handy and put any offending items in it along with a canister of charcoal based air purifier you can pick up from Home Depot. The waxy substance actua

[@TheNerdCloset]

I have quite a few disk based games that have the stickers on the disk themselves. Most are on the clear part in the middle but some have it on the label. Will applying heat to these areas damage my disks?

[@CarsonSmith74]

have you ever used hand sanitizer to remove the ink? I find that extremely helpful

[@christianleuzzi547]

hey roo can you do a collection video

[@IDiedForYou1776]

Demons Crest! :D I got one new still wrapped...and one that is used that I play I love that game and you really really helped me i got a lot of games I could clean up finally I just didn't do any of them because I didn't wanna ruin them

[@Castrimaris]

You just earned a subscription for saving a man's mind!

[@Trialwolf]

Which is pretty much stated in the video, silly me been a while since I watched this one but ya with adhesives heat first is the best approach before going to Goo Gone as it helps remove things a lot easier.

[@empire0]

Goo Gone melts stickers off like nothing, great stuff. And it smells awesome.

[@rich1051414]

There is a trick that you can use that removes permanent marker from at least the plastic, i am not sure about the label however, and that is OFF insect repellent, the kind in the spritz bottle, not the aerosol. One of the chemicals in it will dissolve the marker, and it will erase like a dry erase marker. Be sure to use original, not a special scented version something.

[@SetoShadowVT]

Thanks for the tips Roo..and never knew Good Will had Retro Games.

[@TheVideoGuyfromOhio]

Well not in my local areas unfortunately

[@Shulamana]

Most yellowing of older games/consoles is due to sun damage or a breakdown of the fire retardant additives in the plastic. There are ways to bleach the plastic so that it looks somewhat better but you can never really "fix" the problem.

[@pie_stains]

Thanks for the fabric softener tip.

[@koopakape]

Secret of Mana credits theme makes everything better

[@FieldmasterFox]

I tend to use nail varnish remover to remove permanent marker ink on items.

[@Makobus]

Awesome video!... but do you know how I get rid of the yellowish color on white consoles like the dreamcast? In Germany we call it "Gilb"... don't know if it's the same in English ;)

[@Papacap25]

This vid was great very helpful. I picked up a copy of Harvest Moon(snes) that was trashed with stickers. I cleaned it the best I could but I am still having trouble getting rid of the "void" imprint. Goo gone can eat away at the plastic on the cart and the color on the front label if you are not careful. Magic Eraser is your best friend

[@LeoSmashRoyale]

Don't feel too bad Roo. my old Earthbound cart had Video Express etched into the back of it.

[@reapersgt]

question: since the video was sped up, about how long would this take not sped up? I just don't want to ruin a box by rushing through and then feeling like tool when i have a tear.

[@dan110024]

Eucalyptus oil is great for removing the residue from stickers. Just dab some on a clean cloth and rub the gummy residue. Makes easy work.

[@sdgundum990]

going to review Demons Crest?

[@Macabre215]

I cracked up at his pause when attempting to say "these valuable pieces of our cultural heritage" and has a brief delay when realizing what game he pulled out of the bag. Oh NHL '94, why are you forsaken?

[@ClanOfTheGrayWolf]

As long as you don't sit the hair dryer on the cart and leave it on for 10 minutes, you should be fine. However, optical media is a different story - everyone should keep heat away from that at all costs! I should have made that more clear. Thanks for the warning!

[@RunninRebelBen]

You watch your tone with NHL '94...That is THE best hockey game in vid history. Well, in this gamers opinion. You get the idea;) Mario Lemieux is unstoppable in that game. Thanks for the video!

[@TheDragonsleeve]

Nifty video. Thanks for the advice, it'll come in handy.

[@MrJellyconelly]

did u get the sticker residue off the front of the alien vs predator box?

[@lironk1]

hi i have an original Super EF2000 game box and i dropped it and as a result the corner of the box was cracked and opened up and i was wondering if you know the best way to put it together? the color of the box is white

[@Guernicaman]

I'm almost always able to remove all stickers using rbbing alcohol. What do you suggest using w/scratched discs?

[@ClanOfTheGrayWolf]

Yep, luckily the same bit can be used for most if not all retro Nintendo products. Just Google search it, and you can likely find it for a few bucks.