Game Cartridge Restoration - The Ultimate Guide! | Nintendrew

[@eufeni8482]

So, I just wanted to test out the sticker removal process and decided to do it on cheap game in case I messed up. I removed A TON of stickers off of Rogue Squadron and uncovered that it was a "Not For Sale" that some store was probably trying to cover up. Stoked to unravel a semi rare find!

[@jimijames6449]

Nice!

[@ProtoMario]

Really useful video, for sure.

[@scottdparrott]

Proto mario its you I really like your content

[@starchlord4896]

Wood Penicls hates Christians

[@alexcampos4538]

Hi proto!

[@LooneyLliama]

But proto

[@Charriii5]

Awesome! I was hoping you'd make a video on this. Now I can restore that copy of Star Fox 64 we picked up at the Flea Market during the $5 Bad Game Challenge!

[@TwinBlasters]

I hope those two things are unrelated, haha. Starfox 64 is a great game!

[@ranchonbread4905]

You got Starfox 64 in a BAD game challenge? Unbelievable

[@metalbrainmextrememetalent6810]

Yeah because there are no other videos to show how to refurbish your games. Everything on this channel is someone else’s idea. Nintendrew is a cvnt. 👌🏻

[@TwinBlasters]

If you're gonna be a keyboard warrior, then at least don't censor your cuss words, lol

[@GarageLoot]

I have one problem with this video... and that is the repro lable. I am glad he did say include a phrase that says repro lable, but repro lables are a huge problem. Many collectors and stores have gotten burned because of fake lables. It destroys the collectability of a game. It's like acid washing coins. Now I have a decent size collection with a few games that have seen better days... I would love a lable, but I just look for carts with shot boards to swap them. Again I am not saying this to be a jerk, but it's not good advice. Preserving these things in as close to original state is sooo important. I really enjoy your videos and keep up the good work.

[@RetroAli]

I just bought a few games that have Sharpie on them, so this video is super helpful! :D

[@hanasaku_]

@SCf3 Oh hey!!! Love your videos!~

[@MrMachinedx]

This very helpful, some tricks I did not know as retro collector myself.

[@roastman9753]

Drew: *takes a heat gun to an N64 game* My brain: "Sweet mother of god are you insane" Also my brain: "Oh, its only Madden 64"

[@moe4b]

Why the hell am I watching this, I don't have a single cartridge in my house

[@ashtar3876]

Not even nintendo ds?

[@Celestial_Crow]

ashtar Nintendo ds isn’t a cartridge is a card

[@QualityGamingStudios]

I only have 6 and all of them are in pristine condition

[@FrostGlader]

Me neither.

[@lasertaser6045]

I don’t have any cartridge

[@ChristopherMoom]

"The Ultimate Guide" Nintendrew is secretly working on Smash Ultimate

[@skullworldgaming2744]

XD

[@henryrichard7619]

Is he the DLC?

[@chozora]

Wake up America!

[@TheMaan2008]

Lol

[@thepwrtank18]

I want to donate something to you, but i don't know what... oh no

[@Cheezy_Bunz]

Veteran's discount for those who have stepped into a blockbuster.

[@talphadoggthebronzesupport4992]

damn you just made me feel dated man.

[@thomasvasquez7015]

Lol, personally I would've kept the Blockbuster sticker..tell me that's not nostalgic.

[@thomasvasquez7015]

Our two Blockbuster's got turned into an Autozone and a Supermex

[@J-Zer0]

I feel old and I am only 14

[@Cheezy_Bunz]

Pokebot900 we got a long way to go

[@kevinkeene474]

Great video! Lots of great tips. Id like to throw in some more pro tips if I may. Using game bits to open NES, SNES, N64, Genesis etc, to get the board out, then erasing the dirt with white art eraser works wonders. It gets every bit of dirt off the leads. Its not abrasive and leaves little to no residue. Use a Qtip with 90% or higher isopropyl to wipe away any residue from the eraser and use the dry end to wipe away any iso left, and you should be set. Remember kids, never and i mean never use Brasso or other harsh chemicals to clean cartridge contacts. Its a metal polisher and will eat away at the contacts and cause irreversible damage to them. Using the methods Nintendrew talked about in combination with the ones i mention is all you need to keep your games running for years to come. Game on!

[@christopherdowling1478]

I open every game I get if it can be opened and use this method. Makes it look brand new.

[@egglegg]

Drew is the content creator that we need but don’t deserve

[@JBBrickman]

Yup that’s why I keep 2 bottles of GooGone in my cabinet next to where I display my collection, buy a new title, open up cabinet, I got GooGone, Isomorphic Alcohol, paper towels, q-tips, and 2 game bit screw drivers. The perfect system. Thanks Nintendrew for spreading the word, I hate seeing where stickers have been torn off and caused damage, now people will know!

[@DarthClanker]

Amazing content as always!

[@XrosProductionsKc]

Epic Badge

[@Dexter-po7ri]

I’m subbed to u had no idea you watched Nintendrew!😂

[@nc7807]

Okay, this video literally came at the perfect time. I just bought an Ocarina of Time cartridge with a sticker on the label, was very careful in removing the sticker, but still wound up with some very small tears. Now I know how to make this cartridge look new again! :)

[@Deim0sIRL]

i want to see more of the reproduction label process, that was neat!

[@mariomadproductions]

Thank you for putting "reproduction label" on your custom label.

[@BenMolgaV2]

This is why i love you dude ur videos helps with my new gaming set up for next year keep up the good work ^^

[@MagentaNimbat]

Had a Mario Golf Cartridge that has the label falling apart I’m glad to have found this video as now I can properly replace the label from this amazing tutorial, thank you so much ^^

[@kirksarcade1836]

A good general and friendly guide to cart upkeep. Very well done drew😁

[@molgorp7199]

I watched this video last night and didn't expect to do this, but today I did a clean on all of my games. It worked extremely well, thanks!

[@firedragon1648]

When a Nintendrew video is uploaded, you know it’s going to be a good day

[@GarryGubbin258]

Even though I don't have any game cartridges these videos are still enjoyable

[@soullime4766]

Thanks Nintendrew! This was super useful! I just bought a copy of Gex 64 with most of the label art missing. Now I know how to make it look beautiful next to my other games in my collection

[@indiejacob]

These videos are so relaxing and cathartic to watch. Really highlights how OCD I really am...

[@urielc918]

Hey indiejacob

[@thinhnonyt]

Hey Jacob 👋

[@shinjidubz3403]

I don't understand why I love this channel so much, but I do.

[@SenkaPress]

This is great for everyone who has a cartridge with something off and for everyone who wants the cartridges to look great. I would love to see more Gameboy stuff on the replacement label stuff, but since the games I'm interested in add a better label are there, nothing to complain on my case.

[@rexevans100]

Really good guide, I also recommend protecting not in use cartridges with clear contact covers of custom cases.

[@KeziaTv]

I hope you make it big. You have such an amazing talent for making videos man! You made something I care nothing about into something I cared about the entire video. Great job as always!

[@camerong7365]

For real though, He's so well in front of a camera. He always maintains eye contact, he speaks clearly and concisely, he doesn't look like a robot when he talks, and his videos are so informative and quick to the point.

[@snailgirl6]

As a (mainly) handheld game collector, this is super handy!!!

[@peanutbutterandtelly3807]

Just found a n64 and am in the process of repairing it. This video will be a lifesaver!

[@SuperLuigiSixty4]

I especially appreciate you making sure to add the “Reproduction Label” text. I’m a long time watcher of Pat The NES Punk’s podcast, and I know how divisive repro labels can be in the community.

[@veps2i]

Relatively new subscriber here, just wanted to say I really appreciate the work you put into your videos.

[@GeckoTDFarg]

Simple video, with examples, and real solutions - Congratulations!

[@zachfernandez92]

Great video again Drew. I could have sworn that you already uploaded this long ago. Mainly because I watched it when I was wanting to clean my 64 games. If this is indeed new, then I don't know who I watched. But I am very sure that this was an older video before. Please reply Drew, it is driving me crazy. Keep up the great work.

[@JCO78]

Same here.

[@thegameguy8957]

Thank you for the helpful tips. I have a few games that need cleaning and I didn't know how. After watching this video I started doing what you told me to do to fix it. It worked and they look almost like brand new. Thank you ️ ☺️.

[@taylorlee8718]

Awesome guide! This is definitely going to be my go to video if I ever find myself needing to restore some old cartridges.

[@dansaikyo6664]

Dude that was a great video! I can't believe I never thought to make repro labels like that! That's awesome!

[@DaHeroOfTime64]

I loved the video Drew! These “restoration” videos are my favorite!

[@PokeMario-pk4ot]

Thanks! I've recently been trying to get into game collecting and it's good to know that I can restore games in poor condition

[@gthooyman]

Thank you so much for this. I have a bunch of games from garage sales. One being a gba player Nickelodeon volume 3 that you mentioned from a previous episode for gba games. It had some marker on the back and it wouldn’t play right. I was about to send it to Goodwill and see if I could get something for it. But I saw this video. Now I’m planning on selling it for a lot more!!! Thanks SO much. You have earned a new subscriber

[@jesterscorner879]

Awesome tips there. Thanks for the heads up on a few of these things. I have actually gotten into label making so this video appeals to me. One of the things that kills me in this hobby are the so called "purists" who get bent out of shape about a replacement label on a cartridge. The same folks think nothing about replacing an OEM joystick with a little bit of play or replacing their OEM N64 case with a 3rd party jungle green case from Aliexpress. Yet, if you even think about replacing a label that is mostly destroyed they get totally bent out of shape as if you were talking about destroying a Picasso. If it has minor flaws, I leave it, but if it's reached the point where the label is effectively destroyed, I have zero qualms about replacing it.

[@noahp.638]

Hey, what do you think of making repro game boxes, or perhaps repro game manuals.

[@EvilRiceGuy]

I used to be so annoyed with the labels in the games until I saw this video so thanks Edit: it also helped me get my goldeneye to work

[@CRANTIME]

Always good stuff, Drew. I haven't bothered cleaning up my cartridges thinking "one day I'll just go through and do them all in one fell swoop" You're really giving me ideas for then lol

[@RobNoireGaming]

Very solid video on how to do this stuff, a lot of tricks I use myself in here - but I had never heard of the specific marker you used for getting sharpie off of the labels, I'll have to give that a try!

[@Caramelcat47]

You can literally help with anything! Thank you Nintendrew.

[@TheOnlyTaxPayer]

I used on some old SNES and MD games and these methods worked beautifully

[@JomasterTheSecond]

Pat the NES Punk *_wept._* It's always good to see someone showing how to return games to their former glory.

[@denniscleary7580]

Thanks for the tips, I always try to care and preserve all my games and it’s great to learn better ways. 👍

[@rocharox]

Nice tip on the labels, I was able to restore some of my old games!

[@Fobb]

Awesome video! Just got a copy of Rayman 2 with a damaged rear label and marker pen on the back, this has really helped. Cheers pal!

[@DanDan-zs6wg]

Why did you use the box cutter on the game cart? You will definitely scratch the underlying gray plastic surface. I highly recommend one applies this packing tape before glueing to the cartridge. Throw some construction paper or cardboard underneath so as to not cut into your table.

[@TrollDecker]

Probably doesn't really matter much when you've already had to reproduce the entire label. You probably won't even notice the scratches either.

[@DanDan-zs6wg]

Jo Decker If you ever wanted to replace it again (maybe you found one that doesn’t use packing tape?), you’d always have to line up the scratches perfectly. But in all, why create more damage when you are trying to preserve the original?

[@TrollDecker]

Honestly, I can't see anyone without a lot of time on their hands replacing all of their labels every time they find a new and potentially better method, so a barely visible scratch (and not really deep unless you're extremely heavy-handed or The Incredible Hulk) on a mass-produced plastic case is probably going to be negligible as long as it still looks pretty on the shelf. But each to everyone's own. *shrug*

[@ALbertoDoriguzzi]

Though the same 😱

[@RenzoMorla]

Thanks Nintendrew really appreciate your time to show this tips have some n64 that have more than 15 years and need to replace the label

[@mxcokoko]

Personally, I had some carts that had Sharpie and stickers. I used bleach wipes, rubbing alchohol, and nail polish remover to clean the carts. Thanks for the new cleaning methods!

[@samuraistrike1]

You know what Drew a “Mr Clean Magic Eraser” can also remove unwanted adhesive, permanent marker, and torn labels as well.

[@cooladee]

I have a copy of Tetrisphere that is perfect condition. It has Permanent Marker It has a Torn Label It has Stickers The Best Of All!!!! It has a Hollywood Video Engraving on the cartridge!

[@its_heeho]

Ouch

[@its_heeho]

@Themarina2019 Musically r/ wooosh

[@Artoliann]

@CADENCEFAN2019 r/whooosh

[@krisizcelja]

@@its_heeho post it

[@krisizcelja]

@@Artoliann post it

[@pfmdude]

I can vouch for Retro Game Cases. Amazing labels, easy to apply, and prices are great. The shipping time can be a little frustrating but it's worth it.

[@jesterscorner879]

The labels generally look good, but more and more I find their selection to be too small (they only have about 125 US Titles out of 296) and I have found that the color is more than a little off on some labels (ie Paper Mario's yellow is more of a whitish color)

[@Alias_Anybody]

@Nintendodrew I have a question regarding restoration: What if I own the original case (the paper inlay) and manual, but they got wet and are now crinkly/uneven? Is there a method to fix that?

[@yang5811]

Gotta love the love for old and used cartridges. I can’t wait to try this out soon enough! The only thing I experienced is that Goo Gone wouldn’t be as effective, especially when removing stickers from cardboard boxes, it wouldn’t help even after ten minutes or more. The hairdryer works most of the times, though.

[@ShadowSneak.]

Thank NINTENDREW this video helped me replace the label on my Sapphire game

[@TheRetroWorld]

Love these videos! Keep up the great work man!

[@letsplayclassicgames5024]

I've really got to get one of those blender markers, looks like they really do great. I saw the combination of price tags from great escape, gameXchange, and the writing on top of the F1 Cartridge, and thought it was weird, cause I have seen several carts with similar looking handwriting on top, looked at the video description and turns out you are from my area. Just thought it was pretty cool, never would have thought anyone I watch on youtube would be from my area lol.

[@anarchymale858]

Yay for having the same name. And thank you for this video. Gonna restore some of my older N64 carts. Thanks for the info. Rock on!

[@emolostwave]

If there’s one thing that I learned watching this video, it’s that game stores are not very nice to N64 sports games

[@tannerstockton8207]

Thanks for this video. It helped me restore some of my old cartridge games.

[@equinn4840]

Nintendrew, I love your content, but could you please upload more frequently? I was way too hyped for a video about cleaning cartridges :)

[@rubikthegeek2138]

You sir, are a blessed creature.

[@MatthewSmart]

Love the Dedede amiibo on the back shelf. You got good taste, my dude.

[@JoDaEpicGuy]

Another great video! Haven't thought about cleaning my cartridges in a while, I need to check them out.

[@someonethatiusedtoknow8962]

The whole intro is just 10 sec of nintendrew flexing on us

[@MasterOfMyUniverse]

You sir, are a national hero. Thank you 😊

[@thewolfpack9456]

Wonderful! Thanks for this video! I'm starting an NES collection and it's good to know how to properly clean up my carts!

[@MarMaxGaming]

I remember when you used to be “ManWithThePlan”. Congrats on the channel growth and that’s a GREAT looking game room. You’ve also gotten way better with talking to the camera.. nice job, man. If you ever want to do some kind of collab and feature NFR games on here or talk about demos, I’d be thrilled. Take care 👍

[@dashandfuzz5253]

Thanks Nintendrew you helped save my interest in my broken Pilot Wings 64 cartridge from dying out. Did you have a good time in Rochester ( my home town) a few weeks ago when you were there

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

That alcohol trick on the blockbuster n64 label is super clever. I’ll actually be using an X-acto knife to edge the border to the size of the original label.

[@Kitty.3782]

Question: why do people actually dislike these videos?

[@raxid09]

Yeah like he is just trying to help

[@Kirby54_watchesstuff]

I might use this to fix up some of my cartridges even though my N64 doesn't work! Thanks for the tips!

[@alejandroaltamirano6407]

Thanks Drew this video will help me with your other helpful videos in the future for me

[@withasteakknife]

this video gave me deja vu. have we done this before ?

[@heythatsprettygood6492]

Yeah I remember seeing this

[@MatSpeedle]

Glad it’s not just me thinking this, I’m guessing it’s been slightly updated and re-uploaded

[@imaslime208]

Definitely came in handy. I got a Banjo-Kazooie cart with the clear plastic Blockbuster sticker which is IMMENSELY difficult to remove, near impossible I might add. Hoping this’ll help.

[@sixtyninelol]

you just blew my mind with the blockbuster sticker fix, thats how you think outside the box

[@keknov5555]

My ocarina of time cartridge still has a blockbuster sticker, and i kept it on there to honor the greatness of blockbuster and how it was one of the first places I went to when going to get games.

[@carspottingconnecticut1582]

Thanks drew this really improved my games keep up the good work

[@londonxrainn]

Thank you for this video so much! I have a copy of pokemon platinum that goes for 20 bucks at Gamestop, but they wouldn't take it because the label came off. Now I can reproduce the label and sell it.

[@xavier76thman]

Thank you, my Diddy Kong Racing and GoldenEye 007 labels could use some of these tips👍

[@cesarquinteros2511]

Holy shit Drew, the last one method made them look even better than a brand new game.

[@VGDavey]

YESSSS FINALLY IVE BEEN WAITING ON THIS VIDEO FOR SO LONG 😁

[@totemlordreviews7242]

As a collector, this is way awesome! You rock!

[@JTSuter]

Have you ever tried restoring texture back to SNES cartridges? That would be helpful to know, especially after repairing deep scratches or after having removed bonding paint with acetone.

[@adam_loooong]

I have two N64 games with the PROPERTY OF BLOCKBUSTER stickers over the label. I have tried on both the alcohol method to remove the letters but with no success on either. I am guessing there were different types of printing on those stickers. Was hoping mine would come off with alcohol but I guess I am stuck with these relics of the past haha. Thanks for the video!

[@whitegemgames]

For permanent marker and pen ink, you can also use dry erase markers, or hand sanitizer, as the alcohol in it will remove the ink, though it’s probably a bad idea to use sanitizer on anything but plastic.

[@wgtfox]

Great video, it helped me a lot in games and boxes of Game Boy, congratulations!

[@paulnovacek3715]

The marker trick works really well with SNES cartridges that have the top/front edge scratched or faded completely. My Mario Paint cartridge looks good as new now.

[@AwesumIndustrys]

Actually, I found that WD-40 is your best friend when it comes to cleanly removing labels. I’ve never tried Goo Gone on anything but adhesive residue, but WD-40 works so well for me

[@r.a.v.v.8613]

I don't even need the information in this video, but I really enjoy your content

[@dialga236]

I tried all these methods on a few NES games I found at my comic book store marketplace thing, and I can confirm these work, although the packing tape looked a little odd on the NES shell.

[@unjustlocket]

This will genuinely help me out, thank you for this video!

[@indatubesurfer]

One recommendation I like to make is two products that are little better then orginial Goo Gone formula. 1st product is Goo Gone Household cleaner, It comes in a yellow spray bottle and is a mild version of goo gone. Works very well and a lot safer on labels! Still be careful on N64 labels as if you run too much you can fade the label. The 2nd product is lighter fluid. It works wonders! It’s the fluid that you use to fill a zippo lighter. Takes a lot of goop off and very lil to no damage to game stickers. But my go to is Goo Gone House hold! By far the best product I’ve use! I use it to clean everything! Spray lil on a microfiber rag and wipe down the entire game. Takes off stickers, sharpie markers and even helps scratches!

[@BanditoJustin]

Great video the only thing you left out was the Blockbuster security strip label that say "property of blockbuster video store #" I can't figure out how to remove those labels or if just removing the print to reveal a white strip is the best it can get.

[@the1ucidone]

Very cool. These kind of videos are so informative.