N64 games are notorious for not working if there is even a little dust in the cartridge. It is the worst feeling when you want to game but can’t, then you are stuck blowing in the cartridge and praying it works. With this guide, you will be able to clean your N64 games so they work every time.
How To Clean N64 Games
N64 games are great until they get dusty. Thankfully, with some compressed air, rubbing alcohol, and a little bit of patience, your games can be back up and running in no time.
If you prefer a video walkthrough, checkout the video below. This is a comprehensive guide for cleaning your N64 cartridges.
Blowing Into Nintendo Cartridge
Before you start deep cleaning all your cartridges, it might be worth trying the blowing technique – especially if you want to play your game right away. Keep in mind that eventually you will need to do a deep cleaning because dust will continue to build up over time.
- Blow into the bottom of the N64 cartridge. The idea here is to remove dust that is inhibiting proper contact with the N64 console.
- Give the cartridge a few healthy blows and insert into the console. Hopefully it works, but if it does not, continue reading below.
How To Safely Clean N64 Games (Thoroughly)
With any electronic you want to ensure the cleaning process is safe and won’t damage anything. You will need a few tools to complete this job.
- Rubbing alcohol
- Compressed air
- Q-Tip/cotton swab
- 3.8mm Gamebit screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
Take a Q-Tip and dampen the tip with rubbing alcohol. The tip shouldn’t be dripping but it needs to be damp to clean effectively.
Turn your N64 cartridge over so the copper connection is visible. With your alcohol-infused Q-Tip, clean the copper contacts gently.
Be careful during the process. You will know you have finished the cleaning when you cannot see any more dust built up around the copper contacts.
Try to use a minimal amount of rubbing alcohol, but remember that rubbing alcohol will evaporate quickly ensuring your N64 does not become damaged during the cleaning.
Make sure the cartridge dries fully before using it again. Is your cartridge still not working? Let’s move to the next step.
How To Disassemble N64 Cartridge
This might seem daunting but disassembling your N64 cartridge is pretty easy. If your game isn’t working, what do you have to lose?
Flip your cartridge over and identify the two screws on the back. Using your 3.8mm screwdriver, remove the screws.
Remove the back casing of the cartridge. You should be able to gently remove the back of the cartridge now as well.
You will see a metal shield on one side of the cartridge. Using your Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws and remove the metal plate.
Now you should be able to remove the circuit board (very carefully). It should be able to pop right out.
Now it is time to clean!
How To Clean N64 Game Cartridge
There are a few ways you can go about cleaning your N64 cartridge – compressed air, rubbing alcohol, or Brasso (metal polish).
The best cleaning method is going to be based on how dirty your cartridge is looking. If your cartridge is barely dirty, a little compressed air will do the trick. If your cartridge is filthy and seems like it will never work again, Brasso might be your best bet.
Compressed Air
Compressed air is easy to use. It is easily the safest way to clean your cartridge and – honestly – for most cartridges some compressed air will do the trick.
Take your compressed air and blow along the copper connection. Take a couple passes with the can of compressed air and then try the game again. If the game works, you are in luck! There is no need to do a deeper cleaning (unless you want to). Otherwise, you are going to need to dig a little deeper to restore your favorite game.
Rubbing Alcohol
This method is very similar to what was outlined above, except now you have access to the entire cartridge.
Take a Q-Tip and dip it in rubbing alcohol.
Take the Q-Tip and clean the copper contacts gently. If your Q-Tip gets dirty, grab a new one.
You will know you have finished the cleaning when your Q-Tip is no longer getting dirty.
Make sure the cartridge dries fully before using it again.
Metal Polish (Brasso)
Metal polish is the last resort for games that need an intense cleaning. The steps will mimic the steps for a rubbing alcohol cleaning.
A couple notes. Use a very small amount of metal polish. You will also need to wipe away any excess metal polish because it will not evaporate on its own (unlike rubbing alcohol).
If you think a game is beyond saving, try metal polish, but we would recommend polish as a last resort.
N64 Cartridge FAQ
How To Clean N64 Cartridge Contacts?
Cleaning N64 cartridge pins is a simple process. With a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol, gently clean the copper contact strip. Let the cartridge dry, then try inserting the cartridge agai into the console.
How Do You Clean The N64 Circuit Board?
With compressed air, spray down the circuit board. Generally, a little compressed air goes a long ways and can easily remove dust from the circuit board.
How To Clean The Cartridge Slot On N64?
The best way to clean the cartridge slot on the N64 is by using compressed air, rubbing alcohol, or metal polish like Brasso.
How to Clean A Cassette from N64?
The best way to clean a cassette on the N64 is by using compressed air first. If that does not work, you can try rubbing alcohol or a metal polish.
How To Clean N64 Games Without Alcohol?
To clean N64 games without alcohol, use compressed air to clean the copper contacts.