Is my Saturn's Cartridge Slot Going Bad?

[Kyle15]

I just got a new ST-Key today for my Japanese Saturn games. After plugging it in for the first time, the boot screen for the cart would not appear.
After opening up the console and dusting it out, I put the cart back in. Nothing happened that time either, so I then tried wiggling it around in the slot to make sure it was tight.
After that, it booted up without an issue.

Everytime I remove the cart, I have to wiggle it around a bit upon putting it back in if I want it to work. Is my Saturn's cartridge slot going bad, or is this accessory just weird to work with?
Also, leaving it in the Saturn wouldn't be a problem, would it?

Thanks! :)

[papa_november]

I'd blame the cart before I blamed the Saturn. Do other carts behave like this?

[Kyle15]

I'd blame the cart before I blamed the Saturn. Do other carts behave like this?

It's the only cart I own, so I can't really tell for sure what it is.
I just figured it may be the unofficial workmanship, but you never know.

[megasdkirby]

It's the only cart I own, so I can't really tell for sure what it is.
I just figured it may be the unofficial workmanship, but you never know.

With time, those cart contacts become really corroded.

Have you tried cleaning them with a cart cleaner or similar equipment? With alcohol?

Look at the cart slot...does it look rusted?

[InsaneDavid]

The cartridge slot is just flaky, that's just how a lot of them are.

[Kyle15]

With time, those cart contacts become really corroded.

Have you tried cleaning them with a cart cleaner or similar equipment? With alcohol?

Look at the cart slot...does it look rusted?

It looks quite nice, actually. The only thing I could see was dust on the silver rimming around the slot.
If I clean it, is there an easy method that would work? I would use the cleaning kit, but I do not have one.


The cartridge slot is just flaky, that's just how a lot of them are.

Well, that's good to know.
At least it's not just me.

[megasdkirby]

InsaneDavid is right. It's VERY finnicky.

I recommend cleaning the cartridge over and over again until you have a beautiful shine. Let it dry and try again. If nothing, remove a little bit, and try. Keep doing this to see what happens.

[Rogue]

The cartridge slot can act strange sometimes, but mostly with unofficial acessories, for sure.

[Kyle15]

Phew, that makes me feel a lot better.
Thanks guys! :)

[megasdkirby]

It even happens with the EMS cart. But it will "access" eventually.

[spoon]

David is right. I had the same problem with my ST Key. It seems to be a combination of the finicky port and unofficial accessories.

Oddly, since I've bought the Action Replay Plus, no problems.