SNES cartridge slot troubles...

[Drifter 2000]

Back a few months ago my faithful old Super Nintendo of sixteen years began to give me some troubles when it came to booting up and playing cartridges. In order to get games to work I needed to slide the cartridge into the slot, press it back, and slide a coin between the label and the edge of the slot.

Essentially the games wouldn't sit tightly inside their slot. So I decided to wrap the old girl up and use her as a backup. I went to a local shop and bought one of the smaller models and everything seemed to be working fine. I hadn't used it for a few months and just started playing again recently only to discover the second system is starting to have the same problem.

This time I can set the game in without needing a coin but if I even gently jiggle the system the cartridge moves around and the game freezes up and the picture goes crazy. If I reset without moving the game back into it's original position the game won't even boot up...I just get a black screen.

Is there any sort of cure for a loose SNES cartridge slot?

EDIT: I suppose upon thinking about it for a few minutes longer that it's likely the connectors are worn down.

[Draven]

I have the same problem with my top-load NES. I was thinking about making some type of sleeve to put the games in before placing it in the unit, but haven't actively searched for something that would work (might make one out of duct tape).

[Astrosmash]

My SNES (bought new circa 1994) has the same problem. As a temporary fix I taped a folded piece of paper to the inside of the front of the cartridge slot to hold the cart in place. Not the most attractive solution, but works in the short-term. If there are any better (esp. permanent) fixes I'd love to hear 'em too.

[izarate]

You'll have to tighten the connector again. Yes, just as with the NES 72-pin connector.

Every cartridge based system will eventually need that.

[klausien]

My SNES occasionally freezes when it takes a jolt, so I understand your frustrations.

In general, the only way to fix this, (outside of getting the part somehow (Retro Duo), desoldering the old one & soldering in the new - though you probably could just use the Retro Duo), is to use an implement, such as an eyeglass screwdriver to gently bend the pins towards each other in the cart slot. You really have to take the system apart to do it, but it should make a difference. You should also dip some folded cardboard (brown side out) in good isopropyl alcohol and give it a thorough cleaning, making sure to allow it to dry before turning it on.

I would try to fix it or just get a new SNES.