Way to loosen the Super8/TriStar's death grips?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I recently picked up a Super 8/TriStar, which plugs into the top of either an Super NES or Super Famicom and allows you to play SNES games from either region as well as NES 72 pin games and even Famicom 60 pin games as well.

The only problem with the system is the cartridge connectors themselves have the quintessential "death grips" where they hold the contact pins so tightly you have to exert considerable strength to get cartridges out, which also has the worrying effect of making me fear for the longevity of my game library I've built up over the years.

Do you guys have any advice on something I might be able to try to loosen up the contacts? I recall hearing that it's advisable to clean the contact pins on cart based systems using a clean cloth t-shirt wrapped in a credit card, so I guess that's one idea, but can anyone think of someway to just get games to go in and come out easier? Since the Super 8 works with nearly the entire library of SNES/SFC games (only a few refuse to boot) I just want to keep it plugged into my Super Famicom long term, but not if I always have to wrestle with those damn death grips.

Any advice is much appreciated.

[digitalpress]

That is a GREAT question. I've owned one (and use it frequently) for years and I can promise you, it DOESN'T loosen up over time and use.

So at this point all I can recommend is that you do some hand strength exercises, like those springy handle things that you squeeze. It makes removing those carts much easier.

Of course, I'd like to see a better technique too.

[allyourblood]

This is pure guessing on my part, since I don't own that thing, but I would take a long nail, or awl, or similar instrument, and insert it between each pair of opposing pins in the system; maybe wiggle it front to back a bit, or just find one that is slightly thicker than a cartridge and insert it into each space, in order to flex or bend the contacts apart. When "refurbing" an NES, you can take a pin, small screwdriver, or paper clip and bend the contacts back inward -- in this case I'm referring to doing the exact opposite.

Anyway, that's what I would try. Another option would be to take a crap game or one you have a million of (SMB for NES, Madden for SNES, etc.), and either spend an afternoon inserting and removing them, and/or leave them plugged in all the time, in hopes of parting the contacts gradually over time.

[Lucifersam1]

I also own a Super8 that I picked up a few years back, and have had the issue you stated. I just wiggle the NES carts back and forth as I pull them out. Usually makes it easier and has not hurt the carts or the Super8.

On another note, if you own Super Dodgeball for the NES, can you see if it plays in your Super8? I have never had any luck getting it to work. Maybe my cart is bad? My NES shit the bed a long time ago, so I don't really have another way to test it...

[Dire 51]

Maybe it's just me, but I've never noticed that the Super 8 has a death grip on the carts. I've had mine since 1994, and I've never had a problem getting any carts out of it. Now, the NES I bought with a new 72 pin connector earlier this year - THAT had a death grip on the carts. Finally loosened up after a while, though.

Lucifersam1 - Super Dodge Ball works fine for me on the Super 8.

[Lucifersam1]

Thanks for letting me know about SDB, Dire. I guess my cart is just bad! I have the box and instructions; I suppose I will just have to replace that game ASAP (it is a wicked fun game too).

As for the Super8, I would agree that it's not a "death grip" per se, but mine certainly takes more effort than I think it should.


Maybe it's just me, but I've never noticed that the Super 8 has a death grip on the carts. I've had mine since 1994, and I've never had a problem getting any carts out of it. Now, the NES I bought with a new 72 pin connector earlier this year - THAT had a death grip on the carts. Finally loosened up after a while, though.

Lucifersam1 - Super Dodge Ball works fine for me on the Super 8.