Should N64 Connectors Look Copper or Gold?

[Bubble_Man]

I've been checking the connectors in my 2nd hand N64 cartridges to see if they still have their protective plating and noticed that some of them are different colors. Some are copper looking while some others look more gold-ish. A few even look silver (I'm assuming those are missing plating for sure). Back when the N64 was still a current console, what color were the connectors of new games?

[IHatedSega]

Copper and gold are good. The ones that are silver or normal metal looking may just be discoloration or some may have been made that way.. Do they work?

[wiggyx]

They should look like brass, since they're a brass alloy. If they look copper, then they're likely tarnished a bit.

[Bubble_Man]

They should look like brass, since they're a brass alloy. If they look copper, then they're likely tarnished a bit.

I see, thanks. I recently came across a video and several comments on youtube saying not to use brasso to clean connectors because it can potentially strip away an outer layer of material that protects a less-resistant one beneath from corroding. I typically clean my new arrivals with some brasso followed by alcohol, so seeing the different colored connectors in my collection made me wonder.

[wiggyx]

Good luck using anything completely non-abrasive if they're tarnished, youtubers.

Brasso is a fine choice. I would stick with that if it's working for you. You'd have to work REALLY hard to damage the contacts with Brasso ;)