Is leaving games plugged into the consoles a bad thing?

[stargate]

I am speaking mainly of cartridge based systems like TG-16 and SNES. Should I always take the game out when not in use? Like most gamers I tend to leave the game I am playing in the system for quite some time because it is just easier to fire it up and play.

[Raccoon Lad]

Theoretically, it could minutely affect how tight the pins on the cart port are. But I don't see how leaving a cart in could be any worse than removing/inserting it every time.

[Kejoriv]

Theoretically, it could minutely affect how tight the pins on the cart port are. But I don't see how leaving a cart in could be any worse than removing/inserting it every time.

I agree. Preach on brother. LOL
~Kejoriv

[rbudrick]

I wouldn't doubt that this is how many an NES got their pins loosened to the point that a replacement is the only fix (like when a perfect cleaning won't do it).

So yeah, if you must leave a cart in to keep dust out, don't push it in all the way...just enough to cover the hole. Just sorta pull it out and leave it in there.

-Rob

[§ Gideon §]

So yeah, if you must leave a cart in to keep dust out, don't push it in all the way...just enough to cover the hole. Just sorta pull it out and leave it in there.
Wait. That's NES-exclusive advice, right?

[omnedon]

rbudrick has a point. My Jaguar, 2600, 5200, 7800 all have exposed cart slots (no door). Sitting hooked up, dust settles directly onto the cart connectors on these systems. In these systems, a cart in the way should be preferable to the contacts catching all the dust.

Now, my 2600 and my 5200 sit under "Atari" dustcovers, so they have no issue this way. My Jag, however does have this problem. Something to think about if on display long term (not boxed).

I guess it's all Atari's fault...
LOL

[rbudrick]

rbudrick wrote:
So yeah, if you must leave a cart in to keep dust out, don't push it in all the way...just enough to cover the hole. Just sorta pull it out and leave it in there.

Wait. That's NES-exclusive advice, right?


Which NES? Toaster or toploader?

Toasters are hopeless, it doesn't matter! LOL LOL :D

Seriously, don't leave a game all the way in your toaster if you are not playing it. If your door is missingto your toaster, then definitely put a game in there to cover the hole. Just don't push the cart edge connector into its socket.

But seriously, I have many systems that get dirty over time....even WITH spring doors on them. A cart just resting in there seems to prevent this.

-Rob