Connectors on a cartridge (do they wear out?)

[Oniudra]

Since I put this topic in "Modern Gaming" this is referring to Game Boy Advance cartridges mostly, but its up in the air for any cartridge based system too.

I don’t know about you guys, but when it comes to playing one particular game, im popping it in and out of my system many times.

Now I know the connector pins in the system wear loose after much usage. But when it comes to the cartridge... Do the connectors wear thin, or do the connectors break off. I know the NES had that problem a lot, but how does the Game Boy Advance hold up in that department?

[Sothy]

It would seem to be simple physics that Yes they will wear out. Metal rubbing against metal. I suppose the question is how long does it take.

The good kind of cleaning solution has a bit of lubricant in it to protect cartridges from exactly that. If you clean the contacts with straight rubbing alcohol they probably wear out faster.

[KingCobra]

Yes, I have a few Atari carts that are dust from the pins being hammard over the years.

But that's a good thing, it's nice to get your $$ out a few games LOL

[Oniudra]

Yeah I have been playing the heck out of Ninja Five-0 and i'm telling myself that I would like to keep this one around for a while... But it’s so addicting to play!