GBC games on GBA SP

[ivotedforkodos]

Just got some GBC games on Ebay and I can't get them to play on my GBA SP. Before I hassle the seller with a refund / negative feedback, I thought I'd see if anyone has any advice. When I plug them in I get the "Game Boy / Nintendo " screen with no problem, but it alternates between the smaller screen with a black border and a pixelated wide screen. The "nintendo" is hard to read, it has black dots above all the letters. Of course I'll try cleaning the contacts on the games w/ rubbing alcohol and maybe even taking them apart if it comes to it but I just thought I'd check if the community at large has any advice or cleaning tips / tricks. thanks!

[Kitsune Sniper]

Well, GBA Micros and DS systems can't play the games, since they lack the necessary components.

You should try to clean them, it sounds like that's the problem. Do you own any other GB/GBC games? Have you tested them? It could be a problem with your SP, but I doubt it.

[davidbrit2]

Normally when you hit the L and R buttons, you can toggle GB/GBC games between bordered and wide modes. You're not hitting those buttons by mistake, are you? If not, try playing a GBA game where it's easy to tell if L and R are pressed and see what it does.

The black dots on the Nintendo logo definitely suggest a good cleaning is in order.

[c0ldb33r]

It just sounds like dirty carts.

For cleaning, search the technical and restoration subforum :D

[Ed Oscuro]

It definitely is a dirty cartridge problem. I had this on my CV2.

Solution: get a q-tip, immerse it in isopropyl alcohol, and run it alongside the cartridge connector (be sure to give it time to dry off, though that won't be too long as the alcohol dries out quickly).

[ivotedforkodos]

thanks everyone, great, speedy replies. much appreciated.