Table of Contents
Introduction
Vintage home video game consoles from the 1970s to 1990s are treasured by collectors for their iconic games, nostalgic value and historical significance. Keeping these aging devices working properly requires some preventative maintenance and care.
This guide will provide tips on how to clean, restore, modify and store vintage consoles like the Atari 2600, NES, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, PlayStation and more to extend their lifespan. With some simple servicing, you can keep your retro games working for many more years of 8-bit and 16-bit fun.
Key Takeaways:
- Open up consoles carefully for internal cleaning and repairs
- Replace belts, capacitors, switches and connectors as needed
- Clean games and check pins for corrosion and damage
- Consider adding video and audio mods for clean output
- Maintain proper temperature, humidity and storage
- Handle gently to avoid damage to plastic and circuits
- Keep dust and insects away from exposed electronics
- Test consoles and games to verify proper functioning
Disassembling Consoles Safely
When opening up vintage consoles for internal servicing, take care not to damage the original parts:
- Use proper screwdriver size to avoid stripping screws
- Label screws and note source as you remove
- Snap reference photos before removing components
- Clean with isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs
- Discharge large capacitors before handling
- Look for leaking, bulging or popped capacitors
- Check for burnt, cracked or broken traces
- Test button membranes for torn traces before removal
Take your time and be very careful around fragile plastic clips and thin ribbon cables.
Cleaning Contacts and Connectors
One of the best ways to maintain systems is by cleaning the edge connectors and power ports:
Cartridge Ports
- Use isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs to scrub pins
- Blow out dust with compressed air
- Straighten bent pins carefully with tweezers
- Check slot for broken plastic and debris inside
Power and Video Connectors
- Remove oxidation and corrosion from pins
- Soak seriously corroded ports in white vinegar
- Use contact cleaner spray on ports and jacks
Control Ports
- Clean controller ports with alcohol and swabs
- Soak severely corroded ports in white vinegar
- Test button contacts with continuity setting on multimeter
Expansion Ports
- Scrub the pins on ports for add-ons like Genisis 32X
- Ensure a tight connection by gently bending pins
Regular cleaning prevents game issues and connectivity problems!
Replacing Belts and Gears
Rubber belts and plastic gears wear out over time and need replacement:
- Order kits with full set of common belt sizes for the console
- Check belt tensions against tutorial videos as you replace
- Adjust belt positions carefully to ensure proper gear rotation
- Grease gears, cogs, and mechanical parts with white lithium grease
- Replace stripped or cracked gears if needed
- Diagnose issues by observing gear movements while powered
Loose, worn or broken belts can cause playback issues for tape-based games.
Recapping Consoles and Controllers
Vintage capacitors often bulge or leak over time:
- Order a matching capacitor kit for the console
- Carefully desolder and remove old caps
- Replace each cap one by one matching polarity and voltage
- Avoid damaging thin traces and pads while soldering
- Test continuity between pins after installation
- Check console and controller boards for damage
Even non-bulging caps can degrade and benefit from replacement after 20+ years.
Cleaning Games and Cartridges
Keeping games and carts clean ensures reliable performance:
- Use 90%+ isopropyl alcohol with cotton swabs
- Gently clean edge pins and ensure they are straight
- Soak badly corroded games in white vinegar then scrub
- Use compressed air to blow out dust from cart slots
- Carefully open carts to clean contacts – avoid damaging labels
- For disc based games, use proper CD/DVD cleaners only
Inspect games before playing to spot damage, corrosion or large dust deposits.
Common Audio and Video Mods
Modifying the original inputs and outputs can greatly improve display and sound:
Audio Mods
- Replace capacitors on audio circuit boards
- Install superior isolation transformers and caps
- Add stereo audio output instead of mono
- Bypass low quality RF modulator with direct RCA cables
Video Mods
- Upgrade composite video with S-Video or RGB video output
- Replace capacitors and run traces to output jacks
- Install high quality shielded cables to TV
- Sync to HDMI with upscalers like Retrotink for lag-free display
Storing and Displaying Consoles
Use proper storage methods to avoid temperature and humidity damage:
- Keep consoles in climate controlled room around 65-75°F
- Avoid attics, garages and basements with extreme temps
- Use gel packs and desiccants to control humidity
- Store vertically to prevent stacking stress
- Open plastic bags and run devices yearly to check functions
- Display consoles out of direct sunlight to prevent fading
- Keep areas dusted and use glass cabinets for pristine systems
Improper storage accounts for a large portion of vintage electronic degradation.
Handling Precautions
Vintage consoles and games require gentle care in handling:
- Avoid touching circuit boards unless necessary for repair
- Never pull on cables – grip connectors by the plastic housing
- Keep food and drinks far away from electronics
- Hold carts by the edges to avoid smudging labels
- If a game doesn’t load, gently reseat it instead of forcing
- Let devices warm up to room temperature before powering on
- Transport in protective cases and original packaging if possible
Careful handling prevents costly damage and preserves value.
Maintaining Disk and Tape Drives
Moving-part disk and tape drives need servicing to stay operational:
Floppy Drives
- Use isopropyl alcohol to clean read heads
- Carefully lubricate rails and gears with white lithium grease
- Replace worn drive belts with accurate sizes
CD Drives
- Clean lenses with a CD laser lens cleaner kit
- Apply friction toCD hub with rubber band to increase grip
Cassette and VCR Parts
- Demagnetize tape heads to improve tape playback
- Replace pin belts, gears, and rubber components
These preventative steps greatly improve load success and playback performance.
Testing After Maintenance
After any repairs, thoroughly test the console:
- Power on for 30-60 minutes to check for shorts, overheating
- Try inserting and removing game carts multiple times
- Load games from each genre to test various chips
- For disc systems, check both audio CDs and games
- Check controller inputs by entering button combinations
- Compare video and audio to properly maintained model
Don’t assume repairs succeeded – always verify.
Seeking Repair Help
For complex repairs beyond your skill level:
- Search for console repair shops in your area or mail-in shops
- Join collector forums and ask trusted members for referrals
- Read shop reviews and ask about warranty coverage
- Get repair cost estimates and timeframe before committing
- Ensure they have experience fixing your particular console
- Backup save data before sending in for repair
Vintage expertise is hard to find – thoroughly vet any repair shops.
Conclusion
With careful maintenance like cleaning, repairs, mods and proper storage, vintage game consoles can keep functioning for many more decades. While the plastic and electronics slowly degrade, with your help the gameplay doesn’t have to. Keep your old systems in circulation for the next generation of retro gamers to experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if an old game console needs maintenance?
Signs include games not loading, glitchy graphics or sound, controller issues, power problems, dirty/corroded ports, damaged cables, odd smells, overheating and noticeable internal dust. Schedule periodic maintenance to help prevent failures.
What cleaning supplies should you use on vintage game consoles?
Isopropyl alcohol, cotton swabs and compressed air work well for cleaning edge connectors and internal boards. Avoid getting moisture in sensitive areas. For stubborn corrosion, white vinegar or Brasso metal polish help scrub away tarnish.
How do you discharge capacitors in old electronics?
Use a screwdriver with an insulated handle to gently touch both pins and discharge remaining electricity before handling. Repeat contact until meter shows 0 voltage. Some capacitors hold a dangerous charge even unplugged.
Why won’t my game cartridge load even after cleaning?
If cleaning fails, the internal slot contacts or cartridge board likely needs refurbishing. The console may need a new 72-pin connector installed. Try gently bending the game pins outward very slightly to improve connections. Reflowing solder joints on the cartridge may help.
Is it worth getting vintage game consoles professionally repaired?
It depends on the repair cost versus the console value. Common 8-bit systems are often affordable to repair. But for rare consoles or complex fixes, seek quotes first. If the console has sentimental value, restoration may be priceless to you. Weigh the costs before proceeding.
