Care of Second Hand Games

Here at Console Passion we don't just buy & sell Second Hand Games; In this small section I'm going to talk you through how you can get the most from your Second Hand Games Collection through a little work and Care!
This section can be roughly split into two parts - cleaning the games and cleaning the boxes. First I'll talk about cleaning the actual games:

Cleaning Cartridges
Even if you have owned a game from brand new, chances are you will need to clean the cartridge after a while. Dirt can build up on the cartridge pins, which prevents an electrical contact, which in turn stops the game from working. However, cleaning the pins is a very simple process. best method is to get some Isopropyl (alcohol based cleaner) from your local hardware shop and some cotton buds (Q-Tips for our North American friends!). Simply dip the Cotton Bud in the Isopropyl and gently rub it along the pins of the cartridge, removing all the build up of dirt. Leave it a minute or two for any remaining fluid to evaporate and then test.

If the cartridges have any ink or marker pen on them this can *usually* be removed by dipping a scratch free cloth in Isopropyl and Gently rubbing the marked area. Dirt can also be removed in this way. Note that older games such as Atari games with papery labels may not take kindly to this method, it works best on game labels that have a glossy sheen to them, like Super Nintendo Games, Nintendo 64 Games or Sega Megadrive Games.

Cleaning CD's
Cleaning CD's of dirt is another simple process. Hold the CD by its outer edge (or put you finger through the middle - whichever is easier) and get a scratch free cloth, dipped in Isopropyl and wipe from the outer edge towards the centre of the CD. Allow the remaining Isopropyl to evaporate and then test. Heavily scratched CD's are a little more difficult and require professional help. Perfect Play disc repair outfits offer a service that can repair most scratched CD's at a very reasonable price.

Cleaning Boxes
Cleaning Second Hand Game boxes of dirt is easy enough. Removing stickers - especially from cardboard boxes is a slightly more delicate task. The trick is to dissolve the glue that bonds the sticker to the box, and this can be done once again with our trusty friend Isopropyl. Using a pipette (a teaspoon will suffice, but can get a little messy!) suck up some Isopropyl, and the saturate the sticker. Wait a few minutes until the sticker starts to become slightly transparent and then carefully lift one corner of the sticker using a finger nail. Using only a small amount of pressure gently peel back the paper - if it gives any resistance stop and drop on a little more Isopropyl. Eventually the glue will dissolve and the sticker will peel off easily without tearing the box. Any residual glue can be wiped off with a cloth and some more Isopropyl. Once all stickers are removed you can give the box a complete wipe with the Isopropyl soaked cloth - it's amazing how much of a lustre this can restore to a dull faded box. The same tips apply to plastic boxes and CD cases.

Obviously these are just my own tips - Console Passion takes no responsibility for any damage you may do (although, if you follow them properly, you should have no problems). Note that Isopropyl is the best cleaning fluid to use as it doesn't melt plastic or left print, and its dries without leaving marks. You should always use Isopropyl in a well ventilated room.

If you have any tips of your own, please do not hesitate to send them to us. Any we find useful we will post on the site - giving you full Kudos of course!