Download Opening NES games - Nintendo Repair Hut

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Opening NES games
Opening your NES games is actually not that hard. NES cartridges come in a
multitude of different forms and each one requires a different method of opening. Before
we look at the different types of cartridges and the screw locations it is important to
recognize that there are 3 different types of screws used to secure the cartridge cases. The
most common type is the 3.8 mm security screw, which is only opened using a 3.8mm
security screw driver, which is picture below.
In addition to security screws there are flat head screws and even Philips head screws. I
have only seen Philips head screws on non-licensed Nintendo games. Anyways there are
three different types. There are also three types of cartridges in regards to screw
locations.
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Shown below is the most common type of cartridge, which has 3 security screws (can
also have flat head screws).
There are also cartridges with 5 screws.
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Lastly there are the non-licensed game cartridges with 3 screws. The problem with these
cartridges is that they require an actual hex star screw driver to remove. They do not open
with 3.8mm security tools. They are rather uncommon though, but if you happen to come
across one then pull out your ratchet set and get a star head adapter and use it to open the
game case. If you do not happen to have one the local tool shop sells them. Anyways
there is a second problem with opening these cases there is a hidden middle screw under
the label. For some very stupid reason the manufacturers of these games placed a label
over the middle screw of the case. Therefore if you want to open up the case simply feel
around the label until you feel the depression and that’s where your screw is. Although
this damages the back label, making valuable games a lot less valuable. So you might
want to think twice about doing it, or suffer the agonizing attempt to clean the game
connectors without opening the case. It is hard, though can be done.
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Once you determine which game cartridge you have open it up using the appropriate tool.
Once your game is opened this is what it should look like. Most game boards are larger,
though not all. All the ones with a save function have a battery soldered onto the game
board. Anyways once you have it open you are ready to clean the connectors.