Sega Genesis - Getting a Game to Load

Dedpuhl

Lifer
Nov 20, 1999
10,370
0
76
I never owned a Genesis. I've had every Nintendo console made.

Anyway, I bought a cheap genesis w/ a bunch of games. For some reason, this thing is being a bitch about loading a game. It reminds me of the first NES. If I push the cartridge in a certain way, it'll work. It took me 10 minutes to get the first game to start up.

Is this normal for the Genesis or did I just get a worn out turd?

 

Evander

Golden Member
Jun 18, 2001
1,159
0
76
Yes, do the rubbing alcohol thing, you may also be able to clean the connectors on the genesis itself (never tried this but I bet if you put a little excess alcohol on a game cart and pushed it in and out of the genesis a few times that might work)
 

Oyeve

Lifer
Oct 18, 1999
22,066
883
126
Originally posted by: Evander
Yes, do the rubbing alcohol thing, you may also be able to clean the connectors on the genesis itself (never tried this but I bet if you put a little excess alcohol on a game cart and pushed it in and out of the genesis a few times that might work)

Of course dont do it when its on and make sure its dry! :)
 

exdeath

Lifer
Jan 29, 2004
13,679
10
81
Leave the cart to where its stiff and firmly connected and then push/pull it the last 1/4" or so repeatedly so that you scrape the contacts back and forth. Both the console and the carts are probably oxidized and coated in carbon and stuff.

A piece of alcohol damped tight fitting card board that is just the right thickness to shove in and out of the cart slot a few times with some reasonable force should net you some black marks on the cardboard, and a q-tip works on the cartridge edge.
 

SonicIce

Diamond Member
Apr 12, 2004
4,771
0
76
Yea the problem is the cart not making good contact with the pins. This is either because the pins have been used so much that they dont press hard anymore, or rust etc. I saw a guide once where you open up the system and bend each pin inward slighty so it puts more pressure on the cart but I lost the article. Try the alcohol anyway.