The Super NES Misadventures

[CRBWildcat]

As the title may imply, I bought a Super Nintendo and four games this past weekend at a used game/video store in Hutchinson. Two of them, Super Mario World and Megaman X, work just fine (as of last night, I can honestly say that I can beat the latter without cheating). The other two, Donkey Kong Country and NBA Jam, give me a black screen and nothing else.

Oh, well. Can't win them all, I guess.

Another note is that one of the system's sound channels doesn't work properly, but on some songs it isn't even noticeable.

[Spokavriel]

Sounds like you got a system with at minimum some dirty contacts. At most its developed some open circuits as well. Best thing would be to find a cleaning kit to get the contacts washed and remove problems from that end. If that doesn't solve everything then its likely close to failing but still repairable.

[CRBWildcat]

Contacts on the games, or the system?

[Spokavriel]

Both! But its harder to clean the ones in system without leaving anything behind to get in the way. The cartridges can just be gotten with a folded up paper towel and a bit of diluted rubbing alcohol.

[Vocaloid]

For the system itself, I use to use, ((And still do for the USB and 30 pin contacts for iPod/iPhone/MP3 Players)) a fine tip wire brush, and high quality paint brush with a bit of alcohol or Laquer thinner on the contacs and a lint free cloth with a large toothpick to clean up any residue. The sound channel issue sounds like it is a game issue though, try one not from the collection you have, preferably with clean contacts. The Donkey Kong Country and NBA Jam probably have lots of playtime on them and the contacts are probably a bit worn. Hopefully you won't need to 'Adjust' the the contacts in the system itself.

[CRBWildcat]

Diluted rubbing alcohol... with water, presumably?

The DKC cartridge had some of the paint faded off of the label, so I figured that should've been a giveaway.

[Lioconvoy]

I know before I misplaced my SNES, I was having trouble with Breath of Fire 2. The B button wouldn't work. But it worked on other games, just not Breath of Fire 2. I haven't had that problem with my FC Twin.

[Spokavriel]

Unless you buy it already diluted. 70% mixed half and half with water will be weak enough. But many stores are currently selling 30% and 40% those are weak enough to not push the safety margin.

[CRBWildcat]

I'll have to keep an eye out for those, then.

I thought about buying some other games while I was there, but I decided not to push things; with the five games plus the SNES and the things needed to run it, it already cost me around $130 total.

[Spokavriel]

Might want to go to Flea Markets, thrift shops, swap meets and yard sales. You can almost do better than the price you just quoted going through ebay.

[CRBWildcat]

I could try yard sales, but I doubt I'll have much success getting to the other three, let alone finding anything. Especially considering my location in Kansas.

[Spokavriel]

Considering most of Kansas if you do find 2 of the last three and get there early enough in the day. As in when the first people are setting up or opening for the day you could have really good odds of great finds.

[talonhunter]

With as close as you are to Wichita? I would think you would have a better selection of thrift shops and such. Still seems I remember a couple thrift stores and pawn shops in the area that had some SNES stuff for cheap; like 5 dollars a game or such.

[CRBWildcat]

I can't get to Wichita as often as I'd like, though. I don't have a learner's certificate, let alone a driver's license, so I'm stuck in town unless I can get my parents to take me. Even then, I don't feel right dragging them all over Wichita looking for those things.

[talonhunter]

Sooooo...the motorcycle with training wheels is out of the picture as well then, Hmmmmm. Sorry can't help there, but I thought you were at least eligible for driving type privlages