Reviving Retro: A Guide to Quick Cleaning Your Classic Video Game Consoles

by Retro Replay

Reviving Retro: A Guide to Quick Cleaning Your Classic Video Game Consoles

In the world of gaming, retro consoles like the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, GameCube, PS1, PS2 and N64 hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. These vintage systems not only provide a nostalgic trip down memory lane but also serve as a testament to the enduring quality of classic gaming. To ensure your beloved retro consoles stay in top-notch condition, it's essential to keep them clean and well-maintained. In this guide, we'll walk you through effective cleaning methods for your NES, SNES, and N64, while emphasizing that these tactics are applicable to all retro video game systems.

When purchasing a console from Retro Replay you can be assured that we take the time and effort to make sure that every single one of them is fully cleaned, sanitized, destickered and ready to go right when you receive it. We pride ourselves on making sure you get the highest quality systems and we make them as perfect as possible for you. If you find a console elsewhere and want to trade it in, or sell it to a store like Retro Replay, they will appreciate you cleaning the console properly and you will get more money for trade in and cash from those stores. The time and effort really is worth it for the result you get when you clean and take care of your retro video game consoles.

Cleaning the Exterior: Start by tackling the outside of your console. Everyday grime and dirt can accumulate on the shell, affecting both the appearance and performance of your cherished system.This added with old dirt and dust from storage can really make your console look grimy. Surprisingly, an everyday household item can come to the rescue – Windex, the window cleaner. If you are able try your best to get Automotive Windex over regular household Windex as the Automotive Windex does not have ammonia in it. However the regular Windex is fine, we're just trying to limit the amount of chemicals.

 

  1. Windex and Soft Bristled Toothbrush:

    • Apply a small amount of Windex on a soft bristled toothbrush. If the console is very dirty or dusty, do not be afraid to spray a fairly liberal amount of Windex onto the surfaces of the console directly.
    • Gently scrub the exterior surfaces to remove dirt and grime.
    • Be cautious not to apply excessive pressure to prevent any damage to the plastic, while still trying to make sure that you get into as many cracks, lines and crevices to agitate as much dirt, grime and dust as you can.Essentially do not brush any harder than you would on your teeth. Be aware of any smooth or shiny surfaces on consoles like the PS2 Slim version 2 or the PS3 consoles as too much scrubbing can leave very light scratches. So be aware of the console and brush accordingly.

  2. Q Tips for Tough Spots:

    • Use Q Tips to reach difficult-to-clean areas like buttons, ports, and seams.
    • Dampen the Q Tip with Windex for more effective cleaning.

  3. Paper Towels and Microfiber Cloths for the Finishing Touch:

    • Wipe down the entire console with paper towels to remove any remaining residue.
    • Ensure the console is completely dry before moving on to the next step.Using a microfiber towel can remove any lint or tiny flakes left over by the paper towels.

Cleaning the Interior: Now that the exterior is looking pristine, let's shift our focus to the interior of the console. We will not be covering opening up and doing a deep clean on the console. Most of the time the following steps are fine for cleaning out the majority of issues you may have with dust getting inside. If you have an exceptionally filthy console, taking it apart and giving it a very thorough cleaning requires extra steps and special tools.

  1. Compressed Air for Vent Ports:

    • Dust and debris often accumulate in the vent ports, hindering airflow.
    • Use a can of compressed air to blow away dust from these vents. Be thorough and go back and forth between the vents to blow out from each side as much as you can.
    • Hold the console upside down to prevent any dislodged debris from falling back inside. Make sure to get into the areas where the cartridge / disc goes and all ports and switches. This also will remove any trapped moisture from the Windex cleaning method above.

  2. Toothpick Precision:

    • For tiny cracks and lines, a wooden or soft plastic toothpick can work wonders.
    • Gently maneuver the toothpick to dislodge any dirt without causing damage.

Cautionary Measures: While it's essential to keep your retro consoles clean, it's equally crucial to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

  1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals:

    • Never use hard chemicals or cleaning agents with abrasive properties, as they can damage the plastic finish of the console.

  2. Beware of Magic Erasers:

    • Steer clear of cleaning sponges like the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, as they function like sandpaper blocks and can mar the surface of your console. They will remove surface texture, leave scratches, smooth out edges and can cause considerable harm. They should never be used at all for cleaning any console, game or controller. There are easier and safer methods.

With these simple and effective cleaning methods, you can breathe new life into your retro video game console. By adopting a regular cleaning routine, you not only preserve the aesthetics of these classic systems but also contribute to their longevity, ensuring they remain a source of joy for years to come.

Retro Replay cleans, sanitizes and destickers every single console that goes up for sale on our store. We make sure that the consoles are as clean as we can get them so that when you purchase a console from Retro Replay you know that it will be fully cleaned and ready to go.

Taking the 10 - 15 minutes to clean your retro systems really makes the world of difference. The cleaner they are the better they perform. They run cooler and last longer. There are less contaminants that can get into the system or have an effect on the connectors or lens of the system. Take your time when you clean your consoles. There is no rush. The effort is worth it and you will have a system that will last for years longer than other systems.

One last thing to note. Using products like Armor All etc to 'seal' or add a protective coating to your console may make it look shiny and nice, but it can also add contaminants to your connections causing games, controllers and cables to not function correctly. If you are very careful with these types of products you can really add a nice protective shine to them, however if you are not extremely cautious about it, harm can be caused. Please use as much caution as you can if you decide to use products like this.

 

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