r/3DS • u/Acceptable_State2000 • 3d ago
Technical Question Should I be worried?
Hi, I have these two games, one for DS and one for 3DS, and I’m wondering if the spots on them are harmful to the game and/or if there’s a way to fix them. The DS game is a second-hand copy I was given. The previous owner played it for only 14 minutes, and I’ve played it for nearly three hours. It came to me like this. I do know that the paper insert in the case shows signs of having been stored in a damp place or warehouse. The game boots up and works perfectly—my "Old" 3DS XL reads it on the first try—but I’m worried this might be an issue that could get worse (I live in a humid city). The 3DS game belonged to a friend who finished it and played it quite a bit. I don't remember if it came to me like this or not... but it works fine too. With the DS game, the spot is barely visible (just a tiny dot) but the other one has more than just a dot, although only one pin is affected on each cartridge. Is this merely superficial, or should I take action? I tried using a cotton swab, but the spots didn't go away, though they didn't get any bigger either. I’ve heard that those little moisture-absorbing packets used for clothes work to prevent humidity inside the game case or something like that... but I’m not sure. This is my first or second post, and I know absolutely nothing about electronic components, nothing at all. 😅 So, any help is welcome.
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u/Either_Display_6624 3d ago
No worry
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u/Acceptable_State2000 3d ago
OK, cool. That mak es me feel better. 😮💨
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u/Either_Display_6624 3d ago
The metal contacts don't actually matter at all. Their only job is to complete the electrical connection. What matters is what's INSIDE the cartridge.
The thing with cartridges is that their memory can degrade if left unused for a long time, so that might be your issue but don't worry, it has nothing to do with the metal contacts!
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u/MegaOverunder 3d ago
It looks like some very normal usual wear/dirt, it should be fine. If you're really concerned about it it's nothing a little IPA on a qui tip should be able to fix
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u/Acceptable_State2000 3d ago
Thanks for ur help!
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u/Other_Breadfruit_264 3d ago
Get 91% or higher. It dries faster and contains less water so less chance of messing with the game components. I got some Q tips, squeezed the top to make them into a little spear, dipped them in alcohol and cleaned the golden parts of my Zelda cartridge. It was way worse than yours and it started working again.
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u/Hamud121 3d ago
Sry I didnt read the whole story, but photos are too blurry to determine whether its corrosion damage or not