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Somewhat O.T. need advice storing game cartridges
#301808 - 01/02/13 08:30 PM
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I have numerous gaming console systems and 100's of game cartridges I would like to store and I would like to know the safest way to store these. Everything from the intellivision on up to the last generation cartridge consoles.
I would hate to corrupt all my games due to improper storage but I figured this would be the place to ask seeing how the cartridges use rom chips. Any help would greatly be appreciated !
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Only here to annoy...
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Re: Somewhat O.T. need advice storing game cartridges
[Re: Renegade]
#301812 - 01/02/13 09:17 PM
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If your games are in boxes you would need clear box protectors. They are available online. They also can be used for loose games as well. The storage box should be a rugged plastic like a Rubbermaid or sterilte. If you are planning permanent store like in a facility or garage please wrap the consoles or any loose games with bubblewrap. This will ensure the games to be safe. Oh and get a good sealed box. Just in case of floods and leaks. Good luck.
http://www.videogameboxprotectors.com/
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I’m convinced Mario is a hobo.
He wakes up everyday in the same clothes, runs around in sewers, and collects coins for a living.
At the end of the day, he uses the coins to buy mushrooms
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DMala |
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Re: Somewhat O.T. need advice storing game cartridges
[Re: Renegade]
#301815 - 01/02/13 11:28 PM
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> I have numerous gaming console systems and 100's of game cartridges I would like to > store and I would like to know the safest way to store these. Everything from the > intellivision on up to the last generation cartridge consoles. > > I would hate to corrupt all my games due to improper storage but I figured this > would > be the place to ask seeing how the cartridges use rom chips. Any help would greatly > be appreciated !
I'm no expert, but my understanding is that cartridges are reasonably durable, especially compared to something like CDs or magnetic media. Avoid temperature extremes, excessive humidity, and direct sunlight, keep them in some kind of sleeve or plastic box to protect against dust, and you should be good.
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italie |
MAME owes italie many thank yous, hah
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Re: Somewhat O.T. need advice storing game cartridges
[Re: Renegade]
#301826 - 01/03/13 02:58 AM
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> I have numerous gaming console systems and 100's of game cartridges I would like to > store and I would like to know the safest way to store these. Everything from the > intellivision on up to the last generation cartridge consoles. > > I would hate to corrupt all my games due to improper storage but I figured this > would > be the place to ask seeing how the cartridges use rom chips. Any help would greatly > be appreciated !
Humidity and temperature cycling are your worst enemies. Avoid both and you should be good.
If you live near saltwater, seal them as tight as you can in whatever container you can.
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Re: Somewhat O.T. need advice storing game cartridges
[Re: Renegade]
#301847 - 01/03/13 10:26 AM
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I keep all my systems and cartridges sealed in Rubber Maid bins and have them stored in a closet in a spare bedroom. No humidity, no UV exposure, and very minor temperature variations. So far I haven't experienced a bad cartridge, CD, or system. Not that I know of anyway :-)
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Re: Somewhat O.T. need advice storing game cartridges
[Re: Renegade]
#301866 - 01/03/13 08:09 PM
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Thanks To ALL of you.
Much appreciated and I will follow your guidlines. Yep I figured rubbermaid was a certainty
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Only here to annoy...
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mw |
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Re: Somewhat O.T. need advice storing game cartridges
[Re: Renegade]
#301986 - 01/05/13 06:47 AM
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> Thanks To ALL of you. > > Much appreciated and I will follow your guidlines. Yep I figured > rubbermaid was a certainty
Don't forget to place some of those moisture absorbing packs - the ones labeled "silica gel - do not eat" - inside the packages before sealing. A well sealed box that has traces of moisture inside will encourge corrosion if left alone long enough.
If you're fanatic about it, you could displace the air (80% nitrogen - 20% oxygen) inside the box with 100% nitrogen. But that's impractical unless you are leaving behind a time capsule for historical purposes.
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DMala |
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Re: Somewhat O.T. need advice storing game cartridges
[Re: mw]
#301992 - 01/05/13 08:31 AM
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> If you're fanatic about it, you could displace the air (80% nitrogen - 20% oxygen) > inside the box with 100% nitrogen. But that's impractical unless you are leaving > behind a time capsule for historical purposes.
Good grief, he's storing old video games, not an original copy of the US Constitution.
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italie |
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Re: Somewhat O.T. need advice storing game cartridges
[Re: DMala]
#301997 - 01/05/13 04:12 PM
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> > If you're fanatic about it, you could displace the air (80% nitrogen - 20% oxygen) > > inside the box with 100% nitrogen. But that's impractical unless you are leaving > > behind a time capsule for historical purposes. > > Good grief, he's storing old video games, not an original copy of the US > Constitution.
You're right...he should probably take a few more precaution with those carts...
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