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Nintendo's first 3DS handheld device released February 2011, identified by model number CTR-001.

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How can I get DS/3DS games clean and read properly?

I have a lot of DS games with a lot of hours played with. Sometimes when I try to play them on any DS or 3DS device the game won’t read. I have to pop it in and out or blow on the cartridge’s contacts with an air compressor. Sometimes I just try to wiggle it out a bit. The DS/3DS works fine with newer game and as well as the older games themselves. I want to know if there is a better way to clean them and get them to work probably from just slotting it in one go. Eventually in time I’ll have the same problems with the 3DS and Switch cartridges.

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Rubbing alcohol will do the trick! Just get a Q-Tip and clean the contacts of the cartridge!

You could try cleaning the game card port but be cautious about it. The best way to clean that is with a can of compressed air to blow all the dust and stuff.

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I used some paper towels and had it wrapped on a small flat head with a dab of pure isopropyl alcohol. It took a while genttly rubbing the contacts without breaking the brackets in between. In the end it got the job done and the games are reading again on the first inserts.

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I would also NOT blow into your console or on the cartridge. Though it may seem silly small bits of spit and moist get on the metal contacts and can CORRODE the contacts! No fun!

This was debunked with SNES games. Actually taking out the SNES cartridges and putting them back in sometimes allows the contacts to have a better fit and then read. Blowing did nothing, it only corroded and hurt the cartridges!

Thanks :)

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folding a piece of paper 2 times and putting a little peroxide[i recomend 10%] on the paper and putting the piece of paper in the slots does it

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I used a eye glass cleaning cloth folded to get into the thin spaces. Worked beautifully.

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Jonathan Gaitan will be eternally grateful.
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