Relabelling and Restoring Cartridge Games

The 8-Bit Guy2 minutes read

The 8-Bit Guy restores old cartridge games like Wrestlemania and Pitfall, using various techniques like cleaning contacts with baking soda and creating new labels with a paint program and spray adhesive for a glossy finish. Adhesive choices like Avery labels and spray adhesive worked best, with lessons learned on application techniques for optimal results.

Insights

  • The 8-Bit Guy meticulously restores old cartridge games, such as Wrestlemania and Pitfall for Atari 2600 and Nintendo, employing various techniques like label creation, cleaning contacts with baking soda, and using spray adhesive for optimal results.
  • Through trial and error, The 8-Bit Guy refines his restoration process, discovering the importance of letting spray adhesive sit before applying labels, removing masking tape beforehand for smoother results, and achieving the best adhesion with Avery labels, ultimately leading to successful and visually appealing outcomes.

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Recent questions

  • How does The 8-Bit Guy restore old cartridge games?

    The 8-Bit Guy restores old cartridge games like Wrestlemania and Pitfall for Atari 2600 and Nintendo. He disassembles the cartridges for cleaning, scrubs the contacts with baking soda, and creates new labels using a paint program. The labels are printed on Avery shipping labels, regular paper with spray adhesive, and rubber cement to test adhesion. After cleaning the contacts and applying the labels, he gives them a glossy finish and protective coating using packing tape.

  • What is the best method for removing original labels from cartridges?

    The best method for removing original labels from cartridges is using WD-40, although it may not always be successful. After removing the labels, any residue left behind is cleaned with alcohol. This process ensures that the cartridges are clean and ready for the application of new labels.

  • How does The 8-Bit Guy ensure proper adhesion of the new labels?

    The 8-Bit Guy tests different adhesives for the new labels, including Avery shipping labels, spray adhesive, and rubber cement. He found that the best adhesion is achieved with the Avery label, followed by spray adhesive and rubber cement. To ensure the labels stay in place, he also uses masking tape to cover areas of the cartridge that should not be sticky before applying the adhesive.

  • What is the key takeaway from The 8-Bit Guy's label application process?

    The key takeaway from The 8-Bit Guy's label application process is to let the spray adhesive sit for 30 seconds before applying the label. This allows the adhesive to become tacky and ensures better adhesion. Additionally, removing masking tape before applying the label results in smoother and more successful application.

  • How does The 8-Bit Guy ensure the longevity and protection of the new labels?

    The 8-Bit Guy ensures the longevity and protection of the new labels by giving them a glossy finish and protective coating using packing tape. This not only enhances the appearance of the labels but also protects them from wear and tear, ensuring that they last longer on the restored cartridge games.

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Summary

00:00

Restoring Old Cartridge Games with Precision

  • The 8-Bit Guy is restoring old cartridge games, including Wrestlemania and Pitfall for Atari 2600 and Nintendo.
  • The Nintendo cartridge requires multiple insertions to work due to dust inside.
  • New labels are created using a paint program, with the Pitfall label taking about 30 minutes to draw.
  • Labels are printed on Avery shipping labels, regular paper with spray adhesive, and rubber cement to test adhesion.
  • Original labels are removed using WD-40, with varying success, and residue is cleaned with alcohol.
  • Cartridges are disassembled for cleaning, with contacts scrubbed using baking soda for effective results.
  • The Pitfall cartridge's contacts show significant improvement after cleaning.
  • The best adhesion for labels is found with the Avery label, followed by spray adhesive and rubber cement.
  • Labels are given a glossy finish and protective coating using packing tape.
  • The final choice for adhesive is spray adhesive, with the labels looking good and protected.

11:56

Improving Label Application with Masking Tape

  • Used masking tape to cover areas of cartridge not to be sticky before applying adhesive.
  • Initially rushed application, causing liquid to saturate paper; had to remove label and clean surface with alcohol for a second attempt.
  • Learned to let spray adhesive sit for 30 seconds before applying label; removed masking tape before application for smoother results.
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