How bad IS the Game Genie for the NES?

[wa27]

I've heard a lot in the past about how the Game Genie is bad for the NES because it puts more pressure on the pins, but is this really true? Looking at the cartridge, it doesn't look dissimilar to a regular NES cart, so how could it be any worse for the NES?

Does the extra weight hanging off the back push the cart down enough to make a significant difference? And if so, could that be alleviated by simply shoving some sort of spacer underneath it to hold it up?

My NES has a relatively new 72pin connector in it, and I'm wondering if I'm actually ruining it by using my Game Genie. Sometimes a guy's just got to get his PIGPOG on, if you know what I'm sayin'.

[Dylan]

Because depressing the cartridge is impossible with a game genie in the cart slot, game genies were made to have a tighter connection to the pins in order to accommodate that issue (depressing the slot helped tighten the connection of the pins to the game cartridge). This does have the unfortunate effect of bending the pins with repeated use. While this won't destroy your NES at a remarkably accelerated pace, it does put more stress on the pins than otherwise.

There is truth to the game genie wearing out the pins on your NES, but you won't witness the rapid destruction of your console by using one now and again. 72pin connectors are cheap and easy to replace anyway, so taking a little off of your current set's life won't inconvenience you too much.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

like the Powerglove, the Game Genis is SO BAD.

Unlike the Powerglove, the Gamegenie can be gutted and with soldering, can completely replace the somewhat shotty 72 pin connector designed for the NES.

[Xeogred]

Far cooler name and logo than the "Game Shark" though, you gotta admit!