Keeping consoles clean and dust free?

[AshleyG.64]

I wasn't really sure where to post this topic.... so I chose here.

I'm concerned that some of my consoles that take cartridges (such as Atari, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, etc.) over time may not work because of dust getting inside of the system. Is there some way of preventing this besides hiding all of my consoles in bins? I really like having them all on display. Does anyone maybe make blank cartridges or something to put inside of consoles to prevent this?

Or should I not be worried?

[CRTGAMER]

Just put a game cart in the slot, but don't insert all the way in. This way the spring contacts do not stay stretched open and retain"memory" of a game inserted. The N64 and Genesis consoles have a built in dust shield for the cart slot, so no game cart needed. Top loader NES not an issue either since it loads from the front and already has a dust door. Even the Atari consoles have a cover of sorts, but there is a center groove exposed.

I saw in Metal Jesus's video, using small clear plastic tubs turned upside down and covering the consoles not in use. A smart move, leaving the console hooked up, just pop the upside down tub off.

[flojocabron]

I remember back in the day there were vinyl VCR dust covers.

Would something like this still be around?

You certainly could cover up some systems with those.

But after the death of the vcr are they still around?

Would they still exist for DVD players?

I would say keep an eye out for them if they are still out there.

doing a google search does come up with some stuff, but not much I guess.

[BurningDoom]

Dust them.

[D.D.D.]

I remember back in the day there were vinyl VCR dust covers.

Yep~ That's what inspired me to use static-free bags, slightly cut to better form fit my consoles. That and I use cloths for some of them. It seems to work for me.

[Breetai]

Dust them.

Yeah, this. Plus if you cover any open cart slots with something, you'll be fine.

[Luke]

Anyone still have the red dust shield that came with the Genesis?

[D.D.D.]

Anyone still have the red dust shield that came with the Genesis?

What? I bought a Genesis in '89 and I don't remember that.

[BoringSupreez]

Anyone still have the red dust shield that came with the Genesis?

What? I bought a Genesis in '89 and I don't remember that.

I still have the one that goes over the contacts for the expansion port on the Genesis 2, if that's what you're referring to.

[sevin0seven]

Dust them.

^yep.

i dust my consoles that are on display every sunday. i even use a vacuum inside the slots if you want to go beyond dusting.