This is a good example of proper storage!
Everyone who gets into old school console gaming is bound to gather a rather large collection of game cartridges and if you’re not careful this wonderful collection can be ruined by improper storage. There are several enemies of the game cartridges and each is capable of damaging your investment but some are far more worrisome. The most troubling is water.
You must be absolutely certain that wherever your storing your cartridges will remain dry! This I just absolutely imperative because water can destroy and corrode both the copper connections and the microchip storage of the game cartridge itself. This means the game can be irrevocably destroyed – that is a retro gamers’ worst nightmare! Some of these games could be irreplaceable, or at least irreplaceable on the modest gamers’ budget. So water is the big number one no for the storage spot. Number two is heat and cold. It should be obvious why properly storing your cartridges is so important.
Yes, both are bad! Especially if you’re rapidly moving between them. Cold leaves the plastic brittle and easily damaged. This can be a big problem if you go to grab the cartridge as you could very easily shatter it without applying any great pressure. There’s another problem with the cold, if you do manage to gingerly plug in the game and turn on the console you could manage to fry the chips. Why you ask? Well the copper wires are better conductors when cold which means that more juice than normal and proper will flow through if the game is very cold. It’s unlikely, I know, but it can happen and that’s a bummer! Heat on the other hand can warp the plastic and also damage the piece holding the contacts. If this piece warps forget about playing the games ever again. It won’t line up and that game cartridge is ruined.
So what is the best way to store the games?
Simple, get the good quality and correct variety of game jacket. Place the cartridge in these good jackets and cases then store them someplace high and dry. I think your normal closet shelf is a fine space if you can find the room. This area will remain a solid temperature year round and is unlikely to be inundated with water unless there is a serious problem. Properly storing your gaming cartridges only takes a little bit of extra though and you’ll certainly be happy you did. Please remember to protect your gaming investment – they don’t make em like this anymore!