ALL REPAIR GUIDES
CONSOLE · 1991

Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

The SNES is reliable but ages in specific ways: the plastic shell yellows from UV/bromine, capacitors in the power block drift, and the cartridge slot collects decades of grime. Most fixes are mechanical and require only a screwdriver.

TOOLS YOU'LL NEED

Phillips #1 screwdriverIsopropyl alcoholContact cleanerMultimeterHydrogen peroxide gel (for shell)

Common Faults & Fixes

Yellowed / discoloured shell

LIKELY CAUSE: UV exposure reacting with bromine flame retardant in the ABS plastic

  1. 1Disassemble fully and remove all electronics — do NOT treat plastic with boards inside.
  2. 2Mix the "Retr0brite" method: high-volume hydrogen peroxide gel + UV light (sun or a UV lamp).
  3. 3Coat the yellowed plastic evenly and expose to UV for 4–8 hours, turning halfway.
  4. 4Wash with mild soap and water, dry fully, and reassemble.

Won't power on / random resets

LIKELY CAUSE: Failing power switch contacts or worn DC jack

  1. 1Test the power adapter with a multimeter — should read ~10V DC.
  2. 2Open the shell and spray contact cleaner into the power switch, flick it 20 times.
  3. 3Reflow the DC input jack solder joints if loose.

Games won't load

LIKELY CAUSE: Dirty cartridge slot or bent pins

  1. 1Wrap a thin cloth around a credit card, dampen with isopropyl, and gently swipe the slot contacts.
  2. 2Inspect for bent pins with a flashlight; straighten carefully with a pick.

PRO TIPS

The SNES power switch is a known weak point — never force it; spray-and-flick usually restores it.
Store away from sunlight to prevent further yellowing.

MORE REPAIR GUIDES

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)Sega Genesis / Mega DriveNintendo 64 (N64)Nintendo Game Boy (DMG)