Genesis game genie defective?

[Talyn]

So i just picked up a game genie for sega genesis and tried using it in my model 1 and instaed of the cursor on the letters moving when i move the d pad,mit moves the sparklenthat indicates the cursor spot in the blank code spots, so i cant select any letters. No button or even a 6 button controller lets me select the letters for the codes. Anyone experienced this?

[OldSchoolRetroGamer]

You seem to be having a lot of Genesis issues, maybe it is not the carts but your Genesis slot that needs cleaning?

[Talyn]

Sounds like it, these two carts are the only issues ive had thoung. Whats the best way to clean one?

[sqoon]

Whats the best way to clean one?

 

Fine grit sandpaper (400 grit or finer), folded in half and run it back and forth 3-5 times in the console cartridge slot. Follow this with an old toothbrush soaked in rubbing alcohol, scrub back and forth in the cartridge slot, being sure to get the bristles down between the connector pins. Allow to air dry for a minute or so, and then only insert games that have their cartridge connector pins well cleaned. The system should work like new.

[SlowCoder]

Ugh. I do so hate theft sandpaper method. While I'm sure it works immediately, I think it invites future corrosion by pitting the contacts. Not to mention the grit that drops inside the console. I would use it only as a last resort. My opinion, and others may say differently.

 

My method is to douse an old cartridge connector in alcohol (91+ percentage) and insert and remove it from the console a few times (20ish). No foreign particles introduced. The toothbrush method could be ok, except it would be kind of awkward because the connector is so far down inside the console.

[Armonigann]

I just open the slot, and jam peanut butter and syrup all around the insides, works like a lucky charm...

[Bruce Tomlin]

The best way I've found to clean a slot without having an actual slot cleaner is to take apart a junk cartridge (like a stupid common sports game), and put a layer or two of a matte-finish tape (like Scotch Magic Tape) over the contacts. Push it in and out of the slot a few times carefully (you don't want the tape to tear!) and the gunk should come right off into the tape.

 

A proper slot cleaner will be better because its cleaning layer is a bit thicker than the tape. Also, if you do have an old used one, you can clean the cleaner with a pencil eraser.

Edited March 30, 2012 by Bruce Tomlin

[SlowCoder]

I just open the slot, and jam peanut butter and syrup all around the insides, works like a lucky charm...

* dreamy face * peanut butter and Lucky Charms ... Mmmmm

[thegamezmaster]

I use those useless fake credit cards from junk mail. Cut to size of slot and cheese cloth or whatever's close and thin, then spray with contact cleaner. Side note: I've got some that just give me a black screen after loading code or codes. Anyone else have this happen?

[NinjaWarrior]

Use an old Credit Card

[Classic Pac]

I use WD-40 and have no problem period.

[goldenegg]

Electrical contact cleaner is the absolutely best way to clean both systems and games.

 

http://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/index.htm/Hardware/Automotive/Fuses-Wiring/Miscellaneous/Miscellaneous/150g-Electronical-Contact-Cleaner/_/N-ntjgq/R-I8618888

 

Just make sure you use it over a good size sink, as it sprays out with a good amount of force.

[Torr]

I've finally come upon a Genie of my own. But I've noticed something strange, and curious if all Genny Genies are like it. I can input code into games like SHadowRun and Shining Force, and they wqork, but it doesn't remember any of my saves, it always reloads my save game to the point BEFORE I had the Game Genie in. Even if I switch the Genie OFF and input NO codes playing a completely NORMAL game, it still never registers any of my saves.

I read somewhere that one stipulation Sega had about licensing the Game Genie was that it couldn't be compatible with games that had battery backup. So is that whats happening here? Effectively the Genie DOES work with these games, but you can save any progress or changes you made, therefor making the codes useless... unless you are the very end of the game, and need help with a final boss or something, cause generally you don't save after the game is beat.... or you just play the WHOLE game without saving!

[Rex Dart]

Crazy. I'll have to test that later. I don't remember this ever happening to me, but it's been a while since I've plugged a battery-save cart into a game genie.

[Classic Pac]

I read somewhere that one stipulation Sega had about licensing the Game Genie was that it couldn't be compatible with games that had battery backup. So is that whats happening here? Effectively the Genie DOES work with these games, but you can save any progress or changes you made, therefor making the codes useless... unless you are the very end of the game, and need help with a final boss or something, cause generally you don't save after the game is beat.... or you just play the WHOLE game without saving!

 

That is not exactly true, I have used my Game Genie with some battery save games. Sonic 3 with S&K works fine, but on the other hand Phantasy Star 3 does not work at all. If your going to use one with a battery save, I suggest testing it out first.

[icemanxp300]

That sandpaper method sounds horrible lol. I generally just do the cartrisge w/alcohol on it and push it in and out a few times wiping clean and adding more alcohol (rubbing). For real stubborn system (badly gunked) I have sprayed deoxit in it and bam, works instantly.

[+thegoldenband]

Old thread, but I've started looking into this a bit, and:

 

That is not exactly true, I have used my Game Genie with some battery save games. Sonic 3 with S&K works fine, but on the other hand Phantasy Star 3 does not work at all. If your going to use one with a battery save, I suggest testing it out first.

 

One possible explanation is that Sonic 3 uses FRAM, not battery-backed save memory (SRAM). I'm wondering whether the key is that FRAM and/or EEPROM games will work, but SRAM games don't. There's a list on Digital Press showing which games use which save method.