Megadrive 2 - Fixing Loose Fitting Carts
UPDATE - If you plan on using a Mega CD unit, be careful doing this, if any pins are touching then the MegaCD may not start up and appear to be completely dead...
On a few Megadrives, mmmonkey noticed that games will only load if the cartridge is pushed towards the back or front of the console, the cartridge doesn't have a nice snug fit, it's actually got quite a wobble. This is quite easy to fix on a Megadrive 1, but on a Megadrive 2 it is a little bit more difficult, you'll need a craft knife or a strong needle/pin and it's probably easier to take the console apart.
Here you can see the 2 rows of cartridge connectors, you'll notice there is a large gap in-between them.
Using the craft knife, carefully push the blade in behind the connector and twist the knife, this should pull the connector out a bit.
Continue and do both rows of connectors, twisting the knife to pull the connector out a little. It may not appear to be moving much, but it should be enough. You can see in the following picture, the first few connectors have been done, whilst the ones further away still need pulling out.
Your game carts should now fit nice and tightly, and work every time. Unless of course the actual cart is knackered, you could try cleaning the connectors, some people use a cotton bud soaked in alcohol - it's meant to work okay, but mmmonkey has never tried this. If you have bought (or made) a 4.5mm Gamebit tool (the same as the one to open most Nintendo consoles), then you'll find that it fits most Megadrive carts, take it apart and rub at the connectors with a normal pencil rubber. See our other guide to make your own Gamebit screwdriver.
Loose cartridge connectors are an inevitably, but are probably made worse by people leaving cartridges in the console, so if you're not using it for a while take the game out!
