Genesis not recognizing games

Sectorseven

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When I power it on I get a black screen like there's no game inserted. Every now and then (very rarely) I'll get the opening copyright screen, but then it's back to black. If if wiggle the cartridge around I occasionally see a brief flicker on the screen. I already cleaned the cartridge slot and games.

Any thoughts?
 
Say, mine does the same thing too.

I thought it was just bad contacts as I have not actually cleaned mine since buying it from a reputable retro store last year. I do find if I unplug the cart and plug it back in a few times eventually the game launches but I'm concerned to hear this is a recurring issue.

I recently inserted a 32X into my Genesis and I can't recall if this problem also occurs now that there's a new device for carts to plug in to.

My Genesis is a Model 2 by the way, if that's relevant.
 
Mine is also a model 2.

I tried a 32X, but got no video with that either.

My first guess is the pins on the console aren't making proper contact. Maybe I'll try bending them forward or something.
 
I get this but it is only with certain games. Sometimes cleaning works but I've got a few (such as Virtua Racing) that do not work no matter what.
 
I get this but it is only with certain games. Sometimes cleaning works but I've got a few (such as Virtua Racing) that do not work no matter what.

Virtua Racing for the Genesis won't work on a 32x or the Genesis 3. This may not be your problem, but throwing it out there just in case.
 
Virtua Racing for the Genesis won't work on a 32x or the Genesis 3. This may not be your problem, but throwing it out there just in case.

Thanks I did not know that. However I have a Genesis 2 as well.

Do you think it will work in a Nomad? xD
 
Thanks I did not know that. However I have a Genesis 2 as well.

Do you think it will work in a Nomad? xD

I know Golden Axe 2 didn't! I was actually gonna package a spare copy I had with it, but when I tried to play it I thought it was screwed up at first. Turns out some Genesis 3 button games aren't compatible with 6-button pads- which is what the Nomad has built in.
 
Sometimes it takes some Mothers Mag & Aluminum polish to really scrub the contacts and get off the oxidation. I use it all the time on games.
 
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