My Friend Found This N64 Game in the Woods

Product reviewed

A Nintendo 64 game cartridge (found outdoors/“in the woods”) that the reviewer restores and tests. The mystery game is identified as Super Mario 64.

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Key features

• N64 cartridge in “rough shape” externally, with mostly missing/ruined labels
• Internal components include:
  • Game board + shielding
  • Cartridge pins
• Reviewer cleans and tests the cartridge on an N64 console

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Restoration / user experience (what was done)

Opening & condition check

• Cartridge required disassembly using a screwdriver (only two screws holding the shell parts/shielding).
• Main internal issue appeared to be destroyed/damaged metal shielding, especially near the bottom.
• Pins looked surprisingly good and “salvageable,” with traces/chips looking intact.

Cleaning approach

• Used 99% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to scrub/polish pins and board.
• For corrosion/rust:
  • Soaked plastic/parts in vinegar
  • Scrubbed repeatedly using hot soapy water + wire brush
• Tried:
  • Magic Eraser (helped a bit, but largely crumbled and didn’t fully remove rust)
  • Barkeeper’s Friend (rust-stain remover; did literally nothing)

Outcome

• After cleaning, the circuit board was surprisingly “immaculate”; traces didn’t look damaged.
• Only likely remaining “cleanup” was minor pin polishing.
• The console’s cartridge slot also needed cleaning before the main test.

Testing

• Console test with Bomberman 64 worked to confirm the N64 itself.
• Testing the mystery cartridge initially resulted in “Nothing,” then after cleaning/re-seating it:
  • It booted and showed Super Mario 64
• Save file was still present on the cartridge.

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Pros mentioned

• Restoration succeeded: cartridge still works despite harsh external condition.
• No pin loss / no board-level repair needed
  • Pins and traces looked fine
  • Reviewer expected worse (e.g., broken traces or needing a ROM chip transplant), but didn’t occur
• External shell cleanup improved appearance (even if the label was damaged).
• Surprise value: working game plus an intact save file.

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Cons mentioned

• The label was basically gone
  • Restoration used reprinted printer paper (not a high-quality label)
• Rust staining couldn’t be fully removed from certain exterior/metal parts.
• Shielding was badly destroyed, though it didn’t stop the cartridge from working.
• No “serious repair” opportunity—reviewer felt mildly disappointed because it wasn’t as extreme to fix as expected.

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Comparisons / expectations vs reality

• Reviewer expected a severely damaged cartridge requiring:
  • Trace repair
  • Pin replacement
  • Or even a ROM chip transplant to a donor board
• Reality:
  • Internal board looked nearly pristine
  • The game booted quickly after cleaning
• No direct product comparisons, but the reviewer’s expectations mirror other common cartridge-cleaning/revival approaches (e.g., using Magic Eraser + IPA for pin cleaning).

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Pricing / value (numerical info)

• Estimated market value for an authentic Super Mario 64 copy: $40–$50
  • Caveat: the reviewer notes they could be wrong due to retro market fluctuations.

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Overall verdict / recommendation

• High win: After being found in the woods, with severe shielding damage and a ruined label, the cartridge successfully restores and runs Super Mario 64.
• Recommendation: If you find damaged N64 cartridges, this video suggests that even with ugly corrosion—especially if pins/traces look intact—cleaning (IPA + vinegar + patience) may be enough.
  • Expect that you may need to replace the label if artwork is missing.

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Unique points mentioned (consolidated)

• Mystery cartridge found in woods; opened for repair and identification
• Guessing game type (wrestling vs football), with later confirmation it wasn’t common titles guessed
• Exterior labels largely gone; screws/pieces not badly rusted
• Internal shielding destroyed, but pins/traces looked salvageable and intact
• Cleaning plan: IPA 99%, vinegar soaks, hot soapy water, wire brushing
• Magic Eraser: partially effective but crumbled and wasn’t a full solution
• Barkeeper’s Friend: rust remover did nothing
• Circuit board cleaned and appeared near pristine; minimal corrosion
• N64 console initially needed cartridge slot cleaning
• Game identified as Super Mario 64 after reseating/cleaning
• Save file still present on cartridge
• Recreated label using printer paper (quality limited by printer ink/color cartridge)
• Estimated authentic value: $40–$50
• Reviewer expected more severe repairs but didn’t get them; mildly disappointed by lack of “major fix” tasks
• Consideration of whether a friend might trade or attach/relabel the cartridge before returning it

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Speakers / views

• Single primary speaker (the reviewer): identification guesses, restoration steps, cleaning results, testing, and value estimate all come from the same person.