The Super Nintendo is crowd favorite, and we are dedicated to restoring and preserving these classic systems. To achieve the most efficient and accurate repairs, we need to rely on high-quality diagnostic tools.
One of the primary tools we use is the Super Nintendo Burn-In Cassette, a reproduction of the original diagnostic cartridge utilized by Nintendo for testing and repairs. This specialized software provides valuable insights into potential hardware failures, often helping to identify faulty components. However, it is not always definitive—some issues remain undetectable, particularly in severely damaged systems. Additionally, even when a defective chip is identified, sourcing a replacement is a challenge, as these components are no longer in production and must be salvaged from other non-functional units.
To improve the efficiency of the repair process, we developed a custom QFP-socketed SNES. These specialized sockets allow us to individually test Nintendo’s custom CPU and PPU ICs in a controlled environment.
By eliminating the need for repeated desoldering and resoldering, this setup not only accelerates the diagnostic process but also minimizes thermal stress on both the chips and the board. In turn, this significantly enhances the longevity and reliability of repairs. Given the finite supply of these chips, preserving and properly diagnosing them is more critical than ever. Long Live the SNES! =)
