Topic: please insert coin...

[thegrimmsleeper]

Remember the days of old, where you'd pop a quarter into your favorite arcade to keep on playing? Well...my oldest son (2 years) did that to my trusty GameCube. Specifically, he put a quarter into the second memory card slot, and he pushed it in far enough that I can't retrieve it. My efforts to open the flap are futile, since it keeps hitting the quarter.

I'm not real big on ripping open game systems if I can avoid it, but I'm at a loss as to what to do. I wonder if it would be safe to play the system with the quarter being in contact with the memory card port's connectors. I'd like to try and safely get it out, but I've yet to find any coherent instructions on how to gain access to the card slot. Granted this is an absurd problem, though. I've tried everything to get it out by hand and it's just not working out. I don't want to end up damaging the system.

Anyone know how to get at the memory card ports safely, so I can get this thing out of there...?

Thanks in advance. I've not played the system since the mishap, for fear of...well, I dunno...frying it or something. So a quick, merciful end to my GC withdrawal would be greatly appreciated!

- Grimm

[DrZoidberg]

hmmm.. Interesting dillema,  can you tilt the cube back so the coin slides futher in, then open the flap? thus letting you slide it back out?

[SkyeDarkhawk]

It's not too difficult to undo the four screws that hold the GC together, and it doesn't affect anything that I'm aware of. I've got mine entirely apart and it still works just fine. You'll need a screw bit that is pretty much shaped like a "U" to unscrew the four screws, it'll sound like stuff is breaking/snapping, but that's just the bit catching on the screw.

[thegrimmsleeper]

Thanks for the feedback. I've tried tilting it, yes - no luck.

I've been wondering how to take the thing apart. Not sure I have a bit like that, but I'll check. What a hassle, though.

Thanks for the input!

[SkyeDarkhawk]

I think it took around 20 minutes to figure out what kind of bit to use, then how to use it. It takes a screw or two to get used to how to do it, after that... well, you're already halfway done ^_^;

Once you get those tamper proof screws off, you'll be able to lift off the cover, then pop off the front face plate. After that, it's just a little pop to get the memory card flap to snap off, then you're in business.


If you don't have the right bit, or can't find one... you could grind a standard (the flat head) bit to have a small divot in it. Try to make it around 10 to 15 mm wide. I think. o_o; About the size of the N in nintendo on the bottom of the GC (the one inside the oval).

[Renny]

Or just buy it here.

[thegrimmsleeper]

Perfect - thanks!