Contact condition describes the edge connector pins that meet the SNES console slot. This is the most important condition field for boot reliability and save stability.
A Grade
A contacts are clean, bright, and consistent across the connector. Minor age tone is acceptable if the game boots reliably and no corrosion is visible.
B Grade
B contacts show light oxidation or uneven color but remain clean and reliable after normal testing. They should not show pitting, residue, or unstable boot behavior.
C Grade
C contacts need attention. They may show visible grime, oxidation, dullness, or intermittent boot behavior that requires cleaning before sale or customization.
D Grade
D contacts show corrosion, pitting, missing plating, liquid damage, or repeated failed boot tests. These cartridges require repair review before being treated as playable stock.
Testing Rule
Visual inspection is not enough. Contact grade should be paired with boot testing on known-good hardware whenever the cartridge is sold as playable.