Fix Pokémon Cartridge After MissingNo.: A Comprehensive Guide for Restoring Your Game

Introduction

MissingNo., the enigmatic glitch Pokémon, has been a source of fascination and frustration for players of the original Pokémon Red and Blue cartridges since their release. While encountering MissingNo. can be an exciting glitch to experience, it can also corrupt your game, rendering it unplayable. This guide will provide comprehensive instructions on how to fix your Pokémon cartridge after encountering MissingNo. and restore your game to its playable state.

What is MissingNo.?

MissingNo. is a glitch Pokémon that can be encountered by utilizing a specific series of actions in the game, including using the Fly or Surf moves on a specific tile in Cinnabar Island. Its appearance is characterized by a garbled mess of pixels, and its name is displayed as missingno. in the Pokémon summary screen.

Identifying a Corrupted Cartridge

If you suspect that your cartridge has been corrupted by MissingNo., there are several symptoms to look for:

• Frozen game: Your game may freeze or crash while playing.
• Missing characters or graphics: Graphics or text elements may be missing from the game screen.
• Infinite loop: The game may enter an infinite loop, repeating the same actions over and over again.
• Corrupted save file: Your saved game may become corrupted, preventing you from loading it.

Step-by-Step Fix for Corrupted Cartridge

To fix a Pokémon cartridge after MissingNo., follow these steps carefully:

1. Remove the Game Cartridge

• Gently remove the Pokémon cartridge from your Game Boy or Game Boy Color system.
• Inspect the cartridge for any physical damage, such as cracks or scratches.

2. Clean the Cartridge Contacts

• Use a soft, dry cloth or cotton swab to gently clean the gold-plated contacts on both the cartridge and the cartridge slot in the game console.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

3. Reset the Game

• Insert the cartridge back into the game console.
• Hold down the "Start" and "Select" buttons simultaneously while turning on the power.
• Keep holding the buttons until the game resets and the title screen appears.

4. Load a Previous Save File

• If possible, load a previous save file that was created before you encountered MissingNo.
• This will restore your game to a state before it became corrupted.

5. Check for Glitches

• Play the game for a short while to check if any glitches or corruptions persist.
• If you encounter any further problems, repeat steps 2-4.

6. Contact Nintendo Support

• If you are unable to fix the cartridge on your own, contact Nintendo support for further assistance.
• Nintendo may provide repair or replacement services for corrupted cartridges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not overwrite your corrupted save file: Loading a new save game will permanently overwrite the corrupted save file, making it unrecoverable.
• Do not attempt to repair the cartridge yourself: Opening the cartridge or attempting to repair it yourself can void your warranty and further damage the device.
• Do not use unofficial cartridges: Using unofficial or pirated cartridges can increase the risk of corruption and glitches.

Conclusion

Fixing a Pokémon cartridge after MissingNo. can be a frustrating experience, but by following these steps, you can restore your game to its playable state and continue your Pokémon adventure. If you continue to encounter problems or have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Nintendo support for assistance.