Preventing Disc Rot: How to Protect Your CD-Based Games

Disc rot is the silent killer of CD-based game collections. I've seen it happen to friends' collections—games that worked perfectly one day suddenly won't read the next. It's heartbreaking, and it's preventable.

Disc rot happens when the reflective layer of a CD degrades. Once it starts, there's no stopping it. But you can prevent it, and you should.

What is Disc Rot?

Disc rot (also called disc degradation) happens when the reflective layer of a CD separates from the polycarbonate layer. This creates spots where data can't be read. Once it starts, it spreads.

Signs of disc rot:

• Bronzing - Discs take on a bronze or gold color
• Pinholes - Tiny holes in the reflective layer
• Spots - Dark spots that won't clean off
• Read errors - Game won't load or crashes

If you see these signs, your disc is degrading. It might still work now, but it won't forever.

Why It Happens

Disc rot is caused by:

• Poor manufacturing - Some batches are worse than others
• Environmental factors - Humidity, temperature, light
• Physical damage - Scratches can accelerate rot
• Age - Older discs are more susceptible

Some systems are worse than others. Sega CD and TurboGrafx-CD games are particularly susceptible. PlayStation games are generally more durable, but they're not immune.

How to Identify Disc Rot

Visual inspection:

• Hold disc up to light
• Look for pinholes or spots
• Check for bronzing
• Look for separation at edges

Functional test:

• Try to load the game
• Check for read errors
• Test different sections
• Compare to known good discs

I check my disc games every few months. I hold them up to light and look for any signs of degradation. It's quick, and it can save your games.

Prevention is Key

Once disc rot starts, you can't stop it. Prevention is everything:

Storage conditions:

• Climate control - 65-70°F, 40-50% humidity
• Dark storage - No UV light exposure
• Upright storage - Prevents warping
• Original cases - Protects from damage

Handling:

• Handle by edges - Don't touch the surface
• Store in cases - Never leave discs out
• Clean properly - Use proper cleaning methods
• Avoid scratches - Handle carefully

I keep my disc games in their original cases, stored upright in a climate-controlled room. It's not fancy, but it works.

Which Games Are at Risk?

High risk:

• Sega CD games - Known for disc rot issues
• TurboGrafx-CD games - Susceptible to degradation
• Early CD games - Manufacturing quality varied
• Games stored poorly - Environmental damage

Lower risk:

• PlayStation games - Generally more durable
• Well-stored games - Proper conditions help
• Later releases - Better manufacturing
• Games in cases - Protected from damage

Not all games are equal. Some batches are worse than others. Some systems are worse than others. But all CD games are at risk.

What to Do If You Find Rot

If you find disc rot in your collection:

Immediate actions:

• Backup if possible - Create ISO backups
• Document condition - Photos and notes
• Isolate affected discs - Don't let them spread
• Check other discs - Inspect your collection

Long-term:

• Improve storage - Better conditions
• Regular checks - Inspect periodically
• Consider backups - Digital preservation
• Accept some loss - Not all games can be saved

I've had to accept that some of my games are degrading. It's frustrating, but it's reality. The best I can do is slow it down and preserve what I can.

The Backup Question

Backing up your games is a controversial topic. Legally, you can backup games you own. Ethically, it's your call. But if you have valuable games, consider it.

Backup methods:

• ISO creation - Digital copies
• Multiple copies - Redundancy
• Cloud storage - Off-site backup
• Physical backups - Multiple discs

I backup my rare games. I own them, and I want to preserve them. It's preservation, not piracy.

The Bottom Line

Disc rot is real, and it's a threat to your collection. But it's preventable. Proper storage, regular inspection, and careful handling can protect your games.

Check your discs regularly. Store them properly. Handle them carefully. Your collection will thank you.

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