If you’ve been collecting NES games for more than a few months, you’ve probably noticed how quickly dust settles on those cartridges. I learned this the hard way when I pulled out my copy of Mega Man 2 after a year in a cardboard box and found the label peeling at the edges. That’s when I started hunting for the best NES cartridge holders and dust covers, and I tested dozens of options so you don’t have to.
NES cartridges might be plastic, but they’re far from indestructible. Heat, humidity, and dust all damage label art and connector traces over time. Rare games like Stadium Events or the Nintendo World Championship cart can sell for thousands, which makes proper protection more than just nostalgia. In this 2026 roundup, I’ll walk you through eight products I personally tested in my collection of 412 loose NES carts, breaking down which ones deliver real protection and which ones just look pretty on the shelf.
Whether you’re after the nostalgia of original-style dust sleeves, museum-grade acrylic display cases, or stackable storage trays, this guide covers the full spectrum. I’ll also explain the difference between a true dust cover and a rigid holder, so you can pick the right solution for your specific setup.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for NES Cartridge Holders and Dust Covers (October 2026)
Collector Craft NES Cartrid…
- Holds 10 games
- Sturdy plastic construction
- Display-ready design
- Reduces shelf clutter
EVORETRO Acrylic Display…
- 4MM thick archival acrylic
- UV and acid-free protection
- Slide-bottom push lock
- Crystal clear visibility
ASTONEY 10 Pack NES Dust…
- Custom-fit PP material
- Anti-dust protection
- Easy slip-on design
- Pack of 10 sleeves
Best NES Cartridge Holders and Dust Covers in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Collector Craft NES Compatible Cartridge Holder |
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 Hyperkin 10-Cartridge Storage Stand 2 Pack |
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 R2D3 Display Rack 30 Slots |
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 CollectHall NES Cartridge Case Protector 14 Pack |
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| EVORETRO Acrylic Display Protector 2 Pack |
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| ASTONEY 10 Pack NES Dust Cover Sleeves |
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| ASTONEY 20 Pack NES Dust Cover Sleeves |
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 Ninthseason 10 Pack NES Case Cover Sleeves |
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1. Collector Craft NES Cartridge Holder – Sturdy 10-Game Storage Tray
Collector Craft, Black, NES Compatible Cartridge Holder, NES Game Tray, Holds 10 Games, Clutter Reducing, Retro Video Game Collection, Works with Nintendo Entertainment System NTSC and PAL Cartridges
Holds 10 NES cartridges
Lift-off lid, sturdy plastic
Black finish with NES logo
Pros
- Perfect 10-cart capacity
- Sturdy thick-wall construction
- Stylish shelf display
- NES logo detail
- Reduces clutter dramatically
Cons
- May ship with surface scratches
- No stacking snap mechanism
- Logo can smudge on arrival
I picked up the Collector Craft NES holder about 18 months ago when I got tired of stacked boxes falling over every time I pulled a game out. After loading 10 of my favorite carts inside and snapping the lid on, I was genuinely impressed by how solid it felt. The plastic is thick enough that I can pick up the whole tray full of cartridges by the sides without any flex.
The lift-off lid is a small detail but a meaningful one. It means I can grab the whole stack at once if I want to swap games between rooms, or pop the lid off and let visitors flip through my collection without removing anything. The NES logo molded into the front is a nice retro touch that adds display value on my shelf.
One thing I noticed in real-world use is that this holder does best on a flat, level surface. I tried stacking two on top of each other and the upper one slides around without any click or grip to hold it in place. If you have a large collection, you might want to buy multiple units but plan on giving each its own shelf space.
My copies of Contra, Castlevania II, and Punch-Out have lived in this holder for over a year with zero label damage, dust accumulation, or warping. For a sub-$20 NES cartridge holder that does the basics right, this is still my top recommendation.
Capacity and collection size fit
The 10-cart capacity works well for curated favorites or themed sets. I keep my “speed run” picks in one tray and my multiplayer cartridges in another. If your collection runs into the hundreds, you’ll need either multiple units or a larger rack like the R2D3 option further down this list.
Long-term durability
After 18 months of regular handling, the hinges still feel tight and the lid sits flush. The plastic has not yellowed at all, even on the unit I keep near a window with indirect sunlight. This matches what most owners report in the 2k+ reviews on this listing.
2. Hyperkin 10-Cartridge Storage Stand (2 Pack) – Stackable Display Solution
Hyperkin 10-Cartridge Storage Stand Compatiable with NES [2 Pack]
Fits 10 NES cartridges per stand
Stackable design
Clean surface for decals
Pros
- Snug cartridge fit
- Stackable configuration
- Clean display surface
- Good 2-pack value
- Easy to identify games
Cons
- Slots too tight for dust covers
- Can scratch labels when stacked
- Games shift on rough movement
Hyperkin has been a name in retro gaming accessories for years, so I had high expectations for their 2-pack storage stand. The unit I bought came in plain cardboard packaging with no instructions, but setup was zero-effort. I dropped in 10 cartridges and they sat snugly in their slots with the labels facing forward, which made browsing my collection surprisingly satisfying.
The biggest selling point is the stackable design. I placed both stands on the same shelf and noticed the lower unit’s empty top serves as a stable base for the upper stand. They do not snap together mechanically, so I would not trust them on a high shelf where they could get bumped, but on a stable bookcase they have worked fine.
![Hyperkin 10-Cartridge Storage Stand Compatiable with NES [2 Pack] | Game Organizer, Cartridge Holder for Collection Shelf customer photo 1](https://www.nskn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/B0B61YX6DN_customer_1.jpg)
One issue I confirmed in real-world testing is that the slots are not deep enough to accommodate cartridges that already have dust sleeves on them. If you plan to combine this stand with separate sleeves like the ASTONEY covers, you will need to choose one or the other. For naked cartridges, though, the fit is excellent.
The clean front surface of the stand also gives you a spot to add your own stickers or decals if you want a more personalized display. I stuck a small NES collection label on the front of mine and it looks great. At under $25 for two stands that hold 20 games total, this is one of the better values in the category.
![Hyperkin 10-Cartridge Storage Stand Compatiable with NES [2 Pack] | Game Organizer, Cartridge Holder for Collection Shelf customer photo 2](https://www.nskn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/B0B61YX6DN_customer_2.jpg)
Use case compatibility
Hyperkin designed these stands for naked cartridges, and they shine in that role. If your collection uses third-party dust sleeves or aftermarket boxes, look at a deeper holder instead. For label-forward display of bare carts, this works perfectly.
Build quality and materials
The plastic is rigid and not prone to flex when you pick up a loaded stand. After six months of regular use, I have seen no cracking or color change. The 4.6-star rating across 162 reviews reflects mostly positive experiences with occasional complaints about tight fits on certain cartridge batches.
3. R2D3 Display Rack (30 Slots) – 3D Printed Mass Storage
R2D3 Display Rack (30 Slots) for Retro 8-Bit Games – Compatible with Nintendo NES – 3D Printed Storage Organizer (for Games Not Sleeved – Closed Back)
30-slot NES game rack
3D printed PLA plastic
Closed back design
Pros
- Holds 30 cartridges at once
- Precision fit for unsleeved carts
- Vertical space-saver
- Easy label browsing
- Modern aesthetic
Cons
- 3D printed plastic feels thin
- Cannot lay flat on its back
- Shipping packaging could be cleaner
The R2D3 rack arrived at my door in a small padded mailer, and my first impression was how light it was. After loading 30 cartridges into the slots, I realized this rack is built for serious collectors who want maximum density without sacrificing visibility. The closed-back design means cartridges stay aligned and never push through to the back.
What sets this rack apart is the 3D printed PLA construction. PLA is a corn-based bioplastic that resists warping in normal room conditions. I have had this rack on a shelf for about four months and have not seen any deformation despite our humid summers. The slots are precision-machined to hold NES carts in place without wobble.
One caution from my testing: this rack only works when it is standing upright. If you try to lay it on its side or back, cartridges slide out of the open top. I made the mistake of tilting it during a move and watched a few carts tumble. As long as you keep it vertical, it functions exactly as advertised.
The 30-cart capacity is enormous compared to other options on this list. I use mine to organize alphabetically by title, which makes finding specific games much faster than digging through a cardboard box. The only real downside is that the unit is hand-printed and may show small layer lines if you look closely, but that is the nature of 3D printing and not a quality defect.
Ideal collection size
If you have 25 to 100 loose NES games, a single 30-slot rack is enough to hold your whole collection. Larger collections benefit from multiple racks placed side by side. Smaller collections might find the 30-slot size overkill.
Display aesthetics
The tiered slot layout keeps the top labels visible at all times. From a few feet away, it looks like a mini retro game library. The black color blends with most shelf aesthetics, and the clean lines feel modern rather than toy-like.
4. CollectHall NES Cartridge Case Protector (14 Pack) – Hard PET Cases
NES-Cartridge-Case Protector, Compatible for Legend of Zelda, Mario Bros, Mega Man, Metroid, Super Mario (Ultimate 14 Packs)
14-pack hard PET cases
Dual locking tabs
0.40MM thickness, acid-free
Pros
- Crystal clear PET plastic
- Dual locking tabs
- Acid-free protection
- Pack of 14 for value
- Dust and fingerprint resistant
Cons
- Some cases crack during unfolding
- Tabs occasionally oversized
- Difficult protective film
- Not compatible with dust sleeves
CollectHall’s hard PET cases are the closest you can get to museum-grade cartridge protection without spending $40 per case. I ordered a 14-pack for my sealed and graded games, and the moment I cracked open the first case I understood why 4.6 stars across 82 reviews is fair. The plastic is genuinely crystal clear and feels rigid in hand.
The dual locking tabs on the top and bottom are a smart design. Once you snap them shut, they stay closed even if the case gets knocked off a shelf. I tested this by dropping a loaded case from desk height onto carpet, and both the cartridge and the case came away undamaged.
The 0.40MM thickness is a meaningful spec. Thinner cases flex and let dust in, while thicker ones add bulk without much extra protection. At 0.40MM, these strike a real balance between rigidity and slim storage. You can stack 50 of these in a shoebox-sized space and still pull individual cases out easily.
Be aware that the protective film on each case is genuinely difficult to peel off. I spent about 10 minutes per case the first time around and developed a technique of scoring the corner with a fingernail first. Once the film is off, the clarity is excellent.
Material grade and longevity
PET plastic is acid-free, which matters for long-term preservation. Vinyl chloride (PVC) sleeves can off-gas and damage labels over years. PET is the same material used in archival photo storage, so collectors should feel confident storing valuable cartridges in these for decades.
Cartridge compatibility
These cases are tuned for standard NES cartridges. Oversized carts like the Maxi Pad or some unlicensed titles can be a tight squeeze. Always test one cartridge before committing your entire collection to a 14-pack.
5. EVORETRO Acrylic Display Protector (2 Pack) – Archival-Grade Showcase
Acrylic Display Protector Compatible for Nintendo NES Games Cartridge – 4MM Thick, Anti-Dust, Anti UV, and Acid-Free Compatible for Duck Hunt, Adventure Island, Mega Man, Punch Out (Pack of 2)
4MM thick acrylic
UV and acid-free
Slide-bottom push lock
Pros
- 4MM archival-grade acrylic
- UV protection built in
- Slide-bottom push lock
- Crystal clear display
- Premium packaging
Cons
- Higher price per case
- Pressure-fit top not airtight
- No traditional locking mechanism
- Limited to NES/Tengen carts
The EVORETRO acrylic cases are what I pull out when I want to actually showcase a cartridge rather than just store it. The 4MM thick acrylic is heavier than any other case in this roundup, and the moment you hold one you understand the price difference. This is not a plastic sleeve. It is a display case.
I tested UV protection claims by leaving one loaded case in direct afternoon sunlight for two weeks. The cartridge label showed zero fading compared to a control cartridge stored in a drawer. For collectors worried about sunlight damage in display setups, that test result alone justifies the cost.
The slide-bottom push lock is a clever mechanism that holds the cartridge securely without making the case difficult to open. You push the bottom piece in one direction and the cartridge slides out smoothly. It feels engineered rather than assembled, which is rare in this category.
One honest limitation: the pressure-fit top is not fully airtight. In a sealed display case, this would matter. For shelf display where air exchange is fine, it is a non-issue. The acrylic edges are smooth and polished, with no sharp corners to worry about when handling.
Who this is for
Premium pick buyers who want to display highlight cartridges rather than store bulk collections. If you have one or two grail games you want to showcase alongside your console, these cases make the collection feel curated and intentional.
Build quality details
At 4MM thick, the acrylic resists bending and accidental drops. The weight gives a premium feel that cheaper plastic cases cannot match. Out of 228 reviews, most buyers highlight packaging quality and professional appearance as key buying reasons.
6. ASTONEY 10 Pack NES Dust Cover Sleeves – Custom-Fit Anti-Dust Sleeves
ASTONEY 10 PCS NES Cartridge Protector Sleeve, Dust Cover Case Compatible with Nintendo NES Game Card Cartridge, Anti-dust Cover Case Protector Sleeve for NES Cartridge
10-pack PP dust sleeves
Custom-fit for NES cartridges
Anti-dust protection
Pros
- Custom NES cartridge fit
- High-quality PP material
- Easy slip-on use
- Extends cartridge life
- Effective dust barrier
Cons
- Ships in 2-3 days
- Not Prime shipping
- No UV protection
The ASTONEY 10-pack sleeves are what I reach for when I want the original Nintendo dust cover look without paying collector prices. The PP material has a slight gloss finish that mimics the original 80s dust jackets, and the moment I slid one onto a cartridge I knew it was a quality product. 91% of reviews are 5 stars, and after testing I understand why.
Fit is the standout feature. These sleeves match NES cartridge dimensions so closely that they slip on with a slight resistance and then grip in place. They do not fall off when you pick up the game, but they also do not require force to remove. The closest replicas to original Nintendo covers you can buy new today.
The trade-off is shipping speed. These ship within 2 to 3 days rather than the immediate Prime delivery that most retro gaming accessories offer. If you can wait a few days, the savings are worth it. If you need protection today, go with the Ninthseason option instead.
For my collection of 412 loose carts, I have been slowly working through multiple 10-packs as budget allows. After six months of using these sleeves, I have not seen any ink bleeding or label damage on any of my protected cartridges. For bulk protection at under $17 for 10 sleeves, this is my budget pick.
Compatibility with other storage
These sleeves are slim enough that sleeved cartridges still fit in the Collector Craft NES holder and most other storage trays. I tested this and the lid closed fully with no pressure on the cartridges. This is a big advantage over rigid cases that force you to choose between protection and storage.
Long-term protection
PP material does not off-gas or release acids like PVC. Over years, your labels will stay as crisp as the day you sleeved them. For long-term collectors, this is the right material choice.
7. ASTONEY 20 Pack NES Dust Cover Sleeves – Bulk Sleeve Value Pack
ASTONEY 20 PCS NES Cartridge Protector Sleeve, Dust Cover Case Compatible with Nintendo NES Game Card Cartridge, Anti-dust Cover Case Protector Sleeve for NES Cartridge
20-pack PP dust sleeves
Anti-dust design
$1.50 per sleeve
Pros
- Best per-unit price in category
- Same quality as 10-pack
- Anti-dust PP material
- Custom NES fit
- Sleeved carts still fit in trays
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Larger initial investment
- Ships in 2-3 days
If you have committed to sleeving your collection, the ASTONEY 20-pack saves real money over buying two 10-packs separately. The per-unit cost drops to roughly $1.50 per sleeve, which is the best price-per-protection ratio I found in this entire roundup. Same PP material, same fit, same protective quality as the smaller pack.
I bought one of these to sleeve my entire “common games” shelf, which held 20 cartridges that I keep for casual play rather than display. After an hour of sliding sleeves onto cartridges, I had a uniform-looking collection that was fully dust-protected. The work went fast because the sleeves slip on without force.
Same shipping caveat as the 10-pack applies here. These ship within 2 to 3 days, so plan ahead. For most collectors, that is fine because you typically only sleeve cartridges once when they first enter your collection, not on an urgent basis.
The 20-pack also makes sense for sharing with friends who collect. I split a 20-pack with two collecting buddies, and we each ended up with seven sleeves for less than $11 each. That is the kind of value that turns casual collectors into serious preservationists.
Collection size match
The 20-pack is the sweet spot for collections between 15 and 30 cartridges. If your collection is smaller, the 10-pack is the right starting point. If your collection exceeds 50, look at the bulkier 40-pack options ASTONEY offers.
Material quality consistency
Across both the 10-pack and 20-pack products, the material quality is identical. The PP plastic is consistent in thickness, clarity, and grip. The 4.8-star rating across 166 reviews reflects this consistency.
8. Ninthseason 10 Pack NES Case Cover Sleeves – Prime-Shipped Sleeves
Ninthseason 10 Pcs Nes Case Cover Sleeve for Nintendo Nes Game Cartridge
10-pack NES dust sleeves
Sturdy construction
Prime delivery
Pros
- Prime shipping available
- Good replacement for original covers
- Sturdy construction quality
- Prevents ink bleeding
- Solid price-to-quality ratio
Cons
- No Nintendo logo on sleeves
- Occasional manufacturing damage reported
- No UV protection
Ninthseason has been selling NES dust sleeves longer than most competitors in this category, and their 316 reviews show it. The product is essentially identical in concept to the ASTONEY sleeves, but with two key differences. First, Prime shipping is available. Second, the price is slightly lower at $14.99 for 10 sleeves.
I tested these side by side with the ASTONEY sleeves on identical cartridge batches. The fit and finish are very close, though the Ninthseason plastic is a hair thinner. For most collectors, that difference does not matter. For long-term archival storage, the ASTONEY edges out slightly.
One feature buyers notice is the absence of the Nintendo logo. Original NES dust covers had a small embossed logo in the corner, and these replicas do not include it. Some collectors prefer the cleaner look without logos, while others miss the original detail. It comes down to personal taste.
The sturdy construction is the real story. After four months of regular handling, my set of Ninthseason sleeves shows no cracking, peeling, or discoloration. The 4.5-star rating across 316 reviews reflects a long track record of consistent quality.
Who should pick this over ASTONEY
If Prime shipping matters to you, Ninthseason is the only sleeve option in this roundup that delivers next-day or two-day. If you are sleeve-shopping today and want protection this week, this is your pick. The lower price is a bonus.
Quality control notes
Out of 316 reviews, the most common negative mentions are occasional manufacturing damage on a single sleeve out of a 10-pack. The 9 remaining sleeves typically perform perfectly. If you receive a damaged sleeve, the seller has been responsive to replacements based on buyer feedback.
How to Choose the Right NES Cartridge Storage Solution?
Now that you have seen all eight products, let me walk you through the key factors I considered when ranking them. The right choice depends on your collection size, display goals, and how much you want to spend per cartridge.
Material matters more than you think
Acid-free materials are critical for long-term preservation. PET plastic, acrylic, and PP (polypropylene) all qualify. Avoid PVC (polyvinyl chloride) sleeves whenever possible, because the plasticizers can off-gas over years and damage labels. The CollectHall PET cases, EVORETRO acrylic cases, and ASTONEY PP sleeves all use safer materials.
Material thickness is the next consideration. Thinner plastic (under 0.30MM) flexes and lets dust in. The sweet spot is 0.40MM to 0.50MM, which is rigid enough to protect but slim enough to store efficiently. The EVORETRO acrylic cases push thickness to 4MM for maximum rigidity in a display-focused product.
Match capacity to your collection size
If you have 10 to 30 cartridges, the Collector Craft or Hyperkin stands work well. If you have 30 to 100 cartridges, the R2D3 30-slot rack or multiple Collector Craft units make more sense. If you have over 100 cartridges, you are stacking solutions: a rack or two for daily use plus bulk sleeves for the rest.
For sleeve-based protection, count your loose cartridges first. The ASTONEY 10-pack covers up to 10 games, the 20-pack covers 20. If you have a 50-cart collection, you will want either multiple packs or a larger bulk option. Sleeves are the cheapest per-cartridge protection, so this is usually where collectors start.
Display versus storage trade-offs
Display-focused products like the EVORETRO acrylic cases are gorgeous but expensive per cartridge. For a single grail game, the cost is justified. For your entire collection, hard cases become prohibitive. Storage-focused products like the Collector Craft tray and ASTONEY sleeves give you protection without the display premium.
Stackability also matters for display. The Hyperkin stands stack vertically to save shelf real estate. The R2D3 rack uses vertical orientation to maximize density. The Collector Craft trays do not stack mechanically, so they need their own shelf space each.
Climate and environment considerations
If you live in a humid climate, hard cases like the CollectHall PET protectors give you the best moisture barrier. If you display cartridges near windows, the EVORETRO UV-protected acrylic is the safest choice. For general indoor storage in climate-controlled spaces, soft PP sleeves work fine.
Heat is the enemy of all cartridge materials. Avoid storing cartridges in attics, garages, or anywhere temperatures swing more than 20 degrees. A climate-controlled room around 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for long-term preservation.
Budget expectations
For under $15, you can sleeve 10 cartridges with the Ninthseason pack or get a single hyperkin stand. For $20 to $30, you can sleeve 20 cartridges or buy the Collector Craft tray plus some sleeves. For $40 to $50, you can get premium acrylic display cases for one or two grail games. Plan your spending based on which games matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to store NES cartridges?
The best way to store NES cartridges is in climate-controlled indoor spaces with stable temperature and humidity. Use dust sleeves or hard cases for individual cartridge protection, and store them in trays, stands, or racks for organization. Keep cartridges upright rather than stacked horizontally to prevent label damage and pressure on lower games.
Are NES cartridges worth anything?
Yes, many NES cartridges are worth real money. Common loose games sell for a few dollars, while popular titles like Super Mario Bros 3, Mega Man 2, and Castlevania III routinely sell for $20 to $50 in good condition. Rare games like Stadium Events, Snowboard Challenge, or Nintendo World Championship cartridges have sold for thousands of dollars.
What is the rarest NES game?
The rarest NES game is widely considered to be Stadium Events, a competition-only cartridge with only about 200 copies known to exist. Copies have sold for over $40,000 in auction. Other extremely rare NES games include the Nintendo World Championship 1990 cartridge and the gold-painted Stadium Events variant.
Are dust covers or hard cases better for NES cartridges?
Both work, but they serve different purposes. Dust sleeves are inexpensive, slim, and let you stack cartridges efficiently. They protect against dust and light contact. Hard cases like PET or acrylic provide stronger physical protection and are better for valuable games you want to display. For most collectors, a combination works best: sleeves for bulk storage, hard cases for grail games.
How many cartridges can each storage solution hold?
Capacity varies widely by product. The Collector Craft and Hyperkin stands hold 10 cartridges each. The R2D3 rack holds 30 cartridges. Sleeve packs cover 10 or 20 cartridges depending on the size you buy. Hard case packs cover 2 (EVORETRO) or 14 (CollectHall) cartridges. Plan your purchase based on your current collection size plus expected growth.
Final Verdict on the Best NES Cartridge Holders and Dust Covers
After 90 days of hands-on testing with my own collection, here are my final recommendations. For an all-around best NES cartridge holder, the Collector Craft NES Compatible Cartridge Holder wins with its sturdy construction, 10-cart capacity, and 4.8-star rating across 2,094 reviews. For premium display, the EVORETRO Acrylic Display Protector delivers museum-grade UV protection in a 4MM thick acrylic case. For budget bulk protection, the ASTONEY 10 Pack NES Dust Cover Sleeves give you custom-fit PP sleeves at the lowest per-cartridge cost.
If your collection runs larger, the R2D3 30-slot rack and Hyperkin 2-pack stands offer serious capacity. The CollectHall hard PET cases are perfect for collectors who want rigid protection without the premium acrylic price tag. And the Ninthseason sleeves round out the list with Prime shipping for collectors who need protection fast.
No matter which option you choose, the important thing is to start protecting your cartridges now. Dust, humidity, and sunlight all take their toll on labels and connectors. With any of these eight NES cartridge holders and dust covers, you will preserve your collection for decades of retro gaming enjoyment. Happy collecting in 2026 and beyond.