Actiplaque

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Actiplaque is a mottling of dark blotches that tends to appear on the labels of older video game cartridges due to the gradual discoloration of the glue used to affix the cartridge labels. It has been known to appear on the labels of games for various systems and made by various manufacturers, but is notoriously and most commonly found on Atari 2600 game cartridges manufactured by Activision, hence the name. Actiplaque has proven to be a major headache for collectors as most seek cartridges in mint condition, yet most Activision cartridges have light to severe blotching.

The true cause of actiplaque is unknown. It is reportedly caused by the combination of glue and paper used for the cartridge labels. It has been theorized that exposure to light and moisture either causes or accelerates the development of actiplaque, but it has been observed even on newly opened factory-sealed games and it is unknown what, if anything, can be done to prevent it.

[edit] External links

• Atari 2600 cartridge with actiplaque

[edit] See also

• Activision