What's rattling inside my 5200?

[spacecadet]

I have a 5200 that's in basically new condition, and I think it's only gotten a few hours of use over its entire lifespan. I got it from a guy who bought it new, kept it in a closet for probably 15 years and then sold it to me for $10... I've had it sitting on a shelf now for about 15 years myself and have only moved it once.

 

I picked it up the other day to dust underneath it and there is something rattling around inside the case. It seems like something must have just fallen off in there. I really would rather not open it up because if it's old and brittle I don't want to break anything else. Is there anything anyone knows of that commonly breaks off inside 5200's? I'm hoping it's just a plastic tab holding the case together or something.

 

If not, I guess I have no choice but to open it up.

[bohoki]

there are plenty of gaps for things to fall in like around the trap door in the back maybe its a bit of that

[ApolloBoy]

I guess I have no choice but to open it up.

Yep.

[Cobra Kai]

There's 6 screws on the back. Open it up and find out. The proper way to open up a 5200 is to remove the 6 screws (philips head), and then flip the console back over. With the console right side up, the top half should pull up and away easily.