a simple ? about Genesis cartridge slot

The SNES created the "eject" button. I've heard over the years back in
the early-mid 90's that pulling a SNES cartridge out damages the
game/system. What makes the Genesis and SNES slots different?
Obviously Sega didn't see the need for an eject button, and pulling out
a GEN game is perfectly fine (and also mandatory).

I've never pulled out an SNES title -- since the eject button is there.
However, a bud of mine once did and said it was a lot harder to remove
than a GEN title. Has there ever been an official word on this
"debate"?

Scott H wrote:

>I can't see any reason
> why the SNES port would benefit by having the cart pushed off with a
> lever verses pulled out by hand. I can see the benefit to the plastic
> case you have to hold down on to pull the cart out though.
>

When you're pulling it out manually, you're likely pulling at an angle
(albeit a slight one) and will need to exert a significant amount of
force to get the cartridge loose from the contacts.

Get a bad angle or pull out games enough times and you're bound to
damage something, whether it's the contacts or the metal base around
them or whatever.

The eject button always pushes the cartridge straight up (the optimal
angle) and frees it from the contacts. You are then free to pull it the
rest of the way out with a minimum of force thus reducing the risk of
damage.