Just got an NES

[d4mo]

So I just got an old NES. It will play games but it takes some work. It doesn't really ever flash but there is alot of garbage on the screen. It seems like the games are really hard to push in(I don't remember it being that tough before). I've found the best way to get the games to play is the push the game down, and then release it so it's in the up position. And it will play in the up position!

Would this indicate that I need a new 72 pin connector? Or is it something else?

 

[blurredvision]

I remember reading a wikipedia article about the problems with the NES, and what exactly the design flaw was. Might want to seek that out, give it a read, and you may be able to apply that to a fix for your system.

 

[Queasy]

just blow on the cartridge

 

[nycxandy]

Originally posted by: Queasy
just blow on the cartridge

Through your t-shirt of course.

 

[indamixx99]

Ah i remember the good ol nes cartridge cleaners with the alcohol pads you wipe on the game contacts, and a fake game cartridge you insert in the console that cleans the contacts in there...

 

[digiram]

try keep resetting, and the old keep the cart not fully inserted and slam it down.

 

[chuckywang]

I can't believe how much the NES system is going for on eBay.

 

[Injury]

Even if that isn't the direct cause of it, a new 72 pin connector is always a good idea.

 

[RedCOMET]

Originally posted by: Injury
Even if that isn't the direct cause of it, a new 72 pin connector is always a good idea.

YEP!!! I order a new one a like 5 or so years ago from online. I think it was like $14 with shipping. it takes about a dozen or so screws to take the NES apart and to install the new 72 pin connector.

I find that it takes a lot less work to get my games playing on my NES now than it did before. Some games are still a little sensitive and flaky, but i think they maybe the game acting up and not the console. seeing how its got a good connection via a new 72 pin connector. One thing to note though...after i replace my 72 pin connector, the games are really tight in it. so it might take a little force to pull a game out.


Good luck!

 

[Drako]

Originally posted by: nycxandy

Originally posted by: Queasy
just blow on the cartridge

Through your t-shirt of course.

Blow Me

 

[SandEagle]

who needs the NES system, when you can play your favorite NES games legally online: http://www.virtualnes.com/list/s.html

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: SandEagle
who needs the NES system, when you can play your favorite NES games legally online: http://www.virtualnes.com/list/s.html

so they have no express consent, just their interpretation of the laws?

 

[RedCOMET]

I do play a few games via an emulator... but i like using the original controller when i play these games. It just not the same playing a game you grew up playing on the NES or even Sega, etc with a keyboard or on a a newer conolse ( like Wii console or XBOX 360). I still like busting out the Super Mario 3, or the .... well yo uget the idea on their orginal console.

Thats why i still own a 15+ year old video game console. For the feel and the controller.

 

[swaytech]

Originally posted by: Queasy
just blow on the cartridge

This

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: blurredvision
I remember reading a wikipedia article about the problems with the NES, and what exactly the design flaw was. Might want to seek that out, give it a read, and you may be able to apply that to a fix for your system.

This thing is the culprit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10NES

Possible solutions -
- Buy a top-loading NES. I'm pretty sure Nintendo took the lockout chip out of those.
- Buy one of the many NES knock-offs made by other companies. They obviously don't have the lockout chip
- PC + emulator + USB controller; though I've never found a USB controller with a D-pad that I like for old games

 

[nismotigerwvu]

Originally posted by: chuckywang
I can't believe how much the NES system is going for on eBay.

The prices almost tempt me to put my old top loader for sale.
Then I get some punchout going and forget about it