In Hardware

I have a grey-box NES, and I've been wondering how to solve a problem with it.

Recently, I have noticed some scan lines (not many) as well as the far right portion of the screen being a little darker than the rest. I have tried different A/V plugs, televisions (two from the 90s and one from the 2000s), cleaning my games and NES a little bit by using air (not my breath) to get some dust out. This problem is persistent with all games, so I know it's not just one.

Does anybody know what the problem might be, and if there was a way to solve it without replacing the system?

nGet a q-tip, some rubbing alchohol, and dip in the q-tip. then prceed to wipe yourgame connectors until the q-tip comes out clean. wipe dry with a dry new q-tip. That should clean your games, and try replacing the 72 pin connector inside the NES if the problem persists.

It's not that the picture looks snowy or scrambled or anything, but certain parts of the screen are slightly (keyword slightly) darker than others, and I highly doubt that the games are dirty because it looks the same on all of them as far as the dark areas. Is the 72-pin connector to blame?

it seems to me that your TV might be screwed, but you said you tested on different ones, so maybe it is the 72 pin.

is it possible that the POWer supply is to blame. Are you using the actual Nintnendo branded adapter? If so, your NES might be on it's way to death.

How does the POWer supply make a difference? I am using the Nintendo brand.

Well, you claim dimness in sections, poor POWer supply would cause such things, if the voltage regulator isn't getting enough juice, then things can't run at full capacity.

I tried several different AC adaptors, and nothing really changes. Could the 72-pin connector be the issue, and if so, how?

it really doesn't sound like the connector is to blame. I'm still going to say POWer issue. but since you've tried several adapters, it's likely that some internal components are dying.

So what should I do to solve the problem?

Get a new NES.

Although I'd try another NES on that TV first.

As well as trying both the composite (AV) and RF outputs on your current NES.

Well, I've tried both, but what do you mean about trying a new NES on the TV?

To make sure its not just the tv, but I don't think it is, since you said you've tried more than 1 tv.

Besides Amazon and eBay, does anybody know where I could find an NES for sale? Also, where could I get my current one repaired (Nintendo doesn't offer factory repair any longer)?

Great. It looks like the problem is identical on my SNES, even using different plugs.

How many different tvs have you used? I really suggest trying them out on new tvs.


Also, EBgames.com lets you buy a NES, and 15 games for 50 dollars.

I have used three (two from the 90s, one from the 2000s), and really don't get different results.

Hmmm...could it be the outlet that you plug your tv into?

I'm thinking it may be interference from something nearby. Maybe you neighbor has a wireless network or a high POWer cellular antenna was put in a mile or so away.

Try switching from ch3 to ch4 on the systems or use an A/V plug on the SNES to see if it goes away.

If nothing else works, go to a friend's house several miles away with your sytems and plugs in a box and try on one of their TV's. If it works fine over there, you know there is interference in your home. Wrapping the RF converter in tin foil might keep out the signals (I don't know if it will or not, but it works for hats on my psych patients to keep out the satellite mind control)

Could it be something that is possibly causing interference in my own home. For instance, I have digital cable and a cable modem for my Internet connection.

if you're using the AV cables, the chances of interference are very low.

Well, besides the typical RF interference, I see no visual difference between A/V and RF. However, I guess that trying the system somewhere else might help, but I just really want to know what the problem is. I've asked Nintendo about it, and they claim that everything sounds normal.