In Hardware

hi to all

am a newbie in this realm of NES, but have read most posts on relevant topics before deciding to post

situation: bought a NES with one game, and also had another game @ home. i setup the NES, inserted the game, turned it on and it went. i then swapped games and the second one didn't load (lots of fuzzy characters on screen) i pushed reset yet to no avail no picture. whilst the catridge was still in the NES with POWer ON, i lifted the lid and wiggled the cart. on resetting, neither cart played, the POWer button didn't flash, and the only picture i got was a grey coloured screen. have unplugged the system with the fear i could've ruined my first NES experience. :(

is there a possibility that i wiped the game of the cart? or possibly damaged the internal mechanics of the system due to my 'hurry up and work now fingers'?

please could someone help or recommend someone/place i could get help!

joseph

ive done all those things to my nes before and mine never quit so u probably just got some dust in there or something. have you blew really hard in the game and system?

Hey, and welcome to NES Files!

First off, try not blowing inside the games or the system. That's a kind of last resort thing.

Anyway, I would use something like windex or alcohol on the game carts' connectors. Use Q-tips to do it, and make sure they are dry before inserting the cart back into the system.

Also, what games were they, and where did you get the NES?

i live in NZ, and only just picked up the NES today from a guy selling it on TRADEME in NZ. box was in mint condition (no discolouration), said he was selling for his mate who found it in an attic and was considering throwing it away. i think there's a few people here waking up to this retro style of gaming. the game i got with the NES was Kid Icarus, the other (The New Zealand Story) i won on Ebay from Australia. Have considered Ebay due to the rarity (or reluctancy of some) to sell NES components here.

chances are the console and game are just fine... it's likely entirely the fault of the connector inside the console if the problem persists after cleaning the contacts on the cart as Roth suggested. the best thing to do is order a replacement connector. Usually if you just google for "NES 72-pin connector" you'll get a large list of places that sell them. you could also try ebay.

failing that, just keep fighting with it. What I do if a game doesn't load is turn the POWer off, leave it pressed down and move it to one side (they do have a little bit of space on either side) then turn the POWer back on. if it works, great. If not, turn it off and try pushing the cart to the other side. If you try that several times and it doesn't load. lift the cart up, and pull it out of the console just slightlyand press it back down. You want it to be in JUST far enough to clear the plastic at the front of the slot and go all the way down.

But don't worry, I can almost bet that if the NES worked when you got it, it still does just fine... they're a tough console other than that connector...

Thanks for the adVice received so far.
Managed to get both games going, but i guess it really is the connection between the cart and console.
I did the 'toggle the cart' trick and both games came on.
COOL!!!!
Will cruise the net following the latest help given for a 72 pin

(Best hurry up if i'm keen to expand my library of games!)

Thanks once again y'all!