In Hardware

I just pulled out my old NES system and haven't used it in a while. I tried loading some games I have and nothing worked. I'm going to give it a cleaning and try that out, but in case it doesn't work would the problem also be that I need a new 72-pin connector? I don't want to buy one if it's not the problem. Also I noticed that for me to take out the games from the NES it seems like the game is stuck. I have a real hard time taking out the games. Any solutions??

I wouldn't advise replacing the 72-pin connector until you've verified the one you're using now is completely no good. If cleaning the cart doesn't work you'll probably want to take a similar approach and clean the connector you already have in your system. Some options for that are to use the Eliminator or some other system cleaner released back then. I also have been told that you can open the system up, remove the shielding piece, and use a toothbrush soaked in rubbing alchohol.
However, you haven't mentioned to what extent your system is not working. If you don't see the POWer light come up at all you've got more trouble than a cart cleaning.
If you don't see any image change when you press POWer on the system or when it blinks you may have more trouble.
If you press POWer and it blinks a cleaning of the cart and system may/should do the trick.

So far I've opened up the Nintendo and cleaned the connectors and still nothing has changed. When I turn on the system nothing shows up on my TV screen, the system turns on and the red light just blinks. I saw that some of the connectors on the NES were a little bent, so I don't know how much that affects it.

I know this is a dumb question, but have you made sure your NES is set to channel 3? and made sure your tv is on channel 3... Only reason I ask is cuz you should see SOMETHING when you turn it on. Be it a blue, white, orange, or any other color. Or you could have a bad RF connector (to tv).

And for the blinking, you should try all the old tricks. Blowing in it, putting it in different depths (not all the way in), and some others...
Those "bent connectors" what did they look like? can you take a pic?

Ok, so I changed the cable and I get some games to work, but when the games don't load the screen just blinks blue. And the when I use the zapper in Duckhunt I can't hit anything, besides my horrible skills, is there something i need to do to calibrate it?

There is no way to calibrate the gun for the NES. It either works or it doesn't.

Do you get the flash when you shoot the gun?? I would try cleaning the little lens on the end of the gun first, and see if there is any damage to it (ie lens not in correctly, hear rattling inside gun, bad cord). If it is shot, there are numorous ways to get a new one (myself being one of them).

As far as the blue blinking screen.. Sounds like you could use a new connector, or you can go route and fix it yourself for free... kinda hard though. Here is a link to the cheapest connector on ebay right now. Good luck.



On a side note, have you guys noticed the new addition to that guys site? He added a modded NES to play NES ROMs!

before you do that i would clean all your carts with alcohol and cotton swabs first since you get some to work and others dont.

if they come up really dirty clean your 72 pin connector again so you start fresh.

after that i would make sure all the pins are not bent in or broken/cracked. if they are bent you can gently bend them back but if they are broken get a new connector.

thx for the link logandbz I can now fix my NES thx to you

Hey, my NES had the blinking problem and wouldnt play any games, so I replaced the 72-pin connector. Now, the blinking problem is gone but all my games will only come up with a green screen when i put them in. I know my games aren't dirty because they play fine on the FC Twin that I bought, and my 72-pin connector is brand new. Does anybody know what else might be the problem and how i can fix it? Thanks