Top load vs. regular NES

[Lazer]

Does the top loader work consistently better than the old school model? I always figured it would, but before I buy: is it worth it?

[Mozgus]

I've heard the opposite.

[RadarScope1]

There is NO reason to spend the money you'll likely to have to spend to get the model 2 NES. Get the original and simply replace the 72-pin connector inside. I don't have a link handy, but there are a lot of walkthroughs online for this, and the connectors themselves only cost about 8 bucks. If you don't want to do it yourself, any retro store with its salt should be able to do it for you for cheap.

One reason you don't want the model 2 is that it doesn't have composite video out. It's RF only. It's a step backward. Avoid!!

[HellHammer]

One reason you don't want the model 2 is that it doesn't have composite video out. It's RF only.

Aside from the cost, this is my only complaint. There are faint, small, vertical lines on screen when using the top loader. However, I have two top loaders and I can honestly say they both work on a consistent basis, without glitching or audio/video issues. That's something I can't say about my toaster style NES.

I'd say it's only worth finding if you're a collector. As others have said, there are cheaper ways to obtain a working NES.

[Dakinggamer87]

I would also go with regular NES for reasons mentioned above and getting the 72-pin connector is very cheap!! Also, I just prefer the classic original NES look..

[Lazer]

I found a walkthrough about the replacement connector. Anyone know a good place to buy the actual connector? On my initial search I just found some website that was out of stock.

[vash23n]

I know many prefer to do mods themselves, but you can usually find systems where the 72-pin connector has already been replaced. I got one of these and it works great! I have seen them for very cheap, not much more than it costs to get a system without the mod. I wish I had known about sites like racketboy before I bought mine because I paid way too much for it on amazon.com.

[fast]

The toploader is really pretty looking on the shelf, but it has some problems:
1. No Composite out - only Coax/RF
2. Vertical lines on screen - rumor has it that if you replace one of the resistors it fixes this but it is not an easy mod and it does not remove them completely.
3. Can be expensive
4. Dogbone Controller, but rarely will you find one with the console for cheap. However some prefer the controller so it may be a pro rather than con.

So yes, very cool looking device, and it does play most games without much play. But a new adapter and an hour with the NES is much more beneficial and will be a better investment in the long run.

So yes, I did just sum up what everyone just said. But out of my standard NES and my toploader; the toploader sits on the shelf and is only used when I need a second console.

[Ack]

Wait, hold up, do regular NES controllers work on the top loader?

[fast]

All of the regular accessories do to my knowledge