Some NES Repair Questions...

[ReddMcKnight]

1. Will putting in a new 72-Pin Connector make it work like new, and will it last a long time?

2. How much does it cost to buy a new 72-Pin Connector?

3. Is the operation of replacing it easy?

4. Where can I buy a new connector?

[Opa Opa]

3. It's easy and does not require any soldering to my knowledge.
4. Ebay is a good place. I don't know if there are pins in the RB store.

Sorry. Cannot answer the first two. I own the top-loader. But don't worry, they shouldn't cost too much.

Edit: Did a quick ebay search. Prices seem to range from $6-$10 depending on who you buy from and shipping seems to range from $4-$6. So I'd say about $12-$14 shipped.

[terrin707]

Very easy to do, just quite a few (~20) screws to remove both inside and out. It makes it work almost like new again, but the pins are more snug than the originals (at the least the pin connectors I'm familiar with).

[tommyboy8689]

it didnt take me too long to replace mine... it doesnt work like new but it works... i dunno if anybody else has this problem or not, but now when i load a game if i press it down (i guess would be a good way to say it) i get the flashing screen, but if i dont then it works great

edit- ya depressing the game like he said in the next post... thats what i meant... lol im an idiot at times

[Hatta]

I've found that new 72 pin connectors don't work exactly like the original. Mine works best without depressing the game after insertion. In fact, I've had one go bad from depressing the game, as if it bent the pins. I think it's definitely worth doing, just don't depress the games anymore. (yeah, it's a hard habit to get out of).

But think of it this way, if they made them exactly like the original connectors they'd just wear out soon anyway. If you don't have to depress the game, you're not pushing on the pins as hard, so it should last a good long time.

And yes, you should be able to get one in your hands for less than $15 total. No special tools are needed, the NES case is secured with philips head screws. Have some ethanol or contact cleaner handy to clean off the edge connector on the motherboard.

[Opa Opa]

Mine works best without depressing the game after insertion.

Then why depress the game at all if it works by just inserting the game? I'm assuming it's so you can close the lid but I don't know...

[ReddMcKnight]

I've found that new 72 pin connectors don't work exactly like the original. Mine works best without depressing the game after insertion. In fact, I've had one go bad from depressing the game, as if it bent the pins. I think it's definitely worth doing, just don't depress the games anymore. (yeah, it's a hard habit to get out of).

But think of it this way, if they made them exactly like the original connectors they'd just wear out soon anyway. If you don't have to depress the game, you're not pushing on the pins as hard, so it should last a good long time.

And yes, you should be able to get one in your hands for less than $15 total. No special tools are needed, the NES case is secured with philips head screws. Have some ethanol or contact cleaner handy to clean off the edge connector on the motherboard.

So, it's absolutely okay to play the game without pressing it down into the system? It won't break anything?

[alexis524]

no it will not harm anything. I've replaced my connector a while back, and i'm in the same boat as a few members above by not having to depress the game cartride. Just slide in it, close the door, and press power and you're good to go.

[CRTGAMER]

On my NES, the carts won't work until depressed. The over sized ZIFF socket makes better contact when depressed. Wear not an issue, since the NES is competing with all the other consoles. The mileage in gameplay isn't like when it was the only new console in the shelf.

[darthmunky]

From my experience, it was cheap and easy to do. It's also a good idea to disable the NES's lockout chip while you have it open. It makes the NES work much better, no more flashing screens: http://www.tylerwillis.com/2006/04/28/d ... ommentary/

My NES now works first try usually but I have to leave the games up, if I push them down, they don't work. Must be the tightness of the new pins or something.