Anyone have this "problem" with a refurbished NES?

[BoneSnapDeez]

So I got a refurbished NES (cleaned with a new 72 pin connector) from nintendorepairshop.com (great site, by the way). Every game fits really tightly, and plays flawlessly on the first try if I don't push them down.

It's no problem, I'm thrilled to have an NES that finally works. I'm just wondering why this is happening.

[Opa Opa]

That's a good thing. Don't push the carts down.

[Dylan]

That's perfectly normal. The reason you push the cartridges down is so that they can make tighter contact with the pins, but when they're already tight enough this merely causes them to not work. I replaced my connector quite a while ago and I still don't need to depress the carts.

[KDub]

New 72 pin connectors are not based on the ones that were in the Toaster NES. While they connect to the board the same they are made like the top loaders; so the pins are tight enough to work when the cart is just being inserted. Pushing down can actually damage the pins or game sometimes.

[Breetai]

I will just confirm everything that has been said.

If you are pushing it down, this will wear out the pins faster over time. Just run the games as you have been to get the most of it.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Thanks guys. I always remembered pushing down games as a kid, so I was confused when all of these games worked in the upright position.

[zxqdms]

Are there different versions of the new pin connectors or should any of the ones on ebay work well?

[Hobie-wan]

Are there different versions of the new pin connectors or should any of the ones on ebay work well?

Unless anyone else knows different, they probably all come out of the same 1 or 2 factories no matter who is selling them.

[retrosportsgamer]

Interesting - i've been having a heckuva time with the refurb I did as games are hit and miss , even after working the eraser/rubbing alcohol formula. They worked ok the first time but I feel like one dirty game screwed up the new connector. I'll have to try this.

[CRTGAMER]

So I got a refurbished NES (cleaned with a new 72 pin connector) from nintendorepairshop.com (great site, by the way). Every game fits really tightly, and plays flawlessly on the first try if I don't push them down.

It's no problem, I'm thrilled to have an NES that finally works. I'm just wondering why this is happening.

No harm playing cart up or down
However pushing down does weaken the pins to the point they become unseated over time from the game cart. As long as the cart works in the up position, play it that way. A luck of the draw, some new pin assemblies work up or down. On yours when you push down, maybe a couple of the pins are becoming unseated from the cart PCB connector.

Easy cart removal
I prefer a ZIF feel on the original NES factory pins. Easy to pull the cart out, even though it may eventually fail from continually pressing down. However the NES is not the main gaming console on the table, so the mileage is low and should last just fine.

Any Cart Console
One thing you do want to avoid is leaving a cart inserted and even worse pressed down on the NES. The pins will lose their "spring" affect if a cart is left permanently plugged in.