Recommended place to buy an NES?

[robotdan]

I'm looking at starting a small NES collection, but unfortunately my childhood system is long lost. Over the last year I've bought two systems that had new 72 pin connections installed, but both of them were hard to get a game started and super unreliable. Are there any places that actually sell reliably working systems? I think I'm set on getting a standard "vcr model" since it has the better video connection. Money isn't much of a problem though if it means I can get something reliable.

[AppleQueso]

I'd just wait and see how the Retron 5 pans out. If it has good compatibility, it might end up being your best option.

[samsonlonghair]

Hi RobotDan. Welcome to Racketboy.

I recommend checking out a "brick and mortar" retro video game store. Many of these places will let you try before you buy. That way you know how well the NES works before you leave the store. We keep a running thread of retro video game stores here.

[Hobie-wan]

Are your games cleaned? If the games are dirty, a new and fuctional 72 pin connector won't help. Also, DO NOT blow in your games, ever. That dampens the cart edge which leads to more corrosion.