New NES 72-pin connector and controller port not working!

[Hobie-wan]

I'll add to the "don't give that store any more business after this so you don't get ripped off" pile.

Anyway, as stated, hopefully just didn't get the internal plug seated properly for the controller and 'tested' just meant 'fired up', not 'played a game for 30 seconds'. I'll also echo don't push down the games with the new pin connector and alcohol dampened, not dripping wet, q-tips is acceptable for cleaning. Just let the games dry for a good bit before using them.

[mr.retro92]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I'm heading down to his store in a few hours, hope to get things figured out. Might have to buy a new NES, but that might be the price I have to pay to continue playing my Nintendo games, and as far as I'm concerned, that system's priceless. I'll let you guys know how this sordid tale turns out. Thanks again, guys. It's been a pleasant and helpful introduction to the RacketBoy forums. Cheers.

[mr.retro92]

Well, I went down there and it turned out that he accidentally unplugged the controller port from the motherboard and didn't align the 72-pin connector properly last time. He fixed both, it works fine now, but he warned me that one of the pins was worn, so be careful about pushing games in too hard. The games will only play when I push the games down. Now to clean all of my games!

[ApolloBoy]

$65 is a huge ripoff considering how little labor actually goes into that. Personally I think it's much more worth it to refurbish the original connector as new ones are often cheaply made and don't last as long as a refurbed original. The fact that he didn't even bother doing an all-over test is icing on the cake, I always playtest NESes for at least half an hour after I refurbish them.

[Duke.Togo]

I completely echo ApolloBoy. I refurb the original connectors and stay away from the replacements.

[mr.retro92]

And alas, the connector is acting as it did before. I called him and he said if I wanted to fix it, it would cost another $65. At least I can play my NES games now. But I still have to mess with them and still getting blinking screens. I also cleaned my games before trying.

[Duke.Togo]

The first thing you should do is disable that lock-out. It is really easy to do, and there are plenty of instructions on the internet if you google disable NES lock out.

That will stop the blinking. As for the connector after that, if they alignment isn't wonderful, you can just wiggle the cart a little while hitting reset to get it to load.

I wish this hadn't happened to you, since you could have found a nice top loader for just a bit over what you paid.

[Hobie-wan]

And alas, the connector is acting as it did before. I called him and he said if I wanted to fix it, it would cost another $65.

Wow what a douchenozzle. Pushing down a few carts on a new connector shouldn't have already bent any of the pins that much. You shouldn't be having that much trouble unless your games are dirty. $65 for a substandard fix and wasted your time.

Oh, and you aren't blowing on the games, right? DO NOT blow on your games ever again. That's actually the main cause of blinkies in the first place. The moisture in your breath and accidental spit corrodes the contacts as it dries.

[mr.retro92]

I haven't blown into my cartridges (ironically, the name of my YouTube channel is BlowTheCartridge), since someone told me in the sixth grade how bad it was for your games. He told me after he did the job that one of the pins was worn out, and said to be careful when putting games in. I should've just replaced my NES. Damn... Oh well, playing Contra right now and having a blast. The NES seems to be playing games okay, though some are finnicky, which is lame, because I thoroughly cleaned them all with rubbing alcohol.

[ApolloBoy]

I assume with the new pin connector you can play games without pushing the game down, right? I was going to suggest aligning the cart tray but I don't think that'll do anything if it plays with the game up.