How to fix the "blinking screen/blue screen"

[Holly]

I do not believe this has been posted in a while, so I figured I would pass it along just in case.

Like many NES owners, I was dismayed a few years ago when I turned on my system only to get the wonderful blinking blue screen. I tried all of the usual quick fixes - blowing in the cartridge and the system, cleaning the cartridge, et cetera. Still, my trusty old NES refused to read the game, and I was out my past time

I appealed to this forum back then, wondering how I could fix the NES. Apparently there is a piece called the 72-pin connector that tends to be faulty on the front-loading NES systems. This is the piece that the games actually plug into. After years of wear and tear, the connection tends to not be as good. However, you can buy a replacement piece off an auction site on the internet (I got mine off eBay in '01 for $12) and replace it yourself. Taking the system apart is really easy...just make sure you don't make the mistake I did and use a magnetic tip screwdriver! (oops!) Still, it worked. Since the connector is brand-new, I sometimes have to push a little to get the game to go in, but I haven't had a single blinking blue (or gray) screen since replacing the piece.

I hope this information is useful to some of you

[Zelden]

Can't remember exactly how mine died. I can't think of another reason, so that must have been it. Didn't bother fixing it though, just got a new one. Wish we would've kept it though, the new design of the control deck is kinda lame and not very nostalgic. At least it works I suppose.

[Holly]

Yup. The top-loaders are more reliable than the front loaders, but when people think "NES" they usually think of the front loader.

Personally, I'm kicking myself for trading in almost all of my NES games and accessories years ago. :\

[Zelden]

Blasphemy!

How'd you bring yourself to do that? What were the accessories?

[Holly]

I was 12 at the time and we didn't have the money for any games for our brand-new N64...

What really hurts is...I had a gray Zapper, complete with the manual. The sales associate was shocked and said he was going to buy it as soon as he had it in the system Game wise...nothing impressive, I held onto the two Zelda games. Got rid of Bowling, Jeopardy, Galaga (OK, I take it back, I miss Galaga), and Mario/Duck Hunt.

[Pochitos]

I've been thinking about buying a Top Loader.

Should I buy one of those, or just a regular NES?

[Holly]

Depends. Top loaders are more reliable than front loaders, but front loaders have more of a nostalgia feel to them

I'd go with a top loader if you aren't in it for the "good ol' day memories". While the repair is easy, some people might not feel comfortable cracking it open...and it might save you a few bucks anyways.

[Zesspa]

I have a top loader that I got for free at a funcoland. I bought the regular version and ended up taking it back once a day to exchange it because none of them worked (same issue as stated here). The kid working there got sick of dealing with me, opened up one of the kiosks playing an NES game and gave me the top loader. I was like...wow..thanks.

I'll never go back to the regular system. Yeah, I grew up with it...but it really is absolute junk.

[Holly]

They did use a junk piece for that pin connector...probably the lowest bidder. The replacement is much better quality. But you're absolutely right.

Edit - How sad is it that I got my 3,500th post on November 6th, 2006, 11:25 PM? It's taken me two and a half years to post 100 more times :S

[Zesspa]

Originally Posted by Holly

They did use a junk piece for that pin connector...probably the lowest bidder. The replacement is much better quality. But you're absolutely right.

Edit - How sad is it that I got my 3,500th post on November 6th, 2006, 11:25 PM? It's taken me two and a half years to post 100 more times :S

I went the same rout as you. I went on ebay and bought a brand new pin connector. But those things WILL wear out and the more you play the faster it's going to happen.

The top loader can be kind of expensive on ebay, but if you're really into playing NES game and have a fair collection then throwing some coin down on one is probably a good idea. I've had mine since 2001 and it works just as good now as it did the day I got it.

Totally worth the dough IMO.

[Holly]

Agreed. And I haven't had much occasion lately to play my old NES unfortunately...my TV is broke >.<