NES 72-Pin Replacement

[Polygon]

I've done this on three different systems and it works but with one catch. The cartridge has be in a certain place or it won't lock down. I just want to be able to insert the cartridge all the way, have it lock down, and work.

Am I doing something wrong or is this just an inherent issue with replacing the 72-Pin connector?

[Sunnyvale]

Try loosening the screws a bit on the black tray that supports the cradle for the cart. If you tighten it too much, you'll get the 'sticky Nintendo'.

[Polygon]

Thanks for the suggestion. I gave that a try and I had to get them really loose to get it to work as it's supposed to. Then when I put the top back on and tightened down the screws it wouldn't work for crap again. So, I loosened those screws and it helped but still I couldn't get it to work right.

I decided there has to be something else wrong here and tore it all the way apart and looked at it. Turns out there is a tab on the bottom of the cage. Mine was up against the main board. Seems like it's meant to be under it. So after taking it all the way apart, cleaning the contacts on the main board, and putting it back together with that tab under the main board it works flawlessly. Better yet, with all the screws snug.

[Sunnyvale]

Cool. Yeah, the screws shoul be snug, just not tight, like you expect it to wiggle loose. The little white tab was stuck, huh? Only had that once, glad you caught it!

[VideoGameRescue]

On the front of the tray there is a metal pin that gets bent over time from people slamming the games down. Take the tray apart and slightly bend it. If you need I can do a quick video for you and put it on YouTube.

[cynicalhat]

the tray that the cart sits in is not correctly seated. the front lip must be under the motherboard. this must be done before you screw anything in. its a pain in the rear however necessary. If not done properly the tray will not latch down.

[Polygon]

On the front of the tray there is a metal pin that gets bent over time from people slamming the games down. Take the tray apart and slightly bend it. If you need I can do a quick video for you and put it on YouTube.

Ah, something to look out for.


the tray that the cart sits in is not correctly seated. the front lip must be under the motherboard. this must be done before you screw anything in. its a pain in the rear however necessary. If not done properly the tray will not latch down.

Yeah, I figured that out in my second post. Works like new now, well sort of. Still have the blinking issue. Cleaning kit on order.