NES games not locking(?)

[arrrggghhh]

HI! I'm a long time lurker, but never posted due to my piddly collection and lack of finds, but I've run into a problem today, and I knew someone here should be able to help! I picked up a NES at a flea market today and when I insert games into it, they won't stay locked down when I push them down. Every once a while I can get it to stick, but more often I can not. I have not opened it up yet (seeing as I know nothing about what is inside) but I was wondering if anyone has ran into a similar problem! Is there anything I can do? Thanks!

[Balloon Fight]

Hmmm, I'm guessing that the 72-pin connector is worn out. Your best bet is to go on ebay, type in "72 NES", buy one, and then put it in. It will work perfectly afterwards. Or you could always buy a top loader.

[Masco73]

Sounds like someone took it apart to try to fix it. If you tighten certain screws too tight when re-assembling, the cart bay won't lock down. You need to take it apart to fix this problem. You need to take the six screws out and take the plastic cover off. After that, you need to loosen the 2 screws slightly(one on each side of where you put the cart in). After you do that put your cart in and see if it works. If that does not work then the actual lock down mechanism might be broken.

You might also need a new pin because there would be no reason to open it unless it did not work and the pin is the most common problem. Don't worry though it is pretty easy to fix. I have probably fixed about 20 blinking NES by replacing the pin. Someone has a link to a repair site, I am sure they will point you to it.

[arrrggghhh]

Thank you so much Masco73! That was the problem! I loosened them by one or two turns and it locks down every time (except when I put in Bible Adventures for some reason). I really appreciate this. will return with a question about how to fix a sega nomad later.

[Masco73]

Glad I could help. Is the unit working now?

[MarioAllStar2600]

I know this isnt exactly on topic. But if I was you buy a TopLoader. They are a nice system to have in your collection, not common, and the games work perfect just about everytime. Definatly worth your money.

[spoon]

To get even more off topic

Spoon Says: Buy an A/v Famicom. They'rrrreeeeee great!

[§ Gideon §]

Sorry to get back on topic and all, but...

Hmmm, I'm guessing that the 72-pin connector is worn out. Your best bet is to go on ebay, type in "72 NES", buy one, and then put it in. It will work perfectly afterwards. Or you could always buy a top loader.
What the--? I don't understand what that has to do with the spring mechanism that he's describing...

[arrrggghhh]

Glad I could help. Is the unit working now?
Yeah! Everything plays fine, except I can't get my Bible Adventures cart to stay in, due to the different shape I guess. Thanks again!

[QBert]

Glad I could help. Is the unit working now?
Yeah! Everything plays fine, except I can't get my Bible Adventures cart to stay in, due to the different shape I guess. Thanks again!


I've have this problem with some diff sized carts too. Have you tried sliding another game on top of that game? It helps to hold it down better. Just press down on the game(you want to play) and slide the other on top.
Just a thought.


QBert