NES games that won't play unless they're pushed down extra

[Jake2215]

I have an NES that had a new 72-pin connector installed about a year-and-a-half ago. Most of my games (cleaned nicely) are totally reliable. They work first or second try. However, I have two games (TMNT and Mega Man 3) that will only work if they are sort of pinned down to the bottom of the NES. I have to shove something in there to keep the game at the deepest point it can go. Now, I bought a new copy of TMNT recently, and it works instantaneously, so I think this is a problem of the game cartridge rather than the NES itself. Are there any chances of me getting my Mega Man 3 to work properly? I'm not looking forward to replacing a 15-year old game that'll cost me around $10. I'm too cheap for that :(

[bhatchk]

I dont know a lot about repairing nes yet but how are the springs in your basket.I use to have the same problem with a few games.Replaced the springs and no more bic lighter to hold it down.The game chip could also be moved if a guide breaks off inside.Open case glue pc back on close.Maybe.Hope this helps :)

[lop239]

Most likely after a year or so of dedicated service the pins of your NES have been pushed down Check out this website for some links to solve your problem.
www.freewebs.com/nesmodlinks

[MrKitt]

There is actually one option to replacing the 72 pin connector (i know that just by saying this im gonna get feedback that im insane please note i only tell this as an option its not recommended!)

you could always solder on the nes game pins to thicken the connection surfaces (observe that to much solder will cause it not to slide down or cause problems on your other games)