NES resetting randomly

[NeoVenom]

While playing games, my NES starts to do that blinking reset randomly during gameplay. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. Is it happening because the console/games are dirty, because the console is old, or is it something else? Thanks for reading.

[SparTonberry]

Yes, either the cart is dirty or the cartridge connector is worn out and needs replacement.

[NeoVenom]

What can I use to clean the cartridges? And thanks or replying.

[exit]

The best way (or at least my method) to clean an NES cartridge is to get the screw bit to open it up (they cost next to nothing) and use a white eraser to clean the connector. Then get a Q-Tip, rubbing alcohol diluted with water and go over the connectors again. Do this until the connector is clean, then everything should run fine.

Protip: When cleaning the cart, be sure to go in a up and down motion on each pin of the connector for best results.

[NeoVenom]

Thanks a lot guys for the replies.

[MachineGex]

If you clean the games and it still happens, you may just have a bad NES.

I got a NES in a trade that would reset on its own. I dont know the cause, but it wasn't because the games were dirty. It would happen after 10-15 minutes or so. It seemed to happen quicker the second time, usually between 5-10 minutes every time after the first. I tried several games, they all reset within 5-10 minutes or so.

The NES came from a trade here on DP, so it worked out ok because the guy sent me another. I think he said he thought he got rid of the bad one, but he accidentally sent it to me. I may still have it laying around

I hope it is just your games being dirty, but usually they will not start up if thats the case.

[BetaWolf47]

You might want to clean your system's contacts before jumping to conclusions too though.

[Gameguy]

You might want to clean your system's contacts before jumping to conclusions too though.

Whenever I get an NES system I do this. I have a cleaning kit from Gemini which I find works well. Most games start quick(first or second try) when I want to play them, I don't recall them resetting either.

[Flibbith]

disabling the lock out chip will prevent it from those random resets