How to Troubleshoot a Nintendo NES

Dirty

• 1

  Examine the cartridge portal. Although it's difficult to see inside, you may be able to detect some dust. Brace yourself for a dust storm and blow forcefully into the portal without spitting. You may be able to shift some of the dust off of your connectors. Alternatively, you can use an air duster, a can of compressed air, to clear out your NES portal.

  Remember to employ this same technique to the game cartridge itself.

• 2

  At the height of NES's popularity, third-party manufacturers began selling cleaning kits meant to remove some of this hard-to-get-at dust. These kits provide a cleaning solution and a long cotton swab. You can make your own solution using some rubbing alcohol and water or purchase one of these kits, which are still available online.

• 3

  Carefully disassemble the NES exposing the electronics inside. Clear out any dust or dirt you find. Try using a toothbrush for hard to reach parts.

Adapter

• 4

  Often, a waning NES's red power indicator will flash on and off or the screen will flash. However, if turning your NES on gives you no result at all, the problem may neither be dust nor defective electronics. You may just need a new power adapter.

• 5

  Contact somebody who has a working power adapter, you may have a friend with one, and test theirs plugged into your NES. Alternatively, bring your NES to a used video game store and request to test your NES against a working power adapter.

• 6

  Replacement power adapters are available online or may be available at a used video game store.

Connector Pins

• 7

  If your NES does blink or flash colors on the screen and cleaning has not solved the problem your problem is likely an expired 72 pin connector. One of the flaws of the American NES is its front loading portal which bends back the copper pins. This frequent bending can crack them off or wear them down. You may not be able to recognize a damaged 72 pin connector, but if cleaning hasn't worked, replacing this part is the next step.

• 8

  Carefully disassemble your NES. and locate the 72 pin connector. Search online for an image of one to know what you're looking for. When you find it, remove the pin carefully using a small screwdriver and tweezers.

• 9

  Replacement 72 pin connectors are readily available online for between $5-10. Purchase one and install it. Some sources that sell 72 pin connectors also provide costumers with step-by-step instructions specifically detailing replacing the part on an NES.