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How to Replace a NES 72 Pin Connector

Anyone who has played the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) remembers how difficult it was to simply make the games work. From blowing inside of the cartridge to spitting on the connectors and cramming another cartridge inside of the NES on top of the game you were actually trying to play, every Nintendo user tried something to make their games work. The blinking and flashing and discoloration synonymous with the front-loading NES is due to the 72 pin connector wearing out with use. The connector can easily be replaced for less than $10 (as of 2010), and your classic NES will run like new.

Things You'll Need

Nintendo NES
72 Pin Connector
Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Flip the Nintendo deck upside down. Unscrew the six screws on the bottom of the NES. Place the screws somewhere safe so they are not lost.
- 2
  Remove the white plastic top of your Nintendo Entertainment System. Inside of the Nintendo you will see a metal enclosure covering the circuit-board.
- 3
  Remove the seven screws holding the metal covering over the circuit board. Beneath the cover is the cartridge holder and the 72 pin connector, which is the plastic piece with metal teeth at the rear of the black plastic cartridge holder. Six screws are around the edge of the cartridge holder. Remove these screws. Two of the four screws holding the 72 pin connector to the Nintendo are longer than the other screws. Set the two longer screws aside.
- 4
  Loosen one of the two screws that are in the rear right corner of the NES connecting the power supply to the main board. You don't want to remove the screw completely, just loosen it so that you can remove the cartridge holder and 72 pin connector from the Nintendo.
- 5
  Lift up on the circuit board with your left hand, and gently remove the cartridge holder with your right hand. Now the entire Nintendo board is exposed. Put one hand on each side of the 72 pin connector and gently move it forward from right to left. Gently lift the board with one finger, and slip the new 72 pin connector onto the Nintendo main board. The new connector will fit even tighter then the old 72 pin connector, so don't worry if you have to use some force.
- 6
  Lift the main board from the left side with one hand, and gently slide the cartridge holder back into place between the 72 pin connector and the main board. Screw the six screws back into place. The two long screws go in the first holes that connect the 72 pin connector to the Nintendo main board. Tighten the screw that you loosened from the power supply.
- 7
  Place the metal covering over the Nintendo main board. Screw the seven screws back into place. Place the cover of your Nintendo back onto the base. Screw in the six screws that connect the cover to the base.

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