Troubleshooting Tips to Fix a Nintendo System

Which Console Do You Have?

• Nintendo has been releasing consoles since 1985 and has released five different television video game systems: the Nintendo Entertainment System (1985); the Super NES (1990); the Nintendo 64 (1996); the Nintendo GameCube (2001); and the Nintendo Wii (2006). This does not include Nintendo's line of hand-held video game consoles, which includes the Game Boy and, most recently, the Nintendo DS. Make sure that any solutions you might find pertain to the console that you own.

Is the Console Connected?

• Nintendo television consoles need to be connected properly to the television so that the video and audio both function. The most common type of A/V connection is an A/V cable that connects from your video game console into the audio and video jacks of the television or VCR. These cables generally have three color-coded A/V plugs, and they need to be connected to the proper color-coded A/V jacks. If your television or VCR does not have A/V jacks, purchase an RF switch and modulator to connect your video game console to your television or VCR through the VHF cable connector.

  A common problem for newly installed video game consoles is determining which component the video game console is connected through. Many display problems for newly installed consoles are a result of incorrect input. If the console is connected to your VCR, make sure your television is reading that component in order to play, whether that means turning your television to channel 3 or switching to a different video source.

Defining the Problem

• Video game consoles contain many delicate electronic pieces, and a variety of problems can come from misuse and wear. Hand-held consoles, such as Game Boy, have playing screens that television consoles don't use, and a cracked screen can pose major problems. For either hand-held or television consoles, dozens of connections inside the console create the video game signal that gets played on the hand-held screen or television monitor. If the picture does not display, this could be indicative of many problems.

  Many times, the perceived problem coming from the console may be coming from the game itself. Use your video game cartridge or disc in a different console. If it plays, the disc is not the problem. Make sure the console you're using to test the game is compatible with the media. Although the Nintendo Wii plays GameCube discs, Wii discs do not play on GameCube.

Nintendo.com

• Besides display problems, other issues with the power source, audio or accessories may occur. However, because the different electronic components are so delicate, it's often unwise to tear your console apart and start tinkering. The best online resource for information on problems and troubleshooting ideas is Nintendo.com. After selecting your region, click the top tab that says "Support." This brings you to the main support page for the Nintendo Wii and the Nintendo DS. If you need troubleshooting help with an older system, select "Other Systems Support" from the tabs just below the top banner.

  If these troubleshooting tips don't work, Nintendo repairs malfunctioning consoles, controllers or other accessories for a fee. However, Nintendo only repairs Nintendo equipment or games.

  As consoles become older and newer consoles are created, Nintendo begins to phase out older models. Nintendo does not offer repairs on some of these older models, such as the original Nintendo Entertainment System or the Nintendo 64.