Your NES system is probably quite old by now, and if it does not seem to work anymore, the easiest way to fix it would be to clean it. Even if it does work, cleaning the system will help connections, so i would still suggest you do it. Most NES systems stop working because the 72 pin connector in the system and inside the game cartridge gather dirt on top of the contacts. The easiest way to make it work would be to clean the dirt on the contacts, allowing data to flow between them. And if it still does not work after cleaning, then a likely fix would be to buy a new 72 pin connector off Ebay and install it into your console. They usually cost about 10 US dollars, and its pretty easy to replace. If a game doesn't work, then I would recommend cleaning the contacts inside the bottom of the game cartridge.

If you need to buy any tools or NES items, just click here!

• How to clean the NES system

• How to replace the 72 pin connector

• How to clean the game cartridge

Step 1

Gather the following items:

1. Philips screw driver
2. Eraser (on pencil)
3. Electronic cleaning solvent
4. Q-tips

Step 2

Take out the six screws on the bottom of the console, then flip the console back over, and open it.

Step 3

Remove the seven screws holding down the silver cover.

Step 4

Unscrew the 8 screws holding down the game slot and power box.

Step 5

Lift out the main board, and pull out the two controller leads, and the Power/Reser Button lead, and turn the board over.

Step 6

Remove the second silver cover on the mainboard.

Step 7

Pull the black connector at the top of the main board, this will uncover some silver contacts.

Step 8

First, use the eraser to gently remove large dirt particles off all the silver contacts on the mainboard and the 72 pin connector. Then take some Q tips with electronic cleaning solvent on the tips to clean all the contacts again. Go over the contacts with some dry Q tips to remove the solvent.

Step 9

Now, replace the 72 pin connector, and put the system back together. Now try the system, and if it doesnt work, you may need a replacement 72 pin connector. You might also want to dust off, and wipe down the console after using a damp cloth. You can also clean the console from the front with Q tips, but this is a better method.

The original guide and images come from: http://home.centurytel.net/wcp/nes/index.htm

Step 1

Purchase a new 72 pin connector off Ebay (about $10). Perform steps 1-8 from the guide above (Cleaning the NES system).

Step 2

Now instead of replacing the old 72 pin connector, simply place the new one on. You can throw away the old 72 pin connector if you do not want it.

Step 3

Now put the console back together, and its done! Before playing any games, I would first clean the game cartridges, so that they do not dirty the new 72 pin connector.

The Images come from: http://home.centurytel.net/wcp/nes/index.htm

Step 1

Purchase a 3.8 mm security screw bit, and get a couple of Q tips and electronic cleaning solvent.

Step 2

Remove the 3 screws off the back

Step 3

Open the case

Step 4

Wipe the contacts with the Q tips that have electronic cleaning solvent on them. Then wipe again with dry Q tips.

Step 5

Now replace the case and screws. You can also clean from the hole in the bottom on the cartridge, but it is not as effective.