Hey guys! Last week, I was trolling the local Goodwill with a friend when I found three NES games where the CDs and movies were. I was excited, even though I didn't have an NES, simply because I don't see them that often.

The three games are Tetris, Bubble Bobble and The Legend of Zelda (grey cartridge, even!)

So I picked 'em up, $1.50 each, and continued walking around.

That's when I saw an NES sitting in the electronics section.

I quickly grabbed it and took a good look. It had no cables to it and only had a joystick with suction cups on the bottom of it. I was sad it didn't come with the original, iconic, controller, but I took it all.

It was eight dollars for the NES and controller, and I got a power cable from ebay for six. I had video cables lying around, so when the power cable finally came in today, I popped in Tetris and it actually works!! The joystick is actually cool to use for this game, too, so I quickly got the high score before dying around level 7 due to how different the game is from Tetris DS. (I can get level 35 on that game no problem, and my high score there is level 99.)

But then when I put in Bubble Bobble and Zelda, they don't work.

So here's where I'd like some help! The screen flashes red, white, or blue and no sound comes out. When I shake the cartridges, a hear a small rattling sound that I don't hear when I shake Tetris. The power light on the console also flashes while the screen is flashing colors.

So, uh, can anyone help? If I need to supply pictures, then I can take a few.

Edit: And now, Tetris isn't working. What the hell? D:

I have some helpful tips for you, but I'm currently at work so I'll shoot you a pm in a few hours. I've fixed many NES systems.

Oh sweet, thanks! I'll really appreciate it!!

I've had the same problem. It's a simple fix really, there's a part you'll probably need known as a 72 pin connector. I've fixed a few NES's before but pigmask answered first so he'll probably help you out. There is also the lock out chip you can disable which will make it easier for the system to read games, it's optional but it's ultimately your call.

Edit: In addition to fixing the system it's also worth cleaning the games too. Even after I fixed my friends system a few games wouldn't work still. A simple cleaning with a swab and rubbing alcohol can make a world of difference.

What, would I have to replace the pin connector that's in my console? How easy would that be for someone who has never opened any console or game? o Ao

It does require some disassembly but there are some pretty good tutorials on the internet to help you out. Even if you don't have much experience you should be able to do it yourself. Even the lockout chip isn't significantly more difficult. You can also google NES repair and sometimes you'll find someplace you can bring your NES to have it repaired. If you can do it yourself it's well worth it since a new 72 pin connector is usually less than ten dollars. Pigmask probably has more experience than I do so it's worth sending him a PM if you have any issues.

This sounds like something I can do! I can get my dad to help me out if necessary, since he opens up and fixes computers all the time. Thanks a lot! I can't wait to get this up and running, haha. I have a few more games to buy and play, too, so I wanna get started on that!

I mentioned it earlier but when I repair an NES I usually disable this. The lockout chip was put in place to prevent unlicensed games but it just makes it harder for the system to read any game. Disabling the chip is extra work but it often helps and it lets you play PAL region games if you're ever interested. You need some extra dis-assembly to get to the chip and it won't make a big difference whether you disable it or not.

Alright, so the continuing adventures of my NES!

I got that pin part in and just swapped it out, and when I put in one of the games I got the other day, Blaster Master, it worked!! Tetris and Bubble Bobble both work too, which was really awesome!

But Zelda and Dragon Warrior don't work I've cleaned all the games with rubbing alcohol and qtips, and I've cleaned Zelda and DW a few times. But still, no dice. It still blinks the power light and flashes a blue screen.

Damn blue screens of death.... what's your problem now??

So I got my dad to look at the games again and he says that the contacts of the game are pretty worn down, so that's probably why they aren't working I compare them to my other games and they do look different. I'm sad, but I still have enough time to return the Dragon Warrior game to the pawn shop and maybe get a different game in it's place. Any recommendations on a game? :'D