Don't be intimidated, it's not as complicated as it looks!
When your prized old school gaming console starts to go haywire it can seem like the end of the world but before you panic try some of these tips. Now some of you might know but for those of you that don’t I actually went to school for electrical engineering, and yes, I graduated! So I know just a little bit about basic electronics. I do have to warn you that sometimes you just can’t fix these things, and if it requires a complicated job or component replacement your best bet is a professional. That sort of thing isn’t for the amateur repairman, not generally at least.
So what’s the first thing to do when the games aren’t working like they should? Well, get out the alcohol it’s cleaning time, that’s one of the secrets of basic console repair. No not the bourbon, get the rubbing alcohol you lush! Okay, technically you can use drinking spirits but rubbing alcohol is much better. We’ll want to use a Q-tip and tip it in the fluid then rub along the terminals that plug into the gaming cartridge. I’d recommend cleaning the cartridges at this time as well as they can get dirty and could very well be the problem themselves. If the controller is sticking I’d rub some alcohol swab into the joints of the buttons and controller pads to clean out any accumulated gunk that got in there. I know what you’re thinking, what if the darn thing won’t even turn on? Don’t worry, there’s a couple thing you can try.
First off let’s unplug it for a good fifteen minutes. Sometimes there’s a fuse in the particular
The box shows where the 72-pin NES connector is on the mainboard.
console model and it can trip but won’t reset while the things plugged in. It’s crazy I know but this usually happens after a power loss and it’s just a quirky thing. Give it a shot, it can’t hurt right? Now if that didn’t work what else can you try? Well, if it looks easy you can try opening up the console and seeing if it’s a screw terminal that connects the plug. Sometimes these come loose and if so they can be easily tightened. Just wrap the exposed wire around the screw and twist it down. If that’s not the case though I’ve got some bad news. You’re probably best off using a professional. Who to use? Well, if you have a local computer repair shop that’s a good place to start, if not a game specialty store could help you out as well. I don’t want to scare you but sometimes these systems are just too far gone.
What if the system can’t be fixed?
If the system is gone, see if it’s worth anything in parts there’s no reason to just throw out these retro gaming rigs. Even the cases are worth money and I’ve seen some really innovative computers and robotics loaded into old school gaming rigs. It’s pretty cool recycling projects and looks spiffy to boot. So worst case you’ve got some expensive recycling raw materials, I hope these tips helped and come back for more great tips on retro gaming.