Nintendo Entertainment System

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is an 8-bit third-generation home video game console produced by Nintendo. It was first released as the Family Computer (FC), commonly known as the Famicom in 1983 in Japan. The NES, a redesigned version, was first released in American test markets in October 1985, before becoming widely available in the rest of North America and other countries.

Causes

 * Dirty cartridge


 * Dirty 72 pin cartridge connector
 * Bent 72 pin cartridge connector

Solutions

 * Cleaning the cartridge
 * Cleaning the cartridge 72 pin cartridge connector
 * Repairing or replacing the 72 pin cartridge connector

Disassembly Notes
Step 1: Remove Top Housing


 * Remove six 13.25mm Phillips screws on the bottom of the system.
 * The screws are recessed about 40mm.
 * Once all screws are removed, simply lift the bottom half away from the top housing.

Step 2: Remove Top RF Shield


 * Remove four 13.25mm Phillips screws from the four corners of the cartridge tray.
 * Your system may only have two screws on the bottom
 * Remove two 17.25mm Phillips screws from the top of cartridge tray.
 * Once free, slide the cartridge tray towards you and then lift slightly in the front to remove.

Step 3: Remove Cartridge Tray


 * Remove four 13.25mm Phillips screws from the four corners of the cartridge tray.
 * Your system may only have two screws on the bottom
 * Remove two 17.25mm Phillips screws from the top of cartridge tray.
 * Once free, slide the cartridge tray towards you and then lift slightly in the front to remove.

Step 4: Remove Motherboard Pt. 1


 * Remove three 13.25mm Phillips screws to free the motherboard from the bottom housing.
 * Carefully lift the motherboard and turn it over to find the wired connections.

Step 5: Remove Motherboard Pt. 2


 * Disconnect the wired connections from the motherboard.
 * Player 1 (Shorter wires)
 * Player 2 (Longer wires)
 * Power/Reset Buttons

Step 6: Remove Bottom RF Shield


 * The bottom RF shield is held on by tension around the expansion port. Lift the shield up and away from the motherboard.

Step 7: Remove 72-Pin Connector


 * To remove the 72-Pin connector, apply force to each edge and slide the connector off the contacts on the motherboard.

Step 8: Remove Power/Reset Buttons


 * Remove two 13.25mm Phillips screws from the button assembly. Lift slightly in the back and then up and away from the housing to remove.

Step 9: Remove Controller Ports


 * Remove two 7.25mm Phillips screws from the bottom of the system. Lift the controller port faceplate up and away.
 * Remove the controller ports by feeding them through the port holes to the front of the housing.
 * When reassembling, Player 1 (Left) has shorter wires that Player 2 (Right).

Step 10: Remove Plastic Door and Accent Pieces


 * Remove seven 7.25mm small flathead screws from the inside of the top housing.
 * Two of these screws also hold a spring for the door. When reassembling, refer to the keyed shape of the plastic to orient these correctly.

Step 11: Disassembly Complete!


 * Screw List
 * (19x) 13.25mm Phillips
 * (2x) 17.25mm Phillips
 * (2x) 7.25mm Phillips (Silver, large cap)
 * (7x) 7.25mm Flathead (Silver, small)

Basic PCB Name
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Related Links

 * 72-PIN Connector Replacement - iFixit Repair Guide
 * Motherboard Replacement - iFixit Repair Guide
 * Controller Outlet Replacement - iFixit Repair Guide
 * Game Cartridge Tray Replacement - iFixit Repair Guide
 * Springs Not Properly Mounted on Cartridge Tray Replacement - iFixit Repair Guide
 * Cartridge-Dust-Flap Replacement - iFixit Repair Guide