Gamerade - Fix Your NES Forever with "Blinking Light Win" - Adam Koralik 

This is by far one of my most favorite videos of yours! I find your cleaning videos great and interesting to watch!

Kudos to your excellent tutorial and education lesson. So very happy I came across your video! I purchased my blinking light win and 4/5 weeks later I got it. They explained on the website that they had more orders than they had parts for and where waiting for their overseas suppliers to send what they needed and clearly stated how long of a wait it would be and that's what I agreed to and expexted prior to purchasing it so all was good. Will be installing it shortly while rewatching your video. Very excited! 😊👍 good job!

Because of this video, I picked one up. It's awesome. It even cleaned up the video and audio as well. All your vids are great. I revived a dead genesis and two controllers also after watching your cleaning and restoring vids.

omg FINALLY i got to find one of these.i learned that pushing the cartridge down would damage the pins so what i do is i just put in the cartridge (did not push the springs down) and just straight up play this.now that this exists my life is complete. thanks adam :D

I freaking DIG THIS! I've been watching all your vids for the past 4 days & love your retro repair vids my friend.

Hey Adam, found this product from your video and I just finished installing it and I'm blown away by how well it worked. Also, you were not kidding about the games being tricky to get out :)

Awesome! I'll look into getting one of these later when my NES is having problems. The one I got back in 2008 had a new 72-pin connector installed beforehand and I clean my NES games 1-2 times a year, so I haven't had too many blinking screen/light issues.

Thanks for the Install Video, I just ordered one of these 2 days ago, and am looking forward to it!

Thanks for sharing this. I fixed my 72 pin connector, and disabled the 10NES chip. Haven't had any problems whatsoever. I haven't played my NES for 2 months, popped in Super Mario 3 today, started first try. These systems are very reliable if you just take care of them. I may look into this at some point, but not right away. It is nice to know that there is a permanent fix if it does start acting up again. Thanks again Adam!

Adam I wanted to let you know I absolutely love your RU-vid channel. I have almost all your tutorials saved for reference, you are very insightful.

An amazing video, i'm very happy with the approach on the subject, you explain the important things on the console, a little background was nice, the visual explanation on disamble the console and the installing the pin is perfect, a very well round video on all aspects

I'm going to have to pick one of these up. Even after tearing apart my NES and cleaning everything thoroughly, I'm still having issues. This will be great.

My buddies Sergio and Quan are the gentleman who created that wonderful product! Thanks for covering it.

I would probably do this... if i had two consoles. i love the way the NES works and wont "modify" it further than replacing things with the exact same part but not broken

I just saw this, and placed an order for on immediately! Thank you thank you!

Got mine from Kickstarter love it! Blinking light win is awesome! Now I'm waiting for my next Kickstarter funded project!

Mine arrived today and I installed it and it works great. I will be doing a video review of it soon myself.

***** Hey Adam, you do know that Windex is really bad for game cartridges right? Windex contains ammonia, and is REALLY BAD for the pins, and while it does clean them, it is a horrible long-term solution. It will create problems in the long run, also Windex contains dyes and perfumes, which again, are really bad for those pins. The SAFEST method of cleaning cartridges is Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol, not only because THAT's what came with ALL of Nintendo's Cartridge cleaning kits back in the day, but because it contains less abrasive chemicals. Your safest bet would be getting Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol that's 70%+ that way there's less water, and more cleaning solution. - A Concerned Fan

This is one reason why I subscribe to your channel of the videos because I find out shit like this and help me out with my collection and making sure my system work forever pretty much, and just want to say thank you I learned a lot from watching all your videos

I got mine through kickstarter and I am glad that I supported arcade works back when I first heard about the campaign.

Tengen carts were a pain to get out of the normal ZIF connector sometimes so yeah, they're rough with this thing. The latest revision has loosed the grip thankfully. That said I just got one of these and it's amazing. I've got a big NES collection but I've avoided playing on original hardware for a long time because of the unreliability and now it's as solid as any clone console. Two thumbs way up.

Purchased. Thank you Adam. great videos.

Excellent product - a must have on any EU or US NES console. Basically making it just as reliable as a toploader or Famicom. Thanks for showing this.

I have seen nes`s with reading problems before that were not even related to the 72 pin connector or 10nes chip, it needed a new power supply capacitor, because noise was getting from the mains onto the circuit, solder in a new cap hey presto it reads fine, something for some of you people to consider, it will have to be done sooner or later. A clean supply goes a long way.

This is AMAZING!! I LOVE IT! I have my NES rigged with the lockout chip disabled and my 72 pin connector is clean and the pins are bent back to a tight fit and all I do is push and hit the power and it works like a top loader. I never have to press down. I do want this new connector but when I went to the site to purchase it, the site was down. Don't know what's up with that. I'll try again later I guess but this new invention is awesome and will more than likely make the 72pin connector absolete. Great video my friend. : )

That's bad ass, but getting rid of the 10 nes chip worked for me but as you said it's just a bandaid. But I've never had to replace my pin connector not yet at least for 7 months but I will look in this. Grate review product video Adam.

Thanks for the tip and spreading the word AdamKoralik

I just got mine today and my NES has never worked better since I got it. They have fixed the issue where the connection was really tight so it's better than ever and I highly recommend this product.

I've had the idea for this sort of fix for ages, i.e., a fixed-position loading tray with a standard card-edge connector, so I'm glad someone finally made such a thing. However, they should have used a high quality and/or properly spec'd card-edge connector, such as from Molex or Amp. A card-edge connector doesn't need to have a death grip on the cartridge in order to have a reliable connection. Just look at the standard card-edge connectors in any other console, such as an Atari 2600, ColecoVision, NES top-loader, SNES, Sega Genesis, N64, and so on. They have a firm, reliable connection, but they are not Chinese Cartridge Traps™. If I bought one of these kits, I'd find out if Molex or Amp makes a properly spec'd card-edge connector for it, and if so, buy one to replace that poor quality (or poorly spec'd) one. Or maybe they will come out with a version 2 with a better card-edge connector if enough people complain about the excessive tightness (hopefully they don't subscribe to the misconception that excessive tightness is necessary for a reliable connection). An overly tight card-edge connector not only makes it a hassle to insert and remove games, but it also causes extra wear and tear on the cartridges' card edge pins.

I bought and installed one of these a while ago, and it works amazing. I still recommend cleaning it once in a while with a cleaning cart, but 99% of the time I've been able to get my games to load up fine without any fuss (besides getting the carts in and out, which is a bit tougher). Once I retrobrite the exterior and add an RGB board I'll have my ultimate NES.

This looks very promising. I just put a new 72-pin connector in mine. It's actually the third one because I went through in the process. The first one I got off of Ebay fit way too tight on the cartridges, then after about a week quit working altogether. The second one I got from Lukie Games, and it was DOA. They sent me a replacement (the one I have now), and it has been working great for about 3 months. When my current one finally wears out, I'll probably get this one.

Just ordered mine after watching this. Can't wait!!

Thank you for finally reviewing this thing. The Kickstarter for it ended months ago while it became available not too long after, and it still took awhile for anyone to review it. Anyway, thanks. I was worried about whether or not that thing would have the "Darth Vader Grip" on cartridges, but it's good to know it's not that much of a problem. Also, can you give us a report on how it works a few weeks from now so we know it can withstand long periods of use?

This is fantastic. Genius! Finally! I heard this version of the Nintendo displays the games better than the top loading second version so this is the route I will take. Toaster over Nintendo and this new connector lol.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll order one sooner or later and see if it's worth offering these for my repairs. :) Sourcing original connectors is a PITA due to price, you end up earning almost nilch on those repairs (I mostly only do it to help out people anyways, but boy...) and even broken NES are quite expensive and often times the connector's broken on them as well, which makes for 70-90% of the repairs needed for NES systems.

wow u got one for free and me as a backer still hasnt received it, and they went on sale before fullfillment, shame on arcade works i will never back them again, let alone this death vice grip which they said would be avoided when they planned making it. it was also massively delayed with very poor feedback to the backers all throughout so obviously they have screwed up in someway. Im sticking to the replacement 72pin connector i put in and a grounded 10nes chip works fine, just dont be a fool and leave games in the machine, when your done take it out.

Wow! That's really awesome and $25 is quite reasonable. My NES still works quite well so I don't really need it at the moment but I'll certainly keep it in mind if it ever gets really bad.

The game console that revolutionized gaming as a whole. Thanks for the tip Adam.

I really need to consider this! Thanks for sharing this amazing mod that [hopefully] closes the book on a 3-decade-old issue.

Just ordered mine. Can't wait.

I saw gametech.us talk about the BLW, Looks cool and is a great alternative to replacing the 72-pin or boiling it for problem consoles that don't work better after a good clean of the system and games, not to mention the CIC disabling capability. I've been lucky with my NES, and it even works without having to push the game down at all. I don't know if the 72-pin was replaced or something (Got it off ebay a few years ago), but by not pushing them down I expect it will help it last longer. Great Video!

Thanks for your Help I really wanted to play my NES Games again.

Definitely will pick this up for my NES

After watching this video i went to the website and ordered one should be here tomorrow.

Finally a solution. I replaced my 72 pin connector and it made no difference at all. But to be fair, I recall playing my front loading NES on occasion without having to push down the cartridge.

i followed the link to and there are 2 versions of the blinking light win, one simply titled blinking light win and another "Nintendo Cartridge Connector Repair Part the Blinking Light Win" both priced at 24.99 only difference i can tell is the model one being AR- BLW and the other just BLW and the descriptions. so im not quite sure which one i should get?

Awesome video man I might take out my old NES and clean it up do this... ;)

Awesome!!! I got to get me one of these Adam

Question: What exactly does the spring load do that disables gameplay? What I'm wondering is, is it possible to disable the spring load function of the original tray in a way that enables game function with front load only.

Nice! I may try getting a for-repair console at some point and picking one of these up.

This is amazing! Finally!

Adam Rocks!!!!

This is what I've needed. Gave up on playing the actual hardware because I could barely get it to work.

Maybe in another 20 years we'll be able to fix the red ring of death too! :D Probably not, but it doesn't hurt to hope. And I just realized that this fix-it-kit has rendered the top loader NES pointless. I'm predicting a slight drop in value.

Such a simple method that took this long to be made. Now this'll solve anyone's needs to get the Top-loader NES.

great video once again

Seems pretty cool. I would consider getting one of these if I had a shitty old NES that hardly loads the games but the one I've got is in pretty good shape it loads up the games pretty quick.

I just received mine in the mail and installed it I have a pal system and it works perfectly. It is a bit of a bitch to get the game out, hopefully it gets easier the more you use it. He is definitely right about having your games clean they won't work otherwise.

i am so tired of the 72pin bullshit! After seeing several videos including your video I sad screw it and ordered 2. They are listed as pre order so there is a wait. I can wait a while in order to end the 72pin nonsense hopefully once and for all. Thanks for the video. As always you were just straight up honest how you felt about the product good and bad. Such a great thing to see honest reviews.

6:11 I assume if you were to take the new connector with the original one again out for some reason, the 10NESCHIP will be re-enabled.

I've been using my game genie for every game, it just makes a solid connection. But this maybe worth looking into if the shipping isn't insane to the great white north. My question is, do you think there is something you could doctor to make it so you can't push the tray down at all even if your stupid friends try?

I'm definitely getting this. My NES gets those Grey screens whenever I try to play it.

I used the Game Genie method....I ripped the black plastic off, glued and taped the Game Genie in.....built in Game Genie NES! :)

I haven't even finished the vid----and I already like it !!! Have to shower, but will continue...

I need one of these and one of Kevtris's HDMI kit to revive my NES. I wonder if I can make an eject mechanism to avoid having to use the Game genie as an eject tool. Probably something like a piece of ribbon attached to the game tray to make it easier to pull out, I dunno.

Hey Adam, I was wondering if you have any extra NES consoles around that you would be willing to sell ( there kind of pricey on Craigslist)

I don't usually like to mod consoles to function differently from how they originally did, but with my replacement NES 72 pin connector not working as well as it did, I may have to get one of these...

Adam. I am curious if you have tried out the Analogue Nt? It looks interesting, but I am weary of the $500 price tag and curious if it can fix the issue with the light zapper and lcd/hdtv where it can work. I have tried a light zapper and it just fails to work anymore.

Very cool, I'll have to pick one up, thanks for the info. Enjoying your trip?

Ugh you beat me to it I wanted to do a review of the blinking light win!

This is a great alternative when the connector start to give problems. Fantastic solution... But if my old pin connector still works I will leave it like that (As It Is). Opening, unscrew and screw back not too tight the system is like I don't want to mess that up. I prefer to get and use a top loader NES / clone with the RCA cables...

I will never not blow my cartridges THANK YOU VERY MUCH. :P

Use alcohol to clean cartridges or any circuit boards. That's what they use in factories that make boards.

Question. Do you know if a Game Genie will harm the Blinking Light Wins pins? Thanks.

Imma be getting one of these my Front Loaded has a jank pin connector and load tray, and I haven't been able to mess with my Game Genie. Doesn't fit in the Top Loader and the video quality of the Top Loader isn't as nice.

I just bought an Australian NES (I live in New Zealand, where they were also sold) from a reputable store here, never once has it failed to load a game, and the internals of this thing are spotless. I suspect it's been well-loved and well cared for, but the problems people complain about with the NES seem largely blown out of the water, or they're the amplified criticisms of people who just don't take good care of their stuff. I really don't think the design of the NES is as terrible as people claim it is.

I just got mine today no more fucking blinking light and it plays the game I thought were broken! thank u arcade works!

I was looking into doing this but apparently you don't have to push the cartridge down to make it work I get It's to prevent you from pushing it down do to muscle memory or the temptation to do it but besides those to probably rare instances I don't get it unless I'm still missing something

RE: Blowing into carts. Unless a person has some upper respiratory issue, the breath that comes out of your mouth has the same level of humidity as the air which is already touching the contacts. Blowing on the cart doesn't often help because dust isn't normally the problem, but neither does it harm the device. Obviously the windex method is best.

I'm thinking of getting one. Do you recommend also cleaning the contacts on the board before attaching the connector?

Hey Adam! I see two versions of this listed on their site for the same price. Do you know if there is any difference between the two?

I removed the chip thing and I boiled the pins thing, it increased the perfect load success ratio to like 95% of the times, but, somehow, the thing now works without having to push down the cartridges... go figure... but yeah I guess with this thing you totally revive your console, i suppose.

AdamKoralik I still remember my NES. It doesn't have the "push" mechanism, just straight up loading tray. I don't know if my console are modded or not, but I'm pretty sure my grandfather brought it new...

If I were to fault the design at all, it would be that the connector could have been extended a little, allowing the cartridge to end up just inside the door when inserted. That may have allowed for a better removal grip.

I know very little about the actual insides of consoles, but would anyone be able to tell me what the RF shield really does? It looks like a hunk of metal to me, but I'm sure it has some sort of purpose.

You always open all your packages or boxes really agressively :0

how long does this usually take to arrive? i just ordered mine, i live in the US and super excited cause i went through hell and back finding a nes that still worked but i want to keep it working.

AdamKoralik Just a random, silly question. Does the lid on the NES close when you put in a game, or does it work as if the Game Genie is being used?

I used to put the cart in just barely where the top of the cart would clip the plastic on its way down that usually worked for me.

You know....... This product seems very worth it. I really like the idea. I would definitely buy it if I didn't .. clean,re-bend pins, disable lock out... but still cool cool product. Kinda like a sideways top loader... / lol

Here's something noteworthy about Shenmue, A cancelled online game for PC named Shenmue Online which might have been the basis for Shenmue III. Here's something taken from wikipedia: In 2004, Shenmue Online was announced to be development in joint venture between Sega Japan and JC Entertainment of Korea.[1] A private beta testing period was due to begin in Korea in November 2005, with a public beta in China in spring 2005, before a release later in 2005.[2] When Shenmue Online was first announced, under the development of JC Entertainment, the screenshots released were considered by many Shenmue fans to be disappointing graphically, especially as being part of a game series that boasted ground-breaking graphics on the Dreamcast. In 2005, JC Entertainment pulled out of the development of Shenmue Online, and as they owned 50% of the properties of Shenmue Online, there was legal debate over who had the rights to the game.[3] However, in November 2005, it was confirmed in an interview with Yu Suzuki that even though the Korean company JCE had announced their withdrawal from development, since Shenmue Online is a Sega venture, they will fulfil their duty of completing it. Yu says despite the internet rumours, development is well on its way and following their original goals and target. He adds that Sega Sammy will make an official announcement about its progress in the future.[4] At the China Joy convention in July 2006 with the development under the guise of a Taiwan based company, a trailer was shown, which showcased features including mini games and combat with marked graphical improvements.[5] In 2006, 6 new screens from the gameplay along with a 14 minute video were released to the public during the 4th China Expo. These shots showed further improvement on graphical issues, comparing the graphics to other MMOs and even home versions of Shenmue. And things about gameplay (also taken from wikipedia) layers will join one of three clans, led by Sha Hua, Xiu Ying and Wu Ying, and go through the story by completing tasks given by the leaders. Of course, during the course of the story, each clan will interact with one another in both friendly and hostile situations. Lan Di and Ryo will definitely make appearances in those situations as well. When asked about the various activities possible in Shenmue II and whether they will make it into Shenmue Online, Yu says that the arcade games will definitely make it in, and 2/3 of the things like working, collecting capsule toys, etc, from Shenmue II will make it into Shenmue Online, along with much more contents exclusive to Shenmue Online. Yu adds that the game will take place not only in Hong Kong and China, but Macau as well, Yu smiled when he was asked what players will be able to do in Macao. Yu says that QTE's will make it into Shenmue Online; but conceptually, it is impossible to implement the exact same kind of QTE into an online game. So in Shenmue Online, QTE's will be something geared towards an online MMO game, but since the implementation haven't been finalized yet, he can't go into specifics. Yu states that Shenmue's world is very suitable for online play. Shenmue Online's world will be much bigger than the home versions thus far, including over 1200 buildings/locations, and it will be possible for each player to have his or her own house. Yu adds that he has always been very fond of Chinese culture, so he is very happy that Shenmue is liked by the Chinese gamers. This is why he is making this game for the Chinese market. But from a game perspective, Shenmue Online will include many things that all gamers will be able to enjoy.

I was with this until it said you can't push the game down anymore but that's just me. Glad there is a fix.

if only the top loader had RCA audio and video output...

I'm surprised you didn't back the KickStarter to begin with. Love the idea and implementation of this, though!

Nice! Just installed a new 72 pin connector today 😥

i am wanting to buy this but when i go to the link in the description there are two versions of this product which one is shown in the video. thank you for the help

as i cant be asked to swap out anything on my NES (and am sure many others are) so what i did that works like a charm, just shake the cartridge while the system is of, repeat this until the cartridge loads! EASY!

Nice find!

I am surprised they didn't build a spring load method to fix this (Maybe due to cost), but a great fix would be to put the 72 pin connector onto the part that rotates/goes up and down, and just use a ribbon cable to connect to the other side of the connector. This would allow anyone to keep the toaster novelty, without bending any pins (Since it still acts like a front loader). I did find it funny how you used the game genie to fix the solution of games being stuck. The game genie would actually defeat the purpose of BLW, since the game genie makes the NES a front loader without bending the pins

I wonder if there's some unobtrusive way to mod the NES case to give you a little more leverage to pull the cart out from the tighter-gripping connector. You'd probably have no problems unloading stuff if only you could get a proper grip.