Best NES 72-Pin Connector Replacement

[4300]

I have the BLW as well.  It does what it says it does.  I haven't had an issue with a clean game not working. Their customer service is complete garbage, however. 

[Bratwurst]

17 hours ago, eizner23 said:

Ive wondered why the ZIF pins are not gold plated

They are, just not fully gold plated, only on the points of contact.

[Tanooki]

21 hours ago, mikem said:

Back in the late 90s early 00s I called Nintendo and asked if I could buy a replacement 72 pin connector for my console.  They replied no you can’t, but we can ship you one for free!

 

I managed to get two of them. Installed one in an NES which I still own, and kept the other unused.  Still have the unused one today but won’t be selling it. 
 

Aside from bragging, my point is you might be able to find a brand new NOS OEM connector if you look hard enough. That would be the absolute best solution. 

They're around I've seen them pop up various times I've searched for NES parts so it's not quite uncommon.  It will cost a bit more than the brittle death grip poor garbage from China but it's worth it.

[Tempest]

I finally got around to installing the BLW.  It's rock solid and works as advertised.  Definitely worth the money.  I give it a thumbs up!

[Lucky]

On 1/13/2020 at 10:08 PM, mikem said:

Aside from bragging, my point is you might be able to find a brand new NOS OEM connector if you look hard enough. That would be the absolute best solution. 

I totally disagree.  The original front-loading mechanism was a poor design at the best of times and the BLW solution corrects this design flaw.  Also in the 34+ years since it's release there has been a lot of time and effort spent on improving the materials and methods of implementing the 72-pin connector.

 

I understand those that wish to stick to OEM parts would choose to buy the NES OEM connector, but if you are looking for the "absolute best solution" then going after-market is far better.