I found my boyfriend’s old N64 while cleaning out his parent’s basement, along with a couple of controllers and games. I bought a new power supply and A/V cables, but when I turned it on, the power light comes on, but nothing else happens. This isn’t a special edition console, and my boyfriend didn’t really know much about it growing up; it likely belonged to his father who isn’t around anymore. Is it worth taking this to a shop for repairs, or should we just sell it for parts and buy a refurbished one instead?
2 Answers
Absolutely, you should check out some online repair videos first! They’re super informative and could help you feel more confident about doing it yourself. The N64 is pretty tough, so it’s definitely worth at least giving it a try before buying a refurb. Plus, if you manage to fix it, it could become a fun memory for you and your boyfriend!
If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try fixing it yourself! The N64 is usually pretty sturdy. First, check for any visible issues when you plug it in. Make sure you’re using the right inputs for your TV; sometimes newer gamers can overlook the composite cables since they aren’t as common now.
Another step is to remove the jumper pack and reinstall it, as that often clears up issues caused by corrosion in older systems. Also, give the cartridge connectors a good cleaning with isopropyl alcohol—this could solve a lot of problems. If these steps don’t work, then it might be time to take it to a repair shop. Good luck!
Thanks for the tips! I’m not an electronics expert, but I’ll try cleaning the contacts. I figured a game needed to be in there to get a signal; good to know it’s worth a shot to check everything!
That sounds like a great idea! I’ll look up some videos, and hopefully, we can get it running. Thanks!