How To Collect For the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) - Retro Bird

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Here's the video where I talk about the misconception around blowing into game cartridges: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep2Vh6CAma2Cm7s

[@StreetWorksMedia]

Back when I played NES in 89 or so, we would put the game right before the lip of the console and slam it down so the cartridge would bump against the front of the system. My dad showed me the trick and I think someone at sears showed him it, it seemed to fix it, and if that didn't work then we would try the blowing into it as a last resort type of thing, but that slamming the cart against the edge of the deck when you pressed it down seemed to fix it 9/10 times. I'm guessing it was shimmying the pins into a correct location for the cartridge to read.

[@mathgasm8484]

I remember getting my NES when it first came out on Christmas morning. It has the running pad and the light gun. That was the day I got hooked on gaming. My mom used to go to the rental store and I still remember renting Zelda for me. I played Bubble bobble at my grandparents house in the summer.

[@JoePotato-es4hl]

Show us ur hot bird

[@faub3282]

I’m up to 696 games on NES. My master list currently has 1,051 games on it, so I’ve got a ways to go. I’m including all of the US licensed games, unlicensed and a bunch of homebrews (though not every homebrew). I’m also including PAL games from Europe and Asia that were not released in the US and the Chinese Sachen games as well as some multicarts and other foreign releases. I’m also doing the cart variants such as 5 screw and 3 screw as well as label variants. There are so many. I also have just under half of my collection with the box and manual, though about two dozen of the boxes are reproductions.

[@drewdelamont1443]

I cant believe your channel hasn't blown up yet, I watch all your videos as soon as they come out.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

I appreciate you watching and the kind words. Just waiting for things to bust open. It always helps to share the channel with friends if you know of anybody who would be interested, but either way thank you for watching and glad to hear you're enjoying the channel :)

[@awill891]

I started "collecting" CRTs last year to play my 90s consoles and I love how they look. I have an NES I bought from a friend in 8th grade (2002) for $13 but I could never get it to work I even boiled the pins and deep cleaned the system. But yesterday I was rearranging my gear and decided to give it one more shot and used a safety pin to tighten the pins and it works! But I only have the light gun and can't find the controller so I got one coming in next week. I have the 5 games that came with the system: Mario Bros, Turtles Arcade and Manhattan, Dr. Mario and Skate or Die. Excited to finally give the NES a shot after I ignored it my whole life.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

That's a great story. Safety pin for the win, all right! I hope you enjoy your time with the console once that controller comes in.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

@NPC #34254334 Response: Absolutely. You always want to make sure your games are clean as a good starting point.

[@cullbear55]

If the pin connector starts failing again, get a Blinking Light Win

[@CAPCOM784]

Some of my favorites not talked about much for NES are Shatterhand,Little Nemo the Dream Master,Kabuki Quantum Fighter,Shadow of the Ninja,Vice Project Doom, and Scat

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Great list of games you mentioned. I had actually been playing Little Nemo myself recently.

[@coolbluelights]

I still have my original NES from 1989. it still works the same as it did in the early 90s and it looks fine plugged in to my HDTV with the composite video out. a better way to clean the games is to get the NES bit, take the game apart and polish the connectors with ultra fine metal polish. I use Gliptone.

[@IowaRetroGamerDad]

I don't care what people say... Blowing in the damn cart worked everytime and I even had an NES that liked to be abused and slapped on the side to work. Haha. I love my Top Loader and actually thinking about doing the composite mod to it.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Let me know how the mod goes if you end up doing it. And trust me, the blowing on the cart is more complicated than whether or not it worked. You should watch the video where I explain it. I can almost guarantee you'd be amused by the explanation: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep2Vh6CAma2Cm7s

[@IowaRetroGamerDad]

@@RetroBirdGaming haha. Will do man!

[@samtheelf7]

Every time you blow into the cart it adds saliva as well and that will ruin the pins.

[@IowaRetroGamerDad]

@@samtheelf7 Yep most of us know but still do it

[@markm4033]

Keeping your games and console clean is the key.

[@TIDbitRETRO]

Thank you for mentioning the game prices. I know a lot of people talk about when they were able to get NES games for like a buck, but to me, $10 for a quality game is far from the “outrageous” and “overpriced” labels people like to throw on the games since the market “skyrocketed”. 👍

[@PlasticCogLiquid]

I used to buy entire boxes full of games and usually with the systems and controllers for like $5 - $20 bucks. That was in the early 2000's. I used to get new systems still in the box cheap too. Garage sales and pawn shops used to be the place to go if you liked collecting games.

[@SgtSega]

Guerilla War is fun for two players if you like stuff like Ikari Warriors and Contra.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Yeah, that's a great game!

[@jim41184]

The NES is still the greatest! A few years ago I used to refirb NES's for resale. What works surprisingly well for the NES pin connectors is boiling them in water. I never would have believed it until I tried it. Thanks for another great video!

[@RetroBirdGaming]

That actually makes sense to burn off all the crap that's built up on the pins! Thanks for bringing that up :)

[@jim41184]

@@rap6439 I've heard those work good, but in my experience, they're completely unnecessary. Once I boil the pin connectors, as long as I keep my game carts clean, I never have any more problems. Plays just like it did out of the box. As far as playing region free, I just use an everdrive. But another option is simply disabling the lock-out chip. 😉

[@thepolacek]

I bought a Blinking Light Win, and never looked back.

[@Malcoladdin]

I feel the same way about the Sega Master System that many people who grew up in the USA feel about the NES. The library of games is smaller but there are still lots of gems

[@Brammall]

Fun NES games that wont break the piggy bank (too much) - Whomp Em - Shatterhand - TMNT 2 - TMNT 3 - Vice Project Doom - GI JOE Atlantis Factor - Power Blade - Super C - Little Nemo Dream Master - Clash of Demonhead - Conquest of Crystal Palace - Crystalis - Startropics - Startropics 2 - Blaster Master - Journey to Silius - Chip and Dale - Ducktales I'm enjoying a few famicom only games too - Ghostbusters 2 - Crisis Force

[@RetroBirdGaming]

All great suggestions! However, Shatterhand has really gone up in price unfortunately.

[@oleschoolgamers]

Collecting is definitely fun. Good video! Don’t forget that lots of folks miss playing the light gun games and they can only be played on original hardware and on CRTs! I love collecting and playing them, Wild Gunman, Operation Wolf, and Hogan’s Alley are my favorites!

[@RetroBirdGaming]

I love Duck Hunt myself!

[@wargodsix]

Childhood faves and thankfully with KZbin you don’t need the entire collection unless your looking for complete

[@RetroBirdGaming]

KZbin is definitely a great resource to have :)

[@mtl5131]

I love your cleaver edits. The power glove one got me on this vid 😂👍🏻

[@cullbear55]

I love playing EarthBound Beginnings on my NES. Too bad they didn't release it back in 1990/1991 :(

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Yeah, I wonder how US audiences would've reacted to it back then.

[@bartsimpson83]

If you're going to open your console up to fix or replace the pin connector, I would also suggest disabling the 10NES lockout chip while you're in there to fix the issue with the screen blinking.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Yeah, good tip. While you've got a console open, you should always take advantage of the opportunity to make any other adjustments.

[@shortstuf1105]

NES is one of my favorite systems to collect for and I still after collecting for it for over a decade have new experiences with games I haven't played before on it. This past month I was able to find a copy of Return of the Joker for what I wanted to pay for it and had tons of fun with it. The NES isn't the console I've ever focused on, but that's just lead to me being able to actually beat all of the NES games I own, wish I could say that about most of my other systems.

[@minusp895]

Happy to see your subscribers count steadily going up. I've been sharing your channel around on occasion as a thank you for all of your fun content and hard work. Here's to 1K subscribers!

[@RetroBirdGaming]

I really appreciate that. So long as the channel continues to grow and have awesome people like yourself watching it, I can enjoy the ride. 1K is going to be cause for a celebration at my home for sure!

[@george8719]

I was born 2007 so it was obvious I couldn't get to play these consoles. I allways hear my parents story about playing the Nes or Sega. I just wished they still have those consoles but I recently bought a clone console and.i finally got to play nes games and i'am happy I get to play these games from the past. So nes is my favorite console to collect for now but will always love NES

[@thepolacek]

Use 91% rubbing alcohol to clean the game contacts. If its really bad, use an eraser (you will need to buy a tool to open the game). And above all... buy blinking light win. Its an absolute game changer. Also, if you want the authentic experience, you need to use an RF adapter. I don't though... I use composite. We had a really old tv as kids, that didn't have composite. One way to buy NES games cheap: Buy in lots on ebay. You the more games you buy in the lot, the cheaper. I recently paid $106 for 20 games, which included Kid Icarus ($15 value) , ghostbusters ii (15 value), TMNT 2 ($18 value), on an average of $5 each.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

You can definitely find some huge lots of NES games on eBay!

[@jakek5417]

Famicom versions of games can often be cheaper and the UI is typically presented in English. Famicom versions usually work in an American NES (not always) with a ~ $10 pin converter. The NES is my favorite console. It hits the sweet spot for simplicity and complexity for me.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

That made think: there's probably a master list online somewhere of all the compatible Famicom games (or perhaps of just the ones that don't work).

[@jakek5417]

@@RetroBirdGaming That would be a good document to check before buying. Actual Famicoms are also pretty cheap.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Yeah, and Famicoms look so unique compared to the NES that it could be kind of cool from a collecting perspective.

[@slayerfan2]

I am a young retro game collector. I am a big fan of old games. My first console was the Genesis. Originalally $20 where I bought it but it got dropped to $15 cuz it was missing the video cable. But the NES was $55 plus like $6-7 for Mario

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Glad to have a younger retro game collector on the channel. Stick with the retro gaming my friend. It's a blast!

[@theconsolecollector]

70% !?!? Step it up bro 99.9% is where it's at ;) I recommend snow brothers for the nes. One of my favorites! Great video as always man!

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Hahah. Yeah, ideally it would just dry before you even have a chance to clean the pins :) Thanks for watching as always! And yes, Snow Bros is a classic for sure.

[@Jarod_Schultz]

I've noticed myself that the NES library seems to be the most popular among completionists. I first heard about NES completionism on the second episode of AVGN when he jokingly warned people not to buy Dr. Jekyll even if you want every NES game. When I was a kid, being a completionist wasn't even an idea because of the cost. I came from a working class family, and having 100's of games was unthinkable. To me the NES library is interesting because of the different types of carts including official releases, unlicensed games, homebrews, prototypes, and championship cartridges.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Yeah, it would've been difficult for any kid to fathom owning a complete NES collection back in the day. Probably a big part of where the appeal comes from now as adults.

[@Jarod_Schultz]

I learned you can power on the game without locking down the cartridge tray. Locking down the tray would bend the connector pins which cause the start up problem.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Yeah, it adjusts the way the cartridge connects with the 72-pin connector.

[@mountainmgtow5421]

I'm amazed at how many people have no idea what the "R" power-up in Contra does. Firstly, it stands for Rapid-fire. Secondly, it increases the amount of bullets per second that you can fire with any particular upgrade. Yes, it even affects the base gun. Thirdly, it will only affect the upgrade you currently have, e.g. you got the "Spread" gun and then the "Rapid-fire" upgrade, you will have Spread with rapid-fire. However if you obtain a different gun upgrade, such as "Fire" or "Machine gun", it will revert to standard, slow fire. This even resets if you obtain another "Spread" upgrade. Play smart - and survive!

[@RetroBirdGaming]

I can't remember what I said in this video, but that's what I always thought it did! I could've sworn I noticed it in combination with the spreader.

[@mountainmgtow5421]

@@RetroBirdGaming Don't worry, you didn't reference it. I just thought a commentary on it was necessary since you showed gameplay of it.

[@Ultra-Collector]

It’s why they have a push down cart option! So you can jam another controller or handle of a screw driver into the slot pushing it tighter against the pins!

[@Lorfarius]

I never had one as a kid, my parents spent months trying to buy a system in stores but everywhere was sold out. So I ended up with a Master System. I loved that console for sure but I was so jealous of people with a NES, many a long weekend watching my friends on Batman and Zelda. All these years laters and I'm well on my way to having a full PAL set of NES carts. For cleaning other dirt on carts say sticker stains on the plastic I'd recommend using a mix of water and bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), mix it up then brush lightly with a toothbrush. Scrapes through all sorts, then just top it off with iso to finish. Can also remove strong smells and other nasties.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Wow! Almost an entire full PAL set? That makes me curious. Are there any high profile NTSC carts that have more expensive/ hard to find PAL versions? Also, with that many NES carts I'd imagine you've used that baking soda concoction to clean the crap off of many games!

[@Lorfarius]

@@RetroBirdGaming Quite lucky with the UK PAL set as there's only 200 or so. Never really had much traction over here, it was all about the Master System. Probably the most expensive is Bartman Meets Radioactiveman, mayble close to $400. I've lost many an evening scrubbing carts down with qtips and baking soda, not to mention loads of accessories. Handy stuff to have!

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Wow, I don't think I ever realized the NES library was quite that small there. Kind of makes it easier to complete the set at least!

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Yeah, not the best d-pad but at least you can use Genesis controllers with it.

[@Lorfarius]

@@rap6439 Thankfully you can use a MEgadrive pad which solves all its problems.

[@cholo21491]

I put an 8gb memory card in my modded wii and downloaded every NES game. Done and done. I was born in 91 and my system was the n64 and onward. I also downloaded full libraries of the GENESIS, SNES, sega cd, saturn, snes, Atari , gameboy gbc, even the virtua boy

[@RetroBirdGaming]

That's a way to do it!

[@blackwalls]

I still have some cardboard NES sleeves that say Funcoland on them. Iconic system that started my craze!

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Oh YEAH those Funcoland sleeves. Weren't they Orange (at least the ones I remember)?

[@blackwalls]

Retro Bird mine is red. But I think they had other colors

[@RetroBirdGaming]

@@blackwalls Yeah, that makes sense.

[@orkestriusmusic839]

That missing pixel on your CRT is killing me lol

[@Jarod_Schultz]

I've heard the NES start up problem was caused by pushing down the cartridge tray which would bend the connector pins. Some people say you can power on the game without locking down the tray.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

From what I understand, pushing down the tray puts added pressure on the pin connector if you have a game inserted. When you combine this with the fact that simply inserting a game also stretches the pins apart, it explains why the pin connectors become so loose over time. If the pins on your pin connector are tight enough, then you can potentially play games without pushing the tray down.

[@FeralInferno]

Recommendations from a 33 year NES veteran to those looking to get into the NES: Platformer: Super Mario Bros 2 Action: Mega Man 3 Adventure: The Legend of Zelda Beat 'em Up: River City Ransom Run 'n' Gun: Contra Shoot 'em Up: Gradius Turn-Based RPG: Dragon Warrior Action RPG: Faxanadu Puzzle: Marble Madness Sports: Tecmo Super Bowl Fighting: Punch-Out!! Wildcard: Magic of Scheherazade Difficult But Worth It: Kid Icarus

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Solid list of games there! "Difficult But Worth It" really should be it's own genre!

[@thepolacek]

lol, me too, a 33 year old nes vet. The only thing I'll add to your list is buy the Blinking Light Win. So awesome. Total game changer. I love Kid Icarus. I'd take Megaman 2 over 3, but thats like choosing between children. I do to agree with Mario 2. I'd rank that ahead of Mario 3 as well.

[@FeralInferno]

@@thepolacek There are a lot of differences between Mega Man 2 and 3 but what I think it boils down for a lot of people is difficulty. Out of the NES Mega Man series, three is probably the most difficult where two is probably the easiest. I think that's why two is generally a little more popular than three. I personally have so many problems with two. The slow down at the Wily Dragon makes Gradius III's framerate look like 60fps lol. The Metal Blade is way OP and makes the pellets near irrelevant. Two is in a lot of ways a broken game, at least in my eyes. And while the Quick Man stage is now classic, back in the day everyone hated that stage and it's death beams haha. I still love two as I do all the games in the classic series, but it's near the bottom of the list out of the classic Mega Man series for me. But I do love me that Metal Man fight.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

@@FeralInferno The metal blade is definitely OP haha. The main thing is just that it takes forever to deplete it. I'll add in that I think Mega Man 2 is a little more popular simply because it came before 3 and felt revolutionary to a lot of gamers after they got the crap kicked out of them by Mega Man 1. Like "Hey, A Mega Man game that I can beat!". I still think it's a great game and I love it as much as Mega Man 3 myself though.

[@happyhollandays]

Can I add some more controversy into the Mega Man debate? I played through the NES Mega Man series last year and if I put nostalgia aside, I realized I love Mega Man 4 the most. I know the mega buster is controversial but I still found myself using the robot boss weapons just as much as MM 1-3. And honestly, I thought the weapon power-ups are the best in the NES series. The level design was the best in the series too. Also the soundtrack is extremely underrated and nearly as good as Mega Man 2's soundtrack. However, nostalgia is a powerful mistress, and If you were to add that into the mix than I would go with Mega Man 2.

[@evgaming9390]

As a kid blowing on cartridge worked for two reasons. 1st it blew off anything on the pins and 2nd it added moisture which allowed the connection. Not the best way to play them but as a kid it didn't matter. Now I use rubbing alcohol.

[@adamwilson1691]

Two of my favorite nes games(although a little pricey) are Metal Storm and Shatterhand. Definitely worth it if you can find a good deal.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Yeah, often pricey but solid games.

[@Wil_Dsense]

I have only 1 NES Game. In fact, I bought a NES console just so I could play it, that game is: Mcdonaldland 🍔 (known as MC Kids in America). Turns out I was nostalgic for the Amiga version, but the Nes version is close enough. Nostalgia Is hell-of-a drug😊

[@luiscortazar6291]

I had my NES Top loader AV Modded, and the jail bars removed. It no longer does RF which I miss having the option. But I like how it looks

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Yeah, I'd say you'll be okay without the RF.

[@greatgoen2125]

Here are some of my favorites. I have about 250 games. Also, I would use 90% rubbing alcohol to clean NES games. Some people use Brasso to clean the games but it leaves a white residue. 1. Little Samson 2. Legend of Zelda 3. Super Mario Bros. 3 4. Contra 5. Felix the Cat 6. Super Mario Bros. 7. Castlevania 8. Metroid 9. Mega Man 2 10. Zanac 11. Dragon Warrior 12. Final Fantasy 13.1943 14. Ninja Gaiden 15. Batman 16. Bucky O'hare 17. Kid Icarus 18. Double Dragon 19. R.C. Pro-Am 2 20. Punch-Out 21. Blades of Steel 22. Vice: Project Doom 23. Kirby's Adventure 24. Rygar 25. Pro Wrestling 26. Power Blade 27. Shatterhand 28. Metal Storm 29. Crystalis 30. TNMT 2

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Nice! Your list covers a lot of different genres too.

[@cullbear55]

EarthBound Beginnings!

[@jmac79ers]

I use isoprop and brasso, the main thing is to clean it all off with alcohol after

[@krunk9790]

Thats why sometimes the gold spots on the cartridge always went of

[@RetroReminiscence]

The Nintendo Entertainment System a really fun game system to collect for. Until you get down to the nitty gritty of the insanely high priced terrible games. If I could recommend something it would be if you DO collect for the it, just physically collect the great games only. Stuff like contra, FF, mike Tyson punchout. First party Nintendo stuff. Good games like Samson and panic, just get a NES classic and hack it to play those. Save you money to actually own the great fun titles for the system. Great video bro!

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Yeah, that's great advice. I understand there's a percentage of people who love the console enough to want to collect everything (and I can appreciate that kind of passion) but for most people who just want to enjoy and experience the console, your strategy is a great way to go.

[@RetroReminiscence]

Retro Bird I know my opinion is only 1 but I went through the entire library, and if I could do it all over again I would go the route I mentioned. Nothing matches having physical carts of games that people walk up and say wow I have this or that memory with that game. Walking up and seeing games like zombie nation and caltron 6n1 and be like umm that’s cool I guess.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Yeah, I think a big part of the appeal of a complete NES Set is just having a giant wall of games. However, if a chunk of the games were missing it would still be a giant wall of games and most people wouldn't really care about the difference.

[@krisfrederick5001]

"I love the Power Glove...it's so Bad" Was not false advertising

[@khanthevideogamehunter2946]

Thanks for letting me know how to fix the pins

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Glad I could help out!

[@adamdenardis5438]

Good games that don't require any peripheral are all over the place too. Super Mario Bros. 1, 2, and 3, Zelda 1 and 2, the Mega Man games, Blaster Master, Punch-Out, Metroid, Bionic Commando, Ducktales, Strider, 1943, Ghosts n Goblins, the Ninja Gaiden trilogy, Legend of Kage, Gradius, Lifeforce, Contra, Castlevania trilogy, Double Dragon trilogy, all the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games, and The Adventures of Bayou Billy if you play the correct mode. Stuff like that is decently priced and you can play with any controller. These games are all short too, they don't require playing for a long period of time so you don't have to worry about wearing down your fingers with the D-pad. The only games that worn out my thumbs were the Mega Man games. Back then there was no turbo fire unless you had a fancy controller for it. Give it enough time and practice and you can fire that B button like a machine gun. 😂

[@krunk9790]

Yes , just vibrate your thumb and pointfinger togheter on the controller B , Track and Field 2 😅

[@Dav3Campb3ll]

I like that the NES is still affordable 👌

[@cjeelde]

My tip for how to collect for NES if you don't have any hardware at all: Step 1 - if you have a Switch, pay for Switch Online. 20 dollar per year. You get most NES games from NES Classic Mini plus some more AND also some great SNES games. That's a very great deal if you got a Switch and love retro games. Step 2 - try to get the NES Classic Mini for a good price. The original price was 60 dollar + local sales tax. Hard or impossible to get it cheaper than that today. It's 30 games in total and it's so individual how much we can accept to pay for it. 5 dollar per game? 10 dollar per game? We're all different. Don't forget that the european NES Classic Mini comes without an USB AC adapter but you can either buy Nintendo's own or use any other compatible. If you cannot find any or if you only find too expensive NES Classic Mini - then go for the NES thing on Switch Online or the original hardware. And if you already got a NES Classic Mini or find a cheap enough one, you can play the games and get a good feeling for which games you love most and you can also do research for which games you miss on NES Classic Mini. So then the next step is the original hardware... Step 3 - the original hardware. This video speaks for itself. Either one of Nintendo's two revisions or a clone console. The actual games, this video speaks for itself. But I have to add that be careful with regions: USA/NTSC and Europe/PAL. I'm not 100% sure but I think the Top Loader console can play both NTSC and PAL. For the first revision of NES that more than 99,9% of all probably had, you must have same region for the console and the games. Step 4 - if you feel that it's too hopeless to collect games like step 2-3, then get a Switch and try to find re-releases for the games like Mega Man 1-6 for NES on Mega Man Legacy Collection and also that Castlevania collection for the fist Castlevania games. Plus go for Switch Online (step 1). Step 5 - try to get a Nintendo 3DS. Or even better: New 3DS! The two main differences are that 3DS got a sweetspot 3D projection while New 3DS got an eye tracking 3D projection which probably is way better for most people. And the 2nd thing is that New 3DS also can play SNES VC (Virtual Console) games. If you don't care about 3D projection: go for the 2DS consoles and same thing there about "New" (=SNES VC). But all 3DS and 2DS consoles can play NES VC games from the eShop/3DS store. I cannot post the entire list of NES VC games here but check it out on Nintendo.com and it's a few dollar per game. So that's also a way to play these classic NES games. Personally I grew up with NES and we had maybe 10-20 games (or more?) after a few years. When SNES came we traded in the NES console with ALL games for money so we could buy SNES and the "SNES Zelda". It is what it is, and that's life. Not made of money. But it would have been a dream to not need to sell anything to afford something newer. I'm VERY happy that Nintendo released (2016) and re-released (2018) NES Classic Mini and that I bought one! Plus I bought Mega Man Legacy Collection for Switch. NES Classic Mini comes with only 1 of the 6 Mega Man games: Mega Man 2. I don't know if I ever gonna buy the original console and the original games. Would be extremely fun to have but I don't know today how the future will be. Maybe, maybe not. Right now I'm mainly focusing on Wii, 3DS and Switch. Feels like I'm done with Wii. A few more games for 3DS maybe. And for Switch there's gonna come many more games that we don't know anything about now.

[@razvan6133]

Outro song is called "Wild Pogo - Haxhigeaszy" if anybody is wondering.

[@Tergg246]

My mom has a dirt sega genesis game and she had the same idea as you to use alcohol

[@richardhislop-harvestthena4882]

I was thinking about going with the Retron 2 HD clone for NES and SNES as I was trying to find the best clone under $100 for this what are your thoughts for HDMI connection to use original cartridges and controllers with too. Would love an FPGA but they are too pricy for what I want right now.

[@tinafarlow3499]

I just bought a nes today for nostalgia. I have a PSone, PS4, Xbox 360, new Nintendo 3ds xl and now the NES with super Mario bros and duck hunt I've been playing super Mario bros and will be trying to find more games for it mine is the one they call the toaster nes

[@ComicBooksandVideoGameNerd96]

First Console I owned was the PS1 the first one I played was the Sega Genesis

[@whocares5114]

Prices are going up again, I remember when i could buy Contra and Punch Out for 5 bucks or less at a flea market or a garage sale 3 years ago. Nostalgia is powerful.

[@nope3352]

I only have 3 cartridges for my NES. Metroid, jackal, and super Mario bros/ duck hunt. I want to get kid icarus and ice climbers next

[@dioxeto]

NES recommendation "Rollerblade". And buy a Retrotink for the composite to HDMI converter or a RAD2X!. Good video as always!

[@RetroBirdGaming]

I'll have to check out Rollerblade since I Rollerblade in real life!

[@dioxeto]

Sorry, the name is "RollerGames"

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Ahhh, it's still got rollerblading though!

[@mikeyboombox]

The facial expressions are hilarious

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Thanks. Glad you like 'em :)

[@jackofallgamesTV]

For NES, for hardware, to make the final solution for bent pins, consider Blinking Light Win. However it introduces a new problem stuck games in the cartridge slot. Ask for joysticks I prefer the Beeshu Superstick because it is both left-handed and right-handed, and has better parts for the joystick than the NES Advantage.

[@jackofallgamesTV]

@Robert Anthony no that's not the reason why the cartridges gets stuck the reason why the cartridges gets stuck is due to a lack of grabable real estate on the inside of the cartridge slot. I suggested to the makers of blinking light win that they should have a couple inch extension on the device so that it sticks out its cartridge like a tongue to make it easier to grab going in and out. Of course the NES will stick out its cartridge like a tongue at the doctor's office but playability before looks.

[@Moulinoski]

Three years late but one of my favorite NES games that I keep coming back to is Zelda 2! I also find that I still really like Dragon Warrior IV (Dragon Quest IV). Final Fantasy is also a good one. For the Mario games, I prefer the SNES remakes since that’s what I grew up with (although my next door neighbor had NES Mario 3). Of course there’s the original Zelda but I find that I enjoy Zelda 2 a bit more than the original! Am I weird? Yeah, I guess I am.

[@erneststackhouse1133]

Nostalgia is what brings me back to the NES. What i like about the NES is how good the graphics look in 8 bit. It ruled over Atari. Even against other 8 bit computers it ruled. For instance Karnov on the NES was way better than the Commodore 64 & don't let that 64 fool you it is still an 8 bit machine. Maybe it could only use floppy disk as to why the NES cartridge rules? What ever it is the NES went above & beyond to give us great looking games! That is one of the reasons why everyone goes back to play an NES game it's like the little 8 bit engine that could!

[@Charles-vw6hr]

Blaster master and bionic commando are my favorites

[@junothescarecrow]

What are all the components in the CIB games? I have a game but I don't know if I have everything.

[@Jburneyjr]

Definitely one of the more collectable systems. Even the better games not being more than $50, unlike the SNES.

[@Gamer14867]

Seriously, great games like Super Metroid, Mario RPG, EarthBound, DK Country are all what I'd consider "outrageous pricing"

[@ike-2357]

actually the pin connectors are not really the problem with the actual games loading, its often the nes lockout chip malfunctioning. it has been found that simply disabling that circuit allows for games to boot more consistently.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

I have heard this and even though I haven't tried it myself, it would make sense. But either way the games' pins making a clean connection with the console's pin connector still makes a notable difference.

[@Ionian251]

Great video! I’ve really enjoyed all your videos I’ve seen so far. While watching this one, I thought there was something on my screen. I noticed a white dot during the gameplay footage portions of the video. I am guessing it’s something on your TV. I believe you mentioned recording the gameplay sections using composite video on a CRT. I am curious how you managed to capture the video without any of the sync issues common when filming a CRT?

[@RetroBirdGaming]

That white dot is actually a small glare from the light that I use to light my controller. I actually think I just figured out how to get rid of it! As far as filming the CRT, believe me it has been a process with a ton of experimentation! Even following what you're technically supposed to do doesn't necessarily work. Glad that you're enjoying the videos and happy to have you on the channel!

[@palmsk123]

I am from Thailand and I love NES and I have NES too

[@fredrick8691]

Great vid dude! I love your channel.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Thanks so much! Glad to hear you're enjoying it :)

[@NESADDICT]

So you may know this but there are some very rare top loafers that have av output.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

I'm glad you bring this up. So, I actually looked into that while making this video because I had heard that before, and sure enough it looks like that's true but I just mentioned modding them since that's probably a more likely solution for most rather than chasing down one of those rare original units (even just buying a console somebody already modded). Now that I think about it, I kind of wish I had at least mentioned that in the video. Ah well, there's always something I wish I had stuck in each video after I've uploaded it!

[@broken1394]

My method OG NES and Advantage. Flashcard with all games. Buy OG carts of favourite titles that are affordable to my pocket. You got a console for a life of fun. Enjoy! 🕹

[@brisingr14]

Hmm... What do yall think of Bucky O Hare?

[@RETROBOB7890]

I would recommend the retro trio cuz it can play all nes games from the us to eaurope to everything else. The retro trio can also play genisis and snes games to!

[@gabbothegiver]

I love the Power glove 😂😂🎉

[@minusp895]

Dude. Have you played Kickmaster? That game rocks.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Never played that one. I'll have to look into it.

[@OGKend]

0:09 secret: there is a power up in that area with the coins

[@poorlydrawnbanana]

I love this system

[@myst_desendant8876]

I have the US toaster I also want to get a PAL console as well

[@RetroBirdGaming]

The US toaster is an icon!

[@wulver810]

Man, the Power GLove, damn thing wouldn't fit cause I was so young. I tried playing BAD DUDES with it, way too loose. A few years back I tried cleaning our NES, man that 25yr old roach shit smelled fresh, damn neighbor friend's house was INFESTED. Letting him borrow our system spread it to our house (although not as bad as his). I always say, you walk into his house and you already killed 5 roaches without knowing it. Godzilla, one of my fav games. It can get repetitive, but the music is amazing and the graphics were really well done.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

I don't think I've ever actually encountered a power glove in real life. Wait, actually I did have one briefly that I got in a lot but I sold it before I even tried it. I wish I had at least quickly tried it out.

[@wulver810]

@@RetroBirdGaming you wouldn't want that type of responsibility had you tried it on.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Hahaha

[@watson3047z]

AVS is way cheaper than Analogue NT. It's a good system but the fit of the cartridge in the pins is really tight.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

I've also heard that about the pins being tight.

[@fiorstadium]

0:25 I know this videos old, but I recently picked up a ClassiQ 2 with a copy of super mario bros / duck hunt. When I used the AV cable instead of the included HDMI, it looked fuzzy and jagged how your screen looks here. I was wondering if that’s normal since I’m playing on a newer TV with a 4 way AV switch.

[@mtshark7]

Awesome video man!

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Thank you!

[@dolfan29]

Hi! Thanks for doing this video! Just now joining the hobby. Does any of your advice change for 2023?

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Welcome to the hobby! I'd say most of this advice remains the same for 2023.

[@dolfan29]

@@RetroBirdGaming thanks!

[@NESADDICT]

What’s an N...E...S? Never heard of it.🤔

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Oh, where have you been? You're missing out :)

[@thepolacek]

I have always referred to it as an N E S. Never a "Ness."

[@gjergjaurelius9798]

For real and where is the love for dendy? 🤯💯🇲🇪

[@xwind9913]

Can you make a video like this for the gamecube

[@RetroBirdGaming]

It's an older video, but I did one already: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3-UoWqQaZx1r9E

[@xwind9913]

@@RetroBirdGaming oh i didn’t see it but thanks

[@RetroBirdGaming]

@@xwind9913 No problem!

[@paulcool4384]

Is the Retron 1 hd not a good clone system for a cheap price ?

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Not sure. I've never used it before.

[@joelstatosky1817]

I wan't to play nes but don't have the money for one atm. But honestly with a crt being under $20 I might as well pick one up. Even if it ends up not working, it was only $20

[@RetroBirdGaming]

You might even be able to find a CRT for free with a bit of luck! But yes, you should definitely be able to get one for really cheap at the very least.

[@joelstatosky1817]

@@RetroBirdGaming . Actually someone is giving away the 36inch sony trinitron they have for free. i will have to rent a couple tools to lift it up into my car and apartment

[@RetroBirdGaming]

@@joelstatosky1817 There ya go. That thing sounds like a monster. Be sure everyone lifts with their legs!

[@joelstatosky1817]

@@RetroBirdGaming . I will be actually renting some equipment to lift it. Since its like over 200 pounds

[@will-fi3qp]

My first console was the Xbox 360 E

[@eddieshields7596]

I just want to play the games. Not interested in CIB or a flawless copy. Most of games I got for pretty cheap. I figured, why get just Mario for $15-25 when I can get the 3 in one version for $4.89. I got Contra for $15.89, that's a good deal. I use the fingers trick. Push the cartridge all the way in and put a finger on each side until it feels like the cartridge is centered. Works every time

[@csciabar]

I almost bought the Japanese combo with the floppy disk and cartridge. Easily 150 bucks tho

[@robbiedoblin]

You totally cant beat Mike Tyson on emulation and not on a CRT TV unless you develop some unusual timing technique

[@tonyp9313]

Don't play retro games on HD tv's. They lag a lot & you do notice a difference when you play them. On a Crt there is no lag at all & the games play smoothly. Nes are the most common games you will find for retro collecting. I used to collect them before I bought my Everdrive. In 2016-17 I used to collect them & games were an avg of $20. I am guessing it's a lot higher now. I recommend if you do collect for the Nes to just go to a local video store that sells them. Games I recommend. 1943, Adventure Island, Batman, Dragon Spirit, Duck Tales, Hogan's Alley, Ikari Warriors, Jackal, Legendary Wings, Mega Man 2, Ms Pacman, Rolling Thunder, Super C, TMNT Arcade game & Tiger Heli. Of course the Mario games with Punch out & Contra.

[@billcook4768]

Nice video. But at 4:00, isn’t that an AV famicom, not an NES toploader?

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Wow. Good eye. Yes, it appears if you look really closely you can read that it says "family computer" instead of "nintendo entertainment system". Considering they basically look the same, I can live with the mistake :)

[@mikethegreat7252]

Great video

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Thank you!

[@riskidxer]

NES is most best seller 8 bit video game console in the World My favorite NES games : Super Mario Bros,Kirby Adventure and Megaman

[@Acronuz]

Metal storm or power blade 😅

[@EmpressOfEgo]

Gaming wouldn't be the same if it wasn't for the NES. Although I don't understand why Nintendo used cardboard boxes for there games up until N64, even after the Mega Drive used plastic cases.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Ah, those good ol' clamshell cases. I know people who collect Genesis games CIB instead of Nintendo games just because of those.

[@FeralInferno]

The reason is cost and profits. Those Genesis cases I would wager cost more than most game cases of the time (with the exception of the NEOGEO monster cases). Also, those Genesis styled cases meant less accessory profit. You needed game carrying and storage case accessories as an NES kid.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Yup, I would bet you're right. Those thin cardboard boxes must have been the cheapest option and I think you're point about the accessory profits is spot on as well.

[@timothysheppard3203]

I am willing to spend money on a game if I actually wanna play it. My collection is full of games I never even touch. I find myself dusting them more than anything. Lol. When it comes to the games that are priced way too high due to rarity...you can keep them. Lol. I'm about to downsize my NES collection of all the stuff I never play. I still want a copy of Mighty Final Fight.

[@PlasticCogLiquid]

I had that problem too, I only collect games I'll actually want to play now.

[@afishageorge5901]

Where do I get this game now

[@snowfalloverheaven]

i recommend for NES games: 1. Super Mario Bros. 2. Super Mario Bros 2. 3. Super Mario Bros 3. 4. castlevania 5. Castlevania III 6. Battletoads 7. Metroid 8. Tetris 9. DR. Mario 10. Kid icras

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Played every single one of those. Solid list.

[@snowfalloverheaven]

@@RetroBirdGaming how much did it cost??

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Can't remember how much they were but I feel like most of them were around 10 or 15 dollars when I bought them.

[@markjansen9886]

I crap myself laughing at your videos Thank you.

[@thepolacek]

#1 - Buy Blinking Light Win.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

It's pretty cool that they make something like that. Clever name too.

[@jesusavila4024]

Does anyone know where is the most reliable place to get an original Nes? 🤷‍♂️

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Well, if you get one off Facebook marketplace then you could have them show you that it works first.