Maintaining old gaming hardware often means rolling up your sleeves and getting inside the machine. Whether you’re repairing a blinking red light, cleaning out 30 years of dust, or installing a replacement part, knowing how to safely open a NES console is an essential skill for any retro gaming enthusiast.
The NES, despite its rugged build and simple design, requires care when being taken apart. There are a few potential pitfalls that can lead to damage if you’re not careful, stripped screws, broken plastic clips, or even damage to the motherboard. With a calm approach, the right tools, and a bit of patience, you can open your NES without a hitch and ensure it’s ready for whatever upgrade or cleaning job you have in mind.
This guide walks through every detail of the process, from preparing your workspace to reassembling the system. If you’ve ever wondered how to safely open a NES console without risking your beloved hardware, this step-by-step breakdown is for you.
Prepare Your Workspace
Before you even pick up a screwdriver, setting up the right workspace is key. You want a clean, well-lit, static-free area with enough space to lay out each part of the console.
I always start with a soft cloth or anti-static mat to protect the bottom shell from scratches. Make sure you’re grounded, either with an anti-static wrist strap or by periodically touching something metal to discharge static buildup. NES internals aren’t incredibly fragile, but static discharge can still damage components.
Grab a couple of small containers or trays to keep screws organized. It’s surprisingly easy to lose track of which screw goes where, especially when the NES uses different lengths for various internal parts.
Tools You’ll Need
To learn how to safely open a NES console, you don’t need a massive toolkit. Just a few essentials:
- Phillips #1 screwdriver (magnetized if possible)
- Small flathead screwdriver or spudger
- Anti-static wrist strap (optional but recommended)
- Small containers for screws
- Compressed air can (for cleaning)
- Rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs (if you plan to clean contacts)
Avoid using power tools or overly large screwdrivers. The NES uses small screws, and applying too much torque can strip them or crack the plastic.
Power Down and Unplug Everything
It might seem obvious, but make sure the console is completely unplugged. Remove the power cable, A/V cables, and any cartridges. Leave the controller ports empty too.
The NES doesn’t have a power supply inside the console itself, it uses an external adapter, so you’re not risking electric shock when opening it. Still, treating the process with caution helps keep the console in good shape and sets good habits for more complex repairs later on.
Remove the Outer Shell
To start learning how to safely open a NES console, flip the unit upside down. You’ll see six Phillips screws on the bottom, one in each corner and two in the center.
Unscrew each one and place them in your tray or labeled container. These are relatively long screws compared to the rest, so keep them separate from the internals.
Once those are out, flip the console right side up and lift the top shell off gently. It may be a bit snug depending on wear, but it shouldn’t require force. If the lid resists, check to make sure all six screws are out.
Set the top half aside. You’re now looking at the NES’s internal shielding, a large metal box covering most of the electronics.
Remove the RF Shielding
The silver metal plate covering the motherboard is designed to reduce electrical interference. It also protects the internal components from accidental contact. To remove it, locate the seven screws holding it down, five across the top and two on the side.
Remove each screw and carefully lift the shielding straight up. Again, place these screws in their own tray. They’re shorter than the bottom shell screws and will be needed during reassembly.
With the metal shield gone, the NES internals are now fully exposed, and you’re halfway through the process of how to safely open a NES console.
Detach the Cartridge Tray
One of the defining features of the NES is its spring-loaded cartridge mechanism. This tray holds your game and interfaces with the motherboard’s pin connector. It’s also a common source of issues, like poor cartridge contact or that frustrating blinking screen.
To remove the tray:
- Locate the two screws on either side of the tray near the front of the console.
- Unscrew both and lift the tray slightly.
- Gently pull the tray forward while sliding it off the cartridge connector.
The tray is designed to slide off without much resistance. If it’s stuck, don’t yank, double-check that the screws are out and that the angle is right for sliding it free.
With the tray removed, you’ll now see the 72-pin connector exposed.
Disconnect the Motherboard
At this point, if you’re only doing basic cleaning or reseating the cartridge connector, you might not need to go further. But if your goal is to fully disassemble the NES or inspect the board, you’ll need to remove the motherboard from the bottom shell.
There are five to six screws holding the mainboard in place, depending on your model. Unscrew these and gently lift the board from the shell. Be cautious, wires for the power and reset buttons are still attached.
If needed, disconnect the wires from the controller board or buttons. I like to take photos before doing this to remember exactly where they go. While these wires have plugs, older consoles may have tight connectors that require a bit of wiggling.
You can now set the motherboard on an anti-static surface for cleaning, inspection, or repair. At this stage, you’ve fully opened the NES without damaging any components, proof that learning how to safely open a NES console is entirely achievable with a steady hand and the right approach.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Now that everything’s open, it’s a perfect time for some maintenance. I always use compressed air to blow out dust, especially from the vents, heatsink area, and around the ports. If there’s gunk on the board or connector, I use a bit of rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab to clean it gently.
The cartridge connector is often a trouble spot. You can carefully remove it from the motherboard by sliding it off and giving it a deep clean or even replacing it with a high-quality aftermarket connector.
Check capacitors for bulging or leaking, inspect solder joints, and look for signs of corrosion. If your NES has sound or power issues, this is the perfect time to troubleshoot them.
Reassembly Steps
Putting your NES back together is simply the reverse of opening it, but it helps to follow a careful order:
- Reconnect any wires and place the motherboard into the shell.
- Screw down the motherboard using the original screw holes.
- Slide the cartridge tray back onto the 72-pin connector, then screw it back in.
- Replace the metal RF shield and secure it with its seven screws.
- Set the top shell back on and reinsert the six bottom screws.
Make sure everything is seated firmly, but don’t over-tighten the screws. The plastic is old and prone to cracking under pressure.
When it’s all done, plug it in and test with a known-good game. If the console powers on and boots properly, you’ve successfully completed the entire process of how to safely open a NES console and reassemble it without issue.
Extra Tips for Console Modders
If you’re like me and enjoy modding your consoles, learning how to safely open a NES console is just the start. With access to the internals, you can:
- Install a new blinking light fix kit
- Upgrade to a high-quality AV or HDMI output board
- Paint or refinish the shell for a custom look
- Add a new power LED or switch mod
Just make sure any mods you add are fully reversible if you’re trying to preserve the original hardware value. There’s a growing appreciation for unmodified NES consoles in the collector’s market, so having a clean, properly maintained system is always a plus.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though the NES is pretty forgiving, here are some mistakes I’ve seen others make, or made myself, that you should avoid:
- Forgetting to ground yourself – Static discharge can fry components.
- Stripping screw holes – Always use the right screwdriver and avoid overtightening.
- Losing track of screws – Organize them by size and section.
- Damaging the pin connector – Be gentle when removing or cleaning it.
- Pulling wires without checking connectors – Always look before you tug.
Take your time and treat each part of the console with respect. These machines have lasted for decades; with the right care, they’ll last many more.
Final Thoughts
Figuring out how to safely open a NES console isn’t just about unscrewing a few parts, it’s about preserving a piece of gaming history with care and precision. Every NES that’s still functional today is a testament to its rugged design and to the communities that continue to support it. By opening yours carefully, cleaning it properly, and reassembling it with care, you’re doing more than fixing a game machine, you’re extending its life and keeping the legacy alive.
So if you’ve been hesitant to dive in and crack open your NES, don’t be. With the right prep, some basic tools, and a steady hand, you can do it safely, and you might even enjoy the process as much as playing the games themselves.