A gentler approach
Tray v0.15 spreads the 1.5 mm grade along the full cartridge path. Seating, stiffness and shield-clearance checks are still underway.
NES-001 · CONNECTOR KIT
NES connector.
Better cartridge loading.
A replacement 72-pin connector board and fixed cartridge tray for your front-loading NES. Designed for smoother cartridge seating and secure mounting.
WORKING PROTOTYPE · FINAL TESTS PENDING
$39.99per kit + shipping
- In the kit
- Assembled connector board + printed tray
- Compatibility
- Front-loading NES-001
- Planned first shipping wave
- January 2027; later orders follow monthly
- Shipping per order
- $8 U.S. · $25 international where available
Up to two kits per person. Review your assigned shipping month before payment. Final tests pending.
Console, game and decorative lid are not included. Read preorder terms
LATEST UPDATE · OCTOBER 12, 2026
From the cartridge to the screen.
The prototype is running Solstice in the NES. The workshop video shows cartridge insertion and the game on the monitor. One final hole-alignment adjustment remains before the next board order, followed by further fit, compatibility and reliability tests.
Watch the working prototype →Built around the cartridge.
A secure fit
A fixed support deck, side guides and board retention keep the assembly aligned. Final repeated-insertion and play checks remain pending.
FROM THE WORKBENCH
The development history.
Earlier photos, revisions and lessons from the build.
October 9, 2026 · The prototype inside the NES
The purple connector board and green printed tray assembled in the open console, with a cartridge seated in the tray.
October 6, 2026 · A corrected board revision
An unwanted short in an earlier PCB led to a revised layout. The corrected files passed the design and copper checks before new boards were ordered. The October 12 update above shows the later working prototype.
Read the board revision update →Tray v0.15 · A full-length cartridge path
The current design uses a fixed support deck with side guides and board retention. The eject sled and spacer sets from early exploration are not part of this revision.
Inspired by a good idea.
Blinking Light Win by Arcade Works inspired this independent replacement connector and loading tray, with original board routing. This project is not affiliated with or endorsed by Arcade Works or Nintendo.
Explore the preorder