Balanced cartridge ejection
A linked sled pushes both sides of the cartridge forward together. It is designed to reduce twisting and avoid pulling directly on the board.
ON THE BENCH · NES-001
A better way
to load the classics.
A replacement cartridge connector board and tray for the front-loading NES. My take on the Blinking Light Win idea, with an original passive board and improvements to the way cartridges seat and eject.
V0.1 PROTOTYPE · PHYSICAL FIT TESTING NEXTLooking for a Blinking Light Win alternative?
Blinking Light Win by Arcade Works pairs a replacement NES cartridge connector with a redesigned loading tray. This independent project explores the same kind of replacement for the front-loading NES-001, with a new board, balanced eject sled, and adjustable seating depth.
The Jester Wins project is in development and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Arcade Works. Physical fit and reliability still need testing; it is not available to purchase yet.
What’s improved?
Adjustable insertion depth
Standard, +1 mm, and +2 mm spacer sets let the prototype explore different seating depths for short or worn cartridge pads.
A frame that takes the load
Four board mounting slots and rear stops are designed to transfer insertion and removal forces into the printed tray.
A little Jester character
A custom pixel jester sits on the board’s silkscreen. All 72 contacts pass straight through, with no active electronics or lockout bypass.
WHERE IT STANDS
Designed. Ready for the workbench.
The project has CAD models, a board layout, and prototype fabrication files. The recorded software checks cover the meshes, eject travel, and generated board files.
Real-console testing still needs to confirm socket dimensions, cartridge seating, shield and door clearance, and the eject mechanism. These images show the design, not a finished or proven replacement.
Boards, trays, and plans are not available to buy yet. Follow the project here as the physical tests move it forward.
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