(Part 2) Best products from r/nes

Ok, the absolute cheapest way to record gameplay is probably buying a used DVD recorder from a thrift shop. You can get them nowadays for $5-$10 (especially look for DVD recorders that also have a VCR built in, they often get priced even lower for some reason). Then you'll need some blank DVD-Rs, which are like 10 cents a piece in a spindle. Basically, what you do is take your output from your AV switch into the DVD recorder, then the recorder outputs to TV. Record to discs then rip the discs on a computer when you have the footage you want. This ripped DVD video can then be used in most video editing programs, or just straight put online, etc. That's actually how the large majority of AVGN episodes got gameplay footage, incidentally.

The downside is having to deal with discs and the extra time involved in ripping, you also can't livestream with this setup. It can be nice to have the burned DVD as a backup though.

Second cheapish option, use a USB capture card to your PC and composite splitters. Basically, you buy a good USB capture card for about $30: I-o DATA USB connection video capture GV-USB2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00428BF1Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_WycSzb8SNAZ9C

There is a cheaper device, like $10 to $15, called EZ Cap, but the more expensive one has much better quality.

Then you buy AV splitters for under $10 like these: Cable Matters 5-Pack, Gold Plated RCA Split Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0141KPHR0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ECcSzbXKPBG3B

Though annoyingly you'll need 6 of those little things, not 5. You'll also need two extra sets of those red/yellow RCA cables, possibly one very long one depending on where your computer is located.

Essentially, you plug the output from your switch into those little splitters, then run one RCA cord out of them to the TV, and the other to the capture device plugged into your computer. Then while you play on the TV, you can record on your computer.

Downside of this method, splitting the cable can result in a bit dimmer video signal, depending on how your TV handles it. Also, extra cable has to be dealt with, and if you don't have a computer nearby may be impossible.

Hope that makes sense. It's a bit of a pain, but not crazy expensive at least.

How to Win at Nintendo Games: 1-4 By Jeff Rovin. I couldn't afford/didn't have Nintendo Power, so one book (or in this case, 4) that contained a bunch of strategies and/or codes was gold. Bonus: His ratings system (I trusted more from a third party than nintendo themselves) kept me away from some crap games.

More of a SNES controller but can be used for NES games easily: iBuffalo controller

You can also go for a Bluetooth variant: [8bitdo controller] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00Y0LUQFE/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1509975030&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=8bitdo+sf30&dpPl=1&dpID=41wQuB79i1L&ref=plSrch)

I have both and both work great. You can find cheaper versions of these but in my experience you always notice the cheapness when you get those controllers. But, they might be usable if you don't mind that

If you are wanting to get a controller you can use for years to come though I'd pick either the iBuffalo or the 8bitdo. You can also get the 8bitdo controllers in the style of old NES controllers if you really are set on it being NES specifically

I definitely recommend the sorts that come as whole drivers like these and not the cheaper individual bits that go into the multidrivers. They work so much better and are pretty solidly built.

A specific adapter can work- 9V @ 1 AMp (or 1000 MA). DO NOT GRAB AN AFTERMARKET ONE, THEY CAN DAMAGE YOUR SYSTEM. Look at thrift stores as old cordless phones used to use the same Voltage and Amp. I've personally found about 10 of them that work perfectly. I wish you luck friend.

That sucks.

What tools do you have available? A dental pick or scraper is going to be your best bet if you're determined to bend it back into shape. But most people won't just have one on hand.

Alternatively, a new 72-pin connector is usually about $10. So even if you can't fix it, it's not an expensive mistake.

Best for kids in my opinion? This: https://www.amazon.com/SNES-Nintendo-Classic-Mini-Entertainment-System/dp/B073BVHY3F/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=snes+classic+edition&qid=1555402999&s=gateway&sr=8-2

It's not region locked. But watch some youtube videos on putting NES and SNES games on there - it's not hard at all to put any roms you want on there... Even if your childhood favorite isn't on the list.

I know there is an adapter for use original NES on the NES Classic, but I’m not aware of one that does the opposite.

But really the NES controllers aren’t something you really got to worry about wearing out. Mine are over 30 years old and still work like new.

https://www.amazon.com/NES-Controller-HUELE-Original-Nintendo/dp/B06W9J89G9/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=nes+controller&qid=1563332857&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Here is a set of two NES controller clones for under $10 with free shipping. Probably about how much an adapter would cost if it exists.

That was just the first result from a quick google there are many more aftermarket NES controllers available on many sites. Should be a good alternative.

Sure! It's a shadow box from Hobby Lobby. The magazine is mounted with this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GP1HJQG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The top loaders are here, I have a number of my Nintendo Powers in them:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005LIX5QW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also put a 100% UV blocking film on the glass of the shadow box, and the top loading magazine sleeve is UV blocking as well. Glad you like it!

If you don't have a proper vacuum desoldering gun something like this or this is probably worth it just for this mod. It'll save you a decent amount of time and make things easier.

Just buy the cable extension...

https://www.amazon.com/Extend-Link-Extension-Cable-NES-Classic/dp/B01N3XBW4K/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1479227773&sr=8-4&keywords=nes+classic+controller+extension

(out of stock ATM but this seems to be the best rated)

https://www.amazon.com/Nyko-Extend-Link-Extension-Cable-Classic/dp/B01MQDHN1D/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479227773&sr=8-1&keywords=nes+classic+controller+extension

Does it happen with every game, or just one in particular? I have a few games with slightly corroded pins that still give me trouble occasionally.

These corroded pins can be cleaned with glass cooktop cleaner, but be careful not to use too much as this cleaner is an abrasive and can wear down the pins TOO much.

I used a small amount on a Tecmo NBA Basketball cart I had that just would not work right at all. Cleaned both sides, then re-cleaned with rubbing alcohol and it worked great.

Wow, the complete series on DVD is going for like $70 on amazon. I'm apparently sitting on a gold mine. Definitely not worth $20, let alone $70.

I recently got one called Good Nintentions which is quite good.