NES Advantage Troubleshooting

The “A” button is stuck in the pressed position

Using our Nintendo NES Advantage A Button Replacement guide remove the top of the joystick, non-stick pads, and back panel. Afterwards, remove the circuit board and use a q-tip with rubbing alcohol to clean the surface of the sensors for the “A” button.

The bottom may need to be replaced if cleaning does not help. Use our guide to replace the “A” button.

The “B” button is stuck in the pressed position

Using our Nintendo NES Advantage B Button Replacement guide remove the top of the joystick, non-stick pads, and back panel. Afterwards, remove the circuit board and use a q-tip with rubbing alcohol to clean the surface of the sensors for the “B” button.

The button may need to be replaced if cleaning does not help. Use our guide to replace the “B” button.

The Nintendo NES Advantage is plugged into the NES, but the start button is not responding to being pressed

Plug the NES Advantage cables into their respective ports on the NES. Ensure the cable with a single white strip goes into the Player 1 port and the other cable goes into the Player 2 port.

Using our Nintendo NES Advantage Start Button Replacement guide remove the back panel and circuit board. Afterwards, use a q-tip with rubbing alcohol to clean the surface of the sensors for the “Start” button.

The button may need to be replaced if the above doesn’t help. Use our guide to replace the “Start” button.

The game is not responding to movements of the joystick

Plug the NES Advantage cables into their respective ports on the NES. Ensure the cable with a single white strip goes into the Player 1 port, the other cable goes into the Player 2 port.

Using our Nintendo NES Advantage Remove Joystick Panel guide, remove the device's back panel and joystick panel to check if there is something clogged in the gap between the ball and the sensors.

Using our Nintendo NES Advantage Remove Joystick Panel guide, remove the back panel and check if the spring is functioning properly. The spring should not be rusted and should have full range of motion with tension. If the spring is not moving in full range of motion, replace it, using this Nintendo NES Advantage Joystick Spring Replacement guide.

The NES isn’t responding to inputs from any of the buttons or joystick.

Plug the NES Advantage cables into their respective ports on the NES. Ensure the cable with a single white stripe goes into the Player 1 port, and the other cable without a stripe goes into the Player 2 port.

Be sure you are using a control deck that is compatible with the NES Advantage. Here are compatible control decks: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (1990) and Nintendo Entertainment System (1985).

Be sure your Nintendo Control Deck is plugged into the TV and a power outlet.