Troubleshooting - Blank or Other Screen Problems

Quick Tip! If your system is connected using AV cables or the Component Video cable and you cannot see the game on your screen, it is likely all you need to find is the input select on your TV or VCR. Link here for help.

1. If this is your first time connecting your system, we strongly suggest you verify your hookup before continuing with the blank screen troubleshooting.
2. Are you using any accessories that didn't come with your system? Unlicensed products are not fully compatible and may not work correctly.
3. With the power ON, open the Disc Cover, remove the Game Disc, close the Disc Cover and turn the power OFF and then ON. If the Main Menu appears, your disc may be damaged or dirty.

4. Check your system connections and ensure they are all firm and correct:

   • Stereo AV cable
     Remove the plugs and reinsert them with a slight twisting motion. Make sure that you are plugging the yellow cable into the video input. Also ensure that your audio cables (red and/or white) are plugged into the audio input jacks on your TV or VCR.

   • Component Video Cable
     Remove the plugs and reinsert them with a slight twisting motion. Make sure that you are plugging the green plug into the green input (labeled Y), the blue plug in the input (labeled Pb or Cb) and the red plug into the red input (labeled Pr or Cr). Ensure that your audio plugs (red and white from the Stereo AV cable) are plugged into the audio input jacks associated with the component input jacks and that the yellow plug is hanging, and not plugged in.

     Check to see if the game you are playing is set to progressive scan mode. If it is, try changing it to interlace mode. To do this, load the game disc into the system and hold down the B Button of the controller while turning on the system.

   • RF Switch/Modulator
     Try switching both the TV and modulator to either channel 3 or 4. Also, try disconnecting the antenna from the RF Switch.

     Common Solution: For RF connections, we find that video problems occur most often when an unlicensed RF switch and modulator set are used. Make sure your RF switch and modulator set are two different pieces and the name "Nintendo" is molded onto the RF switch and modulator. If your RF modulator is one piece or is black and it says "for use with Nintendo" it is an unlicensed product. Unlicensed products are not fully compatible with our systems and may not work correctly.

     Adjust the vertical or horizontal hold controls. This is helpful even if regular TV stations come in fine. If your TV has an automatic fine tuning control (called AFC or AFT), turn it OFF. Use the manual fine tuning dial to adjust the picture. If turning OFF the AFC/AFT causes your TV to display in black and white, then leave the AFC/AFT ON. Slide the Power Switch on the Control Deck to the ON position, while the Control Deck remains ON, turn the TV off for 10 second then back on again. This resets your AFC/AFT so that it will tune in the signal from the Control Deck.

     Move your Control Deck farther away from your TV. If the Control Deck is too close to the TV, the Control Deck may cause some interference.

5. If you're using the AV cables or Component Video Cables, verify that your TV or VCR is on the correct the input select.
6. If your TV has a closed captioning option, make sure that it's turned off.
7. Check the game manual to see if the game has any special features that might appear as a problem.
8. There may be a problem in one of your hookup cables and not your system. Try purchasing a new connection cable (where to buy). You can also try borrowing the cable from a friend to see if it solves your problem before purchasing a new item.

If these steps do not resolve the symptoms you are experiencing with your system, please click here for more information.