Nintendo of America

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Troubleshooting - Sound

What type of wires are you using to hook up your system?

AV Hookup RF Switch/Modulator Hookup

AV Hookups

  1. Make sure you are using all licensed accessories with your system. Unlicensed products are not fully compatible with Nintendo systems and may not work correctly.
  2. Check your system connections to ensure they are firm and correct.
  3. Remove and reload the Game Pak, pressing firmly to ensure it is locked in place.
  4. Many Game Paks have an option that controls one or more volume variables. These may have been set to maximum volume during the manufacturing or testing process. Consult the game manual for directions on how to adjust the settings. You can usually get to them by going into the Options screen.
  5. Remove the AV cables and reinsert them with a slight twisting motion. Make sure the Video Cable (the yellow plug) is in the video input. Plugging it into an audio input will cause buzzing. Also, make sure none of your audio (red) cables, are plugged into a phono jack on your stereo, which can also cause buzzing. Finally, make sure the Stereo AV Cable is plugged into input ports, not output ports. For a detailed review of the hookup, please check our hookup instructions.
  6. Some TVs or VCRs may have special Audio Inputs that don't allow the volume to be controlled by the TV. They are intended to be controlled by a different device, such as a home theater amplifier. Check your manual for the TV or VCR to see if this is the case for your unit.
  7. Some TV and VCRs have a small switch, usually found near the AV inputs, that is used to allow components to send sound out to the TV speakers. Check your manual for the TV or VCR to see if this is the case for your unit.
  8. If you are using the Stereo AV cable for your hookup, remove the plugs and reinsert them with a slight twisting motion. Make sure that you are plugging the yellow cable into the video input, and that the audio cables (red and/or white) are plugged into the audio input jacks on your TV or VCR.
  9. If you only have one audio input, and one plug is hanging, that will result in a loss of sound. Either purchase a Y-adapter or access the game's option menu, and when available, set the game sound option to Mono.
  10. 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.
Click here if the troubleshooting doesn't help

RF Hookups

  1. Make sure you are using all licensed accessories with your system. Unlicensed products are not fully compatible with Nintendo systems and may not work correctly.
  2. Check your system connections to ensure they are firm and correct.
  3. Remove and reload the Game Pak, pressing firmly to ensure it is locked in place.
  4. Many Game Paks have an option that controls one or more volume variables. These may have been set to maximum volume during the manufacturing or testing process. Consult the game manual for directions on how to adjust the settings. You can usually get to them by going into the Options screen.
  5. Try switching both the TV and RF Modulator to a different channel (3 or 4). Try adjusting the Fine Tuning control on your TV to see if it clears up the sound. A particularly strong TV station (or cable TV) signal may be broadcasting on Channel 3 or 4 in the area, causing interference. For a detailed review of the hookup, please check our hookup instructions.
  6. Try disconnecting the antenna/cable wire from the RF Switch. (You will have to reconnect it again for regular TV viewing.) If this option works, an AB Box may be needed. These can be purchased at various home electronic stores.
See below if the troubleshooting doesn't help

What to do if Troubleshooting doesn't help

Due to the age of the system, we no longer offer factory repairs directly from Nintendo. Please click here to find out what options are available for repair or replacement of your product. If you simply need to order parts or accessories, you may want to check out our Online Store. Nintendo's Online Store still carries many parts and accessories for our older products.