30 interesting facts about the NES

The licensing and lock-out plan didn't work out without a hitch, though. The combination of the unique front-loading NES console design and the 10NES security chip means that old consoles tend to suffer from blinking screen syndrome where games don't start up correctly. Over time, the pins inside the system become slightly misaligned with use, which means the security chip loses its ability to read cartridges correctly and treats even licensed games like illicit wares.