Doesn't anyone remember how messed up the original NES was? Half the time you couldn't get the cartridges to read on the machine (before we now know how to pull them apart and if needed replace the whole assembly). I didn't hear any one saying they were never going to play the NES ever again back in those days. You sent your machine in for service or bought a new one - or both.
Oh and don't get me started on the Dreamcast too!