diff --git a/src/BizHawk.Emulation.Cores/Consoles/Nintendo/NES/Boards/Namcot129_163.cs b/src/BizHawk.Emulation.Cores/Consoles/Nintendo/NES/Boards/Namcot129_163.cs
index c1fab834e0..7fc4c89220 100644
--- a/src/BizHawk.Emulation.Cores/Consoles/Nintendo/NES/Boards/Namcot129_163.cs
+++ b/src/BizHawk.Emulation.Cores/Consoles/Nintendo/NES/Boards/Namcot129_163.cs
@@ -267,7 +267,7 @@ namespace BizHawk.Emulation.Cores.Nintendo.NES
 					if (Wram != null)
 						return Wram;
 					else
-						return audio.GetSaveRam();
+						return audio?.GetSaveRam();
 				}
 				else
 				{