Issue #9

Fun Fact: The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released in North America in 1985, but it wasn't the first home console from Nintendo. In 1983, Nintendo released the Family Computer, or Famicom, in Japan. The Famicom featured a top-loading cartridge design and hardwired controllers, unlike the NES which had a front-loading cartridge slot and detachable controllers. The Famicom was redesigned for its North American release as the NES, with a different case design and color scheme to make it look more like a VCR and less like a toy, in order to appeal to a wider audience in the wake of the North American video game crash of 1983.

In today’s email:

• Brand new, sealed copy of 1987 NES game Castlevania Sells for $90,100 on Ebay

• Apple Embraces Retro Gaming with New App Store Emulator Policy

• Revolutionizing Retro Gaming: The NES Slotmaster Emerges

NES

Brand new, sealed copy of 1987 NES game Castlevania Sells for $90,100 on Ebay

In a stunning display of nostalgia's value, a sealed copy of the classic 1987 NES game Castlevania has set a new benchmark in the realm of retro gaming collectibles, selling for an eye-watering $90,100 on eBay. This sale not only highlights the immense affection and reverence for vintage video games but also shatters previous records, underscoring the ever-growing market for pristine, nostalgic treasures.

Castlevania, developed and published by Konami, is revered among the pantheon of NES classics, beloved for its challenging gameplay, atmospheric setting, and iconic soundtrack. The game's significance to the platform and its influential role in the "Metroidvania" genre make original copies highly sought after by collectors. However, this particular cartridge, part of the original production run, stood out not just for its sealed condition but also for retaining its plastic hang tab and a price tag of $27.87, elements that significantly enhance its value to collectors.

The auction began at $37,000, but it didn't take long for it to evolve into a fierce competition among dedicated collectors. The final bid of $90,100 came from Tom "minus_worlds" Curtin, a collector who has been on a quest to find this "holy grail" item for over two decades. For Curtin, the acquisition was not merely an addition to his collection but a deeply personal achievement, reconnecting him with his childhood and the first video game his mother ever bought him. This emotional resonance, combined with the rarity of the item, propelled him to partner with a friend and finally secure the game after years of pursuit.

The auction was not without its drama, with the runner-up bidder, Frank "Grailmonster" Giaramita, closely contesting with a bid of $90,000. Giaramita speculated that the game could fetch up to $250,000 if graded and certified, a testament to the speculative and often unpredictable nature of the market for vintage games.

This sale did not just surpass eBay records for video game auctions; it reflected a broader trend in the appreciation and valuation of retro games. While a copy of BurgerTime previously held the eBay record at around $11,000, professional auctions have seen even higher figures, like the $660,000 paid for a graded copy of Super Mario Bros. These figures are stark reminders of the cultural and financial value that vintage games hold in today's market.

The seller, hailing from Frisco, Texas, had acquired the sealed Castlevania cartridge from an estate sale, hinting at the often unexpected and storied paths these rare items take before making their way into the hands of collectors. The auction also sparked discussions and speculations among the community, drawing parallels to previous significant finds like a rare copy of The Legend of Zelda that was initially undervalued by its owner.

As the market for vintage video games continues to flourish, collectors remain eager to invest substantial sums in obtaining pieces of gaming history, not just for their potential financial value but also for the nostalgia and personal connections they evoke. This record-breaking sale of the Castlevania cartridge on eBay is a vivid illustration of the lengths to which enthusiasts will go to preserve and celebrate the games that have shaped the landscape of digital entertainment.

MOBILE

Apple Embraces Retro Gaming with New App Store Emulator Policy

In a landmark decision, Apple is set to revolutionize the mobile gaming landscape by allowing retro game console emulators on the App Store, heralding a new era for enthusiasts of classic video games.

A Policy Reversal

For years, Apple maintained a stringent stance against apps capable of running external code, including retro game emulators, due to concerns over copyright infringement and the distribution of unauthorized game ROMs. The updated App Store guidelines now pave the way for these nostalgic gaming experiences, provided developers adhere to legal and privacy standards.

Guidelines and Responsibilities

Under the new policy, emulator apps can offer downloadable retro games, shifting the responsibility to developers to ensure all content is either in the public domain or properly licensed. Additionally, these apps must include content filtering, reporting mechanisms, and comply with Apple’s data privacy rules, setting a high bar for compliance but also enabling a resurgence of classic gaming content.

Impact on Retro Gaming

This policy change is poised to redefine retro gaming on iOS devices. Where gamers previously relied on jailbreaking or sideloading to enjoy classic titles, they can now look forward to a more accessible and legitimate means to relive their favorite gaming moments. This could significantly enrich the iOS gaming ecosystem with a treasure trove of retro games.

Regulatory Considerations

Apple’s strategic shift may also be seen as a response to increasing regulatory scrutiny, especially in the European Union. By formalizing the presence of emulators on the App Store, Apple positions itself as offering a regulated, secure, and user-friendly platform for retro gaming, potentially sidestepping future legal challenges.

Opportunities for Game Publishers

The introduction of emulator apps opens up new avenues for game publishers and developers holding rights to classic titles. This could lead to the launch of official emulator apps, offering fans an authentic way to access and play retro games on modern devices, thereby tapping into a lucrative niche of the gaming market.

Looking Forward

As Apple opens its doors to retro gaming, the move is celebrated as a significant shift in the company’s gaming strategy. While the implementation of these policies and their impact on the App Store ecosystem remain to be fully seen, the potential for a revitalized retro gaming scene on iOS devices is undeniable. This bold step by Apple could usher in a new golden age for classic gaming enthusiasts and developers alike.

NES

Revolutionizing Retro Gaming: The NES Slotmaster Emerges

In a thrilling advancement for the retro gaming community, the NES Slotmaster is set to redefine the classic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) experience, tackling the long-standing issue of unreliable cartridge connections with a modern, open-source solution.

The Legacy and Challenges of the NES

Since its debut in the 1980s, the NES has been a cornerstone of the gaming world, offering a treasure trove of games that have captured the hearts of players across generations. Yet, this beloved console has been plagued by a significant flaw: the failure-prone 72-pin cartridge connector, leading to the dreaded blinking screen or games refusing to start. This widespread issue has marred the otherwise stellar reputation of the NES, prompting calls for a durable solution.

Introducing the NES Slotmaster

Crafted by Merlin Shaw, the NES Slotmaster presents a revolutionary fix to this pervasive problem. As an open-source replacement for the NES's original cartridge slot, the Slotmaster is designed for longevity and compatibility, promising a seamless gaming experience free from the frustrations of poor connections. This innovation stands as a beacon of hope for gamers eager to dive back into their favorite NES titles with newfound reliability.

A New Hope for Retro Gamers

The Slotmaster is not just a piece of hardware; it's a call to arms for the gaming community, offering an opportunity to contribute to and refine this cutting-edge solution. By embracing an open-source model, Shaw has laid the groundwork for continuous improvements to the Slotmaster, encouraging a collaborative effort among enthusiasts and developers alike.

The Open-Source Advantage

The true genius of the NES Slotmaster lies in its open-source nature. With its design and blueprints freely accessible, Shaw has empowered the gaming community to partake in the project's evolution. The project's GitHub repository serves as a hub for collaboration, offering a Bill of Materials (BOM) and fostering a shared commitment to enhancing the NES gaming experience. This participatory approach not only accelerates the Slotmaster's development but also cements its place within the heart of the retro gaming community.

Embracing a Bright Future

The launch of the NES Slotmaster signifies a groundbreaking moment for NES enthusiasts, providing a robust solution to a problem that has long hindered the enjoyment of classic games. With the ease of replacing the old, unreliable connector, gamers are now free to relive their cherished memories without the shadow of technical issues.

As retro gaming continues its resurgence, the NES Slotmaster stands as a symbol of the community's dedication to preserving and revitalizing the legacy of classic video games. This innovative solution not only enhances the NES experience but also strengthens the bonds within the gaming community, ensuring that the spirit of retro gaming thrives for generations to come.