So I found this cart in the wild for a dollar, and I had to pick it up just incase it is a prototype. I don't think it is, but I looked at it for a long time and cant find any trace of sticker residue from a normal label. If this is just a relabel, then they took the time to clean off the cart first. And the label looks to be worn just as much as the cart itself. So guru's.....tell me what I have here

Hmm... maybe. There's a Prototype section on the forums, you might get more attention there. I'd say open it up and post a pic of the board.

Looks possible due to that oddball label, if you can open it that would tell you more.

Hmm gotta get my hands on the bit to open it. Thanks guys

I tell you what, I'll buy the game from you for $10... then I'll open it with my security bit. But yeah the label looks prototype-ish... good luck and let us know.

Next question....if it is a prototype....what is a ball park it would be worth?

Open it up.

lol, we have established that. Gotta get the bit first to open it with. Now just curious of what a prototype is worth?

Depends on the value to whoever fights over it I'd imagine. Could be $50, $500, double that or more, as it all depends and those who actively hunt them big time would have a good feel for it once they can see it all. It would also help if you had pics of what comes up on screen when you use it too, perhaps even a little thing could be a hint.

K. Thanks guys. Hearing that Tanooki, Im gonna go order the bit to open it up right now

It's a released game, the prototype is not really worth a ton. I'm anxiously awaiting to see what the inside looks like.

For a buck, Im not going to be disapointed either way, but it would be cool if it is

Great score for a buck, it's a decent game either way!

Yeah I own the released cart already, but when I saw this....couldnt say no

Whats it look like on the inside?

Just ordered the bit to open it up.Will update in a couple of days

Compare the weight of both of the carts and see if there is much of a difference, that's a good indicator.

Exactly prototypes are a lot heavier than the originals

Can you put it in a nes and play? That would tell you what game it is. Also it's likely not a development proto but a review copy instead (note the lack of holes for eproms) Therefore the chances of it being different from release are a bit less.

Naw, I have unreleased ptoros (like Spy vs Spy 2 and Star Trek V) that don't have holes for EPROMs, unfinished unreleased protos like Crash and the Boys Ice Challenge without holes, a Tecmo Superbowl proto with a different title without holes, an early version of Digger T Rock with huge differences without holes, a super early Monster in My Pocket without holes, and probably a many many others that I didn't think off of the top of my head.  Certainly doesn't mean a thing.


$500?  Double that?  More?  No, that's silly.  At least give him reasonable figures if you're going to estimate value.  If it's a proto, it's a great find, but this one isn't going to crack 4 figures in your lifetime.




Sometimes, but not always.  Many use production boards, and although EPROMs are slightly heavier than the production chips, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference holding one in each hand.

As for the original question, it certainly looks promising.  There are a few out there though, and the labels don't resemble what you have.  This one is from The Warp Zone:



and here are a few pictures of mine (forgot to photo this one, just did it now!)









Edit:  Quick note, I added the EPROM sticker there before taking a pic.  It was uncovered before the pic!

Those Sammy stickers are often found on protos, but it isn't a deal breaker if they aren't there.  Obviously, the only way to know for sure is to open it up.  Even though it doesn't have a similar label to the other two, I still got a good feeling it is a proto.  We'll know soon!

crazy trace wire on that one mark. i should have just kept her

I did notice the pins are flat all the way across instead of having the point if that makes a difference. I ordered the bit to open it up and will let u all know one way or another asap

Haha!  Yeah, you find the weirdest shit on proto boards sometimes.  That reminds me, I have to thank you and two other members in Matt's proto finders keepers thread.  Time to bump that one.

Fish:  I'm telling you man, my gut says proto.  Can't wait to see the board!

Mark I wasn't screwing with him on value, I was making the point it could be something, or it could be nearly nothing that it all depends on an expert.

I'm now the owner of a Gameboy prototype and a prototype housing, but I don't have illusions of it being worth a heap either. It's just an opportunity popped up and I went for it.

what mark paid for the other ninja crusaders proto was nowhere near 500 bucks. not even close. i won't disclose, but it was a generous price, in my opinion