NES Ninja Gaiden I Prototype - Originally obtained from a relative who worked for Paramount in LA/Orange County. The story is that he met with a Rep for Nintendo and he gave him this plus my other 2 prototype games (see other posts) that I have, Blaster Master and Sky Kid. 

Outside of the cart has a simple sharpie labeling the game "Ninja", of course meaning Ninja Gaiden. 

On the board you can clearly read "1987 Nintendo NES - SKEPROM-01" and also see the EPROM windows. Also the window covers are hand written, which just give the prototype that extra personal touch. The game fired right up. After I verified that it worked, I shut it off and hit the internet to try and figure out what exactly I have here. 

I've been searching non-stop for another Prototype like it, but I cannot seem to find anything. If you know anything about another copy floating out there, please let me know. I can't wrap my head around the idea that I might have one of the only copies in the world. I've had a few people tossing some numbers at me, but really I'd like to learn more about this specific prototype rather than talk dollars, for now. 

Thanks again to everyone who has helped me a tremendous amount. I know you guys have a huge reach in the community and feel like we may all be finding a nice chunk of history, together. The only thing that I can confirm is that this is rare. I know that this copy has been in our family for at least 20 years. Very interested to hear what you guys have to say on this topic. 

Definitly a proto. First things first. Get that thing backed up. Those uv eproms suffer from something called "bitrot" which could render it useless. To back it up find someone with a copynes or buy one and install it.
Can't tell you much more than that though. Looks like you found a one off proto, good job.

I've got to locate someone with the USB and NES to dump the carts. I'm looking for someone in Northern California to help with this. If you have any hints or people in mind, please let me know.

Sorry I live in Europe. If you lived in the Netherlands I would consider setting up a pc for you again.

Wow very nice proto, this is one of my favorite game on the NES, I wonder if the game is different from the retail version !

Since I don't have anything to dump the cart, it sounds like I'm going to have to play the game in order to compare it with some NG walk throughs online. I'd like to figure that all out before deciding what I'm going to do with it, but it might take some time. I've completed the first 3-4 acts so far, and from what I can tell, it's the same. But I'm praying for a different ending, lol.

Still searching the internet to see if there are more copies of Ninja Gaiden Proto's out there. As your friends in Canada and Europe alike! Thanks guys, for all the help.

Side note, I sold my proto of Blaster Master last night as well. It's in the mail and on the way to the new owner. I did update the proto owners list, btw. Hope he enjoys it.

Ok, dug through my old notes...there is ONE other guy who has a Ninja Gaiden prototype who lives in Europe but worked for a few magazines here and wrote guides even before I did (so think early 90s) and grabbed a bunch of stuff from his days at Nintendo, THQ, etc...so yes, there are two now that I know of.

Jason, if you don't mind me asking, what guides did you write/ work on?

qixmaster: Separate books for MOrtal Kombat 4, MK vs DC, and Mortal KOmbat 9, and about 80-90 guides for Tips & Tricks Magazine but they were included in monthly issues...it's tough trying to fit a whole strategy guide in 8-10 pages an issue...ugh.

Thank you Jason for the info. At least I know there was another out there at one point.

There is another one out there... Take your $500 offer and run

Don't think so qixmaster. Even if there is another out there, that means this is 1 of "possibly" 2... you do the math.

Josh gets it Matt, trust me.  All things considered in the world of NES protos, that's a very high offer compared to what similar protos have sold for historically.  I mean, I've purchased well over 100 and that's about double what I'd spend on it.  Not saying it isn't a gem and a true collector's piece, but those offers don't come around too often.  If they start to, I'll have some sales threads to put up

Not saying you couldn't get more, but be careful to not lose the offers you currently have.

Ya, most protos only 1-2 exist, that is the definition of protos....how many Sky Kids are there? I have one, not sure if there are more than 3 for sure....just how it is...values don't change on protos based on number because they are rare enough to begin with...

I live in toronto canada and I can dump the eproms if you let me desolder them. Or if you pay for a copynes or any other dumping device that will remove the need to desolder the maskroms I'll install it into my toaster / pc and dump...for free!

I would suggest he not do this for two reasons. One, he could send it out to anyone that already owns a coyness to dump it. No point in paying for a copynes when you're only going to use it once, and I would never recommend desoldering chips on a prototype unless it's completely unavoidable. Two, he's been vocal about wanting to sell it. The only thing dumping it will do is devalue it. I would suggest that the new owner dump it as soon as they receive it though.

From the stand point of a proto collector and preservationsit, this is a terrible, terrible idea


You mean EPROMs...

Not the most generous of offers either as there are plenty of people on these boards (myself included) that would dump the cart free of charge and already have the means necessary.  I've done it for several members here in the past (Qixmaster, Masonsushi, others), but it doesn't seem necessary here.  If he sells it, leave it up to the new owner.

Edit:  Beaten by about a minute!

I totally beat you to it. Suck it Mark.

You guys are awesome by the way. Just wanted to say thanks again for all the help along the way.

Never a problem!  It's just exciting to see new protos come up, and just as exciting to have new members on the forum.  You coming here was like a perfect storm of awesomeness

I never said it's a good idea I'm just saying I'm offering the service.  No need to get all angry I was fully aware of all these facts.

You're offer and advise were terrible, so much so it needed to be pointed out. Had Matt taken you up on you offer, he could be out several hundred dollars and could have destroyed a beautiful piece of gaming history.

Firstly, I wasn't (and still am not) the least bit angry. Secondly, you certainly weren't aware of "all" the facts as you referred to EPROMs as maskroms. Your advise wasn't really in the OP's best interest, and I just stated why. If you want to get all butt-hurt over it, be my guest.

I changed it to eproms like 5 seconds after making that post. Excuse me for being distracted.  I never suggested what he should choose to do I never gave any "advice"

Just giving my own personal advise as a person who's owned a few protos. I would take the $500 offer. Even if there were pretty severe differences with the game (which is still unknown), I'd still take it. That's a very solid offer for a released game.