Authorized Retro Reproductions
Authorized reproductions are physical media (game cartridges and CD's) that are made with the permission of the intellectual property owner(s).
They are NOT licensed by the console manufacturer, but they ARE licensed or granted permission by the IP holder to re-publish the intellectual property.
These have been becoming more common so I figured, why not make a list!? Please contribute by posting below as these seem to be popping up outside of the US as well, so I won't be able to keep track of them all.
Note: some games may have been completed or close to completed when official licensing was still being done for the console, but never actually got published. In this case, the game would be an authorized first production
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NES Games
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Cheetahmen II (Active Enterprises)
Publisher: Greg Pabich
Release date: December 11, 2012
Limited to: orders fulfilled through Kickstarter campaign. At least 1,850 copies
Description: An unlicensed NES game that was very limited in production. It is the sequel to Cheetahmen I which was one of the titles included on Action 52. The re-release fixes bugs that were in the original game and also includes lost levels from the Cheetahmen I prototype.
Notes:
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Data East All-Star Collection (Data East)
Publisher: retro-bit
Release date: December 15, 2017
Limited to: not planned as a limited release
Description: 5 NES games on one cart: Bad Dudes, Buggy Popper, Burger Time, Ring King, Side Pocket
Notes: Oddly shaped cart that does not properly it into an original NES system.
Duck Tales Gold (Capcom)
Publisher: not published.. manufactured by iam8bit by special order from Capcom
Release date:
Limited to: 150 copies. Only distributed by Capcom as press kits to VIP's
Description: It's Duck Tales in an original refurbished NES shell, painted gold, with new internal hardware components
Notes: Did not come in a cardboard box. Instead, it came in a lunchbox with a handful of other retro inspired memoribilia. Approximately 10 special silver cart versions were made by and kept by the Timewalk team.
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Holy Diver - Collector's Edition (Irem)
Publisher: retro-bit
Release date:
Limited to: not planned as a limited release.
Description: An extremely difficult sidescrolling action platformer that came out in Japan only. It was scheduled for a US release, but was then cancelled with no explanation.
Notes: First 1,000 carts are white. Subsquent carts are black. Very high quality production with tons of collector's items. Released simultaneously with R-Type Returns.
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Megaman 2 (Capcom)
Publisher: iam8bit
Release date: shipped 9/26/2018
Limited to: 8,500 copies
Description: Megaman 2 collector's edition re-release for 30th Anniversary
Notes: Standard cart is opaque blue. 1,000 glow in the dark blue carts are randomly distributed.
Metal Storm (Irem)
Publisher: retro-bit
Release date:
Limited to: not planned as a limited release
Description: Metal Storm collector's edition re-release.
Notes: distributed by Limited Run and Castlemania Games
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Sunday Funday: The Ride (Wisdom Tree)
Publisher: INFINITE NES LIVES
Release date:
Limited to: 100 limited copies, possibly a regular run of non-limited copies
Description: 3 NES games on one cart: Sunday Funday, Fish Fall, 4Him: The Ride
Notes: Limited Black cart, original NES style. If non-limited run is made, they'll be standard grey original NES style carts.
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SNES Games
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Data East Classics Collection (Data East)
Publisher: retro-bit
Release date: December 15, 2017
Limited to: not planned as a limited release
Description: 5 SNES games on one cart: Fighter's History, Fighter's History 2, Magical Drop, Magical Drop 2, Super Side Pocket
Notes: Standard cart is black.
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Jaleco Brawler's Pack (Jaleco)
Publisher: retro-bit
Release date: December 15, 2017
Limited to: not planned as a limited release
Description: 4 SNES games on one cart: Brawl Brothers, The Peace Keepers, Rival Turf, Tuff E Nuff
Notes: Standard cart is black.
Joe & Mac - Ultimate Caveman Collection (Data East)
Publisher: retro-bit
Release date: December 15, 2017
Limited to: not planned as a limited release
Description: 3 SNES games on one cart: Joe & Mac, Congo's Caper, Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics
Notes: Standard cart is black. Special translucent blue cart available when purchased with retro-bit console bundle.
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Kaizo Chojin Shubibinman Zero (AKA BS Shockman) (Masaya Games)
Publisher: Columbus Circle
Release date: June 30, 2107
Limited to: not planned as a limited release
Description: Side scrolling beat 'em up. Originally released as a download only game on the BS Satellaview peripheral for the Super Famicom.
Notes: Official release form appears to be in similar style to officially licensed Super Famicom games
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Legend (Arcade Zone)
Publisher: Piko Interactive
Release date: 2016
Limited to: not planned as a limited release
Description: An uncommon SNES game that has gained more popularity in recent times
Notes: Poor quality reproduction cart unfortunately... But its still the official version!
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Nightmare Busters (Arcade Zone)
Publisher: Super Fighter Team
Release date: December 23, 2013
Limited to: not planned as a limited release, but no longer in production
Description: A mostly completed run n' gun game that was not published in SNES era due to financial issues.
Notes: Official cart was a special type that resembled the Super Famicom style, but would also fit into a North Americal SNES.
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Megaman X (Capcom)
Publisher: iam8bit
Release date: shipped 9/26/2018
Limited to: 8,500 copies
Description: Megaman X collector's edition re-release for Megaman 30th Anniversary
Notes: Standard cart is opaque white. 1,000 glow in the dark blue carts are randomly distributed.
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Return of Double Dragon (Technos Japan)
Publisher: Retroism
Release date: August 21, 2018
Limited to: not planned as a limited release
Description: Japanese version of SNES Double Dragon with some minor differences. It is regarded as the better version.
Notes: First print run was a red cart. Had some problems on release with some carts not working on original SNES. Overall decent quality
R-Type Returns (Irem)
Publisher: retro-bit
Release date:
Limited to: not planned as a limited release.
Description: 2 SNES games on 1 cart: Super R-Type, R-Type III (uncommon game)
Notes: First 1,000 carts are opaque dark blue. Subsquent carts are black. Very high quality production with tons of collector's items. Released simultaneously with Holy Diver Collector's Edition.
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Super 3D Noah's Ark (Wisdom Tree)
Publisher: Piko Interactive
Release date:
Limited to: not planned as a limited release.
Description: unreleased 3D shooter for the SNES
Notes: Poor quality reproduction cart unfortunately... But its still the official version!
Street Fighter II (Capcom)
Publisher: iam8bit
Release date: shipped 12/8/2017
Limited to: 5,500 copies
Description: Street Fighter collector's edition re-release for 30th Anniversary
Notes: Standard cart is opaque red. 1,000 glow in the dark Blanka green carts are randomly distributed.
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They are NOT licensed by the console manufacturer, but they ARE licensed or granted permission by the IP holder to re-publish the intellectual property.
These have been becoming more common so I figured, why not make a list!? Please contribute by posting below as these seem to be popping up outside of the US as well, so I won't be able to keep track of them all.
Note: some games may have been completed or close to completed when official licensing was still being done for the console, but never actually got published. In this case, the game would be an authorized first production
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NES Games
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheetahmen II (Active Enterprises)
Publisher: Greg Pabich
Release date: December 11, 2012
Limited to: orders fulfilled through Kickstarter campaign. At least 1,850 copies
Description: An unlicensed NES game that was very limited in production. It is the sequel to Cheetahmen I which was one of the titles included on Action 52. The re-release fixes bugs that were in the original game and also includes lost levels from the Cheetahmen I prototype.
Notes:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data East All-Star Collection (Data East)
Publisher: retro-bit
Release date: December 15, 2017
Limited to: not planned as a limited release
Description: 5 NES games on one cart: Bad Dudes, Buggy Popper, Burger Time, Ring King, Side Pocket
Notes: Oddly shaped cart that does not properly it into an original NES system.
Duck Tales Gold (Capcom)
Publisher: not published.. manufactured by iam8bit by special order from Capcom
Release date:
Limited to: 150 copies. Only distributed by Capcom as press kits to VIP's
Description: It's Duck Tales in an original refurbished NES shell, painted gold, with new internal hardware components
Notes: Did not come in a cardboard box. Instead, it came in a lunchbox with a handful of other retro inspired memoribilia. Approximately 10 special silver cart versions were made by and kept by the Timewalk team.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Holy Diver - Collector's Edition (Irem)
Publisher: retro-bit
Release date:
Limited to: not planned as a limited release.
Description: An extremely difficult sidescrolling action platformer that came out in Japan only. It was scheduled for a US release, but was then cancelled with no explanation.
Notes: First 1,000 carts are white. Subsquent carts are black. Very high quality production with tons of collector's items. Released simultaneously with R-Type Returns.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Megaman 2 (Capcom)
Publisher: iam8bit
Release date: shipped 9/26/2018
Limited to: 8,500 copies
Description: Megaman 2 collector's edition re-release for 30th Anniversary
Notes: Standard cart is opaque blue. 1,000 glow in the dark blue carts are randomly distributed.
Metal Storm (Irem)
Publisher: retro-bit
Release date:
Limited to: not planned as a limited release
Description: Metal Storm collector's edition re-release.
Notes: distributed by Limited Run and Castlemania Games
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday Funday: The Ride (Wisdom Tree)
Publisher: INFINITE NES LIVES
Release date:
Limited to: 100 limited copies, possibly a regular run of non-limited copies
Description: 3 NES games on one cart: Sunday Funday, Fish Fall, 4Him: The Ride
Notes: Limited Black cart, original NES style. If non-limited run is made, they'll be standard grey original NES style carts.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SNES Games
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data East Classics Collection (Data East)
Publisher: retro-bit
Release date: December 15, 2017
Limited to: not planned as a limited release
Description: 5 SNES games on one cart: Fighter's History, Fighter's History 2, Magical Drop, Magical Drop 2, Super Side Pocket
Notes: Standard cart is black.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jaleco Brawler's Pack (Jaleco)
Publisher: retro-bit
Release date: December 15, 2017
Limited to: not planned as a limited release
Description: 4 SNES games on one cart: Brawl Brothers, The Peace Keepers, Rival Turf, Tuff E Nuff
Notes: Standard cart is black.
Joe & Mac - Ultimate Caveman Collection (Data East)
Publisher: retro-bit
Release date: December 15, 2017
Limited to: not planned as a limited release
Description: 3 SNES games on one cart: Joe & Mac, Congo's Caper, Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics
Notes: Standard cart is black. Special translucent blue cart available when purchased with retro-bit console bundle.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaizo Chojin Shubibinman Zero (AKA BS Shockman) (Masaya Games)
Publisher: Columbus Circle
Release date: June 30, 2107
Limited to: not planned as a limited release
Description: Side scrolling beat 'em up. Originally released as a download only game on the BS Satellaview peripheral for the Super Famicom.
Notes: Official release form appears to be in similar style to officially licensed Super Famicom games
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legend (Arcade Zone)
Publisher: Piko Interactive
Release date: 2016
Limited to: not planned as a limited release
Description: An uncommon SNES game that has gained more popularity in recent times
Notes: Poor quality reproduction cart unfortunately... But its still the official version!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nightmare Busters (Arcade Zone)
Publisher: Super Fighter Team
Release date: December 23, 2013
Limited to: not planned as a limited release, but no longer in production
Description: A mostly completed run n' gun game that was not published in SNES era due to financial issues.
Notes: Official cart was a special type that resembled the Super Famicom style, but would also fit into a North Americal SNES.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Megaman X (Capcom)
Publisher: iam8bit
Release date: shipped 9/26/2018
Limited to: 8,500 copies
Description: Megaman X collector's edition re-release for Megaman 30th Anniversary
Notes: Standard cart is opaque white. 1,000 glow in the dark blue carts are randomly distributed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return of Double Dragon (Technos Japan)
Publisher: Retroism
Release date: August 21, 2018
Limited to: not planned as a limited release
Description: Japanese version of SNES Double Dragon with some minor differences. It is regarded as the better version.
Notes: First print run was a red cart. Had some problems on release with some carts not working on original SNES. Overall decent quality
R-Type Returns (Irem)
Publisher: retro-bit
Release date:
Limited to: not planned as a limited release.
Description: 2 SNES games on 1 cart: Super R-Type, R-Type III (uncommon game)
Notes: First 1,000 carts are opaque dark blue. Subsquent carts are black. Very high quality production with tons of collector's items. Released simultaneously with Holy Diver Collector's Edition.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super 3D Noah's Ark (Wisdom Tree)
Publisher: Piko Interactive
Release date:
Limited to: not planned as a limited release.
Description: unreleased 3D shooter for the SNES
Notes: Poor quality reproduction cart unfortunately... But its still the official version!
Street Fighter II (Capcom)
Publisher: iam8bit
Release date: shipped 12/8/2017
Limited to: 5,500 copies
Description: Street Fighter collector's edition re-release for 30th Anniversary
Notes: Standard cart is opaque red. 1,000 glow in the dark Blanka green carts are randomly distributed.
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Comments
-Sydney Hunter and the caverns of death
-Unholy Night
DuckTales Gold
Holy Diver
Noah's Ark
Escape from Atlantis
Free Fall
Wisdom Tree Collection
Mystery World Dizzy
Dreamworld Pogie
Wonderland Dizzy
Plus there are five Famicom multicarts from Retro-bit in Japan.
From what I've heard regarding the Sreet Fighter 2 snes carts, they were made under contract.
How about Sunday Funday?
From what I've heard regarding the Sreet Fighter 2 snes carts, they were made under contract.
If I understand correctly, street fighter was manufactured by infiniteNesLives. Though the publisher is still iam8bit.
Where's Cheetahmen II?
In purgatory, where it belongs
Where's Cheetahmen II?
why? that game sucks.
lol, just kidding. check my work in the listing. I found info about a cart called Cheetahmen II the Creation, which I can't figure out what it is. It appears to be a different cart than the Cheetahmen II cart. Maybe you can elaborate on that. Also, what color is the official kickstarter cart?
Where's Cheetahmen II?
why? that game sucks.
lol, just kidding. check my work in the listing. I found info about a cart called Cheetahmen II the Creation, which I can't figure out what it is. It appears to be a different cart than the Cheetahmen II cart. Maybe you can elaborate on that. Also, what color is the official kickstarter cart?
Not really a reproduction if it is licensed.
Yea I know. We’re never going to come to a concensus on what to call these, so this is just the terminology that I’ve settled on
As for terminology I like "reissues" for previously-released stuff. It works for records and books and stuff, why reinvent the wheel.
Not really a reproduction if it is licensed.
Yea I know. We’re never going to come to a concensus on what to call these, so this is just the terminology that I’ve settled on
IMHO You have games made during the system lifespan and those which were not.
If you're counting Nightmare Busters (a previously unreleased games) you have to count the Dizzy/Pogie stuff too. These were unreleased Dizzy NES games that the Oliver Twins made limited runs of with permission from Codemasters.
As for terminology I like "reissues" for previously-released stuff. It works for records and books and stuff, why reinvent the wheel.
Well records and books aren’t part of a larger set that had a limited time frame of publishing.
For the most part they stand alone.
If Topps baseball issues a modern copy of the 1952 Mickey Mantle card what is that called?
If you're counting Nightmare Busters (a previously unreleased games) you have to count the Dizzy/Pogie stuff too. These were unreleased Dizzy NES games that the Oliver Twins made limited runs of with permission from Codemasters.
As for terminology I like "reissues" for previously-released stuff. It works for records and books and stuff, why reinvent the wheel.
I'm at work right now, so just haven't had a chance yet to research Dizzy/Pogie. I'll look into them today. I also recognize that there's a bunch of Famicom stuff, which I'll probably make a separate section for.
In my opinion, the word 'reissue' alludes to the product being 'in like/similar kind' as the original. But the originals were all licensed by Nintendo not just in software quality, but in parts/construction quality. These new products are not the same level of quality as the originals because they're not made from the same parts.
In my opinion, the reluctance people have to the use of the word 'reproduction' stems from its association with bootlegs. This is largely due to people on ebay that have referred to bootlegs as repros, simply because they can't list them as bootlegs out in the open on ebay.
Honestly if people would just call unauthorized reproductions what they are: homemade bootlegs and counterfeits, then they would probably be more willing to accept the use of the word reproduction for these legitimate products.
I don't have a stake in this. To me its just a matter of which term is technically correct from a linguistics perspective. If enough people think 'reissue' is the correct word to use then I'll change it.
Not really a reproduction if it is licensed.
I would have to argue that if it's being produced again, then technically it's a "re-production"... just one that happens to be officially licensed.
Of course, what about games that were "Greatest Hits" or "Players Choice"? Technically, they were produced again a second time around, but nobody calls those "reproductions".
Great, now I'm confusing myself. lol
Maybe greatest hits is a reissue?
I would consider "Greatest Hits" etc. another printing, but definitely not a "reproduction"
Would be better if this thread could just focus on adding the new titles and not worry about what to classify them as
^ Agreed. I could open a new thread on the topic so we won't derail this thread any further. Interesting topic though.
Thanks.
BouncekDeLemos is continuing the discussion of what to call these games on a separate thread:
http://nintendoage.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=185123&StartRow=1#bottom
We need a figure of authority to make the final call on this. I'd like to know if WATA has already solved this problem.
Would be better if this thread could just focus on adding the new titles and not worry about what to classify them as
I don't know if we've solved anything, as new stuff continues to pop up all the time, each with their own set of unique parameters. Our approach is to simply describe each item with the best applicable descriptors available. The term we currently use is reproduction, however the fact they are licensed, etc. would be exactly the purpose of our "details" field. Nothing is set in stone and our goal is to keep pace with the community, so if the term "re-issue" (which I like by the way) gains ground, we are likely to use it. There are other descriptors which are widely used but factually wrong that we ignore, but that is a different story.
The World of Nintendo Aftermarket Games Panel, from the Let's Play Gaming Expo
We need a figure of authority to make the final call on this. I'd like to know if WATA has already solved this problem.
Would be better if this thread could just focus on adding the new titles and not worry about what to classify them as
I don't know if we've solved anything, as new stuff continues to pop up all the time, each with their own set of unique parameters. Our approach is to simply describe each item with the best applicable descriptors available. The term we currently use is reproduction, however the fact they are licensed, etc. would be exactly the purpose of our "details" field. Nothing is set in stone and our goal is to keep pace with the community, so if the term "re-issue" (which I like by the way) gains ground, we are likely to use it. There are other descriptors which are widely used but factually wrong that we ignore, but that is a different story.
I get that WATA wants to remain humble and all by not claiming being the “authority” on these matters. But you guys have already kind of positioned yourselves as the authority.. you know, by having multiple decades-long game collecting experts on the advisory board.. and by committing your livelihood to the hobby full time. Which is a really good thing for the growth of the hobby.
I don’t think any sensible people would look at it as as arrogance by any means for WATA to firmly state their opinions on these types of matters. As long as whatever opinions are issued reflect the general consensus of the WATA team and not just one person. If the consensus of the experts in the field doesn’t hold ground, then who’s opinion does?
If you guys really have an opinion on these type of thing, please don't keep to yourself and defer to the community. The community takes forever and we're never going to come to an agreement either!
Whether or not it should have been this way, the word reproduction has its own connotation in this community, one of unauthorised, etc, and I think that is something that will be hard to get away from.