The Nintendo World Championships (NWC) cartridge is one of the most famous and rarest video game cartridges in existence. Here’s some detailed information about it:
Background
- Event: The Nintendo World Championships were held in 1990, a competitive gaming event that toured 29 cities across the United States.
- Purpose: The competition was designed to find the best gamers in the country and involved playing specially modified versions of popular NES games.
Cartridge Details
- Design: There are two main types of NWC cartridges: the gray cartridge and the gold cartridge.
- Gray Cartridges: 90 were made for the finalists of the competition.
- Gold Cartridges: 26 were given away as prizes in a Nintendo Power magazine contest.
- Games Included: The cartridge features modified versions of:
- Super Mario Bros.
- Rad Racer
- Tetris
Competition Format
- Players competed by achieving the highest combined score in the three games within a total time limit of 6 minutes and 21 seconds.
- Super Mario Bros.: Collect 50 coins.
- Rad Racer: Complete a race course.
- Tetris: Accumulate as many points as possible with the remaining time.
Value and Collectibility
- Gray Cartridge: Extremely rare, highly sought after by collectors. The value can range from $10,000 to over $20,000, depending on the condition and provenance.
- Gold Cartridge: Even rarer than the gray cartridges, with values often exceeding $20,000 and sometimes reaching $100,000 or more, especially in pristine condition.
Authenticity and Verification
- Due to their high value, verifying the authenticity of an NWC cartridge is crucial.
- Label: Original labels are a key factor, but they can be replicated, so they are not the sole proof.
- Internal Inspection: Checking the internal components against known authentic cartridges can help.
- Provenance: Documentation or a clear history of the cartridge can significantly boost authenticity and value.
Collecting and Owning
- Owning an NWC cartridge is a badge of honor in the gaming community due to its historical significance and rarity.
- Proper care and storage are important to maintain its condition and value.
