How to tell if SNES Game is Authentic or a Bootleg Game Cart

Recently we obtained a handful of games.  These were some really rare Super Nintendo titles, that someone was trying to sell to me as legit copies. At first glance, it was pretty obvious to tell none of these were an authentic game. Below are points about how to spot counterfeit cartridges for the Super Nintendo.  The games are also commonly referred to as "fake", "reproduction" or "bootleg video games". We also have a YouTube video if you'd rather watch than read about the topic. The game titles in reference are: Chrono Trigger, Earthbound, and The Legend of Zelda etc. For larger images, you can refer to the pinterest page.  Now keep in mind, I'm writing this article because someone is trying to sell me bootleg cartridges as the real thing.  I have no problem if you buy reproduction games for your collection, but selling bootlegs as the real thing is where...

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Console Wars - SNES vs PlayStation RPGs - Which is Better?

Classic RPG fans, prepare your arguments. We’re about to settle one of the longest-standing console war showdowns of all time: SNES vs PS1 RPGs. It’s quite a bold claim, we know. Both consoles produced numerous titles that are still considered the best RPGs ever made. SNES gave us Earthbound, Final Fantasy II and III (IV and VI in Japan), and Chrono Trigger. PS1 gave us Final Fantasy VII-IX, Final Fantasy Tactics, Legend of Dragoon, Parasite Eve, and more. At this moment, you may find yourself involuntarily screaming at your screen, audibly (and angrily) naming the obvious winner of this showdown. We understand. Some will tell us that Final Fantasy VII is the game that changed the world of RPG gaming forever. If that’s you, you’re right. Alternatively, you may argue that Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy III changed RPG gaming first. You’re right, too. But which console truly reigns supreme in the...

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Super Nintendo vs Nintendo 64: Who has the Best RPG Games

With hits like Mario 64, Super Smash Bros, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the N64 was one of the most popular and successful consoles ever. But why didn’t we ever see Final Fantasy 64, Chrono Trigger 64, or even Earthbound 64? Where are all the N64 RPG games? For that matter, when you compare RPGs from Super Nintendo vs Nintendo 64, it looks downright ridiculous. Case in point: SNES gave us two of the best RPGs ever made, Chrono Trigger and Earthbound, plus hundreds of other RPG hits. In contrast, Nintendo 64 gave us the infamous RPG dud, Quest 64. That’s about it. What happened? Who’s to blame? Also, are there any Nintendo 64 RPGs worth playing? Find out below. Nintendo 64: The Pinnacle of Nintendo As far as console gaming history is concerned, the Nintendo 64 is significant for a lot of reasons. As mentioned, it was...

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Your 1990s Guide to The Legend of Zelda games

The Legend of Zelda series epic is one of the most epic game series of all time. With more than 51 million games sold worldwide, it's won a place in the hearts of many gamers. The '90s were an exciting time for Zelda fans, with numerous titles released in this decade. You can find these games, figures, and more on Poggers. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past  (1991-1992) The Legend of Zelda: a Link to the Past is an action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo entertainment system. It is the third installment in the Legend of Zelda series and was released in 1991 in Japan and 1992 in North America and Europe. The plot of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past centers around Link's quest to rescue Princess Zelda from Ganon's clutches. The gameplay builds upon the exploration elements of its...

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The Best Super Nintendo Games To Play, Hidden SNES Gems

What kinds of Super Nintendo games do you like most? Undoubtedly, you already have a few 16-bit game genres in mind. Of course, there aren’t really many genres to choose from. There are racing, fighting, shooting, puzzle-solving, and adventure games, plus RPGs. That’s pretty much it. Due to its limited capabilities, the SNES could only handle a small list of game genres, right? Well, actually, a lot of game creators have put that theory to the test, creating some of the best Super Nintendo games, ever made. We’ve listed some of our favorites in this guide. Read on to learn all about them. 1. Star Fox Today, hearing that the latest Star Fox game uses 3D polygon graphics is not impressive. But in 1993, it was mind-blowing. In those days, there were no 3D polygonal console games—not one, ever—until Star Fox came out. We had played 3D games in the arcade,...

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The 10 Best Super Nintendo Shmups - 16 Bit Era Shoot Em Ups

We were going to start this article with a question. But we already know the answer. No, you’re not interested in getting into the retro shoot ’em up games. We get it. It’s a difficult genre for the uninitiated to break into. For one thing, we mean that literally. Shoot ‘em up games, or “shmups” tend to be very challenging. Also, the 80s and 90s spawned thousands of these games every year. If you’re trying to get into these games now, where do you start? So glad you asked. You start right here, of course. Below are the best SNES shmups that money can buy—or at least some of them. There are several notable mentions that we’ll save for a follow-up article. In any case, you must try these 10 SNES shoot ‘em ups for yourself. 10. Super R-Type Obviously, we couldn’t list the best SNES shmups without mentioning at least...

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The 10 Best SNES RPGS - Super Nintendo Role Playing Games

Today, we are going to take a look at the Best Games from the Super Nintendo stable. At The Old School Game Vault, we are fond of snes library and it would make us happy if you the reader can discover some of the games that gave us so many happy memories growing up. Without further ado, let us begin our list of the Best SNES RPGS Games.      Final Fantasy III - Released in 1994 Final Fantasy III according to canon is one of the best RPGs stories ever told. A tale of great personal sacrifice and struggle, the game draws you in with its powerful, emotional narrative. It might have some of the tropes we have come to associate with RPG games of its kind – the bad guy wants to become a god and burn down everything that exists, and the protagonist is a green-haired hero who has...

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Exploring the Best Super Nintendo Games of All Time

Get ready to take a trip down memory lane as we dive into the world of Super Nintendo and explore the all-time best games that captivated millions of gamers in the '90s. From beloved classics like Mario and Zelda to lesser-known gems, this article is your ultimate guide to the finest games ever released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The SNES revolutionized the gaming industry with its advanced graphics, groundbreaking gameplay, and unforgettable characters. Whether you're a seasoned gamer looking to relive the glory days or a curious newbie interested in discovering the roots of modern gaming, this list has something for everyone. Join us as we revisit iconic titles like Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Donkey Kong Country. We'll dig deep into what made these games so special, analyzing their gameplay mechanics, captivating storylines, and memorable soundtracks. So grab your...

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Evolving Hero: Top 10 Mega Man Games of the Past 3 Decades

Embark on an electrifying journey through the most iconic Mega Man video games that have revolutionized the gaming industry! These legendary titles not only captured our hearts but also pushed the boundaries of what video games could achieve. With breathtaking graphics, innovative gameplay mechanics, and unforgettable boss battles, these Mega Man games elevated our gaming experience to unprecedented heights! From the nostalgic charm of the original Mega Man to the cutting-edge 3D excitement of Mega Man X, each entry on this list showcases the evolution and enduring popularity of this beloved franchise. Join us as we celebrate the thrill of battling alongside the Blue Bomber, outsmarting evil Robot Masters, and uncovering the mysteries of Dr. Wily's nefarious plans. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to the Mega Man universe, this list promises to take you on an exhilarating journey through the very best of the Mega Man series. So, grab...

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Super Nintendo Console - A True Retro Gaming Legend

The Super Nintendo Console, more popularly known as the SNES, was released in 1990. It quickly became one of the most popular gaming devices of its time, partly defining the fourth generation of video game consoles. The consoles shipped with a number of games, including the major hits Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. To this day, their characters remain among the most well-known icons of video gaming. More than two decades later, many of the classic games of the Super Nintendo are still popular, largely thanks to emulator software for Windows as well as many other operating systems, including mobile ones.  Not only are SNES games available through emulation, but you can also buy Super Nintendo games, accessories and consoles here on our website. The SNES was the successor to the Nintendo Entertainment System The popular 8-bit console launched in the mid-eighties around the world. It introduced greatly improved...

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10 Facts Why Retro Gaming is growing at an Exponential Rate

Even though video game giants like Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft continue to release their "latest and greatest" hardware in the form of the Xbox Series X, the Nintendo Switch and the PlayStation 5, retro gaming is continuing to grow.  Happily, the last five to ten years has seen the maturing video game industry solve all of these problems in various ways, bringing the first true retro renaissance to the field of video games and to gamers young and old. The ten main factors detailed below have combined to make it easier and more enjoyable than ever to play old school games.  An interesting fact is that retro gaming Isn't growing only with people who are old enough to remember the original "Final Fantasy" or people who were around when specials about "Super Mario Bros. 3" aired on prime-time television. Retro gaming is also growing among the younger generation of gamers -...

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Games That Are Joyfully Different From Movies They're Based On

When modern gamers think of video game based movies, they might recall awesome titles like Jurassic World Evolution. Old-school gamers have a different association—namely, a horrible one.

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Games That Different From the Movies They're Based On, Pt 2

In the golden age of retro gaming, merchandisers thought of game consoles as marketing platforms rather than entertainment systems. Their devious plot was to create games that were basically commercials for some beloved franchise.

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Why Video Games & Consoles Turn that Nasty Yellow Color

It can happen to even the most scrupulous retro-game collector. You’ve got a pristine Super Nintendo displayed alongside other throwback consoles, and yet somehow it turns yellow over time. 

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The Super NES Super Scope & Everything you need to know!

To paraphrase 19th Century British playwright Oscar Wilde, the Super NES Super Scope was awesome. Even if he never said that, he should have. Because it was.

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