Screws Matter on the NES
Back in the 8-bit era, Nintendo had a knack for keeping things locked down—literally. Many original NES cartridges came equipped with five security screws, a hardware quirk that was part of Nintendo’s grand plan to control the gaming ecosystem and fend off pesky bootleggers. These hefty screws weren’t just there for looks; they symbolized Nintendo’s tight grip on its console kingdom. Of course, it didn’t take long for savvy tinkerers to crack the code (or grab the right screwdriver), but the legacy of these "Fort Knox" cartridges lives on.
After 1987, Nintendo got a bit less screw-happy and shifted to a three-screw design, perhaps deciding they didn’t need to bolt things down quite as tightly. This list celebrates the pre-’87 five-screw classics—games that didn’t just entertain but came clad in their full metal armor. Whether you're a collector hunting for the telltale screws or just here for the nostalgia, these titles remind us that sometimes, the little things—like a few extra screws—really do matter.
Games
Nintendo NES
Hogan's Alley"Hogan's Alley" is a classic light gun shooter video game released by Nintendo for the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) in 1984. The game is designed around the use of the NES Zapper, a light gun a...
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Nintendo NES
Ice Climber"Ice Climber" is an action-platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985. The game features two playable characters, Popo and Nana, who are dres...
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Nintendo NES
Ikari Warriors"Ikari Warriors" is a classic run-and-gun shoot 'em up video game that was originally released for arcades in 1986 by SNK, then subsequently adapted for various home platforms including the Nintendo E...
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Nintendo NES
Jaws"Jaws" is an action-adventure video game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987, based on the popular film series about a terrifying great white shark. Developed by Westone Bit E...
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Nintendo NES
Karate Champ"Karate Champ" is a classic martial arts simulation game that was originally released in arcades in 1984 and later adapted for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1986. Developed by Technōs Jap...
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Nintendo NES
Kid Icarus"Kid Icarus," developed by Nintendo R&D1 and released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1986, is a cherished platforming game that combines elements of action with unique mythological the...
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Nintendo NES
Kid Niki: Radical Ninja"Kid Niki: Radical Ninja," released in 1987 on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), is an engaging action platformer developed by Irem. The game casts players in the role of Kid Niki, a spirited n...
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Nintendo NES
Kung Fu"Kung Fu" for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), originally released in 1985, is a side-scrolling beat 'em up video game that has become a classic in the genre. Developed by Irem and published b...
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Nintendo NES
Lode Runner"Lode Runner" is a strategic puzzle platformer game originally developed by Douglas Smith and published by Broderbund in 1983, later making its debut on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1984...
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Nintendo NES
Lunar Pool"Lunar Pool," released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), takes the traditional game of billiards into an extraordinary setting – the moon! Developed by Compile and published by FCI, Inc., t...
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Nintendo NES
M.U.S.C.L.E."M.U.S.C.L.E." (Millions of Unusual Small Creatures Lurking Everywhere) is a wrestling video game based on the popular 1980s toy line of the same name, which itself is based on the Japanese manga and...
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Nintendo NES
Mach Rider"Mach Rider" is a post-apocalyptic, combat-centric racing game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985. Set in the year 2112, the game places players in...
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Nintendo NES
Mario Bros."Mario Bros." is a classic arcade-style platform game developed and published by Nintendo in 1983, designed by Shigeru Miyamoto and Gunpei Yokoi. A remarkable entry in the Mario franchise, this game f...
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Nintendo NES
Mega Man"Mega Man," also known as "Rockman" in Japan, is an iconic side-scrolling action-platformer game developed by Capcom for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Released in 1987, it introduced player...
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Nintendo NES
Metroid"Metroid" is a pioneering action-adventure game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1986. Developed and published by Nintendo, it introduced players to the vast, labyrinthine plane...
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Nintendo NES
Mighty Bomb Jack"Mighty Bomb Jack" is a platform game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987 by Tecmo. The game is set in the fantastical kingdom of Pamera, where the main character, Jack, must...
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Nintendo NES
Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!"Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!" is a classic boxing video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), released in 1987. In this beloved game, players step into the boxing shoes of Little Mac, a small...
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Nintendo NES
Ninja Kid"Ninja Kid," released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1986, is an action-adventure game that combines elements of platforming and role-playing within a distinctly Japanese folklore sett...
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Nintendo NES
Pinball"Pinball" is a classic video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), which was released in 1984 as one of the launch titles for the NES in North America. The game is a digital simulation of...
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Nintendo NES
Popeye"Popeye" is a classic arcade-style video game developed by Nintendo, originally released in arcades in 1982 before being ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1983. In the game, players...
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Nintendo NES
Pro Wrestling"Pro Wrestling" is a sports simulation video game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987, developed by Nintendo R&D3 and published by Nintendo. The game immerses players in the a...
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Nintendo NES
Rad Racer"Rad Racer," released in 1987, is an influential arcade-style racing game developed by Square for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Players dive into the thrill of high-speed solo racing across...
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Nintendo NES
Raid on Bungeling Bay"Raid on Bungeling Bay" is a classic top-down shooter video game that was originally released for the Commodore 64 in 1984 and later adapted for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). In the game, p...
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Nintendo NES
Ring King"Ring King," released in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), is a boxing simulator that stands out for its animated and somewhat comical representation of the sport. Developed by Woodpla...
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Nintendo NES
Rush'n Attack"Rush'n Attack," also known by its original title "Green Beret," is a side-scrolling action game developed by Konami. Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987, the game places play...
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Nintendo NES
Rygar"Rygar" is a classic action-adventure video game that originally made its appearance on arcade machines in 1986 before being adapted to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987. Developed and p...
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Nintendo NES
Section-Z"Section-Z" is an engaging side-scrolling shooter game originally released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987. Developed and published by Capcom, the game is an adaptation of an earli...
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Nintendo NES
Sky Kid"Sky Kid" is a side-scrolling shooter game developed and published by Namco originally for arcades in 1985, before being ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). In the game, players take on...
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Nintendo NES
Slalom"Slalom" is a classic skiing video game developed by Rare and released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987. In this pioneering sports game, players ski down a series of slopes, navigat...
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Nintendo NES
Soccer"Soccer" is a sports simulation video game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985, highlighting the growing popularity of soccer worldwide. Developed and published by Nintendo, i...
0 0Top Brainiacs
Most Collected
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Combat
2600 / VCS 4 -
Air-Sea Battle
2600 / VCS 3 -
Space War
2600 / VCS 3 -
Space Invaders
2600 / VCS 3 -
Outlaw
2600 / VCS 2