Video Game History Foundation Acquires 125 Taito Prototype ROMs for NES and MSX2: Livestream Event Announced

The Video Game History Foundation, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of electronic entertainment, has made a pivotal acquisition in the realm of game conservation.

On June 5, the Foundation will host a special livestream event to unveil and analyze 125 mystery prototype ROMs, which are believed to have originated from the archives of Taito Japan.

This impressive collection primarily features titles for the iconic NES (Nintendo Entertainment System), its Japanese counterpart Famicom, and the MSX2 computer platform—systems that played central roles in gaming’s formative years. The announcement came directly from Frank Cifaldi, founder and director of the Video Game History Foundation.

He revealed via social media that the Foundation had recently obtained a substantial lot of prototype ROM chips, stating: "We’re not sure what games are included yet, only that they’re mostly for Famicom/NES and MSX2." He added that Taito, the developer renowned for classics like Space Invaders and Bubble Bobble, had a history of unreleased and lost projects from this era—raising the possibility of remarkable discoveries within the trove. Providing further insight, Cifaldi highlighted the challenges ahead, noting: "Piecing these prototypes together will be a real challenge.

Most chips aren’t labeled, and when they are, there’s rarely a date or even a game title.

With 125 chips total, and each game requiring a specific set of 3-8 chips, there’s no guarantee of even a single complete game among them." This upcoming livestream will be the Foundation’s second major broadcast of the year.

Earlier this month, its "Mailbag Mountain" event saw Frank Cifaldi and Digital Eclipse’s editorial director Chris Kohler unbox and catalog nearly half a ton of historic video game magazines, thrilling preservationists and fans alike.

At that event’s conclusion, Cifaldi teased the forthcoming ROM research, sharing glimpses of recently acquired chips from a Japanese auction. The June 5 livestream promises transparency and community engagement, allowing gaming enthusiasts and historians to witness first-hand the meticulous process of identifying and archiving these digital artifacts.

Interested viewers can subscribe for notifications on the Foundation’s official YouTube channel.

Additionally, supporters are encouraged to visit the Foundation’s website to learn more about ongoing preservation projects and ways to contribute to safeguarding video game history for future generations. As digital content increasingly becomes a cornerstone of video game culture—whether through the eShop, Nintendo Switch Online, or archival efforts—initiatives like this underscore the importance of preserving the medium’s past.

The Video Game History Foundation’s work with Taito’s prototypes could unlock forgotten chapters in the story of the NES, Famicom, and MSX2, offering invaluable insights for both industry veterans and dedicated fans.

NES Xbox Series X|S MSX2+ Taito Famicom Video Game History Foundation Frank Cifaldi MSX2 Digital Eclipse Chris Kohler YouTube