Limited Run Games Faces Criticism Over NES Cartridges Potentially Damaging Classic Hardware

Limited Run Games, a prominent publisher known for creating physical editions of indie and retro games for platforms like the Nintendo Switch and classic hardware, is currently facing strong criticism from segments of the retro gaming community.

Recent concerns have surfaced surrounding the safety and quality of its NES cartridges, specifically for titles like Rugrats and PioPow, both recently released to cater to collectors and nostalgic gamers. The controversy began when Jordi Gutiérrez Hermoso, a customer and retro hardware enthusiast, reported directly to Time Extension that recent NES releases from Limited Run Games were potentially endangering original console systems.

According to Hermoso, the cartridges use a 3.3V configuration rather than the 5V standard expected by NES consoles, an issue previously detailed by experts at DB Electronics.

This mismatch can lead to improper voltage being supplied, which may risk both the longevity of the cartridge and the hardware itself. "I identified this issue in both the Rugrats and PioPow cartridges," Hermoso stated, highlighting ongoing risks.

He explained that while the cartridges employ a voltage regulator, they lack proper logic level translation.

As a result, essential board components draw power from unintended signals, causing potential cumulative damage to both the cartridge and the NES console.

Hermoso emphasized his concern by describing the affected cartridges as a 'tiny time bomb' within classic electronics. Additionally, Hermoso raised concerns over software quality, noting that certain logical issues and a known two-player softlock bug present in the NES version of Rugrats were only rectified in the subsequent Steam release.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the product's initial condition, Hermoso shared that Limited Run Games offered him a partial refund while allowing him to retain the game. These reports are not isolated.

Discussions on platforms like Reddit echo similar frustrations over the perceived decline in quality control from Limited Run Games, particularly in relation to their NES products.

Another user remarked on the inferiority of the hardware, stating that several recent purchases failed to function properly due to cost-saving choices in board manufacturing.

Community members voiced disappointment that critical indie releases such as PioPow made their debut on what was described as 'low quality hardware.' At the time of writing, Limited Run Games has acknowledged the complaints and issued a public statement addressing the voltage compatibility concerns.

The publisher has assured customers that it is reviewing internal processes and is committed to upholding its reputation for high-quality retro releases.

Limited Run Games’ ongoing contributions to the preservation of indie and classic games remain significant, with many successful launches across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and the eShop in recent years.

Still, this incident underscores the importance of rigorous hardware testing, particularly as interest in physical retro gaming continues to surge. Nintendo platform users and collectors are advised to exercise caution and stay informed through official updates.

Time Extension and other industry outlets are closely monitoring the situation for further developments.

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