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Tag Archives: video game preservation

Modern Retro Games, Nintendo

Limited Run Faces Backlash Over Faulty NES Cartridges

Posted on by Owen

Limited Run Games, a company known for publishing physical editions of modern and retro-inspired titles, is under fire for allegedly producing NES cartridges that could potentially harm consoles. Reports from collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts suggest that these new cartridges may cause damage to the internal components of original NES hardware, sparking concerns across the community.

Rugrats may harm your console, picture credit Limited Run Games

The issue first came to light when multiple users reported their NES systems malfunctioning after using Limited Run’s cartridges. Some claim that improper voltage regulation or poor manufacturing could be to blame, with affected consoles showing symptoms ranging from graphical glitches to complete hardware failure. Given that many retro gamers rely on original hardware for an authentic experience, this controversy has raised serious alarm.

Limited Run Games contacted John Riggs who shared the content of the email (below) where they confirmed that “due to an issue with the voltage regulation, there is a small chance that prolonged use of these titles could result in damage to either the cartridge or the console hardware” 😳. The blame has been put on a supplier that is not their regular partner. The games in question are RugRats and PiioPow, both of which have sold out and are no longer available.

My email from Limited Run. Looks like my copy of Rugrats will just stay in the box.

[image or embed]

— JohnRiggs (@johnriggs.bsky.social) 19 February 2025 at 02:20

This incident underscores the risks associated with modern reproductions of retro hardware. While many companies have successfully released high-quality cartridges in recent years, quality control issues can still arise, and collectors are now questioning whether enough testing was conducted before these products hit the market.

For now, affected users are advising others to avoid inserting these cartridges into their NES systems until further investigation clarifies the risks. The retro gaming community will be closely monitoring the situation, waiting to see if Limited Run responds with a solution or refund policy.

Credit to TimeExtension for breaking this story.

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Collecting

UK Government Rejects ‘Stop Destroying Videogames’ Petition

Posted on by Owen

The UK government has dismissed the ‘Stop Destroying Videogames’ petition, which urged for amendments to consumer laws to prevent the disabling of video games. The petition highlighted concerns over the preservation of digital gaming content, especially as online services for older games are frequently discontinued, rendering them unplayable.

The government’s response was clear: “There are no plans to amend UK consumer law on disabling video games. Those selling games must comply with existing consumer protection legislation.” This stance underscores the current regulatory framework, which mandates that sellers adhere to established consumer rights but does not specifically address the longevity or preservation of digital games.

This decision has sparked discussions within the gaming community about the challenges of digital preservation. As the industry increasingly shifts towards online and digital platforms, many gamers express concerns over the potential loss of access to beloved titles due to server shutdowns or digital rights management (DRM) restrictions.

The issue isn’t confined to the UK alone. Globally, gamers and preservationists are advocating for more robust measures to ensure that video games, especially those with cultural or historical significance, remain accessible for future generations. The debate continues on how best to balance the rights and interests of consumers, developers, and publishers in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

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Rom Hack, Sony

Bloodborne PSX Demake Hit by Copyright Strike—What It Could Mean for an Official Remake

Posted on by Owen

The Bloodborne PSX demake, a fan-made reimagining of FromSoftware’s gothic horror classic with PlayStation 1 aesthetics, has been struck with a copyright claim. This latest takedown follows a familiar pattern, where ambitious fan projects based on popular IPs are swiftly removed due to legal action from publishers.

Credit: Itch IO

But according to Lance McDonald, the creator of Bloodborne’s unofficial 60fps mod, this could signal something more hopeful: an official remake or remaster.

McDonald speculated that Sony’s decision to target the project now, despite its release in early 2022, might suggest something is brewing behind the scenes. In the past, companies have issued copyright claims strategically, often ahead of an official announcement. While this doesn’t confirm anything, it’s enough to reignite the long-standing hopes for a proper Bloodborne update—whether that’s a remaster, a PC port, or even a full remake.

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Bloodborne remains one of the most beloved PlayStation exclusives, yet it has been stranded at 30fps on the PS4 with no official enhancements for newer hardware. The demand for a modernized version has been constant, and while rumors surface now and then, nothing concrete has materialized. If McDonald’s theory holds any weight, this copyright claim might be more than just corporate housekeeping—it could be a hint that Sony has something in store for fans.