Limited Run Allegedly Selling Cartridges That Could Harm Your NES - CloudBrain (2025)

Concerns About Limited Run Games’ NES Cartridges

Recently, Limited Run Games, a well-known publisher of physical video games, faced criticism from a customer regarding the safety of their NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) cartridges. The issue centers around certain cartridges that might potentially damage the classic consoles they are designed for.

The Issue at Hand

Jordi Gutierrez Hermoso, the customer who raised the alarm, shared his experience with the cartridges published by Limited Run Games. He pointed out that these cartridges are causing voltage problems when used with original NES hardware. This issue relates to incompatibility between the 3.3V cartridges and the 5V systems of NES consoles.

Hermoso has particularly noted problems with two games: Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland and PioPow. He explained that even though these cartridges have a voltage regulator, they lack what’s known as logic level translation. This deficiency leads to the components on the cartridge drawing power from signals that shouldn’t provide it, creating a risk of damaging both the cartridge and the NES console itself.

Customer Experience

Speaking about his experience with Limited Run Games, Hermoso expressed his disappointment both with the product and the support he received. He mentioned that aside from the electrical issues, the game itself had multiple bugs. For example, there was a frustrating two-player soft lock that affected co-op gameplay, a problem that has been resolved in the Steam version of the game. In light of these issues, he accepted a 50% refund for the cartridge, while still retaining it.

After further investigation, Hermoso confirmed that PioPow also used incorrect voltage, echoing his previous concerns. He cited an interesting comment allegedly made by Josh Fairhurst, a co-founder of Limited Run Games, suggesting that the company saw no issue with the quality of production, since most customers do not open their packages.

Wider Community Concerns

Hermoso is not alone in his concerns. Other players on various forums have echoed similar frustrations regarding the quality control of NES cartridges from Limited Run Games. A notable post on a popular online platform highlighted complaints about several recent purchases not functioning correctly, indicating that the company was opting for cheaper board options during production.

One commenter stated their disappointment about the low-quality hardware being used for official releases like PioPow, expressing discontent with the impact this could have on the NES development community. They urged fellow developers to be cautious about partnering with Limited Run Games, calling the situation an embarrassment.

The Response from Limited Run Games

As of now, Limited Run Games has not officially responded to these allegations. As we await a statement from the company, the community is left scrutinizing the quality and safety of their gaming products.

It is crucial for customers to be aware of potential electrical issues that may arise from using these cartridges. The concerns raised by Hermoso and others serve as a reminder for consumers to thoroughly research products before making a purchase, especially in the retro gaming market.

How to Identify and Avoid Potential Issues

If you’re a gamer interested in purchasing NES cartridges or any retro game products, here are some tips to ensure you make a safe decision:

• Research the Product:

  • Look for reviews and experiences shared by other customers to gauge the reliability of the cartridges you intend to buy.

• Check Voltage Compatibility:

  • Confirm that the voltage of the cartridge matches the requirements of your gaming system. Avoid products that specify 3.3V cartridges for use with 5V systems.

• Be Cautious with Reputable Brands:

  • Although Limited Run Games has a strong reputation in the gaming community, it’s essential to stay vigilant about any recurrent issues reported by customers.
• Engage with the Community:
  • Connect with online forums and communities dedicated to retro gaming. Engaging with fellow gamers can provide valuable insights and help identify red flags about particular products.

Conclusion

The situation involving Limited Run Games and their NES cartridges emphasizes the need for consumer caution in the retro gaming market. Customers should be well-informed and proactive when it comes to ensuring the safety and functionality of their gaming products. As more gamers share their experiences, it will be interesting to see how Limited Run Games addresses these concerns and whether they take steps to enhance their quality control moving forward.

Tags: Action Adventure, Allegedly, Cartridges, harm, limited, Limited Run Games, NES, news, nintendo, Nintendo Switch, platformer, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland, Run, Selling, switch, The Mix Games, Time Extension, Wallride