I remember the thrill of the hunt back in the day, digging through dusty bins at the local flea market, hoping to snag a gem for my Nintendo Entertainment System. We’d talk about the ‘red box’ carts, the ones with the slightly different screw. It felt like a secret handshake among collectors. So, are 5 screw NES games rare? Let’s cut to the chase: most aren’t worth a king’s ransom, but some might surprise you.
The whole ‘5 screw’ thing is less about inherent rarity and more about a specific production run. It’s a detail that tickles the nostalgia bone for those of us who lived it, but for a true collector looking for value, it’s a much deeper dive than just counting screws. I’ve seen guys blow fortunes on these things thinking they’ve found the holy grail, only to realize they’ve got a common title in a slightly different shell.
So, let’s get real about what makes a 5 screw NES game collectible, and what’s just a piece of plastic with a few less fasteners. It’s not as simple as some online forums make it out to be.
That Darn 5-Screw Nes Cartridge Mystery
Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the 5-screw NES cartridge. For those who didn’t live through the golden age of the NES, or maybe just weren’t deep into the cartridge hardware, here’s the lowdown. Most Nintendo cartridges, the ones you probably remember, have six screws holding them together. They’re pretty solid, designed to withstand a bit of roughhousing from excited kids.
However, early in the NES’s life, Nintendo used a slightly different manufacturing process for a subset of their cartridges. These carts, instead of six screws, only had five. The missing screw is typically located at the bottom, near the game contacts. Why the change? Honestly, Nintendo was pretty tight-lipped about it, but the prevailing theory is cost-saving. Fewer screws mean less labor, less materials, and a slightly faster assembly line. It’s a minor change, but it’s become a significant identifier for collectors and enthusiasts.
When I first got into serious NES collecting, I’d spend hours at garage sales, meticulously flipping over every cartridge I could get my hands on. The 5-screw ones always caught my eye. They felt… different. Special. It was like finding a penny with a unique minting error. I remember finding Super Mario Bros. in a 5-screw version at a flea market for $5. I felt like I’d won the lottery. Turns out, it’s one of the most common games ever made, 5-screw or not. That was my first real lesson: the screw count alone doesn’t automatically mean a game is rare or valuable.
The 5-screw cartridges were primarily used during the initial production runs of the NES. This means games that were released early in the console’s lifespan are more likely to be found in this 5-screw configuration. Think Duck Hunt, Gyromite, Excitebike, and, of course, the ubiquitous Super Mario Bros.. Later printings of these same games, and almost all games released after the initial surge, switched to the standard 6-screw design.
This historical context is key. The 5-screw design is a marker of the NES’s infancy. It’s a physical artifact of the console’s early days. For some, owning a 5-screw version of a classic game is about owning a piece of that history, not necessarily about its monetary value. It’s the same reason people collect original Apple computers or early model cars – it’s about the provenance, the lineage, the fact that it’s an earlier iteration of something iconic.
So, while the 5-screw designation is interesting and historically significant, it doesn’t inherently make a game rare or valuable on its own. The rarity and value are still driven by the game itself, its condition, and market demand. The 5-screw aspect is more of a bonus for dedicated collectors who appreciate the finer details of NES hardware history.
What Actually Makes a 5-Screw Game Valuable?
Okay, so we’ve established that just having five screws doesn’t automatically make your NES cartridge worth a fortune. That’s the first big myth busted. The real value, as with most collectible items, comes down to a combination of factors, and for 5-screw NES games, it’s a nuanced picture. The game itself is most important. A 5-screw version of Stadium Events, for instance, is going to be astronomically more valuable than a 5-screw Super Mario Bros., and that’s entirely down to the game’s inherent rarity and demand, not the screw count.
Here’s the breakdown of what actually drives the value:
- Game Rarity: This is the big one. Some games were simply produced in much smaller quantities than others. This could be due to a limited release, a quick discontinuation, or a game that was never officially released in all regions. For example, games like Little Samson, The Adventures of Bayou Billy (yes, even common ones in 5-screw form are only valuable if the game itself is rare), or Stadium Events (which had a limited recall) command high prices regardless of their screw count. If a rare game happens to be a 5-screw variant, that’s a nice bonus, but the game’s rarity is the primary driver.
- Demand: Even if a game is somewhat rare, if nobody wants it, it won’t fetch a high price. Popularity plays a huge role. Highly sought-after games, especially those that are difficult to find in good condition, will always have a strong demand. Think beloved RPGs, challenging platformers, or games with unique gameplay that have stood the test of time.
- Condition: This is HUGE for cartridge-based games. A pristine cartridge with a bright, unblemished label, sharp corners, and no major scratches or fading will fetch significantly more than a beat-up copy. The same goes for the game manual and box, if you’re looking at CIB (Complete In Box) values. For 5-screw cartridges, condition is just as, if not more, important because they are older and often handled more roughly over the years. I once passed on a Contra 5-screw because the label was peeling badly. I regretted it later, but I learned to prioritize condition.
- Completeness (CIB): For serious collectors, owning the original box and manual is often a must. A complete-in-box NES game, especially a 5-screw variant of a desirable title, can be worth exponentially more than just the cartridge alone. The boxes and manuals are often the first things to get lost or damaged, making complete sets incredibly scarce.
- The 5-Screw Factor (as a secondary attribute): This is where the 5-screw aspect comes into play. For common games that are readily available in 6-screw versions, a 5-screw variant might command a slight premium. It’s a niche appeal for collectors who want to own every iteration of a game or who appreciate the historical artifact. It adds a layer of authenticity to the early NES experience. But this premium is usually marginal, perhaps 10-20% higher than a 6-screw version of the same common game, and only if the game itself is popular. It’s not the primary selling point.
So, to reiterate: don’t buy a 5-screw game just because it has five screws. Buy it because it’s a game you want to play, or because it’s a genuinely rare and in-demand title that happens to be in a 5-screw shell. The screw count is a footnote, not the headline.
Common 5-Screw Nes Games: What to Expect
When you’re out hunting for those elusive 5-screw NES cartridges, there are certain games you’ll encounter far more often than others. These are typically the titles that were released very early in the NES’s lifespan, during the period when Nintendo was still using the 5-screw design. Think of them as the ‘poster children’ for the early NES era. Understanding which games are commonly found in this configuration can save you a lot of time and misguided excitement. (See Also: Are The Aluminum Pillars Supposed To Touch The Action Screws )
Here are some of the most frequently found 5-screw NES games:
- Super Mario Bros.: This is arguably the most common game on the NES, period. It was bundled with the console for a significant portion of its life, and as such, it’s overwhelmingly found in the 5-screw format. Finding a 5-screw Super Mario Bros. is like finding a grain of sand on a beach.
- Duck Hunt: Another classic pack-in title, Duck Hunt is also incredibly common in its 5-screw form. You’ll see this one everywhere.
- Gyromite: This game is notable for being bundled with the original R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy). While not as ubiquitous as Mario or Duck Hunt, it’s still quite common to find in a 5-screw cartridge.
- Excitebike: A fun, early racing game that was also a popular release in the early days. You’ll frequently find it with five screws.
- Hogan’s Alley: Part of Nintendo’s early light gun games, this one also falls into the common 5-screw category.
- Wrecking Crew: A quirky puzzle game that was an early NES release and is often seen in the 5-screw configuration.
These games are great for understanding the 5-screw hardware and for completing an early collection, but don’t expect them to break the bank. Their sheer volume of production means they simply aren’t rare enough to command high prices, even in their 5-screw iteration. The value here is purely nostalgic or historical, not financial.
Now, on the flip side, what about the rare 5-screw games? This is where things get interesting, and where the real value lies. The rarity of a 5-screw game isn’t determined by the screw count itself, but by the rarity of the game title that happens to be in a 5-screw cartridge. This is where you get into the truly sought-after titles. For example, if a game like Stadium Events or Little Samson (though these are more commonly found in 6-screw, early printings could exist in 5-screw, making them astronomically valuable if proven) were to surface in a 5-screw form, its value would skyrocket due to the game’s inherent rarity.
The key takeaway is that for most games, the 5-screw version is simply a variant, not a rarity indicator. The true rarity lies with the specific game title’s original production numbers. You’re much more likely to find a rare game in a 6-screw cartridge than a common game in a 5-screw cartridge that makes it suddenly valuable. The 5-screw aspect is a detail for enthusiasts, not a financial golden ticket for most titles.
Identifying a 5-Screw Nes Game: The Nitty-Gritty
Distinguishing a 5-screw NES cartridge from its 6-screw counterpart is pretty straightforward once you know what to look for. It’s not rocket science, but it does require a close inspection. The good news is that you don’t need any special tools or knowledge beyond a keen eye. If you’re out hunting at a flea market, a retro game store, or even just rummaging through old boxes in your attic, this skill will serve you well.
Here’s how you identify one:
1. The Visual Check (The Easiest Way):
The most obvious way is to simply look at the bottom of the cartridge. Flip the cartridge over so the game contacts (the gold pins that plug into the NES) are facing you. You’re looking at the plastic casing that houses the circuit board. In a standard 6-screw cartridge, you’ll see a row of six small screw heads evenly spaced along the bottom edge. In a 5-screw cartridge, you’ll notice that one of these screw holes is missing. Typically, it’s the screw hole furthest to the right (or bottom-right, depending on how you orient it) that’s absent. It’s a very distinct visual difference, and once you’ve seen a few, you won’t forget it.
2. The Physical Check (If You Can Handle It):
If you have the opportunity to pick up the cartridge, you can do a quick physical check. Gently try to wiggle the plastic casing around the screw holes. On a 5-screw cartridge, the plastic might feel slightly less secure or have a bit more flex in the area where the screw is missing. This is subtle, and not always a reliable indicator, as wear and tear on older cartridges can affect this. The screw count is the definitive identifier.
3. The Label Clues (Less Reliable):
Sometimes, the game’s label itself can offer a hint, though this is far less reliable. Because 5-screw cartridges were used in the early production runs, games that are almost exclusively found in this format might have labels that reflect the earlier design aesthetic of Nintendo’s NES game packaging. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. Many games were re-released with updated labels, and the internal screw configuration might not have changed immediately. Relying solely on the label is a gamble. (See Also: Are Black Screws Rust Resistant )
4. What About the Contents?
The internal circuit board and game ROM are identical for a specific game, whether it’s in a 5-screw or 6-screw cartridge. The 5-screw designation refers purely to the physical construction of the cartridge shell. So, opening a 5-screw cartridge won’t reveal a different game chip or anything special related to the game’s code. It’s purely an external hardware difference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Assuming all early games are 5-screw: While many early games are 5-screw, not all of them are. Nintendo transitioned to 6-screw cartridges at some point, and the exact cutoff isn’t perfectly documented.
- Believing the screw count equals value: As we’ve discussed ad nauseam, this is the biggest misconception. The game’s rarity and demand are what matter.
- Overpaying for a 5-screw common game: You might see a 5-screw Super Mario Bros. for $20. Unless you’re a hardcore collector who only wants 5-screw variants, that’s a bad deal. A quick search will show you how common they are.
The process is simple: see the cartridge, flip it over, count the screws. If it’s five, you’ve got one. What you do with that information depends on whether the game itself is actually worth anything.
The 5-Screw Nes Game Collection: A Niche Pursuit
Collecting 5-screw NES games is a very specific niche within the broader world of retro gaming. It’s not for everyone, and frankly, most people who play NES games don’t care about the screw count. They care about the games themselves – playing Mega Man 2, Zelda, or Metroid. But for a dedicated subset of collectors, the 5-screw cartridge is a point of fascination, a tangible link to the very early days of the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Why is it a niche? Well, as we’ve hammered home, the screw count alone doesn’t dictate rarity or value for most titles. This means that for the average collector looking to build a library of playable games, hunting for 5-screw variants of common games is a waste of time and money. You’re paying a premium for a superficial difference. However, for those who are deep into the history of console manufacturing, or who appreciate the minutiae of hardware revisions, the 5-screw cartridge is a collector’s item in its own right.
It’s similar to collecting early model cars. You might have a classic Ford Mustang, and then you have a very first production run Ford Mustang. The core car is the same, but that specific early production model has a special allure for certain enthusiasts. The 5-screw NES cartridge is that ‘early production’ variant for Nintendo’s iconic console.
A good example of this niche appeal is the difference between collecting just cartridges and collecting CIB (Complete In Box) items. Many collectors are perfectly happy with just the game cartridge. Others want the box and manual. Then you have the collectors who specifically seek out 5-screw cartridges, perhaps aiming to own every game that was released in that configuration, regardless of its individual game value. This requires a much deeper dive and often a larger budget, as these specific variants can still command a higher price than their 6-screw counterparts, even for common games.
When I decided to sell off a chunk of my NES collection a few years back, I kept a few of my favorite 5-screw games. Not because they were worth a fortune, but because they represented that early era, that sense of discovery. I sold off most of my 5-screw common titles for a slight bump over their 6-screw counterparts, which was nice, but it wasn’t life-changing money. The real money was in the rare games, regardless of their screw count.
If you’re considering diving into collecting 5-screw NES games, be aware of what you’re getting into. It’s a pursuit driven by historical interest and a love for hardware variations, rather than a get-rich-quick scheme. You’ll need to be discerning, understand which games are genuinely rare, and not get caught up in the hype of the screw count alone. It’s a fun side quest for the dedicated NES historian, but it’s not the main event for most gamers.
The Verdict: Are 5 Screw Nes Games Rare?
Let’s boil it down. The question, “are 5 screw NES games rare?” doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer. It’s more of a “sometimes, for the right game.” The 5-screw design itself isn’t inherently rare; it represents an early production phase for the NES. Millions of cartridges were made, and a significant portion of the early ones used this design. Therefore, finding a 5-screw cartridge for a common game like Super Mario Bros. or Duck Hunt is incredibly easy. These are not rare at all.
However, the rarity and value of any NES game are primarily dictated by the game’s title, its original production numbers, and the current market demand. If a genuinely rare and sought-after game happens to be one of the titles that was produced in its early runs using the 5-screw configuration, then yes, that specific variant becomes quite rare and valuable. The 5-screw aspect becomes a secondary characteristic that adds to its desirability for certain collectors. (See Also: Are Blue Concrete Screws Waterproof )
Here’s a quick comparison table to illustrate:
| Game Example | Screw Count Commonality | Rarity/Value | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Mario Bros. | 5-Screw: Very Common | Low | Not Rare (5-screw is just a variant) |
| Duck Hunt | 5-Screw: Very Common | Low | Not Rare (5-screw is just a variant) |
| Gyromite | 5-Screw: Common | Low to Medium | Not Rarity-Driven (Value from game, not screw count) |
| A Hypothetical Rare Game X (Early Release) | 5-Screw: Rare | High | Rare & Valuable (Game rarity is key) |
| Little Samson (if 5-screw version existed) | 5-Screw: Extremely Rare | Extremely High | Extremely Rare & Valuable (Game rarity dictates this) |
The common advice you’ll find online often overemphasizes the 5-screw aspect. People see it and immediately think “collectible!” But that’s usually a mistake. The real value drivers are the game itself, its condition, and whether it’s complete. The 5-screw count is a detail that appeals to a specific segment of collectors who are interested in the hardware history of the NES. It’s a cool fact, a historical marker, but rarely the main reason a game is valuable.
So, if you stumble upon a 5-screw NES game, don’t get too excited based on the screw count alone. Do your research on the specific game title. Is it a common game? Then the 5-screw version is just a minor variation. Is it a known rare title? Then you might have found something truly special. The 5-screw designation is a piece of the puzzle, but it’s far from the whole picture when determining if an NES game is rare or valuable.
What Are the Most Valuable 5 Screw Nes Games?
The most valuable 5-screw NES games aren’t valuable because they are 5-screw. They are valuable because the game title itself is exceptionally rare and in high demand. If a rare game like Stadium Events or Little Samson were found in a 5-screw configuration (which is highly unlikely for these specific titles, but theoretically possible for other rare early releases), that specific variant would be astronomically valuable. However, for most common games found in 5-screw format, their value remains low, irrespective of the screw count.
Are 5 Screw Nes Games Worth More?
Generally, no, 5-screw NES games are not inherently worth more than their 6-screw counterparts. For common games, the 5-screw version might fetch a slight premium of 10-20% for collectors who specifically seek out hardware variations. However, for the vast majority of games, the screw count has a negligible impact on value. The game’s rarity, condition, and completeness are the primary factors determining worth.
Is the 5 Screw Super Mario Bros. Rare?
No, the 5-screw version of Super Mario Bros. is not rare. It is one of the most commonly found 5-screw NES games due to it being a frequent pack-in title during the early production years of the NES. While it holds significant nostalgic value, its widespread availability means it has very little monetary rarity.
How Can I Tell If an Nes Game Is 5 Screw?
To tell if an NES game is a 5-screw cartridge, simply flip the cartridge over so the gold contacts are facing you. Look at the bottom edge of the plastic casing. A standard 6-screw cartridge will have six small screw heads evenly spaced along this edge. A 5-screw cartridge will be missing one of these screw holes, typically the one furthest to the right (or bottom-right).
This visual difference is the easiest and most definitive way to identify a 5-screw NES game.
Final Verdict
So, when you ask, “are 5 screw NES games rare?” the answer is nuanced. Most aren’t. They’re just early versions of common games, a cool historical footnote for the dedicated NES enthusiast.
The real treasures, the ones that fetch serious money, are rare games themselves, and their screw count is secondary.
Don’t let the screw count blind you. Do your homework on the game title. If it’s a common game, that 5-screw variant is likely just a small piece of nostalgia, not a financial windfall. If you’re looking to make money, focus on identifying genuinely rare cartridges and making sure they’re in top condition, regardless of how many screws are holding them together.
My advice? Enjoy the hunt for what it is – a hobby. Appreciate the history, but don’t get fooled by the number of screws. The real value is in the pixels and the gameplay, as it always has been.
