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NES enthusiasts and collectors alike value "pirated" (in other words: "illegally produced") video games just as much, if sometimes not more, than the licensed ones given the O-K from Nintendo. This software differs from "unlicensed" products, such as a video game made by Wisdom Tree or Sachen, in that there is generally no real marketing or standard way of publishing behind the releases. Despite the haphazard incompleteness of pirate software, there is something undefinable about the mysteriousness and quirkiness when one sees and feels in one's own hands these pieces of Nintendo's untold history. My diagnosis: it's the rebel inside us all that's to blame.

Although in North America pirate pieces are harder to find than in other regions of the world (such as Russia, Hong Kong, Japan, Brazil, and exotic locations like Finland), the pirate market is still greatly made available to us through auction and trading sites and the occassional flea market. Even more mainstream retail systems can be seen on QVC shopping networks around Christmas!

The variety of pirated material is astonishing. Mock controllers and systems of the Nintendo 64, SNES, Playstation, SEGA, and modern systems have been transformed into carrying all-in-one consoles and multi-game instruments. Pirate Famicom cart clones exist with hacked/invented forms of popular game series ranging from Mario Bros. to Sonic the Hedgehog and Street Fighter, for example, that utilize characters from both Nintendo and SEGA's sides. Original pirate software games are uniquely made, keeping in touch with modern popular media (Harry Potter, for example), and often push the graphical limits of how we perceive the NES is capable of handling.

No matter how you look at it, pirated gaming stuff has always been a fancy with NES fans, and this section focuses on a choice number of in-depth, specific information to help and teach what treasures they hold inside. Use this information as a buying guide if you wish, or just to see how the NES spirit remains alive today. I've held back my obvious real pirates similie for too long. But it's just too much to handle anymore! "ARRRR MATEYS!" Ahh..so refreshing.

Dispelling Popular Myths about Nintendo Patents & Copyrights:

MYTH #1: Family Computer / NES hardware patents have recently expired, giving the rights for stand-alone unlicensed systems to be made legally.
TRUTH: This is true. Patents on hardware last 20 years in the US.

MYTH #2: Nintendo eight-bit software copyrights have expired.
TRUTH: False. Built-in games, attached to unlicensed systems, and single or multi-game cartridges of copyrighted game ROM images remain to be, by copyright law, illegal for duplication and unlawful sale.

 


Sample Original Pirate Games - Somari (top), Mortal Kombat II (bottom)

NES Pirated Games
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Famicom Pirated Games
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Brazilian Pirated Games
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Pirated Systems
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  • Picture Only CCE Top Game Brazilian NES/FC Console [box] [system]
    Straight from Brazil's pirate market, this combo system plays both Famicom and NES games. PAL-M, does not work with U.S. TVs.
  • Extensive Written Article Family Boy Vol. 4 - Yarou Famicom Clone
    Japanese sparkle shine! Strange and sleek LED 'bubble' (Xbox esque) style.
  • Picture Only FamiPachi Famicom Clone [box] [system]
    Imported from Japan, made by GameTech. Round, N64 style unit and sleek PS1 controls. A/V and AC hookup.
  • Extensive Written Article FC Game Console USA Version
    An NESclone (NTSC, 72-pin) available in three colors from the makers of the Neo Fami.
  • Extensive Written Article Game Axe
    A portable Famicom system about the size of a Game Gear.
  • Extensive Written Article Game Theory Admiral
    Another portable Famicom system (a visual clone of the Gameboy Advance) which improves upon the Game Axe with a backlit TFT screen, longer battery life, and a cheaper price.
  • Picture Only Joykid Computer Video Game
    Imported from Korea, the Joykid is a direct clone of the original Famicom.
  • Extensive Written Article Mega Joy II 70-in-One
    A built-in Nintendo 64 controller/NES system with audio jack cables.
  • Extensive Written Article Neo Fami
    Newer Famiclone; provides A/V output.
  • Extensive Written Article Plug&Play
    Neat controller from Shopping Channel Toronto that has a hacked version of Duck Hunt. And important voltage info for everyone!
  • Extensive Written Article Polystation Dual Shock
    PSOne Famiclone made in '03.
  • Extensive Written Article Polystation III
    Detailed information on this popular PSOne Famiclone.
  • Extensive Written Article Power Games (Penguin)
    Wireless IR control and a cartoon penguin design makes this one of the most ambitious, bizarre, and cutest famiclones we've ever seen.
  • Extensive Written Article Power Joy Voyager
    A pirate system that looks like a Gameboy AND delievers the goods? Sign me up!
  • Extensive Written Article Sachen Q-Boy
    A stylish clone made by the famous unlicensed publisher/ developer.
  • Extensive Written Article Super 57000 Video Game
    A clone of a clone? Looks like the Polystation; 57 games in total.
  • Extensive Written Article Super Joy III LX
    Nintendo 64 controller unit, light gun, and external controller. Comes attached w/ 150 games.
  • Extensive Written Article Super Nintendo Computer Video Game (1997)
    Famiclone modeled after the SNES.