Could this be a legit NES proto (Snow Bros)?

[Gravy--Master]

I know a shit load about rare games, but when it comes to protos I'm clueless.

I got this off of a buddy of mine, he said he picked it up at some kind of yard sale. It's allegedly a Snow Brothers NES proto cart. Before I buy that 6 dollar NES screwdriver kit on Amazon I was hoping the people here could look at it and confirm whether or not that's even a possibility. Is there any way to tell?

The cart itself certainly isn't winning any beauty pageants:

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/WayOfTheDodo/SNOWBROScart1.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/WayOfTheDodo/SNOWBROScart2.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/WayOfTheDodo/SNOWBROScart3.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/WayOfTheDodo/SNOWBROScart4.jpg

I popped it into an NES and it works fine, although I don't have the retail version of Snow Bros. so I have no idea if there are any obvious differences in gameplay:

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/WayOfTheDodo/SNOWBROSgameplay1.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/WayOfTheDodo/SNOWBROSgameplay2.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/WayOfTheDodo/SNOWBROSgameplay3.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/WayOfTheDodo/SNOWBROSgameplay4.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/WayOfTheDodo/SNOWBROSgameplay5.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/WayOfTheDodo/SNOWBROSgameplay6.jpg


So... should I buy that cart opener thing and take pictures of the board inside?

[portnoyd]

Does it feel heavier than a normal NES cart? Is there label residue anywhere on the front?

[DreamTR]

That's a proto. It came from Gamepro. They used to use marker on the tops of the carts and I also recognize the label.

[Gravy--Master]

Does it feel heavier than a normal NES cart? Is there label residue anywhere on the front?

As far as residue there is a little "gunk" (you can see the little brown spot in the photo.) It's kind of impossible to tell if that's label residue.

As for the weight it's most definitely heavier, I grabbed 5 games at random and weighed them all along with this cart.

Dig Dug: ~3.5 ounces
Bubble Bobble: ~3.5 ounces
Batman: A little over 3.5 ounces
Donkey Kong: A little over 3.5 ounces
Double Dragon II: A little over 3.5 ounces


This Snow Bros cart weighs between 4.5 and 5 ounces.


That's a proto. It came from Gamepro. They used to use marker on the tops of the carts and I also recognize the label.

Really? The magazine?

Is it worth anything you think?

[DreamTR]

As far as residue there is a little "gunk" (you can see the little brown spot in the photo.) It's kind of impossible to tell if that's label residue.

As for the weight it's most definitely heavier, I grabbed 5 games at random and weighed them all along with this cart.

Dig Dug: ~3.5 ounces
Bubble Bobble: ~3.5 ounces
Batman: A little over 3.5 ounces
Donkey Kong: A little over 3.5 ounces
Double Dragon II: A little over 3.5 ounces


This Snow Bros cart weighs between 4.5 and 5 ounces.





Really? The magazine?

Is it worth anything you think?

I would think so but it all depends on who is interested in it. The game runs about $60-70 loose so I would think this would be worth $200 because of the title without question, but NES protos are VERY hit or miss, you just never know sometimes but a safe bet this one is $180-250

[RASK1904]

F'n sweet pick up man!


Buy the screw driver anyways. No collector should be with out one for eveytype you need. Do it.

[Gravy--Master]

Where would you go about selling something like this?

Can you even sell protos on ebay?

[BeaglePuss]

Where would you go about selling something like this?

Can you even sell protos on ebay?

Easy: Sell it to me.

In all honesty, eBay will take down the listing if someone reports the item. Technically speaking beta/prototype items are an eBay no-no, but it really takes a dick to go out their way to report it. Generally prototypes will run their course on eBay unless it's from a known prototype collector (which sucks for me).

Good luck with whatever you decide to do with it!

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Before I buy that 6 dollar NES screwdriver kit on Amazon ...

Um, that looks like a standard flathead screw in there.

Also looks like the rest of the NES bit screws have been removed.

[Gravy--Master]

I didn't even realize NES carts had anything other than those special screws.

Didn't really check all that closely to be honest.

The others must not've been in there to begin with, because I definitely didn't take them out.

[darkslime]

I didn't even realize NES carts had anything other than those special screws.

Didn't really check all that closely to be honest.

The others must not've been in there to begin with, because I definitely didn't take them out.
well open it up and take some pics then

[BeaglePuss]

well open it up and take some pics then
The game will be in my possession within the week. I'll snap off some pics of the board when it arrives.

[RASK1904]

Sweet. Another proto to a good home. Congrats.

[BeaglePuss]

Sweet. Another proto to a good home. Congrats.
Thanks dude!

I have to say, this seller couldn't have been any easier to deal with. Great guy, and fantastic communication. I can't say enough nice things about him.

[skaar]

Thanks dude!

I have to say, this seller couldn't have been any easier to deal with. Great guy, and fantastic communication. I can't say enough nice things about him.

Did you give him a fair price since you talked him out of ebay? That should have gone for a decent amount.

[mrmark0673]

Did you give him a fair price since you talked him out of ebay? That should have gone for a decent amount.

To who? Can you name an NES proto that sold on EBay in say the last year and a half (literally) that hasn't sold to Matt and I? Even one? You just sound like a bitter troll when you say stuff like this. Of course we offered a fair price, we always do, and it's typically more than anyone else will pay for this stuff.

[BeaglePuss]

Did you give him a fair price since you talked him out of ebay? That should have gone for a decent amount.
I did? You might want to reread my post as I said "Generally prototypes will run their course on eBay unless it's from a known prototype collector."

I always pay a fair price. That's why I have so many protos.

This is the last prototype listed on eBay (which I also happened to win):
http://cgi.ebay.com/Wacky-Races-Pre-Release-Test-Game-NES-Extremely-Rare-/270581011872?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Vintage_Video_Games&hash=item3effe295a0

The game came with box and manual, which together are easily worth between $35-$45. With that said, I paid more for this Snow Bros prototype than I did the WR proto. Add in the fact that he doesn't pay any eBay fees, and I would think he did alright. He also came up with the asking price, not me.

Every time someone post an NES prototype in this forum I shoot them a PM and ask if they're interested in selling and what type of price they have in mind. So far I've had a great deal of success doing it, and it's due to the fact that I tend to pay more than everyone else.

[skaar]

To who? Can you name an NES proto that sold on EBay in say the last year and a half (literally) that hasn't sold to Matt and I? Even one? You just sound like a bitter troll when you say stuff like this. Of course we offered a fair price, we always do, and it's typically more than anyone else will pay for this stuff.

Wow, that hit a nerve.

Protos of rarer titles seem to go for more, that's all. I'm not bitter at all on the protos, I've sold almost every one I've had since I have no interest in them at all from a collector's standpoint and never have. I just keep the rest since I don't think I'll get as much for them now.

I'm more interested in the price offered since I sell protos and don't buy.

Being as the guy had no idea what it was valued at, I just asked an open question. Lighten up!

[skaar]

He also came up with the asking price, not me.

That's enough for me. ;)

[BeaglePuss]

Being as the guy had no idea what it was valued at, I just asked an open question. Lighten up!
But you asked it like a dick. You've also been riding me ever since I started posting here. I apparently insulted you at some point, and you've been a boner ever since.

If I really did something to piss you off, I'm sorry. I don't know what could have been bad enough to have to troll every one of my post, but it must have been pretty traumatic.

I know I've contacted you in the past about selling NES prototypes, so I don't know if you're being dishonest when you say you're a seller, or if you just wont sell to me.

[hellfire]

Did you give him a fair price since you talked him out of ebay? That should have gone for a decent amount.

If a seller is unhappy with a price then he or she should not sell at that given price, the seller should be able to sell it at whatever seems like a fair price. Snow bros is a great game and Im glad it was sold to somebody that will take care of it and possibly share it with everybody else instead of somebody who will keep it as a dust magnet. I still don't understand why protos have to be such a controversial subject.

[mrmark0673]

I just asked an open question. Lighten up!

Let's be serious man, you were baiting with that question and everyone can clearly see that. To question the selling price is asinine if you look at our track record for proto purchases. We've never encountered an unhappy buyer and we truly are paying more than everyone currently for NES protos.

Like I asked before, if it were put on EBay, who would be paying top dollar for it? We've literally purchased near 100% of NES protos that have appeared on EBay in the last like, what, almost 2 years? I can think of two specifically (Monster in my Pocket and Super Glove Ball) that we didn't grab, one of which we already owned a very early build of and the other we missed the BIN. Can't remember when Castlevania4ever had his sell out, but that was pretty much the last time I can remember not offering top dollar on EBay.

I'd estimate this would have sold for less than what we ended up purchasing it for if it were on EBay, though it's impossible to know now.

Hell, we just set a RECORD for amount spent on Ebay for an NES proto in Chuck Yeager, who are you to question what we offer for protos? Again, it just makes you sound like a bitter troll.

[skaar]

But you asked it like a dick. You've also been riding me ever since I started posting here. I apparently insulted you at some point, and you've been a boner ever since.

If I really did something to piss you off, I'm sorry. I don't know what could have been bad enough to have to troll every one of my post, but it must have been pretty traumatic.

I know I've contacted you in the past about selling NES prototypes, so I don't know if you're being dishonest when you say you're a seller, or if you just wont sell to me.

Wasn't meant that way, I honestly was wondering how much he got for it. Like I said, if you say he set the asking price then I'm totally cool with that. Maybe it came across a bit dickish, but it was late ;)

I'm only really into selling for the money, so if you'd offered in the past and I've said no or not responded then I was likely hoping for more, or decided not to sell at the time. I'm planning on bringing a few to CGE to sell or trade though.

The only time my honesty as a buyer or seller's ever been questioned when when I posted an item for sale on NA ;)

No harm meant.

[skaar]

Let's be serious man, you were baiting with that question and everyone can clearly see that. To question the selling price is asinine if you look at our track record for proto purchases. We've never encountered an unhappy buyer and we truly are paying more than everyone currently for NES protos.

Like I asked before, if it were put on EBay, who would be paying top dollar for it? We've literally purchased near 100% of NES protos that have appeared on EBay in the last like, what, almost 2 years? I can think of two specifically (Monster in my Pocket and Super Glove Ball) that we didn't grab, one of which we already owned a very early build of and the other we missed the BIN. Can't remember when Castlevania4ever had his sell out, but that was pretty much the last time I can remember not offering top dollar on EBay.

I'd estimate this would have sold for less than what we ended up purchasing it for if it were on EBay, though it's impossible to know now.

Hell, we just set a RECORD for amount spent on Ebay for an NES proto in Chuck Yeager, who are you to question what we offer for protos? Again, it just makes you sound like a bitter troll.

Holy crap man.

[BeaglePuss]

Like I said, if you say he set the asking price then I'm totally cool with that.
But at the same time, I could really give two shits what you're cool or not cool with. Do you know what I mean? You weren't involved in the sale (whatsoever), and I'm no scammer. I don't see why this transaction would need your approval. I also know that you have/had some proto stuff, but it honestly pails in comparison to the stuff I've bought/owned/sold. I'm not only aware of current market value, I'm actually more aware of it than you are. If anything you should be seeking my advice on pricing ;)



The only time my honesty as a buyer or seller's ever been questioned when when I posted an item for sale on NA ;)
Well, I'm not a mod or admin there so I don't know what to tell you. I like NA, but I also like DP and Neo Geo. I know that some of you older folk don't care for NA, so 'm not sure why you'd waste your time posting there.

Sorry for the dissertation, but your comments were unwarranted/unprovoked/unnecessary. If I were seeking your help or approval, I would have asked for it.

I know you're held in fairly high regards around this place (as you should be), and that my response will likely be taken as trolling/flaming, but in reality you came off as a dick for no reason.

[skaar]

But at the same time, I could really give two shits what you're cool or not cool with. Do you know what I mean? You weren't involved in the sale (whatsoever), and I'm no scammer. I don't see why this transaction would need your approval. I also know that you have/had some proto stuff, but it honestly pails in comparison to the stuff I've bought/owned/sold. I'm not only aware of current market value, I'm actually more aware of it than you are. If anything you should be seeking my advice on pricing ;)

I said I was cool with it as I was satisfied with the answer and confident that the transaction was fair. I wasn't intending to get this into some kinda e-penis competition. I have no doubt you two are far more aware of market value on protos than I would ever be, or want to be. It's your bag, not mine. The Brothers Proto and all that.


Sorry for the dissertation, but your comments were unwarranted/unprovoked/unnecessary. If I were seeking your help or approval, I would have asked for it.

How considerate. It's my completely uneducated and undocumented AND unsupported opinion the guy might have gotten more money for it with a more publicized eBay auction. That's more from a business man's perspective than a collector's one, however.


I know you're held in fairly high regards around this place (as you should be), and that my response will likely be taken as trolling/flaming, but in reality you came off as a dick for no reason.

Dude, I've also apologized in several replies and then you go and post this. Let it go? Can we bury whatever hatchet there is? I'll buy you a beer if it'll help.

[skaar]

How considerate. It's my completely uneducated and undocumented AND unsupported opinion the guy might have gotten more money for it with a more publicized eBay auction. That's more from a business man's perspective than a collector's one, however.


I should clarify this one.

The seller is obviously very active on ebay and for some reason decided not to list it on there. They seem to be very aware of market values for most of their games.

The buyers are well noted and respected in the NES community for preserving NES games and doing neat stuff and releases with them. Other than being rather touchy, they seem like decent guys.

So the seller got a quick sale for a price they were satisfied with, and it didn't end up with one of the buyers that will put it in the warehouse the Ark of the Covenant hangs out in.

So all in all, not a Bad End.

But I still think he'd have gotten more on eBay ;)

[BeaglePuss]

I should clarify this one.

The seller is obviously very active on ebay and for some reason decided not to list it on there. They seem to be very aware of market values for most of their games.

The buyers are well noted and respected in the NES community for preserving NES games and doing neat stuff and releases with them. Other than being rather touchy, they seem like decent guys.

So the seller got a quick sale for a price they were satisfied with, and it didn't end up with one of the buyers that will put it in the warehouse the Ark of the Covenant hangs out in.

So all in all, not a Bad End.

But I still think he'd have gotten more on eBay ;)

First off, touchy is the understatement of a lifetime. We're Irish-Italian twins from Boston. We've been punching each other in the face out of the womb. It's instilled in us to attack and converse later. We should really work on it (and I'm being serious).

The reason I got so uppity is because I felt that you've had it out for me for a while now. Instead of just shooting you a PM, I stirred up a bit of a shit-storm. Again, I have to work on it (seriously).

Two things:
- If you're serious about the beers, I will take you up on the offer (especially if I can get out to CGE).
- Sorry for being a dick.

I will say that I paid $200 for the game. It was a number that Dream mentioned, that the buyer suggested, and that I accepted. I figure I will put it out there so there's no confusion.

So here it is, I'm a dick, you can be an antagonist, and I'm honestly sincerely sorry for this thread getting out of hand.

[skaar]

I'm good for the beers, and I don't have it in for you. We just share interests apparently ;)

See you at CGE if you make it!

[Gravy--Master]

I'm more than happy with the price I got for it here, it would've just been gathering dust in my collection anyway - I'm not into protos.

I was aware that eBay was an option, I'm just sort of tired in dealing with them... with all the exorbitant fees and the endless bullshit. A few days ago I had a Duo RX taken down because it was modded (I had to do a ridiculous song and dance to get it back up and sold.) I've got a Blazing Star AES on ebay right now, it's up to about 7 1/2, after all is said and done I'm sure eBay and Paypal will end up with nearly 100 bucks from that one game alone - absurd. When I'm able to sell things outside of the eBay system for a price that I think is fair I usually jump at the chance.

I chose to sell it when offered the chance, my arm was never twisted. I'm hardly new in the whole game-selling world.

Anyway, I noticed the item was delivered. Did you crack it open and take a look at the boards? Everything look legit and everything? Just making sure everything was above board since I wasn't able to confirm any of that myself.

[BeaglePuss]

Anyway, I noticed the item was delivered. Did you crack it open and take a look at the boards? Everything look legit and everything? Just making sure everything was above board since I wasn't able to confirm any of that myself.
As promised:
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j204/beaglepussband/stupid%20shit/100_1808.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j204/beaglepussband/stupid%20shit/100_1809.jpg

The prototype is clean and sexy. I don't know if you can tell from the pics, but the EPROMs are covered with the typical Capcom proto-stickers.

I'm extremely pleased with the purchase. Like I said before, the seller was absurdly easy to deal with. He also shipped insanely fast.

Thanks again!

[Gravy--Master]

Friggin' sweet. I also could not be more pleased with the deal. If only the knuckleheads on eBay were as easy and pleasant to work with as you are.

I'll keep my eye open for stuff like this. Like I said I don't know anything about protos and I don't ever seek them out actively but if another one ever falls into my hands as this one did you'll be the first one I'll let know.

Great dealing with you, enjoy the proto. Thanks again man.

Later.

[InsaneDavid]

Very nice!

I will say that if I ever sell another NES proto, unless I was offered crazy cash by someone else, I would only deal with mrmark0673 and BeaglePuss. Solid offers, the games are shown in public and most of them actually end up being dumped and released to everyone. Can't really ask for more.

[rwbivins]

I know a shit load about rare games, but when it comes to protos I'm clueless.

I got this off of a buddy of mine, he said he picked it up at some kind of yard sale. It's allegedly a Snow Brothers NES proto cart

It is. I used to own it.