Overview

The Nintendo World Championships 1990 is one of the most legendary events in the history of video gaming, featuring a custom game cartridge that has become a holy grail among collectors. Although the game was not released commercially, its status as a key part of a grand tournament held by Nintendo has cemented its place in gaming lore.

Gameplay

The game is essentially a competition cartridge that combines parts of three different Nintendo titles: Super Mario Bros., Rad Racer, and Tetris. The objective was for players to complete a series of challenges in these games within a time limit. Competitors had to collect 50 coins in Super Mario Bros., complete a race track in Rad Racer, and then score as highly as possible in Tetris.

Historical Significance

The 1990 event toured 29 cities across the United States, giving thousands of players the chance to compete in what was a groundbreaking moment for eSports culture. Players were grouped by age categories, and the winners from each location were invited to the finals held at Universal Studios Hollywood. The excitement and buzz generated by the event also helped in solidifying Nintendo’s reputation as a leader in the video gaming industry.

Collector’s Item

Today, the cartridges used in the championship are among the most sought-after collectibles in gaming history. One reason for this is their rarity, as only a limited number were produced specifically for the competition. Collectors and gaming historians view them as invaluable pieces of gaming history, and they regularly sell for high prices at auctions.

Legacy

This unique competition helped to pioneer gaming tournaments and demonstrated the massive potential of video games as a platform for competitive events. It has inspired numerous gaming competitions and continues to be remembered as a landmark event in the evolution of video gaming.