Earthbound Reproduction Carts: Should they be created?

[AppleQueso]

I don't know if you realize this, but repros aren't made to last. A repro made now will likely not even work 5-10 years from now.

Is this true? How come?

The EEPROMS and whatnot succumb to 'bit rot' and lose their data over time. I mean, I'm sure Ziggy or someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but that's what I've understood.

[Opa Opa]

AQ, are you talking about repros that are made from donor carts or those using a custom board?

[MrPopo]

AQ, are you talking about repros that are made from donor carts or those using a custom board?

Has nothing to do with the board. It's a consequence of reprogrammable memory chips.

[AppleQueso]

AQ, are you talking about repros that are made from donor carts or those using a custom board?

Has nothing to do with the board. It's a consequence of reprogrammable memory chips.

This.

[Opa Opa]

Ah, okay. Makes sense.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Interesting. I've been wanting to pick up Terranigma for some time, but I've been torn between getting the Japanese original (Tenchi Sōzō) or an English repro that plays in North American systems. Guess I should just get the Japanese version, if repros are as fickle as you guys are saying.

[REPO Man]

I have a Super Everdrive, but I can see if you were doing hacks.

Maybe a hack that's only available as a cart?

[Ziggy]

I don't know if you realize this, but repros aren't made to last. A repro made now will likely not even work 5-10 years from now.

Is this true? How come?

The EEPROMS and whatnot succumb to 'bit rot' and lose their data over time. I mean, I'm sure Ziggy or someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but that's what I've understood.

No, it's true, everything will succumb to bit rot one day. And I really do mean everything. Pressed DVDs and CDs can get disc rot. And I really hope you're not too attached to your Famicom Disc games.

Most people claim that the mask ROMs found in video game carts are permanent due to how their made. But I've had others tell me that while they'll last a hell of a long time, they'll still eventually succumb to bit rot (if even decades from now).

But saying 5-10 years is grossly underestimating!

Here's the thing, I've seen a lot of people spit out numbers that low before. They obviously don't know what they're talking about. When talking about the flash memory people use in SNES repros, they're talking about the 29F032. Specifically, the two manufactures and models M29F032D and AM29F032B.

Let's look at the datasheets for these to flash memories. Let's first look at the ST model. Just hit ctrl+f and type "data retention". Now look at the AMD model. Don't even search, it's a bullet right at the top on the right side.

So now you can see why saying it will only last like 5 years is actually a stupid thing to say. I don't know where people came up with such numbers. These two companies say the data retention is 20 years... and that's a minimum! If you have one that only lasted 5 years, some terribly wrong happened. And let me put it this way: Do you think these companies would list the data retention for 20 years if it wouldn't last a least that long?

And let me talk a little more about the data retention in EPROMs. I don't feel like looking right now, but I seem to recall reading 10 years for data retention in most EPROMs. But the thing about that is, they'll guarantee 10 years, but 99% of the time they last way longer. And I have proof! Just look at all the things that are well over 10 years old that use E(E)PROMs.

Old prototype carts: Let's take the NES for example. There's plenty of them floating around with their EPROMs programmed back in the late 80's or early 90's. There around 20 years old and still working. The owner of such a cart is playing with fire if they haven't dumped it yet, because bit rot could be just around the corner. There's probably some Atari prototype carts around that are even older. There's tons of SNES prototypes around, and those aren't much newer.

BIOS from computer: I've seen computers as old as NES carts with a BIOS that still works. Hell, a CR2032 that still kept the time.

Arcade games: So the Play Choice 10 games are as old as NES carts, right? So ~20 years and those EPROMs are still fine.

People also act like it's the end of the world with bit rot. Well, some times it is. If you PS1 game gets disc rot, you can just forget about it. A Famicom Disc game, well I think there's actually a way to rewrite them. An EPROM in something, as long as you have the data backed up just rewrite it. A flash memory like the 29F032, just rewrite it!

[AppleQueso]

Well that's about as clear an answer as you can get I suppose.

I still don't like the idea of repros of any retail game.

[fastbilly1]

you are right. nobody would care about making repros of snatcher or PDS or any disc based game for that matter because it wouldn't be possible to make a disc identical to the retail version. nobody is going to be able to pass off a cd-r copy of snatcher for 200+ dollars.

I beg to differ, Sapphire on the PCengine CD has some fakes that are factory pressed and look almost identical to the retail release. Sadly, these fakes are sold as legit and often for alot of money - mostly by people who dont know they are fake.

just out of curiosity, what does sapphire usually sell for? i can't image actually making factory pressed discs is cheap.

$400-500ish. There is one on ebay right now for $440 and another for $520.

Making a factory pressed disc is alot cheaper now than it use to be, but your right, its still not cheap.