Solomon's Key (Prototype)
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Download Solomon's Key (Prototype) (info) |
A prototype of Solomon's Key for the NES.
Notes
Analysis: Frank Cifaldi
Object Analysis:
Object is an NES cartridge with an illustrated label adorning the front. The label appears similar to a prior WATA submission from "The Carolina Collection."
The circuit board inside bares part number HVC-CNROM-256K-01, a part typically not used for prototyping but, rather, in the manufacturing of retail games for the Family Computer system (the Japanese equivalent of the NES). The board is connected to another board, NES-JOINT-01, a known Nintendo part for converting Family Computer games to work on the NES.
Data Analysis
(Hash info is for the combined headerless ROM)
CRC-32: 55185308
SHA-1: 678D53E718B2811F4413857ACC18B518F050D85D
SHA-256: D6CE1A334DE1F7C12E1E096CE84CDCF565C0CD04FDDB7656A5BC4C279D3F4EC9
MD-5: CEFAB6A71C9F1F478C4E6AB46B12EB38
The data differs from the retail version of the game, and is not available on the internet. While binary differences are plentiful, no gameplay differences were observed during a brief session.
Provenance Notes
According to the submitter, this item was purchased from the McLaren Auction Services "Vintage Nintendo Online-Only Auction," which ran from March 25 to April 1, 2022. McLaren claims that these items came from Steve McKay, former "General Manager of the Mexico Division" at Nintendo. Approximately 97 items from this auction were submitted to WATA at once. Given that the auction listings are not archived on McLaren's website, I was unable to verify each individual item as having come from the auction. However, I did view this auction when it was live, and can attest that the scope of this collection is in line with my memory of what was available.
Conclusion
Given the authentic parts used, the provenance, and the unique data available across the lot of items submitted, I have no reason to doubt the authenticity of this item.
Origin