Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego (Prototype)

Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego (Prototype)
Dump status Released Dumped by Frank Cifaldi Released by Josh Hamblin File release date December 25, 2024 Origin SHVC-4PV5B-01 cartridge Lot Steven McKay Auction Ownership Josh Hamblin (2024) Game Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego? System SNES

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A prototype of Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego for the SNES.

Notes

• Spinning hi tech logo at start vs. static in final
• Missing Licensed By Nintendo copyright
• Longer load times
• No gameplay differences observed

WATA certification

Certification Number: 595776-081

Analysis: Frank Cifaldi

Object Analysis:

Object is a bare circuit board displaying part number SHVC-4PV5B-01, a known Nintendo-supplied prototyping part. The board appears authentic, and the IC chips have manufacturing dates appropriate to the game's development period. Handwritten stickers on the two data EPROMs denote the game's title.

Data Analysis:

CRC-32 (Ethernet and PKZIP): DE5779A9

SHA-1: 125A46F07C7821F2F55F3295AD714FB0C2B0DFCC

SHA-256: 374BA85D3D976BCF824C8EAAC7CA7C979B2AD599DF9BB49EC81CEB5D66DBF0F7

MD-5: 6B40C955B8D4784B341EDC038014D14E

The data differs from the retail game, and does not match any known data available online. Differences were observed in the game's introductory screens, including a spinning "Hi-Tec Expressions" logo (this is static in the final game), longer load times, and a lack of Nintendo copyright. No differences in actual gameplay were observed.

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 items from this McLaren auction, I have no reason to doubt the authenticity of this item.

Origin

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