Double Dragon (NES) - Authentic Tradewest Cartridge, Tested & Cleaned
The 1987 arcade beat 'em up, rebuilt for the NES in 1988 with a level-up move system, new stages, and a one-on-one versus mode. Graded for condition.
$25.00
How I grade condition: every grade is tested and plays; grades differ only in looks.
Want to see the exact copy you'd get, inside and out? Ask me for photos, board included.
Double Dragon, rebuilt for the NES
Double Dragon was one of the big NES hits of 1988, and Technos rebuilt it for the console rather than squeezing the arcade game in. You start with basic punches and kicks and level up into stronger moves as you fight, there are new stages (including a jump-and-trap cavern in Mission 3) and a new boss, and Billy fights his way through to a final showdown with his brother Jimmy.
Set expectations on co-op: story mode is one player, or two taking turns. The arcade’s side-by-side co-op came to the NES with Double Dragon II. What this cart has instead is Mode B, a one-on-one fighting mode against the computer or a friend.
The copies
These are the two lower grades on my condition scale: a Fair copy with a heavily faded label (more than half there, title readable), and a Player Grade copy with a see-through tear at the top-left of its label and a shell crack I repaired. It holds together, seats firmly and plays exactly like a Near Mint one.
Normal quirks, not defects
The title music plays after you power on but not after you press RESET; power off and on and it is back. I confirmed that on two separate carts, so it is the game, not your copy. The NES version also shows a couple of small stray sprites in the corner and a little screen shake when things get busy, both part of the original game.
Double Dragon is on Nintendo Switch Online today; this is the cart. For another 1980s arcade conversion, see Arkanoid.
Specifications
| Authenticity | Authentic original Tradewest cartridge (NES-WD-USA), not a reproduction |
|---|---|
| Condition | Pick a condition grade. The Player Grade copy has a see-through tear at the top-left of its label and a shell crack I repaired; it holds together and seats firmly. Every copy is opened, cleaned, and tested by playing. |
| Includes | Loose cartridge only (no box or manual) |
| Players | Story mode: 1, or 2 taking turns. Mode B: one-on-one fighting, vs. the computer or a second player |
| Region | NTSC (North America) |
| Save | None (no battery) |
| Title Full | Double Dragon (Nintendo Entertainment System, Tradewest / Technos Japan, 1988) |
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