Tech
This new album is coming out as a Japanese NES cartridge
by Jeremy Mersereau
December 1, 2015
The chiptune compilation is only playable on the 32-year-old Nintendo Famicom system.
First there was the vinyl revival, then the cassette resurrection. Now, it’s the Nintendo Famicom cartridge’s turn for a second wave of appreciation and heightened cultural cache (and likely an attendant price gouging).
A new compilation album called 8BIT MUSIC POWER features 12 new tracks of chiptune music from video game composers (including the minds behind such classic soundtracks as Star Soldier and Ape Escape).
There’s a catch/hook for anyone who wants to kick out the low-tech jams though: the album is only going to be released as a cartridge for the original Nintendo Famicom system, the 1983 Japanese version of what we in North America know and love as the NES. Looks like only the most dedicated retromaniacs will be able to enjoy the first cartridge released for the system in 21 years, as you’ll need an adapter to play Famicom cartridges on an NES.
8BIT MUSIC POWER is out January 31st in Japan only. The project is coming via Columbus Circle, a Japan-based video game accessories manufacturer, and they aren’t ruling out an American NES release in the future, depending on consumer demand. Get Twittering, chiptuners!
