Limited Run Games Addresses Voltage Issue in Rug Rats NES Cartridge
Limited Run Games has historically committed to providing quality licensed products for retro games and modern as well. Recently, the company issued an important update addressing an issue found with some of its recently released NES titles. In this post, we break down the announcement concerning the Rug Rats: Adventures in Gameland NES cartridge and what it means for customers.
What’s the Issue?
In a detailed notification, Limited Run Games revealed that two of their NES titles—Rug Rats: Adventures in Gameland and PioPow—may be experiencing a voltage regulation issue. According to the announcement, prolonged use of these particular cartridges could potentially lead to damage, not only to the game cartridge itself but also to the console hardware.
The root of the problem lies in the manufacturing process. Unlike most of their releases, these titles were produced by a supplier who has only contributed to a small handful of Limited Run Games products. This manufacturer does not share the same trusted track record as the company’s usual partner, whose decades-long reliability has become a hallmark of Limited Run Games’ commitment to quality.
Limited Run Games’ Swift Response
Upon becoming aware of the potential issues through community feedback, Limited Run Games immediately took action:
- Re-manufacturing Cartridges:
All back orders and pre-orders for the affected titles will now be fulfilled with newly manufactured cartridges produced by their trusted partner. This re-manufacturing process ensures that future products will meet the high-quality standards the company is known for. - Collector’s Edition Specifics:
For fans who pre-ordered the Collector’s Edition of Rug Rats: Adventures in Gameland, there are two options:- Immediate Shipment: Receive the order without the cartridge initially, with the revised cartridge to follow once it’s been re-manufactured.
- Delayed Shipment: Wait until the newly manufactured cartridge is available so you can receive a factory sealed collectors edition.
Limited Run Games is reaching out directly to those affected with more detailed instructions on how they can choose their preferred option.
- Refund Options:
Customers who prefer not to wait for the re-manufactured cartridges are eligible for a full refund. The company has advised anyone wishing to opt for this alternative to contact their Customer Service team immediately. Link: https://support.limitedrungames.com/hc/en-us/requests/new - Advice for Current Owners:
If you already received a cartridge, it’s recommended that you stop using it to avoid any potential damage. There’s no need to return the faulty cartridge, replacements will be sent automatically to affected customers.
What This Means for Retro Gaming Fans
We have a decision to make, do we continue to support these cottage industries that provide access to games at an affordable price. Many of the games that are being reprinted would cost $100s of dollars from the market. Or were not available in the US to being with. I think the important thing is how a company handles mistakes. And at this point my experience with LRG has been very positive.
For collectors and enthusiasts, the following points are key:
- Quality Assurance: The move to re-manufacture the affected cartridges using a trusted partner reaffirms the company’s commitment to quality.
- Customer Care: By offering refunds and clear communication on next steps, Limited Run Games shows that customer satisfaction is a top priority.
- Community Trust: Openly addressing potential issues helps maintain the trust of the retro gaming community, ensuring that fans feel supported and informed.
Final Thoughts
Issues with hardware and manufacturing can be a significant setback, especially in the niche world of retro gaming collectibles. However, Limited Run Games’ prompt response and detailed communication provide reassurance to fans that the company is dedicated to quality and customer care.
If you have pre-ordered Rug Rats: Adventures in Gameland or PioPow and are concerned about the voltage regulation issue, now is a great time to review your options—whether that’s waiting for the re-manufactured cartridge or opting for a refund. In either case, staying informed and in touch with customer support will ensure you make the best decision for your gaming setup.
Stay tuned for further updates as Limited Run Games works through this issue, and feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.