The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is a beloved classic console that has been entertaining gamers for decades. One of the most iconic and sought-after add-ons for the NES is the Mind Blower Pak, which was released in Australia and is still highly prized by collectors today. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Mind Blower Pak, including its features, availability, and age rating.
What is the Nintendo NES Mind Blower Pak?
The Mind Blower Pak is an add-on accessory for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) that was released in Australia in 1987. It's also known as the "Power Pak" or "Power Plus." The Mind Blower Pak is essentially a cartridge with two additional RAM chips, which increase the NES's total RAM from 32KB to 48KB.
The primary purpose of the Mind Blower Pak was to allow for more complex and detailed graphics on the NES, without having to resort to using cheaper graphics options or modifying the console itself. This made it an attractive option for developers who wanted to create more visually appealing games.
Features and Game Support
The Mind Blower Pak has several notable features that set it apart from other add-ons:
- Increased RAM: As mentioned earlier, the Mind Blower Pak adds two additional RAM chips to the NES, increasing its total RAM capacity.
- Graphics capabilities: With the increased RAM, games can display more complex graphics, including larger sprites, better scaling, and more detailed backgrounds.
- Palette quality: The Mind Blower Pak allows for a wider color palette, resulting in more vibrant and colorful game environments.
The Mind Blower Pak supports over 30 games that were developed specifically to take advantage of its features. Some notable examples include:
- Contra
- Mega Man 2
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- River City Ransom
- Power Force
Availability
Due to its rarity and limited production run, the Mind Blower Pak is highly sought after by collectors and NES enthusiasts. As a result, it can be quite challenging to find for sale.
In Australia, where the Mind Blower Pak was originally released, it's considered a relatively rare item. Many Australian collectors and retailers have reported difficulty finding genuine copies of the Mind Blower Pak in working condition.
Outside of Australia, however, the Mind Blower Pak has become increasingly popular among NES enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Online marketplaces such as eBay and specialized retro gaming forums often feature listings for Mind Blower Paks.
Age Rating
The Mind Blower Pak itself is not rated by any reputable organizations, but its games are subject to age rating guidelines set by various countries.
In Australia, the Mind Blower Pak's games have been assessed by the Australian Classification Review Board (ACRB) and classified as "M" for Mature. This means that the games are considered suitable for people aged 15 years or older due to their level of violence, language, and mature themes.
Conclusion
The Nintendo NES Mind Blower Pak is an iconic add-on accessory that has captured the hearts of many retro gaming enthusiasts. Its unique features and capabilities make it a sought-after collector's item, and its games are still widely enjoyed today.
If you're looking to add the Mind Blower Pak to your collection or experience its games firsthand, be prepared for the challenge of finding one in working condition. Online marketplaces and specialty retailers often feature listings for Mind Blower Paks, but availability is limited due to their rarity.
In summary, the Nintendo NES Mind Blower Pak is an excellent example of a console add-on that has stood the test of time. Its impact on the gaming industry is undeniable, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Rarity Scale
Due to its limited production run and relative rarity, the Mind Blower Pak is considered a high-end collector's item. Here's a rough estimate of the Mind Blower Pak's rarity scale:
- Mint condition with box and manual: 9/10
- Working condition with minimal wear and tear: 7/10
- Non-working condition or worn-out components: 3/10
Price Range
The price range for the Mind Blower Pak can vary greatly depending on its condition, rarity, and provenance. Here are some rough estimates of the Mind Blower Pak's price range:
- Mint condition with box and manual: $500-$1,000 AUD
- Working condition with minimal wear and tear: $200-$500 AUD
- Non-working condition or worn-out components: $100-$300 AUD
Comparison to Other Add-Ons
The Mind Blower Pak is often compared to other popular NES add-ons, such as the Famicom Disk System (FDS) and the Super Famicom Disk System (SFDS). Here's a brief comparison of these add-ons:
- Famicom Disk System (FDS): Released in Japan in 1986, the FDS was a precursor to the Super Famicom and supported games with higher resolution graphics.
- Super Famicom Disk System (SFDS): Released in Japan in 1990, the SFDS was an add-on for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) that offered similar features to the FDS.
While the Mind Blower Pak is not as well-known as its Japanese counterparts, it offers a unique set of features and capabilities that make it a compelling addition to any NES collection.