Variations of The Legend of Zelda for NES
Similar, although not quite as complicated, to the NES black box games the NES version of The Legend of Zelda has multiple variations in the game box, the manual and the game cartridge. Because this game is one of the most popular among collector’s as these different variations impact the desirability of the game we include a special insignia on our labels for graded The Legend of Zelda NES games.
Released February 21st, 1986 The Legend of Zelda for NES was not just one of the most popular NES games ever, it launched a franchise that is one of the greatest of all-time.
The NES release has several variants collector’s should be aware of, here is a look at the variants.
Side of Box
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Rev-A / Oval SoQ ™ / NES ® / Zelda ®
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Rev-A / Oval SoQ ® / NES ® / Zelda ®
Rev-A / Oval SoQ ® / NES ® / Zelda ®
Key Indicators Front of Cartridge
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SoQ = Seal of Quality / NES ™ or ® refers to the wording of Nintendo Entertainment System at the top of the front of the cartridge / Zelda ™ or ® refers to the symbol next to the game title
ZELDA in red letters on the front of the cartridge / MiJ refers to Made in Japan printed in the lower left portion of the cartridge label / © , Rev-A and red text appears on the label on the back of the cartridge in later variations
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So…..what does this all mean?
It means we felt it was very important to create and include an insignia for The Legend of Zelda games we grade that clearly shows which version of the CIB box, manual and cartridge is in the case.
It also impacts how we label LoZ games as mismatched. The many combinations of the above are not always a straight line, there is some overlap that are normal and not necessarily mismatched. So we will always indicate the variation of the box, manual and cartridge on every LoZ game we grade so collector’s can draw their own conclusions about their interest in the game. We will mark some combinations as mismatched, with “MM” in at least the following circumstances:
- Because the 1st variation is so important and sought after If any piece is a 1, all pieces must be 1 or it will be labeled MM
- A box back with no GP code should have a manual with no code and a cartridge will not be Rev-A or it will be labeled MM
- Likewise a box with a GP code on the back should be with a manual that has a code and a cartridge that is Rev-A
- If any part is a Classic Series version, all parts must be Classic Series or it will be labeled MM
In accordance with our legal disclaimer all information contained on this page is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. These details regarding the original NES game The Legend of Zelda are widely accepted and considered accurate within the hobby as of the publication date of this content, should significant changes to these facts become relevant Video Game Graders LLC will re-evaluate and as necessary update information on our website as well as on our products.
Last updated 5/2/2021