Battetoads + Double Dragon Return to the NES!

In this episode, Battetoads + Double Dragon Return to the NES as we unbox and test out Retro-Bit's Collector's Edition Battletoads Double Dragon Cartridge for the Nintendo Entertainment System & compatible retro gaming systems.

In the spring of 2022, Retro-Bit gaming shared the news that a classic 8-bit beat'em up game would be getting the re-release, collector's edition treatment. That title, Battletoads And Double Dragon is one of the most popular games for the NES of all time due to the amazing mash-up of two of the best games for the system, and Retro-Bit has collaborated with RARE and ARC System Works to bring this masterpiece back for a limited time.

Developed by Rare and published by Tradewest in 1993, Battletoads & Double Dragon brought two of the 20th century's most iconic beat 'em up franchises together for an unforgettable adventure to save Earth from the evil Dark Queen and Shadow Boss. Whether solo or two-player co-op, the 8-bit cartridge allowed brawlers to choose between Jimmy and Billy Lee and the three Battletoads -- Zitz, Rash, and Pimple. Through seven lengthy and varied stages, players beat up aliens, raced on speed bikes, swung over bottomless pits, and even got into an epic shoot 'em-up battle in the middle of space. And with familiar faces like Big Blag, Abobo, Robo-Manus, and more, both critics and fans have embraced Battletoads & Double Dragon as the most exciting and diverse beat 'em up released.

This Collector’s Edition from Retro-Bit Publishing brings this ultimate team-up into the 21st century with an individually-numbered deluxe hardcover box that is scaled to the dimensions of traditional 8-bit cartridge packaging for display continuity. It also includes a Jumpin' Jade cartridge for compatible 8-bit systems and a full-color manual. Something Retro-Bit Publishing is introducing in this collector’s edition is an exclusive acrylic cartridge display stand featuring pixelated characters that represent both Battletoads and Double Dragon.

If you never had a chance to play or own the original, this is a prime time to pick it up without having to pay an arm and a leg to do so. The cartridge operates at a proper 5v standard and will work on all original NES consoles (NTSC and PAL). There are also a variety of third-party consoles capable of running NES carts that are also compatible such as the Super Retro Trio, Analog Nt, RetroUSB AVS, and others. The game itself is virtually identical to the original, with some basic changes for licensing updates.

Upon firing up my Toploader NES 101 with an HDMI mod, I was instantly greeted with a screen asking me to select either NTSC USA or PAL. This is great as it takes care of the region for you right off the bat. I selected North America, grabbed my NES Dogbone Controller, and got to playing.

This is one of those "NES Hard" sorts of games, but it has a balanced challenge that pisses you off yet is still fun. From the word go, this game reminds you that it is not just hard, it is NES hard, but it's also brutally fair. Repetition and muscle memory are definitely important here as you remember where enemies are and how to beat them. I did not run into any graphical issues or sound issues, only my bad game-playing issues.

Why it RoX:
- Makes one of the greatest beat-em-ups available to the general public for a reasonable price
- Awesome packaging and box art
- NTSC and PAL on one cartridge
- Great looking acrylic display
- Authentic gameplay and sound

What could be improved:
- No NES-style cartridge sleeve included
- Limited availability

Should you buy one?
If you own some method of playing NES games this is one you definitely need to add your collection. The issue is that this is a very limited release, only 9000 pieces, so if you didn't pre-order one you may be out of luck. Featuring exceptional gameplay, authentic sound, and more, this is an amazing cartridge to have in your collection.
#RetroBit #Battletoads #DoubleDragon #BattletoadsDoubleDragon #RARENES