Step back in time to 1990, when the world of gaming was about to be forever changed.
The Nintendo World Championships recognized the best players of its time and sparked interest in competitive gaming that continues today.
Learn how this famous event changed the future of video game competitions. It still inspires gamers and collectors today.
The Table of Contents
From Playing Cards to Pixels: Nintendo’s Early Beginnings
Not everyone realizes Nintendo's roots go much deeper than the 8-bit era. Nintendo was founded in 1889 as a playing card company. For many years, they focused on making cards by hand.
Later, they developed into toys, arcade games, and then home video games.
By the late 1980s, Nintendo was riding high on the global success of the NES. To celebrate their 100th anniversary, they envisioned something bold: a national tournament to find America’s best gamer.
The Nintendo Challenge Championships started and became very popular. This success led to a bigger event the next year, called the Nintendo World Championships.
1990: The Birth of a Gaming Legend
In 1990, Nintendo launched a 30-city U.S. tour that captured the imagination of an entire generation of gamers.
At the heart of the competition was a custom-built NES cartridge featuring modified versions of Super Mario Bros., Rad Racer, and Tetris These three games were designed to test players' reflexes, accuracy, and strategy (source).
Each contestant had 6 minutes and 21 seconds to earn the highest total score across three games, using a special scoring system.
Players competed in three age brackets:
- 11 and under
- 12–17
- 18 and over
The top two scorers from each city squared off for the title of City Champion. Winners got a free trip to the World Finals in Los Angeles. Runners-up received a Game Boy and a Nintendo Power Pad.
At the finals, three champions emerged:
- Jeff Hansen (11 and under)
- Thor Aackerlund (12–17)
- Robert Whiteman (18 and over)
Thor Aackerlund ultimately triumphed in an informal champion face-off, solidifying his place as a gaming icon.
Winners walked away with:
- A $10,000 savings bond
- A brand-new Geo Metro
- A 40-inch TV
- A gold Mario trophy
You can still watch footage from the 1990 Nintendo World Championships online. This includes gameplay highlights and trophy presentations. For example, you can find a recording on YouTube recording.
- Runners-up received $1,000 savings bonds and silver Mario trophies.
- Thor's victory launched him into brief gaming fame as the official spokesperson for Camerica Corporation, a rival of Nintendo (source).
Meanwhile, finalist Jeff Hansen went on to represent the U.S. internationally, even defeating Japan’s top champion, Yuichi Suyama.
The Legendary Nintendo World Championships NES Cartridge: A Collector’s Holy Grail
- The Nintendo World Championships still have an impact on gaming today. This influence
comes not only from memories of the event but also from the actual game cartridges. - Today, the NWC cartridges are considered some of the rarest and most valuable NES games ever produced.
"Nintendo World Championships cartridges are some of the rarest NES games made. They can sell for six figures at auction, making them highly desired by collectors." - Brandon Perton, The Old School Game Vault
How Many Cartridges Were Made?
- Gray Cartridges:
- Nintendo produced approximately 90 gray cartridges. These were awarded to the 1990 Nintendo World Championships finalists. Each cart featured a custom label with the tournament's logo and was individually numbered.
- Gold Cartridges:
- Only 26 gold cartridges were produced as prizes for a Nintendo Power magazine contest in 1990. These promotional items were never used in the competition itself.
According to the Rare Games Wiki, around 90 gray cartridges and 26 gold cartridges were produced for the Nintendo World Championships, making them among the rarest and most valuable NES games ever released (source).
Auction Highlights
- In 2021, a WATA-graded Gold NWC cartridge sold for over $180,000 through Heritage Auctions (source).
- Even ungraded, damaged Gray carts have fetched upwards of $50,000 to $100,000 depending on condition.
"Experts in vintage video game collecting emphasize the immense value of NWC cartridges due to their rarity. Proper authentication is crucial to ensure you’re buying genuine collectibles. " Please check out our guides on how to identify counterfeit video games - Brandon Perton, The Old School Game Vault
Fun Fact:
A rare Nintendo World Championships cartridge was found at the bottom of a Safeway grocery bag. This cartridge was later sold for a large amount of money, according to a report by Ars Technica.
Why the NWC Cartridge Remains So Iconic
- It marks one of the earliest examples of large-scale esports competition.
- The cartridges were not sold — they had to be earned.
- They feature a unique, custom game experience unavailable anywhere else.
- Extreme scarcity ensures persistent demand from collectors.
2015 Revival: Nintendo World Championships Return
- To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original event, Nintendo revived the World Championships in 2015.
- Qualifiers took place at select Best Buy stores across the U.S., focusing initially on Ultimate NES Remix challenges.
- After a gauntlet of games including Splatoon, Metroid Prime: Federation Force, and Super Mario Maker, John Numbers was crowned champion — showcasing the deep skill and adaptability essential to competitive gaming (source).
2017 Edition: A New Champion Rises
- In 2017, Nintendo expanded its format by introducing new games and tougher competition. This was part of the changing world of video game contests.
- In the finals, Thomas G defeated the defending champion, John Numbers, to win the title. The event was filled with skilled platforming and challenging puzzles.
- As highlighted by Nintendo’s official coverage, the 2017 World Championships expanded the event's format with new games and custom challenges, ultimately crowning Thomas G as the new champion (source).
2024–2025: The Modern Revival — Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition
- In 2024, Nintendo launched Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition for the Switch — a digital celebration of the original competition.
- Players take on short, competitive stages in many classic NES games. Online leaderboards keep the competition exciting and enjoyable.
Legacy of the Nintendo World Championships
More than 30 years later, the Nintendo World Championships still highlight how Nintendo valued skill, creativity, and community. It stands out as a unique event.
It had a significant impact on today's esports. It inspired many players and resulted in rare video game collectibles that are highly desired.
"The legend of the Nintendo World Championships isn't just preserved; it's thriving. With careful research, years of collecting experience, and a love for gaming history, we can say this with confidence." - Brandon Perton, The Old School Game Vault
FAQ's About The Nintendo Competition
What games were played in the 1990 Nintendo World Championships?
- The competition featured modified versions of Super Mario Bros., Rad Racer, and Tetris, compiled on a custom NES cartridge.
How many Nintendo World Championships cartridges exist?
- About 90 gray cartridges and 26 gold cartridges were made, making them among the rarest NES collectibles.
How much is a Nintendo World Championships cartridge worth?
- Depending on condition, NWC cartridges can sell for $50,000 to over $180,000 at auction.
Thinking about selling your NES games?
At The Old School Game Vault, we focus on buying rare and retro video games. This list includes classic games like Super Mario Bros. 3 and The Legend of Zelda. It also features collector's items,
such as Nintendo World Championships cartridges.
Whether you’re selling a single game or an entire collection, we make it fast, fair, and simple. Learn more about selling your NES games here.
Shoutout to These Sources!
- 🕹️ Tetris Wiki – Nintendo World Championships 1990
- 🎥 YouTube – 1990 Nintendo World Championships Footage
- 📚 Wikipedia – Thor Aackerlund Biography
- 🎮 Rare Games Wiki – 1990 Nintendo World Championships Summary
- 🏆 Nintendo Life – High-Grade NWC Cartridge Could Fetch Over Half a Million Dollars
- 🛒 Ars Technica – $13,000 NES Cartridge Found at the Bottom of a Safeway Sack
- 🏅 Nintendo Fandom – Nintendo World Championships 2015 Overview
- 🌟 Nintendo.com – Take a Walk Down Memory Lane with the 1990 and 2017 Competitors
Feel free to share your thoughts!
We would love to hear from you! Share your thoughts or experiences with the Nintendo World Championships in the comments below. Did you participate in the original event, or do you have a favorite moment from the tournaments? Your insights could add to the rich history of this legendary gaming competition!
