In 1985, Nintendo released the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in North America, forever changing the video game industry. As more people wanted the console, Nintendo quickly released many games for the excited fans.
Back then, just getting your hands on an NES console seemed like winning the lottery, and blowing into cartridges to make them work became a daily ritual for gamers everywhere.
During the excitement, not many noticed that early NES cartridges had five screws on the back. This small detail would change as the system evolved.
The Table of Contents
NES Cartridge Screw Timeline
Today, these screw variations matter a lot to collectors. Let's look into why Nintendo switched from 5 screws to 3, how to spot the differences, and why it matters for your NES collection.
1985–1986: The 5-Screw Era
Most early NES games, especially black box titles and early third-party releases, used five flathead screws. These are easy to open with a standard screwdriver and are prized by collectors as "first print" cartridges.
Late 1987 to Early 1988: 3-Screw Flathead Transition
Nintendo began cutting costs by switching to three screws instead of five. During this brief transitional phase, they still used flathead screws. These 3-screw flathead carts are less common and often overlooked oddities in the collector world.
Mid-1988 and Beyond: The Gamebit Standard
Nintendo adopted 3 security bits (Gamebit), a tamper-resistant design that requires a special tool to open. This version became the long-term standard for NES cartridges until the end of the console's production.
What Are 5 Screw NES Cartridges?
The first NES cartridges made for the U.S. market from 1985 to late 1987 had five flathead screws on the back. There was one screw in each corner and one in the center.
- This design closely resembled the original Japanese Famicom cartridge construction.
- 5-screw cartridges use standard flathead screws. Unlike later games, they don't have specialized "security screws." This makes them easier to open.
- The front of these early games usually featured the black "Nintendo Seal of Quality" with more detailed text than later revisions.
| Feature | 5-Screw (1985-1987) | 3-Screw (1988+) |
|---|---|---|
| Screw Type | Flathead (standard) | Gamebit (security) |
| Screw Count | 5 (4 corners + center) | 3 (2 bottom + center) |
| Top Corners | Screws | Plastic snap tabs |
| Tool Needed | Standard screwdriver | 3.8mm gamebit tool |
| Rarity | More rare | More common |
| Value | Higher (e.g., Punch-Out!! ~$250) | Lower (e.g., Punch-Out!! ~$47) |
| Collectability | First-print preferred | Standard version |
Why Did Nintendo Replace 5 Screw with 3-Screws?
By late 1987, Nintendo started to change the design of its game cartridges. The new design had only three screws instead of four. They replaced the two screws at the top corners with molded plastic tabs. This change helped reduce production costs.
- At the same time, the other screws were replaced with special security screws. These screws need a unique tool to remove, which makes it harder for unauthorized repair shops or pirates to mess with Nintendo's products.
- Nintendo did not officially announce this change, but the reason is simple. Removing two screws from each cartridge saved a lot of money. Adding special screws made the cartridges safer and stopped people from making unauthorized changes.
- This change also made manufacturing more efficient. With fewer parts, assembly became faster and cheaper. In 1989, Nintendo changed the Seal of Quality. They moved from a black label to a simpler white-and-gold design. It is important to remember that the changes to the screws and the seal were separate updates.
Retro gaming writer Retro Room on Steemit notes that “Five screw cartridges were usually released in the first year or two of the NES console’s life in the United States." They are considered rarer and collectible because of this.” Retro Room, Steemit
Do All 5-Screw NES Cartridges Have a Hidden Famicom Adapter?
No, they do not:, I explain why in more detail in my articlee, How to Find the Hidden famicom Adapters.
- It's funny - I've been buying and selling Nintendo NES games since 2008, and most buyers think that because it's a 5-screw it has a Famicom adapter. No, that couldn't be further from the truth. Common games with a Famicom adapter sell between $40 and $50, so the 5-screw copy of Gyromite I'm selling for $9.99 does not have the Famicom adapter in it.
- These adapters were used during the NES launch to repurpose Famicom boards for the U.S. market. However, the vast majority of 5-screw games do not contain an adapter.
Why 5 Screw NES Games are Worth More
This price gap isn’t about age; it's about rarity, historical context, and collector demand. The 5-screw version was made in the game's first production run. After that, Nintendo changed the design to a 3-screw cartridge.
Because of this, the 5-screw copies are much harder to find now.Certain game titles, particularly those that remained in production for a long time, exist in multiple formats, but the 5-screw editions are usually considered
the most valuable.
- Even though the functional difference between 5-screw and 3-screw cartridges is minor, small details like these make a big impact in the retro gaming market.
- The largest price difference I've seen for an NES game is Mike Tyson's Punch-Out. Early 5-screw versions sell for about $250 loose, while the standard 3-screw versions sell for around $47.
- If you want to learn more about early NES production variants, check out the guide from Wata Games. It provides helpful tips for identifying first-print "black box" games.
List of NES games with 5 cartridge screws
There are dozens of titles known to exist in 5-screw form.
For a full list, you can check resources like PriceCharting’s 5-Screw NES Guide.
Notable examples include:
- Super Mario Bros.
- The Legend of Zelda
- Castlevania
- Metroid
- Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!
- Excitebike
- Duck Hunt
- Ghosts 'n Goblins
How to Open These Different Cartridges
If you want to open an NES cartridge:
- 5-screw games can usually be opened with a simple "smaller" flathead screwdriver.
I still remember going to Home Depot with my copy of an NES game in hand. I was in the tool aisle testing out small screwdrivers until I found one that fit the screws just right.
- 3-Screw games require a 3.8mm gamebit tool to remove the security screws. You can find them on eBay or Amazon for under $5.
If you find rusty screws, you can use some penetrating oil. This will help loosen them. Be sure to use a steady hand to avoid damaging the cartridge.
- If you encounter a rusty screw, moisture got on the cartridge at some point. Always check the internal game board and pin connectors - they can rust too.
Fun Fact: The Nintendo Seal of Quality also evolved alongside cartridge manufacturing changes. To learn how to spot early and late NES releases by their seal design, check out our Complete NES Seal Guide.
Are you interested in buying or selling NES games?
- Whether you are looking for rare five-screw versions, classic NES games, or building your retro game collection, we are here to help you.
- At The Old School Game Vault, we specialize in buying & selling Nintendo NES games retro gaming systems, and accessories.
