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Rare Pokemon Red Development Cartridge Fetches $25,000 at Auction

Simon Ellis 0 comments 2 min read

A rare 1998 Pokemon Red development cartridge is auctioned for $25,000. PSA- verified prototype features unique serial number and distinct ROM header values.

Pokemon Red development cartridge prototype
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A rare Pokemon Red cartridge prototype is going up for auction. If you're a collector you're in for a treat. You'll finally have a piece of development history you can hold in your hands.

Undocumented 1998 prototype shows unique header data

It is a development board from 1998 that is very different from what you'd see on retail versions of the game. So, if you're a retro gaming fan, this is one piece you'll want to get your hands on. You're not going to get too many chances to own development hardware that predates the actual commercial release.

  • Cartridge Serial: DMG-(F)KGDB-01
  • ROM Size: 32 KB
  • Label: DMB-MBC-16M-FLASH
  • Mask ROM Version Offset: 0x014C (Value: 55)
  • Header Checksum Offset: 0x014D (Value: CB)

This cartridge prototype has a serial number of DMG-(F)KGDB-01. And, it also has the following on the front label DMB-MBC-16M-FLASH. It is longer than regular Game Boy game carts.

Pokemon Red development cartridge prototype
Pokemon Red development cartridge prototype

That's because it needs to house the development components inside. Nintendo made this board specifically to test the game during development.

When it comes to the ROM header on this cartridge prototype, it's very different from the actual game. For example, at offset 0x014C you'll find a Mask ROM version of 55. In the final game you'll find a value of 00.

You'll also find a header checksum that is different at offset 0x014D. Instead of the standard 20 that you'll find in regular retail versions, it has a value of CB. The cartridge prototype has been PSA graded. It's also been confirmed that the first 32 KB is identical to the final American release.

You can currently place bids for this rare Pokemon Red cartridge prototype on Goldin. The current highest bid is $25,000. The auction will end on October 26, 2026. The current bid is an indication of just how interested people are in undocumented Nintendo hardware and the historical nature of this prototype.

You'll learn a lot about how the game was developed when you look at this cartridge. You'll know it's authentic because it has a unique serial number and confirmed ROM data. This could have an effect on what other similar and rare Nintendo development hardware could go for.

Source: IXBT

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