On offer is the hyper rare Chrono Trigger pre-release beta sample cartridge. For those who don't already know about this scarce item, according to ChronoCompendium.com, this cartridge was only given to media and retailers to preview the beta in Japan. This item was never available in stores. This cartridge contains a number of documented changes from the final release, including: alternate and unfinished music, alternate sprites, a driveable Epoch (!) and inaccessible areas. Check out this thorough article from ChronoCompendium.com for the dozens of changed game elements that can only be found on this cartridge. To quote from ChronoCompendium,
The Chrono Trigger Prerelease is an unfinished version of Chrono Trigger dated November 17, 1994. It was given to magazines and game retailers as a sample before Chrono Trigger's release to generate interest and sales. The Prerelease could not be played all the way through; barriers to passage were programmed in Guardia Castle, Lab 32, and the Magic Cave. Around 1999, someone ripped and uploaded the ROM; the Sonic 2 Beta was obtained in a similar manner.
The Prerelease provides a rare look into Chrono Trigger's development. It's full of things that were changed or dropped from Chrono Trigger's final release; we can only guess at what the developers intended in some cases. For that reason, it holds a special quasi-canonical position in the Chrono series. Fans can explore the game's many interesting areas (witnessing different enemies and items) by using codes or an Epoch savestate.
The extensive information there about this limited release shows how important this title is to the Chrono fan community.This beta cartridge offers a rare hands-on look into the early stages of one
of the most treasured RPGs of all time. The limited quantities and the random
distribution method mean that very, very few of these cartridges exist today.
Please note that this cartridge is formatted for Japanese NTSC Super
Famicom system. Please verify that you have a system capable of playing Japanese
games before bidding.
This is an original, authentic vintage Japanese market item. Not a reproduction.
This item will ship from JAPAN. Please allow sufficient time for international delivery.
I am a native ENGLISH speaker living in Japan. If you have any questions, I will be happy to assist you. I am a longtime eBay seller with over 20 years of experience selling on eBay since 1998.
This title is already extremely scarce, so Buy It Now before it gets snapped up!
International Buyers – Please Note:
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.