Nintendo’s Golf (Cassette tape version)

A rare early release

Nintendo’s Golf for the Sharp X1, released in 1985, is an obscure entry in the company’s early gaming history. Unlike the more famous Famicom version, this release was made for the Sharp X1 home computer system, using cassette tape as its medium. This unique format, common for Japanese computers at the time, sets it apart from other versions and highlights Nintendo’s initial efforts to bring their games to a broader audience, outside their own console ecosystem. The game itself, though less well-known today, provides a fascinating glimpse into the early evolution of Nintendo’s game development for non-console platforms.

Classic gameplay with a different twist

The gameplay in this version of Golf mirrors the original, where players guide a golfer through 18 holes, selecting clubs and timing shots for optimal results. Visually, it offers a distinct look, with more detailed sprites and a unique colour palette compared to its Famicom counterpart. Despite the graphical differences, it retains the clean, straightforward gameplay that was Nintendo’s hallmark. As this was a home computer release, the game operates with a top-down view of the golf course, offering a simplistic but functional presentation that was typical of early computer games.

A collector’s curiosity

This Sharp X1 version of Golf is not only a collector’s curiosity due to its rare platform but also due to its use of cassette tapes instead of cartridges. The tape format, while slower in loading times, has its own appeal for collectors, as it is less prone to battery issues that often affect cartridges over time. Though the Sharp X1 wasn’t as widely adopted as the Famicom, this version of Golf represents an intriguing chapter in Nintendo’s early attempts to expand their reach beyond their own consoles. For retro collectors, this remains a rare gem and an important piece of gaming history.

---