The T89 72-60 Pins
Cartridge Converter, sometimes labeled "Spica," is
perhaps the best quality converter you can find
without having to pay a fortune. It's NTSC
compatible, but it may not seem so at first due to
lockout chip issues. Anyone who's a collector of
unlicensed games will be familiar with the way some
of these things turn on: an eerie blank image
followed by the startup screen. So it's just a
matter of waiting for the game to start up rather
than assuming it's incompatible or not working.
The 72-60 label.
The Spica label.
It comes in a common gray and includes the necessary
ribbon for proper removal from any front-loader. The
casing itself, however, is sturdy like an NES
cartridge and, likewise, has ridges (although it
seems it would be more appropriate if they had been
put on the other side). Nintendo's official
cautionary statement has been "borrowed" and
inscribed on the bottom side.
This thing should've been licensed.
In an instance when the label may be missing, all
you need to look out for is the similar casing. Take
a look...
This is a T89, sold without the label.
If you're lucky, you may even find one with a
(generic) box.
The front and the back of the box.
And a final note.
Where might you have heard the name "Spica" before?
Well, some Asian NES pirate cartridges, including
multi-carts, are made by the same company.
