DuckTales [Unlicensed] (SNES) Playthrough

Playthrough of DuckTales, Infidelity's 2023 homebrew platformer for the Super Nintendo.

In 2023, the developer Infidelity created an unlicensed but polished port of Capcom’s DuckTales for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The project took the 1989 NES classic and reworked it for SNES hardware while keeping the core gameplay unchanged. It was built in the HiROM format for compatibility and runs smoothly on original hardware with flash cartridges, on FPGA systems such as MiSTer, and on standard emulators.

The most immediate benefit of the port is performance. Where the NES original occasionally suffered from slowdown and sprite flicker, these issues are gone on the SNES. Controls were also refined, with Scrooge McDuck’s pogo jump now possible by simply holding the jump button in addition to the traditional down-and-attack method. These adjustments preserve the original mechanics but make the game more responsive and accessible.

Visual presentation remains faithful to the NES style but gains extra sharpness and color clarity thanks to the SNES hardware. Infidelity also added a palette cycling feature, letting players switch between different color sets during play. This is a subtle but effective way to freshen up the look without changing the familiar graphics.

A major highlight of the project is MSU-1 support, which allows the use of CD-quality audio and video. With this feature enabled, players can view a full-motion video of the DuckTales television show’s intro and hear the remixed soundtrack from DuckTales Remastered. The combination of retro visuals with high-quality audio and video makes for a striking presentation that goes far beyond what the NES was capable of.

Despite these upgrades, the gameplay experience remains essentially the same. Players still travel with Scrooge through themed levels, using the pogo jump to defeat enemies and reach hidden treasures. The careful balance of platforming and exploration is preserved, meaning the port feels authentic to the original while benefiting from smoother performance and higher presentation standards.

Infidelity has worked on similar NES-to-SNES conversions, including Zelda and Mega Man titles, and described DuckTales as a personal favorite that he wanted to see enhanced. The project was released first to his Patreon supporters before being made public. A later update added the MSU-1 features, further expanding its appeal.

Overall, the DuckTales SNES port is a thoughtful enhancement of a well-loved platformer. It offers performance improvements, new quality-of-life features, and audiovisual upgrades while respecting the charm and mechanics of the NES game. For fans of the original, it provides a fresh way to experience the adventure; for newcomers, it is a polished and accessible introduction to one of Capcom’s most enduring 8-bit titles.