The latest Nintendo console has proved a firm favourite with fans, but within its coding has been sitting a hidden gem that has only just been uncovered.
Game modders discovered an emulated version of the classic 1984 NES title Golf buried inside a system file labelled Flog, golf spelled backwards.
The find could be an ‘Easter egg’ treat for those dedicated enough to look for it, although some speculate it may hint at support for further NES titles in the future.
However, gamers without extensive coding knowledge are unlikely to be able to access it.
The latest Nintendo console has proved a firm favourite with fans, but within its coding has been sitting a hidden gem that has only just been uncovered. Game modders discovered an emulated version of the classic 1984 NES title Golf (pictured) buried inside a system file
The find was unveiled by modder Yellows8, who posted their findings on the site SwitchBrew, which is dedicated to hacking and file-system analysis of the console.
Modders hack consoles to allow them to install modifications for games and to unlock the full potential of gaming devices.
Writing on the site, Yellows 8 said: ‘This is a NES emulator. Installed on retail systems since 1.0.0.
‘It’s unknown what exactly triggers launching this title officially. This can be run with unofficial methods.
‘The ROM is not loaded via FS (file system) but is embedded in the main binary.’
Yellows 8 also noted that flog; supports one and two player games using the joy-con controllers that come with the Switch.
The game can be controlled using the ‘d-pad’ buttons and stick, as well as motion control by holding the Z left to right button.
Golf was a sports-simulation video game developed and released by Nintendo in 1984 for the NES. It was the first golf game to feature a power/accuracy bar for swinging the club. The power bar method has been used in most golf games since
The player one character wears a white shirt and shoes with blue trousers and uses a white ball. The player two character wears a red shirt and shoes with black pants and uses a red ball
The discovery comes days after Nintendo announced a retro mini version of its iconic video 8-bit NES game platform is making a comeback in 2019.
A raft of new games to help keep Switch fans’ excitement alive were announced at the E3 expo back in June.
The Japanese firm announced the return of some iconic franchises, as well as some new blood.
Among the coming attractions will be at least five big titles that have helped to build Nintendo’s reputation as one of the godfathers of gaming.
A raft of new games to help keep Switch fans’ excitement alive were announced at the E3 expo back in June. The Japanese firm announced the return of some iconic franchises, as well as some new blood
Super Mario Odyssey (pictured) is due for release on October 27
Perhaps the biggest of all will be the return of Mario, a character synonymous with the Tokyo-based company since their first Nintendo Entertainment System console in the 1980s.
Super Mario Odyssey is due for release on October 27, and fans gathered at the Los Angeles Convention Centre for E3 will be in for a sneak peak of the first trailer for upcoming game.
Mario’s trusty sidekick Yoshi will also make a comeback in a standalone game, expected for 2018.
Also due for release next year will be titles featuring classic characters like Kirby, as well as two new episodes for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Top title Pokemon will see a role playing game to accompany the previously announced fighting game Pokémon Tournament Deluxe.
Nintendo also teased an upcoming Metroid title, named Metroid Prime 4, although no further details were revealed.
The chief executive of the North American arm of the firm, Reggie Fils-Aime, said: ‘Nintendo Switch provides everyone a ticket for a journey to new worlds and fun, exclusive experiences.
Video courtesy of Nintendo
‘This journey continues through all of 2017 and beyond, and it’s one that video game fans of all types won’t want to miss.’
Among the less established games coming to the console will be a sequel to the third-person paint shooter Splatoon, original released on the Wii U.
The car football crossover Rocket League will be welcome news for sports fans.
Among the coming attractions will be at least five big titles that have helped to build Nintendo’s reputation as one of the godfathers of gaming. Mario’s trusty sidekick Yoshi will also make a comeback in a standalone game, expected for 2018 (pictured)
Top title Pokemon will see a role playing game to accompany the previously announced fighting game Pokémon Tournament Deluxe (pictured)
Also due for release next year will be titles featuring classic characters like Kirby (pictured), as well as two new episodes for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
It will also allow gamers to team up against friends on other platforms, including PC and Xbox players.
In Xenoblade Chronicles 2, the latest entry in the acclaimed RPG series a new hero will seek out Elysium on an immense journey through a new world.
The game is expected for a December release, in time for the holidays.
And in Fire Emblem Warriors players unleash over-the-top moves and strategise with different weapons as they try to defeat hordes of fighters in a variety of areas.
NINTENDO SWITCH RELEASE
The Switch hit shelves across the world on Friday, March 3, and is selling for £279.99 (around $340).
It was released alongside its first two games, including an update on an early classic – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – and a multiplayer party game called 1-2-Switch.
More games – including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, another release based on a fan favourite – are due to be released throughout the year.
The tablet-like console clicks into the Nintendo Switch Dock, connecting it to the TV.
The Switch hit shelves across the world on Friday, March 3, and is selling for £279.99 (around $340)
In this version, the controller can be used much like a classic system, with grips and buttons on both sides.
But, these components can be detached to create two independent Joy-Con controllers as well.
For single player use, one person can play with a controller in each hand.
Or, two people can play using one Joy-Con controller each.