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| A mockup of Xcavator's NES cartridge |
In an announcement that sent shockwaves through the retro gaming community, the long-lost NES title Xcavator has been miraculously revived. The surprise reveal came during the Day of the Devs 2025 showcase, with boutique publisher iam8bit immediately opening pre-orders for Xcavator 2025—a comprehensive, polished version of the 1991 prototype, priced at $100.
This isn’t just another re-release. It’s the culmination of a 34-year journey from obscurity to preservation, a love letter to 8-bit development, and a fascinating piece of recovered video game history.
A Prototype Lost to Time
The story begins in 1991 with programmer Chris Oberth at Incredible Technologies—a studio better known for arcade hits like Golden Tee Golf and Big Buck Hunter. In his spare time, Oberth crafted Xcavator, a strategic puzzle game where players excavate treasures by carefully digging through layers of earth. He poured his heart into the project, pitching it to numerous publishers in hopes of a breakout NES release.
Despite his efforts, no one bit. The game, along with its source code, was packed away. Oberth’s untimely passing in 2012 seemed to seal Xcavator’s fate as a permanent "what-if" in gaming lore.
From Basement Box to Museum-Quality Release
The turning point came when Oberth’s family discovered the prototype and donated it to the Video Game History Foundation (VGHF), a non-profit dedicated to preserving gaming's physical and digital heritage. Recognizing its significance, the VGHF enlisted Mega Cat Studios and Retroentertainment Games for a unique mission: finish Oberth’s vision.
Using period-accurate development tools from 1991, the team transformed the unfinished prototype into a fully polished game, faithful to the original 8-bit hardware. The result is Xcavator 2025, a complete and playable experience that feels both authentically vintage and refreshingly new.
What’s in the Box? A Treasure Trove for Collectors
Priced at $100, this is a premium collector’s item designed with passion. Each purchase includes:
- An Authentic NES Cartridge: This isn’t a ROM file or a modern replica. The game runs on original Nintendo Entertainment System hardware.
- A 14-Page Historical Manual: Authored and endorsed by the VGHF, this booklet is far more than an instruction guide. It details the game’s mechanics while diving deep into Oberth’s career, Xcavator’s tumultuous journey, and the unique challenges of 8-bit game development.
Preservation with a Purpose
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this release is its mission. Every single cent of profit beyond manufacturing costs will go directly to the Video Game History Foundation. This funding supports the ongoing work of archiving games, researching lost titles, and restoring decaying physical artifacts—ensuring more stories like Xcavator’s can be told.
"The original Xcavator prototype is a rare glimpse at the struggles of an indie developer trying to break into the console industry during the 8-bit golden age," said Frank Cifaldi, founder and director of the VGHF. "The world wasn’t really ready for it in 1991, but thanks to Oberth saving his work, and to his family for getting it into an archivist's hands, 2025 will be the year that his work finally sees the light of day."
How to Secure Your Piece of Gaming History
Pre-orders for Xcavator 2025 are now live exclusively through iam8bit. The pre-order window is limited, running through January 10, 2026, with shipments expected to arrive in the second quarter of 2026.
Secure your pre-order for Xcavator 2025 directly from iam8bit here.
For retro enthusiasts looking to play the game as intended, having original hardware is key. A refurbished NES Classic Edition can provide the perfect authentic experience.
Ready to dig into gaming history? This revival is more than a game; it’s the fulfillment of a developer’s dream and a powerful testament to the importance of preserving our digital culture.