*Warning: The following contains spoilers for Stranger Things Season 5, Part 1.*
*Warning: The following contains spoilers for Stranger Things Season 5, Part 1.*
*Warning: The following contains spoilers for Stranger Things Season 5, Part 1.*
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The release of "Stranger Things" Season 5 on Netflix has ignited a firestorm of discussion among fans worldwide. But beyond the plot twists and character arcs, a subtle Nintendo continuity error—one that only veteran gamers would spot—is making waves online.
Multiple retro gaming fans have pointed out that the character Derek Toombs appears to be playing "Ghosts ’n Goblins" on a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). However, the gameplay footage shown on his television is clearly from the arcade version, a significant inconsistency with the scene's setup.
The first part of Season 5 is set in the fall of 1987. The NES version of "Ghosts ’n Goblins" was released in North America in November 1986, making it perfectly period-accurate for Derek to be playing it. However, as the retro gaming site Time Extension noted, the black border at the top of the TV screen is a tell-tale sign of the arcade version's display, not the NES port, confirming the production team accidentally used the wrong footage.
To further cement the error, when Derek's sister, Tina, angrily yanks the game cartridge out of the console, the shot clearly shows the "Ghosts ’n Goblins" NES cartridge. Gamers have joked about the slip-up, with one quipping, "Unless he's controlling an arcade board with an NES controller, this is impossible."
Despite the mistake, the moment is being embraced as a fun retro Easter egg. Many fans say such details don't detract from the viewing experience but instead enhance the authentic '80s pop culture atmosphere that "Stranger Things" is known for. Others were simply envious that Derek's room featured a full Sega "Hang-On" arcade cabinet—an absolute dream collection for a 12-year-old in 1987.
Season 5 is being released in three parts. Part 1 is now streaming, Part 2 is slated for a Christmas release, and the grand finale will premiere on New Year's Eve simultaneously on Netflix and in over 350 theaters across the U.S.
via： Time Extension,