The Japan-only Satellaview version of Advance Wars, known as BS Super Famicom Wars, has been fully preserved. This version was part of a series of special broadcasts on the Satellaview, a satellite modem add-on for the Super Famicom, which allowed users to download and play games via satellite transmission. The preservation effort was led by an individual known as @cabbusses, who not only preserved these broadcasts but also discovered a prototype of the original Super Famicom Wars release. You can find out about the whole process here.
Today's Satellaview ROM release: pic.twitter.com/SDqbBScV2y
— Cabbusses (Multistreamer/Satellablog/Satellaview+) (@cabbusses) October 14, 2024
Before Advance Wars gained popularity in the West, it was part of a series known in Japan under different titles, such as Famicom Wars, Game Boy Wars, and Super Famicom Wars, each corresponding to the system they were released on. The Super Famicom Wars was exclusive to Japan and available through the Nintendo Power system, which allowed games to be downloaded onto special flash cartridges.
The preservation of these Satellaview broadcasts ensures that these unique versions of the game can be accessed and enjoyed by future generations, highlighting the ongoing efforts to maintain video game history and culture.